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Quiet Operations!
Review Summary
The BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans are meticulously designed German-engineered IT fans crafted for silent operations and optimal performance. With a focus on delivering a quiet computing experience, these fans strike a balance between performance and value. They excel in general PC use and enthusiast applications, offering a tool-less assembly mechanism for easy installation. However, radiator mounting may not be suitable due to their specific design.
Hours Tested: 4
Overall
-
Design - 8/10
8/10
-
Performance - 9/10
9/10
-
Value - 9/10
9/10
-
Features - 8/10
8/10
Pros
- Excellent balance of performance and value.
- Quiet operation.
- Toolless assembly mechanism for easy installation.
- Durable build using reinforced fibreglass PBT.
- Comparable performance to other top fans in the market.
Cons
- Unsuitable for radiator mounting due to specific tool-less assembly mechanism.
- Lack of anti-vibration pads.
Today, we’re diving into the world of BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans, a top-notch series of IT fans designed in Germany for PC enthusiasts. Focused on silent operations and optimal performance, these fans were crafted in collaboration with the Hardwareluxx community. Our spotlight is on the 120x120x25mm PL-PS version, one of the many sizes and variations in this impressive lineup. Let’s explore the silent power behind these German-engineered fans!
Key Takeaways
- BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans are German-engineered 120x120x25mm IT fans designed for silent operations and optimal performance in collaboration with the Hardwareluxx community.
- It is a perfect blend of performance and value, offering neck-to-neck performance against competitors like Alphacool Eiswind 12 fans and NB-BlackSilentFan XL-P, focusing on silent operation.
- It is unsuitable for radiator mounting due to its specific tool-less assembly mechanism, designed for general PC use and enthusiasts rather than industrial cooling solutions.
- Why you can trust Tech4Gamers: Our reviews are based on dedicated hands-on testing by our team of experienced hardware experts. Find out more about how we test.
Take a look at the specifications.
| Size | 120x120x25mm |
| Weight | 120g |
| Rated Voltage | 12V |
| Start Voltage | 4.5V |
| Input Power | 1.20W |
| Input Current | 0.10A |
| Rated Speed (12V) | 600-1500 RPM |
| Static Pressure (12V) | 1.420 mmH₂O |
| Air Flow | 40 ~100 m³/h |
| Sound Pressure (100CM) | 8.1 ~ 23.7 dB/A |
| Loudness (100CM) | 0.576 Sone (N) |
| MTBF (25°C/77°F) | 18000 Std./hours |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C ~ +65°C |
| Frame Material | PBT 30%GF |
| Impeller | Bayer Makrolon (PC) |
| Connector | 4-Pin PWM |
Packaging and Unboxing
NoiseBlocker sent us fans from bulk packing since the retail versions were unavailable. These fans don’t have retail boxes, so we’re using a picture from their website with permission. The fan we’re reviewing is the PL-PS version, and it comes in a cardboard box with specifications and design details. The box mentions it’s an Ultra-Silent, Premium Class, and reliable fan with a 6-year warranty, NANO-SLI2 Bearing, and P1 Drive. The blades are Makrolon-based, and the fan is designed in Germany but made in China.
Accessories
The contents are:
- 4x NB Silicon inserts for vibration-free installation
- 1x NB Silicon SilentFrame
- 4x fine thread screws
- 4x knurled nuts
- 1x 20cm and 1x 50cm connection cable
- 1x Fan
Design
The NB-BlackSilentPro is an Ultra-Silent, Premium-Class fan from the BlackNoise. It has been their popular and high-selling fan series. The fan comes in multiple sizes. Within each category, there are more versions with varying specifications.
Here is the listing of their entire BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans Review series of the fans:
| Size (mm) | Model Names |
|---|---|
| 40x40x20 | PM-1, PM-2 |
| 60x60x25 | PR-1, PR-2 |
| 80x80x15 | PC-P |
| 80x80x25 | P-1, P-2 |
| 92x92x25 | PE-1, PE-2 |
| 120x120x25 | PL-1, PL-2, PL-PS |
| 140x140x25 | PK-1, PK-2, PK-3, PK-PS |
These fans are part of the IT series for PC users, not the Industrial Cooling Solutions. We’re reviewing the 120mm PL-PS version of BlackSilentPro fans. They operate at 12V DC, use 1.20W power, and start at 4.5V. The RPM is 600 to 1500 at 12V, with static pressure at 1.420 mmH₂O. Airflow is 40 to 100 m³/h, and sound pressure is 8.1 to 23.7 dB(A). The frame is black and made of reinforced fibreglass PBT with a standard 120mm mounting.
The fan has a traditional black frame without anti-vibration pads. There’s no arrow indicating blade spin or airflow direction. The frame has a cutout on both sides for cable routing, creating a symmetrical design. Blades are transparent with a hint of light brown and made of high-quality synthetic material. The motor hub has a black sticker. The backside has a black sticker with brand details. Build quality is solid, using NB-Nano SLI2 bearings and NB-EKA P2 motor. Noiseblockers include Silicon SilentFrame and inserts for noise reduction, with a tool-less assembly mechanism for easy installation except on radiators.
Testing
Blacknoise sent 3 fans for each category to test on the Alphacool Eisbaer 360. We checked the fans’ thermal performance at different speeds using the Reeven Polariz fan controller. The Eiswind 12 fans operate at 12V DC, have a speed range of 55-1700 RPM, airflow of 63.85 CFM, and a static pressure rating of 1.66mmH₂O. We tested their PWM range, airflow at various speeds, and thermal performance at 50% and 100% speed, using sound ratings of 29 dBA per fan.
Airflow
In our first test, we try to validate the manufacturer’s stated/rated airflow value. The rated airflow value is 75.3 CFM at full speed. In our testing, the airflow value reached 78.3 CFM, validating the rated airflow value.
PWM Range
600 is the lowest RPM achieved on this fan, exactly the rated minimum RPM of 600. The maximum speed of the fan comes to 1530 RPM. The rated maximum speed is 1500 RPM. The fan stops spinning below 4.5V and starts spinning at 4.5V, validating the rated starting voltage.
Thermals
The thermal performance of the fan was tested on this test bench:
- Intel i7 6850k
- Asus Rampage V Edition 10
- Ballistix Elite 4x4GB @ 3000MHz
- Alphacool Eisbaer 360
- Samsung 840 EVO 250GB
- Corsair AX 1200i
Tested Microsoft Windows 10 x64 Pro edition (build 1709) with Noctua NT-H1 paste. Fans are 50% and 100%, and the CLC pump is 100%. I used Asus RealBench v1.44 to stress test the CPU and RealTemp to monitor. First at stock clocks (3.6GHz, turbo boost up to 4.0GHz). Recorded delta temps (core max temps minus ambient). Then, overclocked to 4.3GHz at 1.350V, ran the stress test again, and noted delta temps.
At 50% of the speed, all the fans had the same performance delta with neck-to-neck performance. At 100% speed, these fans lead over the Eiswind 12 fans by 1.17°C. But they were in the same performance delta against the NB-BlackSilentFan XL-P.
Next, we overclocked the i7 6850k to the 4.3GHz. On 50% of the rated speeds, The BlackSilentPro, BlackSilentFan and Eiswind 12 were in the same performance delta. At 100% speed, the NB-BlackSilentPro PL-PS took the lead over the NB-BlackSilentFan XL-P and Eiswind 12 with a performance ratio closer to the NB-eLoop.
Acoustics
26 dBA was the reading of our Fonseo Digital sound meter, showing the better acoustic performance of these fans.
Should You Buy It?
Through a thorough examination of the BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans, my conclusion is:
Buy It If
✅ You’re a PC Enthusiast Seeking Quiet Performance: The BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans are meticulously designed for a quiet computing experience, making them an ideal choice if you prioritise optimal performance and minimal noise.
✅ You’re a Performance and Value Seeker: If you’re looking for a fan that offers an excellent balance of performance and value, the BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans have demonstrated competitive results in tests when compared to other top fans in the market.
✅ You’re want Easy Installation : Including a tool-less assembly mechanism ensures easy installation for general PC users and enthusiasts, enhancing your overall user experience. However, it’s important to note that this may not be suitable for radiator mounting.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You Need Radiator Mounting: If your primary requirement is a fan specifically designed for radiator mounting, the BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans may not be the best choice due to their specific tool-less assembly mechanism.
Final Words
The BlackSilentPro PL PS Fans are quiet and premium PC fans by BlackNoise. They come in various sizes and versions. We’re reviewing the 120mm PL-PS version. These fans operate at 12V, 1.20W, and 0.10A. They start at 4.5V and spin at 600-1500 RPM, with 1.420 mmH₂O static pressure and 40-100 m³/h airflow. Sound ranges from 8.1 to 23.7 dB(A) at 100CM.
They’re durable, made of reinforced fibreglass PBT, with transparent blue blades. The NB Silicon SilentFrame reduces noise. No anti-vibration pads, but easy tool-less assembly. Six-year warranty. Great performance and value, comparable to other top fans in tests.
Recent Updates
- February 25, 2024: A few text changes to improve readability. Added image galleries.
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[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]
Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.
As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.
- 15+ years of PC Building Experience
- 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
- 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
- A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
- I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
- Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
- Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech
Get In Touch: nauman@tech4gamers.com
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