Cooler Master V10 CPU Cooler Review

FAN DESIGN

The two 120mm fans which the V10 use to keep itself properly cooled off are none other than a clear, RED LED version of the same fan used in the SilverStone Raven case we reviewed just a while ago. For those who did not read our review of the Raven, they are a 9 bladed, 120mm fans made by Xinchangfeng Electronics Co., Ltd. who are better known as Martech. In this instance it is the DF1202512RFUN model fan. In a very nice move, Cooler Master has released some much need specifications for this fan. These are Rifle Bearing fans capable of 800- 2400RPMs and at its max speed of 2400rpms it moves 90CFM at an impressive 2.94mmH20.


As with the Raven variations, these fan display very little shaft or off axis blade slop consistent with rifle bearing fans. When running at full speed, we did notice a pronounced tick-like whirring noise (which we have come to associate with rifle bearing fans) but any fan running at 2400rpms is going to make noise and in this instance the noise was fairly mild mannered and did not have any “screaming” noise.


For convenience, Cooler Master has daisy chained the two 120 mm fans together so you only have to plug in one 4 pin connector. These fans are not only PWM capable but the cable they use is a flat ribbon style cable which is a lot like the connectors used in a Corsair HX520/620 power supply. For all intents and purposes this thin yet wide cable should not impede air flow. All in all this style is perfect for this cooler as it allows it to snake in and up underneath the plastic shroud and all in all go places a regular fat circular cable probably could not go. Of course, the TEC power comes from a standard Molex due to its 70W+ of power consumption.

Rather that rely on MTBF numbers, an easier and better way to get a “feel” for what the manufacturer thinks is the real length of time a product should last is to simply look at the length of warranty provided. The length of warranty has been calculated to be long enough so that customers feel secure in purchasing it BUT still short enough that it will be “out of warranty” when most fail. Taken for what it's worth, the V10 comes with a 2 year warranty.

Overall, these fan idle at an ultra low, ultra quiet 800rpm yet when needed then can drop the hammer down and move a heck of a lot of air. More importantly is the fact that they have very good static pressure numbers to help power through all of the fins this cooler has. If you are so inclined you could yank these fans out as they are standard width fans which use regular mounting screws. However, you will need to do a bit of modding to keep both fans running at the same speed (i.e. attach both to one cable). This is doable but not really needed as the standard fans are more than good enough for all but the most exacting silent PC enthusiast.