Reviewed: August 27, 2004
Reviewed by: John Carswell

Manufacturer
Dynatron

Type: Cooling Fan
System: PC

Rating: 8.0

MSRP: $10.00
The backbone of any case cooling solution is the case fan itself. In turn, one of the easiest ways to cool down your PC is to replace the stock fan with something more powerful. Unfortunately, all of this extra power comes at the cost of extra noise.

The solution is to have fans that are only going to go full steam when it is needed. For a gamer, this time happens to come when a game is in full swing so the extra noise should go unnoticed. One such fan (and the fan we will be knocking around today) is Dynatron’s 80x80 variable speed fan DF128025SM-1.

Specifications:

  • Dimension: 80x80x25.4
  • Range Voltage: 10.2-13.8
  • Voltage: 12
  • Weight: 70 gm
  • Speed Range: 2000-3500
  • Airflow Range: 24-43 cfm
  • Noise Level Range: 21-37 dBA

    Installation - 9

    Installing Dynatron’s variable speed fan went as well as can be expected. The fan did not come equipped with a way to jack its way directly into a power supply. Instead, the units expects itself to be connected either directly to a motherboard or a fan controller. Mine found its home pushing air out through the back of my case and was easily installed as my motherboard’s chassis fan.

    Ultimately, Dynatron’s DF128025SM-1 should not give anyone cause for headaches. It is a simple matter of screwing the unit onto your case and plugging the puppy in. It is this ease of installation that should perk up a few ears, as again, this is a very quick and easy way to bring down case temperatures.

    Aesthetics - 7

    There is very little to be said here. Dynatron’s variable speed fan is a near-matte black, is unassuming, and looks suspiciously like a fan. For the average computer user, they will never see the fan again once it fades into the recesses of their computer so the DF128025SM-1 neither adds to nor detracts from a computer’s overall aesthetics.

    Durability - 9

    The DF128025SM-1 seems as solid as they come. Its longevity is largely dependant upon the speed at which it is running, but with an estimated lifetime of 20,000 hours, it is certainly in for the long haul. Little else can be said except that the unit will almost certainly outlast the computer it is placed in which is all one can really ask for.

    Performance - 8

    Driving up to speeds of 3500 rpm and pushing up to 43 cfm, Dynatron’s variable speed fan is very attractive unit. In the New Mexico heat, my fan ran often at its highest speed and still made surprisingly little sound. For those living in cooler climates, Dynatron’s DF128025SM-1 should purr along, whirring quietly while doing an excellent job of cooling their case and the highly sensitive equipment it houses. A very solid performance from the DF128025SM-1.

    Value - 9

    At $10, the DF128025SM-1 is reasonably priced. Fans come cheaper but rarely with equal functionality and durability. As with all of the Dynatron products we have reviewed, their variable speed fan finds a good balance between price and performance.

    Overall – 8.0

    There is really no reason not to recommend Dynatron’s DF128025SM-1 fan. They make for a solid addition to any PC. If you are looking for a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to cool your PC, replacing your standard fans with these should do perfectly.