Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-14 Computer Fan - Silent Fan - High Airflow – 140x140x25 mm – 1000RPM – FDB-Bearings – Trip Wire - Aerodynamically shaped struts – 12v - Black/White (Single)

Product Information

Regarding the noise level, X2 GP14 was dead quiet through all of the tests, while X2 GP12 was absolutely quiet through the first 3 tests and started generating a tiny noise coming out of the air passing through the blades at full speed. At the second test, performed at 7V, X2 GP12 was rotating at 900 revolutions per minute, providing airflow level of 55.68 cubic metres per hour, while the big model was rotating at 660 revolutions per minute with airflow level of 52.08 cubic metres per hour. Again, both of the fans remained dead quiet. The major difference, which I was able to notice through the review, is the renewed LLS bearing, which is capable to significantly improve the overall life span of up to 100 000 operational hours and at the same time provide the same or slightly better airflow and static pressure levels, while maintain the same or lower noise level. Xp GP14 is manufactured to operate at maximum 1000 revolutions per minute, providing airflow level of 68.4 CFM, static pressure level of 0.71 mm H2O at noise level of 18.9dBA.

Enough about the frames and by mentioning the blades, both GP12 and GP14 are designed with almost the same entirely in white propellers which offer 7 pretty wide and not very sharply angled blades. Both of the fans are equipped with propellers designed with strategically placed notches near the fan stator on the trailing edge of the blades for further reducing and diffusing humming noise produced when the blades pass the stator struts. And to further improve the efficiency and quiet operation of the fans the propellers include a “trip wire” on the rear side of the blades, near the leading edge. The trip wire introduces a larger turbulent boundary layer at an earlier stage, this delays the layer separation and improves both airflow and noise characteristics According to my experience with the latest X2 G12 and X2 G14 arrivals in the series I should say that they are definitely worthy successors of the older GP12 and GP14 fans. Fractal Design has expanded its Dynamic Series of fans to include the new Dynamic X2 GP-12 and Dynamic X2 GP-14 all-purpose fans. As you might guess from the model names, these are 120mm and 140mm fans respectively.

From the Manufacturer

They seem to move a fair amount of air given the low decibels but the static pressure is abysmal. Any amount of restriction like intake filters and airflow is liable to fall flat on its face. By contrast, something like a phanteks ph140-sp puts out 82cfm at only 19dba with 1.33 h20/mm static pressure (almost double that of the fractal 140mm fan) and also sports >150,000 hrs mtbf. Since the fans are part of the Dynamic series their frames are equipped with aerodynamically shaped thin stator struts, angled perpendicular to the trailing edge of the blades which results in an overall lower noise level and smoother noise profile.

At the third test conducted at 9V sharp, X2 GP12 was providing airflow level of 70.08 cubic metres per hour while rotating at 1125 revolutions per minute, while for the X2 GP14 the airflow level was 68.84 cubic metres per hour, while rotating at 825 revolutions per minute. At the third test both of the fans were still quiet.After mounting the fans onto the stand, and leaving them to rotate for about 60 minutes at maximum speed, it was time for the tests to begin. With the 'counter pull' magnet it sounds similar to the design of noctua's fans using the magnet in the base of their spindles to perform a similar balance function in the SSO and SSO2 bearings.