Who wants to have the stronger USB fan, should pick up the Pearl - although the greater fan power can also be bought with significantly longer operating noise. At level 1 the Pearl so much wind as the continuously variable Arctic makes at full power. The second (and highest) stage of Pearl strengthens the airflow even further. I am not sure if the whirring of the fan thereby substantially louder, but higher and disturbing for me, it is certain. I would compare the volume of Pearl with an at arm's length flying bumblebee not deafening, but certainly not to be missed. The Arctic 'forgets' to more time at work.
Which brings us also to a second advantage of the Pearl model: The rotor surrounds a cage. The "propeller" of the Arctic is free, however, and even if an accidental contact with it unsustainable hurts a horror one has gone. That is out of the Pearl, not a bad thing.
It remains to mention that the (cheaper) Pearl-product is also built cheaper than the Arctic, but what a surprise. The Pearl tilts most forward but is overall sufficiently safe. Of course, is also saved on the USB cable that indicated on the package 1.2 meters are not to be taken seriously. I measure from housing to front edge connector just 96 cm. Whether the additional energy consumption of 2.5 W is realistic, I could not test so far.
Is the bottom line: making Jau, orderly wind, the part, and when noise & Billgheimer-appearance do not matter - buy.
