Vantec was one of the first companies to sell branded fans, and it currently produces several different types of fan.

The Stealth fans are marketed as low-noise fans and, according to Vantec, they incorporate the same stealth technology as used in the F-117 Nighthawk and B-2 Spirit. However, while the Stealth fans are undoubtedly aerodynamically efficient, we couldn't spot any radar-absorbing paint, infrared or acoustic shielding materials, or heat diffusers on the air exhausts.

The SF12025L is a 120mm fan that spins at 1,500rpm, and Vantec claims that it can shift 53cfm at 28dBA. In our lab, we measured the airflow of the SF12025L at 67cfm and its noise at 30.7dBA. This may seem loud, but the SF12025L emits sounds at a low frequency, which means that subjectively, it's less irritating than other fans with similar dBA ratings.

The 80mm model of the Stealth series is the SF8025L, which spins at 2,050rpm and, according to Vantec, moves 27cfm at 21dBA. However, we measured it as moving 21cfm at 26.9dBA. Although this means the SF8025L isn't too loud, there are far quieter 80mm fans on the market today, so there's little point in buying an SF8025L.

The SF9225L is the 92mm model of the Stealth series. It spins at 1,750rpm and Vantec claims that it's capable of moving 28cfm at 20dBA. In reality, the SF9225L can move 34cfm at 28.5dBA. However, these numbers don't tell the whole story, as the SF9225L also emits a buzzing noise that can become irritating after a few minutes. Therefore, despite the SF9225L appearing to be a good fan on paper, it isn't a sensible option.

Vantec also produces the Tornado series, a range of fans of which almost every enthusiast is aware, even if they've never seen or heard one. Both models of the Tornado series are based on an old Delta design and, unlike modern fans, which are designed to balance airflow and noise, the Tornados are designed to shift as much air as possible.

The TD8038H is the 80mm model of the Tornado series and is a portly 38mm deep. This is considerably deeper than most fans, which are typically 25mm deep. This design allows the fan blades to be wider, and therefore have a greater surface area. It also provides more space for the almighty motor that drives the blades at a ferocious 5,700rpm. In fact, the motor inside the TD8038H is so powerful that it's fitted with a Molex connector, as a 3-pin connector simply cannot supply enough current.

Vantec claims that the TD8038H can move 84.1cfm at 56.4dBA but, in our tests, it moved an astounding 121cfm while emitting a stupidly noisy 61.5dBA. The TD8038H is so powerful that you can physically feel the airflow it generates from more than a metre away, so make sure you keep your fingers and any loose cables well clear of the blades. Of course, the TD8038H is outrageously loud, but if you want the ultimate in cooling then nothing will cool your PC like a Vantec Tornado.

There's also a 92mm Tornado, the TD9238H, which is also 38mm deep and powered by a Molex connector. It spins at a slightly slower but still ludicrous 4,800rpm and, according to Vantec, can move 119cfm at 56.4dBA. In our tests, the TD9238H moved 152cfm, meaning it's more than 25 times more powerful than the weakest 92mm fan, the Silenx iXtrema Pro IXP-64-11.

Of course, the TD9238H is also brutally loud, emitting 61.5dBA, although, as it produces sound at a lower frequency, it's less abusive on the ears than the TD8038H.

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• Cases - 21st November 2008
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• 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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