Benchmark values and test results …
For pure benchmarking purposes, the fans were controlled when disassembled.
The volume was always measured from a constant distance of 100cm using a highly sensitive Shure SM57 Dynamic instrument microphone and a db meter. A be quiet! Silent Wings 3 140mm was used as reference.
| PWM % | Enermax TBS 120 ADV | Enermax TBS 140 ADV | be quiet! SW 3 140 |
| 100% | 1600 rpm / 22 dB | 1200 rpm / 25 dB | 1600 rpm / 17 dB |
| 80% | 1370 rpm / 17 dB | 1030 rpm / 18 dB | 1330 rpm / 13 dB |
| 60% | 1100 rpm / 13 dB | 870 rpm / 16 dB | 1030 rpm / 9 dB |
| 40% | 870 rpm / 10 dB | 700 rpm / 11 dB | 700 rpm / 7 dB |
| 20% | 612 rpm / 6 dB | 530 rpm / 7 dB | 350 rpm / 5 dB |
| 0% | 300 rpm / 5 dB | 300 rpm / 5 dB | 0 rpm / 5 dB |
It is noticeable that the Enermax fans still runs on 300 rpm even at 0%, while the be quiet! stops. But the noise development is similar, because under 50% load all fans are almost inaudible.
Only at higher power levels do both Enermax fans turn up the volume with the rpm, while the be quiet! lives up to its name.
Enermax T.B. Silence ADV field test …