Corsair Reveals Magnetic Levitation Fans (Updated)
Corsair cooperated with a fan OEM for the creation of a new magnetic bearing, which offers even longer lifetime that the high-end Fluid Dynamic Bearings. The same company also decided to enter the GPU market.
One of the most interesting parts of Corsair's suite tour during Computex 2016 was its new ML fan series, which feature magnetic levitation bearings. Thanks to the magnetic field that the combination of the fan's rotor and bearing creates, the fan's shaft doesn't come in contact with the bearing, so there is almost no friction.
This new bearing type was developed exclusively for Corsair, and it cost quite a bit, meaning that the new ML Pro 120/140 fans won't be affordable. Most likely, their price will be around $30, but we believe that the long MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 200,000 hours justifies the cost. On top of that, the noise output is low, thanks to the zero bearing noise and the PWM signal that allows easy fan speed control.
Besides the plain versions, some will have LEDs (ML Pro 120/140 LED).
| Model | ML 120 Pro (LED) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 120mm x 25mm |
| Power Usage | 0.299A |
| Speed | 400 - 2400 RPM |
| Airflow | 12 - 75 CFM |
| Static Pressure | 0.2 - 4.2 mm-H2O |
| Sound Level | 16 - 37 dB(A) |
| Connection Cable | 4-Pin |
| MTBF | 200,000h |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Model | ML 140 Pro (LED) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 140mm x 25mm |
| Power Usage | 0.276A |
| Speed | 400 - 2000 RPM |
| Airflow | 20 - 100 CFM |
| Static Pressure | 0.2 - 3.0 mm-H2O |
| Sound Level | 16 - 37 dB(A) |
| Connection Cable | 4-Pin |
| MTBF | 200,000h |
| Warranty | 5 years |
As you can see from the table above, both fan versions have the same noise output. This sounds strange given that the ML120 Pro has a maximum speed of 2,400 RPM whereas the ML140 Pro spins 400 RPM slower. Another interesting fact is the wide operation range, with both fans having a low start-up speed of 400 RPM. (This was made possible thanks to the PWM control circuit.)
We would like to see the ML Pro fans used in various high-end Corsair products, including PSUs, in the near future. This would be a welcome upgrade because this new bearing type offers low noise output and increased reliability. Even some of the best FDB fans cannot reach such high MTBF periods.
RGB, Because It Was Inevitable
Besides the ML Pro models, Corsair also revealed the SP120 RGB and HD120 RGB lines, which feature high performance fans with customizable RGB lighting. The HD120 RGB fans will be offered with an optional lighting controller that has the ability to control up to six HD120 RGB fans. You will be able to buy either an HD120 RGB fan alone, or the fan along with the controller. There will be also a package with three fans plus the controller.
We noticed a white RM1000i unit, and Corsair's PR informed us that a special and numbered edition of one their PSUs will be released soon (meaning that it won't necessarily be an RM1000i according to updated information that we received from Corsair). Only a thousand white, special editions PSUs will be manufactured. We don't know yet if they will cost more than the corresponding standard model. Moreover, Corsair revealed custom sleeved cable kits for the RMi and RMx units, featuring filtering caps in the middle of the cables so they're easily hidden from view. So far, no other manufacturer that we're aware of offers custom sleeved cables with filtering caps.
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Update, 6/3/16, 8:22am: Removed unclear reference to Corsair and the graphics card market.
Aris Mpitziopoulos is a contributing editor at Tom's Hardware, covering PSUs.
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InvalidError Sunon has had MagLev bearing fans for several years already, not a new type of bearing, just new to Corsair-branded products.Reply -
digitalgriffin I agree. Magnetic containment bottle bearings are not new. Expensive, but not new.Reply -
fil1p As for the company making their own GPU's I believe it is MSI that provides the PCB and Corsair uses one of their Asetek licensed closed loop coolers (with a custom mount and Corsair fan) to provide a custom cooling solution.Reply
If it is priced roughly the same as custom cards (or not significantly more) it should be a nice addition to the wide array of non-reference cooled GTX1080's. -
stoned_ritual Corsair. Please stop pretending that you're the creators of the technology that you sell to people. You simply place stickers on other people's products. Those stickers must be very expensive.Reply
Magnetic bearings have been in use since the late 1970's. -
Darkbreeze Further, at 37db, sound levels are abysmal. Good static pressure though, except that I've rarely seen a Corsair fan deliver the same static pressure in testing reviews that they report having on paper specs.Reply
5 year warranty is nice. Think I'll stick with Noctua fans and some black vinyl dye for my money though. -
Quixit ReplyThink I'll stick with Noctua fans and some black vinyl dye for my money though.
They make back fans now, check your retailer. -
Darkbreeze Yes, I know what they make. The industrial fans are more expensive and have higher maximum SPL levels than the NF-A14's though. I don't need a 4mm H20 static pressure rated fan for case cooling. Those industrial fans might be great for use as a heatsink fan or on radiators, but they are absolutely unnecessary for a case fan of any pressure differential.Reply -
jonnyguru ReplySunon has had MagLev bearing fans for several years already, not a new type of bearing, just new to Corsair-branded products.
I agree. Magnetic containment bottle bearings are not new. Expensive, but not new.
Correct. MagLev bearings are NOT new. This particular one is new, though. That's all.
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InvalidError Reply
If you have no pressure differential, you have no air movement and if you have very weak pressure, minor obstruction such as dust on air filters will stop the airflow.18063814 said:but they are absolutely unnecessary for a case fan of any pressure differential.