Epilogue
The Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM doesn’t impress with its maximum airflow and static pressure, while its power consumption is low, which is a good thing. When you look at this fan’s performance in the noise-normalized tests, which is a fair approach, you notice a notable performance increase at 25 dBA, with 45.45 CFM and 1.6mmAq static pressure, which brings this product to fifth place among all popular 120mm fans that I have tested so far, with not so significant difference from the Phanteks T30-120 which is the leader. The Noctua fan retains the same place (fifth) in static pressure at 20 dBA and 30 dBA, besides 25 dBA, but it doesn’t do as well in airflow. Given the test results, this fan is more suitable for cooling solutions rather than chassis use, where high airflow is more desired than high static pressure. The lack of a daisy-chain option can be troublesome if you install three fans in a radiator. Thankfully, there is no RGB option, so you won’t have to deal with extra cables.
The NF-A12x25 PWM is sold at a stiff price, which I can understand given the extraordinary build quality. Noctua products are built like tanks designed to live forever. But the price is too high, with the fan being more expensive than the Phanteks T30-120. There is a catch in the Phanteks fan. It has a 30mm depth, so you need increased space, mainly if you use it with cooling solutions.
On the contrary, the NF-A12x25 PWM, with its standard 25mm depth, will fit everywhere. If you want top-notch build quality, care mostly for static pressure at 30 dBA and lower noise, and can spend a notable amount, you could look at the NF-A12x25 PWM. If you want low noise and good airflow at the lowest possible price, the Arctic P12 PWM PST is a one-way road!
- Top build quality
- High enough static pressure in the 20-30 dBA noise output range
- Noise-optimized fan blades and frame
- Low power consumption
- PWM control
- SSO2 bearing
- Long cable (and extension cable)
- Rich bundle
- 6-year warranty
- Expensive
- No daisy-chain option
- Lack of ARGB lighting might let down some users
Buy ARCTIC F12 PWM PST
Buy Thermaltake SWAFAN EX 12 RGB
Buy be quiet! Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM
Buy Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Pro
Buy XPG Vento Pro High Performance PWM
Buy Corsair LL Series, LL120 RGB
Buy NZXT AER P – RF-AP120-FP – 120mm
Buy Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 V2 RGB
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.