Introduction
BitFenix co. Ltd. is an IT manufacturer founded in 2010 by a group of enthusiasts specialized in producing cases, Power Supplies, fans and different IT accessories. The company is specialized in manufacturing computer cases, power supplies, fans and different IT accessories, the latest launched products are aimed at the modding segment.
Official product links:
https://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/accessories/spectre-pro-pwm
Packaging and accessories
The Spectre Pro PWM fans come in a black box with a plastic window on the front side. The name of the manufacturer and the model are placed on the upper part, below we find the name of the fan.
On the sides of the packaging there are printed both the manufacturer’s logo and the name of the product.
The back side of the box presents the feature of the products, below we find a table with the specifications of the product. On the right, there are printed the manufacturer’s logo and the name of the product.
Accessories
The product comes with the following accessories:
– 4x Metal screws
– 1x Molex 7v low-noise adapter
– 4x Rubber dampening mounts
– 4x Rubber washers
Specifications
120mm
Model: BFF-SPRO-P12025WW-RP
Dimensions (mm): 120x120x25mm
Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB)
Starting Voltage: 5VDC
Operating Voltage: 12VDC
Current (A): 0.30A±10%
Speed (RPM): 500-1800 RPM ±10%
Air Flow (CFM): 70.52 CFM ±10%
Air Pressure (mmH2O): 2.6 mmH2O
Noise (dB-A): 26.1dB (A)
140mm
Model: BFF-SPRO-P14025WW-RP
Dimensions (mm): 140x140x25mm
Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB)
Starting Voltage: 5VDC
Operating Voltage: 12VDC
Current (A): 0.40A±10%
Speed (RPM): 500-1800 RPM ±10%
Air Flow (CFM): 122.2 CFM
Air Pressure (mmH2O): 2.8 mmH2O
Noise (dB-A): 29.2 dB(A)
Features
– PWM Technology: Spectre Pro PWM users pulse width modulation technology to adjust fan speeds. This technology enables your system to control your cooling with much greater precision than conventional linear voltage fans, making them perfect for CPU coolers.
– High Pressure/CFM Design: Engineered for maximum pressure and airflow, Spectre Pro PWM delivers a torrent of air that will keep your CPU cool even when the action heats up. Performance freaks are going to love Spectre Pro PWM.
– Dual Ring Construction: Using a dual ring construction, Spectre Pro PWM fans not only offer aggressive looks, but also vibration dampening properties, helping to keep noise levels in check. In short, our Spectre Pro PWM looks different because it is different.
– Reinforced Fan Blades: High rotation speeds can actually warp fan blades while in motion, resulting in more turbulence and noise. Spectre Pro PWM features reinforced fan blades that resist warping even when spinning at high speeds for maximum cooling performance.
– Silent Operation and Long Life: Like the Spectre™ Silent Fan Series, the Spectre Pro PWM features the very same fluid dynamic bearing technology for minimum noise and maximum operating life.
– Two Color Versions: No two setups are alike, which is why Spectre Pro PWM comes both solid black and solid white versions.
Visual inspection
The two fans use 9 blades made out of white plastic just like the frame of the fans. Unlike the LED variants, the PWM models use a matte plastic frame with a honeycomb pattern.
On the front side of the fans in the middle we find the manufacturer’s logo. Also the manufacturer’s name is engraved at the top of the fan’s frame.
120mm
140mm
The back side of the fans & frame use 13 fins to focus the airflow. In the middle there is a lable with the model of the fan and the manufacturer’s logo.
The blades of the fans are reinforced, this is outlined by the three raised portions on both sides of each blade. The reinforcement is present to reduce the vibrations during use and to prevent the blades from warping.
Both the 120mm & 140mm variants are powered using a 4-Pin Molex connector with PWM function.
The fans are composed out of two sections which can be taken apart, this helps to dampen the vibrations.
In the case of the BitFenix Spectre Pro PWM 140mm model, its frame features an extra set of mounting holes which makes the fan compatible with a 120mm mounting slot.
Testing
The following system was used to test the fans:
– Processor: Intel i5 4690K @ 4.5 GHz / Intel i5 6600K @ 4.5GHz
– Motherboard: MSI Z97 Gaming 9 ACK / MSI Z170A Gaming M7
– RAM: 8GB Crucial Ballistix Tactical
– GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 970 Armor 2X 4G
– SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB
– HDD: Samsung SpinPoint F3 500GB
– CPU Cooler: SilverStone Tundra TD02 / NZXT Kraken x61
– Thermal compound: Arctic MX-4
– Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe White
– OS: Windows 10 64-bit
The BitFenix Spectre Pro PWM 120 fan has been tested using a 240mm CPU liquid cooler, the SilverStone TD02 at max. RPM.
The BitFenix Spectre Pro PWM 140 fan has been tested using a 280mm CPU liquid cooler, the NZXT Kraken X61 at max. RPM.
CPU Temp. – 120mm fans
CPU Temp. – 140mm fans
The noise level was measured at two RPMs and at three different distances from the fans (10cm, 20cm, 30cm.) the noise was measured with a margin of error of ± 5 db.
Final thoughts
The performance of the Spectre Pro PWM fans is good being comparable with higher RPM fans (up to 2400 RPM), being also silent, the fans can be heard only at their maximum speed. The build quality & the materials used are great while the accessory bundle is more than reasonable. While the overall quality is good, there are some rough spots on these fans, I am not sure if they are just in the case of these samples or across the whole lot, the edges of the blades are not smooth, in fact they look like they were not sanded down in the factory at all. This is just as a side note, as this issue does not really impact performance in the long run.
The two-part design of the fans dampens the vibrations and eases the disassembly & modding process, especially in the case of painting the fans or the frame.
