Anyone ever used these before? http://www.buyextras.com/su12dc12vdob.html I'm tempted to buy some to see what they're like, supposedly they're a lot quieter and rattle less due to how they spin (magnets) but the specs show 43dba which isn't exactly quiet..
It's all relative; that model spins at 2400RPM which is always going to be very noisy, if only wind noise.
also it's capable of shifting over 100cfm of air, more than twice what most low noise fans can. What would be interesting is how it responds to undervolting. If there is very little resistance to the fan starting then you should be able to start it on a very low voltage.
Probably pretty good low-voltage start since it's a permanent maglev rather than an electromagnet arrangement.
Supposedly, maglev fans are quiet but not significantly quieter (if at all) than a good quality conventional fan. Generally they run at higher speeds but under volt quite well. I also read that bearing noise is not totally eliminated as: http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=154017 http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...lev&btnG=Search&sitesearch=silentpcreview.com Personally, unless you need to shift a lot of air (or are willing to take a bit of a gamble), then I'd stick with well tested, highly rated conventional fans.
Hmm.. I may buy one to see what they're like, might stick it onto the radiator as it does indeed shift a lot of air.
another benefit over regular fans is that due to the lack of contact they won't become noisier over time like ball and sleeve bearing ones do.
