Introduction
After the Vardar F1-140 and F2-140, it’s time to take a look at the F3-140ER. This is quite possibly the most anticipated fan out of the entire lineup from EK owing to the extended control range and also the all black color scheme of the fan frame and impeller. We saw in the case of the F4-120ER how it essentially was the go-to 120mm Vardar fan in most cases and this may well end up being a similar situation. Thanks to EK for providing the sample for testing.
Let’s take a look at the specs courtesy the product page:
The first thing that catches my eye here is the -ER notification in red. A super long 25-100% PWM duty cycle coupled with a rated speed of 2000 RPM promises a good range of control, sometimes even going past that of the previous fans in the lineup. As with all the other Vardar 140mm fans, this has a square frame and is 25mm thick making it compatible out of the box with current 140mm size radiators. Ditto with the dual ball bearings, the MTBF and the PWM control. Rated power draw, including start up boost, increases to nearly 4 W here and we begin to see the near exponential increase of fan power draw with fan speeds- just wait till we get to the FF4-140. Another common item is the warranty which stands at 2 years now. Perhaps if I keep asking for 3, it might go up? We shall see. Let’s take a look at the fan now on the next page.
Another great review. Nice smooth PWM to RPM!
Thanks!
Amazing review, fantastic performance by EK!
Would love an article from you where you go into detail about hub size and how it impacts fan performance.
Thanks! I will go into it briefly in the review of the FF4-140, but sadly time does not permit a more comprehensive test at this time. I have so many products here that need testing first.
Nice test as usual.
No white version for these ER ?
That’s too bad, would have gone so nicely in my next build.
They kind of nullify the interest of the lower speed versions, by doing as well as the F1 & F2 at low speed.
No white version yet, please do express your interest here if possible: http://www.overclock.net/t/1568891/long-awaited-vardar-140mm-fans-are-finally-here/0_50
This kills all (except one) the fans in the Vardar 140mm series for most 😀
That’s why this sold out almost immediately also. FF4-140 is really for specific applications, especially with the higher power draw and noise.
Finally something worthy of upgrading my Phanteks 140mp’s. When you say, “use a shroud” are you talking the 25mm thick blank fan case variety or something else. The last shroud I used was a factory designed compatible Thermochill PA shroud which raised the fan nearly 40mm off the surface. Throw on some gentle typhoons (another large hub fan) and walla ultimate performance but that was back in the day when hanging rads off the back of the case was in style and space requirements was a moot point.
Looking at the CE series radiators there doesn’t appear to be any more separation between mount and fin/tube surface than most radiators so maybe I’m not clear on what “optimized” means. I’d be temped to marry the two if there were more ports than 2 on the CE rad’s which makes me wonder about other options.
I used the Phobya 7mm thick decoupler/shroud unit and it did a good job for the money. The thicker ones would be better but the improvements aren’t as valid and you can run into case compatibility issues.
As far as the CE rad goes, I am assuming it’s more to do with the rad being high airflow optimized than anything else. I don’t have it yet (waiting for the 560mm size) so I am not a 100% sure if that’s it.
Why didn’t you include graphs from the Industrial NF-A14 here? (Or did you not review that fan yet?)
Those are next up in the line. I have tested them already, just need to write them up and add the graphs. They perform really well too, so if price/aesthetics is not an issue then that is a valid option also.
i have a restrictive case ( nzxt h440) and was looking at these to pull air out of the case. how good would these perform as a case fan in pull config ?
If you are looking for exhaust, with minimal airflow restriction then you might be better served with more airflow optimized fans. This will do a good job too, but consider also the be quiet! Silent Wings 2, the Noctua NF-S12A and the NB-eLoop B12-1/2.
Replied to your email separately as this is a specific, and long discussion.