Features

The Vortex is equipped with features at ever corner, literally. Each of the four mounting holes in the corners of the fan are designed to absorb vibration. This is achieved with a combination of anti-vibration padding and rubber pins in leui of the traditional mounting screws. An additional benefit is this system requires no tools to install. Simply pull the pins through to secure the fan to the chassis. 

Cougar has also taken care to maximize the air flow the blades of the Vortex generate. Stock fans are known to suffer from flow dispersion, which is essentially the lack of control of the "tunnel" of air created. Looking closely at the blades of the Vortex, you can see grooves that begin at outer-most corner of each fin and sharpy curve together in the opposing corner. This design, Diversion Groove Blade as Cougar refers to it, helps to channel the air into a focused air flow, centralizing air around the radius of the fan.

The fins are also designed to reduce air turbulence with a specific shape to provide smooth flow between the blade. In combination with the hydro-dynamic-bearing technology used in the fan motor, the Vortex is outfitted to tackle noise in a significant way, though we'll cover how that translates into real-world use in the Performance section. This HBD technology, according to Cougar, is superior to sleeve and ball bearing designs.

Lastly, the Vortex is of course a PWM fan, allowing control of the fan's speed on a range from 800 to 1500 RPM.