The Arctic S12038-4K is a high-speed (4000 RPM) 120mm fan destined for server systems, where output noise is of no concern. There can be users though, wanting to use such a powerfull in their desktop units, for increased cooling capacity.
Arctic offers fans for normal use and cooling down workstations and server systems. In the 120mm diameter section, Arctic offers the S12038-4K and S12038-8 K. The 4K and 8K refer to the max RPM in thousands. The S12038-4K features a wide range of speeds from 600 to 4000 rpm, which can be controlled via PWM or voltage regulation since few controllers can handle the increased power levels that this fan requires.
The Arctic S12038-4K achieves a Gold airflow rating in the Cybenetics Phi scale and a Diamond static pressure rating.
Specifications
- Model Number: Arctic S12038-4K
- Cybenetics Phi Fan Performance Standard – Airflow Rating: Gold
- Cybenetics Phi Fan Performance Standard – Static Pressure Rating: Diamond
- Fan Speed: 600~4000RPM
- Fan Airflow Max: 106 CFM
- Static Pressure: 11.45 mm H2O
- Fan Noise Level (max): 48.8 dBA
- Fan Bearing Type: Dual Ball Bearing with Brass Housing
- Bearing durability: no info
- Operating Temperature: -10°C~70°C
- Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
- Fan Input Current: 0.33A (0.6A Max)
- Fan Rated Wattage: 3.96W
- Daisy-Chain Capable: No
- Cable Length: 300mm
- Fan Connector: 4-pin (PWM)
- Fan Weight: 324 gr
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 120 x 120 x 38mm
- Price (excluding VAT): 18€
- Warranty: 6-years
Is that secondary impeller noticeably adding harmonics, particularly that major 3rd? I’m actually curious if this thing has sound design characteristics I might want to experiment with.
please check the frequency analysis I conducted for that.
Hi @crmaris can you please tell me what size screws I would need to mount this fan on an AIO radiator?
It is 38mm thick so 45mm long I would say.
Besides the thickness, is there any reason the home enthusiast should not consider these the best watercooling radiator fans for low noise? Less optimal noise frequencies than its competitors?
The thickness is the major issue for most cases, with limited internal space.
That mechanical clicking in the low speed recording sounds like it could get *pretty* irritating.
As someone who tried using these (8K variant) fans for home PC cooling, I can confirm that clicking noise is VERY irritating already at ~1K RPM. I bought pack of 3, and each of them sounded like this – mounted, not mounted, held by hand, etc. Clicking becomes tolerable around 400-500 RPM, but listening closely they’re still pretty noisy compared to others, and at this point there’s no advantage in using these fans over anything that came pre-installed with case. Too bad, because overall they’re really cool and with such static pressure would be perfect for a crowded PC.