In fact, i preferred using/cross check rpm/noise comparison based on video..Yeah, I should have linked the specific graph I was referring to. You can't compare RPM to RPM because fans make very different noise at a given RPM. The important relationship is noise vs airflow through radiator.
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The ML120 makes less noise for a given airflow requirement at just about every setting. That said, the Gentle Typhoons are very close at lower RPMs and some people like their noise character better(this is a big factor in noise perception that no reviews cover), but GTs weren't available on amazon.ca when I bought my fans so I didn't consider them.
Yeah I agree, it's VERY difficult to find good fan reviews. There are some that measure noise like the one I linked to above, and some that measure temps on a given heatsink like this youtube one, and between that and what a lot of industry people are saying, it's fairly clear that the Noctua probably beats every other 120mm fan, but I agree we need a more conclusive review from someone genuinely thorough like Gamers Nexus.
I'd love to see a 4-way comparison of the Darkside GT, ML120 Pro, NF-A12x25, and Vardar.
On top of that, ML-120 fans was one of the worst covered, especially when I saw some reviewers using DC control on this fan...generating horrible noise at low rpm/voltage....crappy.
Totally agree about how hard it is to find proper and exhaustive review.