Noiseblocker produces a wide range of low-noise cooling hardware, from CPU HSFs to hard disk coolers, and almost everything in between. This is the first time we've had the opportunity to review any Noiseblocker products, however. Noiseblocker makes two series of fans, the USF (Ultra Silent Fan) series, and the BlackSilent series, which is a new range of low-cost fans. We only tested models from the BlackSilent range, although, as these fans are so new, it may be a few weeks until every model is available to buy in the UK.

Both the X1 and X2 are 80mm fans with long-life, sleeve-type motors that spin at 1,300 and 1,800rpm respectively. The X1 is rated to move 16.2cfm at 10dBA but, as it failed our 'black sack' test, we were unable to measure its airflow. Its measured noise level was below the background noise level in the listening room (20.1dBA).

The faster motor of the X2 means that it can shift a lot more air than the X1. The X2 is rated at 26cfm at 18dBA, although our tests show that it was capable of moving just 19cfm. We couldn't contradict Noiseblocker's 18dBA claim, as the X2's sound output didn't register above the level of background noise in the test chamber (20.1dBA). Although the X1 definitely isn't worth buying, the X2 is a good fan, and a reasonable alternative to the Sharkoon Silent Eagle 2000 80mm.

Add an 'E' into the mix, and you get the XE1 and XE2, which are both 92mm models. The XE1 spins at 1,400rpm, and is claimed to move 28.9cfm at just 17dBA. However, in our tests, the XE1 moved just 18cfm, more than 61 per cent less than the airflow claimed by Noiseblocker. The XE1 is reasonably quiet, though, measuring 24.5dBA in our test chamber, although this is still higher than Noiseblocker claims. In comparison, the Akasa Amber 92mm fan is slightly quieter and has higher airflow.

The XE2 spins at 1,700rpm and is rated at 37.6cfm at 21dBA. The airflow of the XE2 is closer to 30cfm, and its noise level is an audible 27.9dBA. This means that the XE2 is one of the louder 92mm fans in this Labs test, although it's nowhere near as unpleasant to listen to as the ironically named Thermaltake A2013 Silent Cat or the honestly named Vantec Tornado TD9238H.

The two 120mm models of the BlackSilent series are known as the XL1 and XL2, which we can only assume stands for Xtra Large. The XL1 spins at just 1,000rpm and is claimed to move 33.5cfm at just 16dBA. Remarkably, this fan measures up to its manufacturer's claims, as we measured the airflow of the XL1 at 34cfm and its noise as less than 20.1dBA (the ambient noise level of the test chamber). This combination of good airflow and incredibly low noise means that the XL1 is definitely worth adding to your shortlist of 120mm fans.

The XL2 has a more powerful motor that spins the blades at 1,400rpm. Noiseblocker claims that the XL2 can shift 56.7cfm at 21dBA, but we measured the airflow of the XL2 as 67cfm, and its noise at 30.7cfm, which definitely puts it into the 'too noisy for comfort category'.

Click here to see full reviews report.

• Cases - 21st November 2008
• Motherboards - 24th October 2008
• Gaming Headsets - 26th September 2008
• Dream PCs - 24th September 2008
• Headphones - 12th September 2008
• Media PC components - 22nd August 2008
• PSUs - 14th July 2008

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• DFI Lanparty JR P45-T2RS - Motherboards
• BFG GeForce GTX 260 OCX MaxCore - Graphics cards