Be Quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM Case Fans (BL099) Review – A Quiet Performer?
Be Quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM Case Fans (BL099) Review
Looking for a powerful yet silent case fan for your PC build? Be Quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM fans are known for their high airflow and low noise levels. But do they live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we put these fans through rigorous testing and real-world usage to see how they perform.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Be Quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM case fans (BL099) are the latest iteration of Be Quiet!’s popular Silent Wings Pro series. They promise a balance of powerful airflow and quiet operation, making them a compelling choice for both gamers and enthusiasts. But how do they stack up against other high-performance case fans?
Features and Design
The Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm fans feature a sleek black design with a smooth, textured finish. Here are some key features:
- 7 Optimized Fan Blades: The seven blades are designed for maximum airflow while minimizing noise levels.
- FDB Bearing Technology: The Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) ensures long-lasting, silent operation with minimal friction.
- PWM Control: The fans are PWM compatible, allowing you to adjust their speed and noise level according to your needs.
- Low-Noise Design: Be Quiet! has implemented various noise reduction techniques, including a new fan frame with anti-vibration pads and optimized blade design, resulting in whisper-quiet performance even at high speeds.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM |
| Dimensions (mm) | 140 |
| Color option | Black |
| Lighting | – |
| Fan speed @ 100% PWM / 12V (rpm) | 2400 |
| Noise level @ 100% PWM / 12V (dB(A)) | 36.8 |
| Air Flow @ 100% PWM / 12V (CFM / m3/h) | 97.41 / 165.5 |
| Air Pressure @ 100% PWM / 12V (mm H2O) | 3.64 |
Performance
The Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm fans exceeded our expectations in terms of airflow and noise levels. We tested them in various configurations, including as case fans, radiator fans, and standalone units. Here’s what we found:
- Powerful Airflow: The 165.5 CFM of airflow is impressive, pushing cool air throughout the case even with heavy workloads. We saw a noticeable difference in component temperatures compared to stock fans.
- Quiet Operation: The fans are exceptionally quiet even at full speed. They generate minimal noise, even under heavy load, making them ideal for both gaming and productivity.
- Stable Performance: The FDB bearing technology ensures smooth, stable operation without any rattling or vibration. We experienced no issues with fan speed fluctuations or instability even after extended periods of use.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the Be Quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM fans:
Pros
- Excellent airflow
- Very quiet operation
- Long-lasting FDB bearings
- PWM compatible for speed control
- Sleek and professional design
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than some other 140mm fans
- Lack of RGB lighting options
Final Verdict
The Be Quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM case fans are a top choice for anyone seeking a balance of performance and quietness. Their excellent airflow, whisper-quiet operation, and long-lasting bearings make them a compelling option for gamers, enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to improve their PC’s cooling performance without compromising on quietness. While they may be slightly more expensive than some other 140mm fans, the high quality and performance make them well worth the investment.
