The Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM was among the first fans I have tested my Long Win LW-9266 Fan PQ performance measurement apparatus so I decided to re-test it and compare it with more fans, and also conduct a frequency analysis.
Noctua is probably the most popular brand regarding cooling solutions since it focuses on this territory alone. These guys don’t make chassis, PSUs, or other PC parts, only cooling solutions, so it doesn’t surprise me that they raised the bar so high! For over a decade now, Noctua has set the standards in air cooling, first with the NH-D14 and not with the NH-D15, and the same goes for its fans. In this review, I will use a Longwin fan testing machine to evaluate the NF-A12x25 PWM.
At the current price of $33, the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM will have a tough time against the similar-priced Cooler Master Mobius 120 OC and the Phanteks T30-120 fans. The former comes with a lifetime warranty (!), while the latter is the performance king in my normalized noise charts. None of the abovementioned fans has RGB lighting, so if you are into fancy lights, you should look elsewhere, e.g., the Corsair AF120 RGB Elite.
Cybenetics Coolers Database
The NF-A12x25 uses Noctua’s self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearing (SSO-Bearing), an upgraded hydrodynamic bearing featuring an additional magnet to stabilize the rotor axis and decrease friction. According to Noctua, this fan can be used for all applications, cooling AIO radiators and heatsinks, or as a case fan. Its strong point is its high performance in the mid-fan-speed section, where it achieves high static pressure and airflow.
Cybenetics Fans Database
- Model Name: NF-A12x25 PWM
- Fan Speed (with LNA): 2000 RPM ±10% (1700 RPM ±10%)
- Fan Airflow (with LNA): 60.09 CFM (49.7 CFM)
- Static Pressure (with LNA): 2.34 mm-H2O (1.65 mm-H2O)
- Fan Noise Level (with LNA): 22.6 dBA (18.8 dBA)
- Fan Bearing Type: SSO2
- Fan Connector: 4-Pin PWM
- Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
- Fan Rated Current: 0.14A
- Fan Weight: 250g
- Flow Type: Universal with emphasis on static pressure at mid-speeds
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 120 mm x 120 mm x 25 mm
- Cable length: 20cm + 30cm NA-EC1 extension cable
- Price (excluding VAT): $33
- Warranty: 6-years
Hi there
I compared the the data of the max static pressure graph at 20 dBA Noise Output with the same graph from the test of the Phanteks T30 (https://hwbusters.com/cooling/phanteks-t30-120-cooling-fan-review-recheck/10/) and the values of certains fans change quite a bit. For example here the static pressure of the Phanteks T30 is 1.32mmAq in this test while it is 1.44mmAq in the review of the Phanteks.
So which are the “correct” values?
Cheers
Hi! Thanks for such a detailed review!
I agree, the hero of the review is far from the most productive fan in terms of noise normalization, but its quality is… a separate level
As a person for whom complete noiselessness of assembly is a priority, I cannot accept some models following the NF-A12x25 in the list of the best, simply because, based on personal experience and numerous reviews, after a while very unusual sounds at low rpm (~800-1000 rpm) begin to emanate from them
Therefore, in my personal top, I would give him a solid 2nd place in terms of a combination of factors
The rest is a matter of compatibility of the Phankeks T30 with your build. 😁
Suggestion: it would be cool to add fan testing for near-silent operation, 10 dBa, for example, there are probably a lot of silence maniacs in their builds 🙃
Also, please test the NF-A14 (aka A15 for the NH-D15 cooler)
Thanks!
Happy New Year to your team! 🎄
Happy New Year!
Unfortunately, I cannot do torture testing in noise measurements, for now at least.
This Noctua fan has sky-high quality and its bearing is among the best in today’s market, but since performance is of the highest priority, it needs improvements there.
In the way I test, even 20 dBA is very low, since I measure the fans from 1 meter away. I also have readings for 15 dBA.