Yeah, I always thought engine = steam or internal combustion, while motors are electric. However, I've heard internal combustion engines referred to as a "motor" in several automotive contexts. Also, I've heard the term "motor" used in rocketry, whereas jets typically have engines.
From most of those examples, a sort of theme seems to emerge. Perhaps "engine" somehow connotes a harnessing & transfer of kinetic energy, whereas a motor generates it directly.
I think across industry, the use of language is not very precise. Take a look at NASA's terminology for the Shuttle and their construction buildings; it hurts both ear and brain. From my point of view, motor is something that turns, likely with electricity. An engine sounds like it's got a bit of machinery and is powered by fuel. Notably, engine has a wider range of use: from software to the human body. It wouldn't be too far fetched to call the universe an engine, but that would be loose.
That's not even remotely true, otherwise the terms "motorcycle" and "electric engine" wouldn't exist. Having said that, I have no clue why the author would refer to fan motors as engines.
I have no clue why the author would refer to fan motors as engines.
Probably because the author of the article is native to Greece and learned english as a second (or third or fourth) language, given he went to colleges in Greece (Bachelors of Engineering), Scotland (Master of Science), and England (PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering)?
I need this fan badly for a project and am going to condiser buying many units. I thought engine was appropriate, and lovely as an intelligent Native English Speaker with a hint of Japanese and Chinese, and Jewish background. This article was Sound, and I even had a distinct appreciation for it.
Cheerio, and thank you for bringing this product to the website Editorial Team, 3> this
Just another way to use marketing to attempt to sell product. That metal frame might look nice and if that's your thing, sure then it's your money.
Otherwise there are only detriments to metal framed fan for a PC in a normal controlled environment. Yes you can use dampener material to isolate the hub from the frame, to overcome the noise transmission of a full metal framed fan, but that could as easily be done with a plastic framed fan and yet it isn't because there is more inherent vibration dampening already with a plastic framed fan and then apples to apples, would have less still using same dampening with an otherwise conventional plastic frame.
Choice is good! Don't get me wrong there, but it's a bit crazy how much people are paying these days for fans, thinking they have some next-level insight, when there are lots of low cost options for quality fans these days, which will tend to outlast the rest of the system by two-fold as long as you don't do something silly like mount a higher RPM sleeve bearing fan in horizontal position.
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
12 Comments
Back to Article
meacupla - Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - link
There are a number of times you use "engine" when you should be using "motors"Engine implies it runs on combustion. Motors run on electricity.
jmke - Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - link
Engine:: a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion
Railgun - Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - link
Yay. Poor attempts at pedanticism.mode_13h - Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - link
Yeah, I always thought engine = steam or internal combustion, while motors are electric. However, I've heard internal combustion engines referred to as a "motor" in several automotive contexts. Also, I've heard the term "motor" used in rocketry, whereas jets typically have engines.From most of those examples, a sort of theme seems to emerge. Perhaps "engine" somehow connotes a harnessing & transfer of kinetic energy, whereas a motor generates it directly.
GeoffreyA - Friday, February 23, 2024 - link
I think across industry, the use of language is not very precise. Take a look at NASA's terminology for the Shuttle and their construction buildings; it hurts both ear and brain. From my point of view, motor is something that turns, likely with electricity. An engine sounds like it's got a bit of machinery and is powered by fuel. Notably, engine has a wider range of use: from software to the human body. It wouldn't be too far fetched to call the universe an engine, but that would be loose.krazyfrog - Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - link
That's not even remotely true, otherwise the terms "motorcycle" and "electric engine" wouldn't exist. Having said that, I have no clue why the author would refer to fan motors as engines.Fallen Kell - Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - link
Probably because the author of the article is native to Greece and learned english as a second (or third or fourth) language, given he went to colleges in Greece (Bachelors of Engineering), Scotland (Master of Science), and England (PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering)?
PeachNCream - Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - link
Apex Stealth Metal - Heh, okay AlphaCool, but your mommy said it's time to do your homework and then brush your teeth before your 7pm bedtime.kn00tcn - Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - link
you sick bully, shut up!croc - Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - link
Seems that the charts are a jumbled mess when it comes to comparisons. Try better.Andrew_Seeley - Wednesday, March 6, 2024 - link
Thank you despite the posts for this articleI need this fan badly for a project and am going to condiser buying many units. I thought engine was appropriate, and lovely as an intelligent Native English Speaker with a hint of Japanese and Chinese, and Jewish background. This article was Sound, and I even had a distinct appreciation for it.
Cheerio, and thank you for bringing this product to the website Editorial Team, 3> this
mindless1 - Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - link
Just another way to use marketing to attempt to sell product. That metal frame might look nice and if that's your thing, sure then it's your money.Otherwise there are only detriments to metal framed fan for a PC in a normal controlled environment. Yes you can use dampener material to isolate the hub from the frame, to overcome the noise transmission of a full metal framed fan, but that could as easily be done with a plastic framed fan and yet it isn't because there is more inherent vibration dampening already with a plastic framed fan and then apples to apples, would have less still using same dampening with an otherwise conventional plastic frame.
Choice is good! Don't get me wrong there, but it's a bit crazy how much people are paying these days for fans, thinking they have some next-level insight, when there are lots of low cost options for quality fans these days, which will tend to outlast the rest of the system by two-fold as long as you don't do something silly like mount a higher RPM sleeve bearing fan in horizontal position.