Bluegears b-COOL and b-ice fans - Next, the b-COOL
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In my opinion, the b-COOL is the cooler of the two fans we are looking at right now. What makes it so cool? How about an LED readout that reports the temperature of the case in real-time?
The specifications:
Dimension: | 80mm x 80mm x 25mm |
Rated Voltage: | 12 VDC |
Operating Voltage: | 11.0-13.8 VDC |
Air Flow: | 23 ±10% (max) |
Static Pressure: | 0.035 Inch-H²O |
Input Current: | 0.3A (max) |
Input Power: | 3.6W (max) |
Speed: | 2300 ±200RPM |
Noise: | 25 ±10% dBA |
Operating Temp.: | -10°C to +70°C |
Bearing: | Sleeve |
And from the bluegears website, the listed features:
- Temperature monitoring fan with display.
- Stylish temperature display fan grill.
- Choice of Freezing-White or Cool-Blue background lighting
- Choice of blue wording or red wording display
- Includes one 3 to 4 pins connector and four screws.
The default power connector on this fan is a three connector plug, which can plug directly into your motherboard fan plug. It also comes with an adapter to allow it to run using a four pin molex connector.
This fan is a bit thicker than your standard 80mm fan, almost by double. This is due to the fact that there is an additional cover that is attached to the front of the fan, to help stabilize the heavier-than-normal fan blades. In addition, the fan cannot be mounted on that side, due to the curved and finished nature of this cover. What this means to you is that this fan needs to be either installed inside the case somewhere that you want better ventilation (but can still see the LEDs), or it needs to be installed on the outside of the case. If your case has a window, and you have a clear view to the back, it's possible to mount this fan inside your computer on the back. You'll be able to see the temperature through the window.
Here is a pic of one of the ways that bluegears suggests you install it.
I do have to say that I have never seen a fan that is just so utterly cool. Even sitting on my test bench, when I powered it on I had to sit and look at it in awe.
In addition to its extra thickness, another negative about this fan is that it has a bit of wobble to it. It may be due to the extra weight on the blades, but when this fan is running and sitting on the counter, you hear it vibrate as it spins. Depending on where you are going to mount the fan, this may or may not be a problem for you.
While this fan is not as silent as the b-ice, it is still nice and quiet.
Next: Conclusion >>
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