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Product:
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Noctua NF-S12 120mm Cooling Fans |
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Price:
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$19 (CDN) / $17 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Noctua
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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November 8th, 2006
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Jakob from Noctua
for sending the Noctua NF-S12 120mm Cooling Fans for review.
Introduction:
The majority of computer enthusiasts employ air cooling to keep case temperatures down. Fans are hands down the most
cost effective method of removing unwanted heat, providing system stability and longevity to the average computer system.
While a majority of purchases are based on the size of the fan and it’s rated CFM more and more manufacturers are
moving towards applications designed for quiet computing environments. While larger 120mm fans generate less noise than
their 60mm, 80mm and 92mm brethren, space limitations might make keep that from being a viable option. Companies like Papst
and Panasonic have supplied quieter fans for some time now, but a new product on the market threatens to challenge that
niche. Noctua based out of Austria aims at establishing a new level of quality and performance by paying attention to
users' needs by providing sound-optimized premium components, which serve their purpose in a smart, precise and
reliable manner. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the new Noctua NF-S12 120mm Cooling Fans.
Specifications:
Noctua offers the NF-S12 case fans in 80mm and 120mm sizes. Features common to both fans are a rated voltage of 12 volts,
sound-optimised blade geometry and profile, as well as self-stabilising oil-pressure bearing (SSO bearing). Here are the full
specifications for both fans taken from the Noctua website:
| Model |
NF-S12-1200 120mm Fan
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| Dimensions |
120mm x 120mm x 25mm |
| Bearing |
SSO-Bearing |
| Blade Geometry |
Straight Blade Design |
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Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) |
1200 RPM
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Rotational Speed with U.L.N.A. (+/- 10%) |
600 RPM
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Airflow |
81 m³/h
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Airflow with U.L.N.A |
41 m³/h
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Acoustical Noise |
17 dB(A)
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Acoustical Noise with U.L.N.A |
< 6* dB(A)
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Input Power |
1.44 W
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Voltage Range |
0.12 A
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Voltage Range |
4-13 V
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MTBF |
> 150.000 h
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Warranty |
6 years
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Features |
- Ultra-Low-Noise Adapter (U.L.N.A.)
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| - 4 Vibration Compensators
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| - 3 to 4-Pin Adaptor
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| - 4 Fan Screws
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| Model |
NF-S12-800 120mm Fan
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| Dimensions |
120mm x 120mm x 25mm |
| Bearing |
SSO-Bearing |
| Blade Geometry |
Straight Blade Design |
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Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) |
800 RPM
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Rotational Speed with U.L.N.A. (+/- 10%) |
500 RPM
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Airflow |
59 m³/h
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Airflow with U.L.N.A |
34 m³/h
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Acoustical Noise |
8 dB(A)
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Acoustical Noise with U.L.N.A |
< 5* dB(A)
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Input Power |
0.60 W
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Voltage Range |
0.05 A
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Voltage Range |
6-13 V
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MTBF |
> 150.000 h
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Warranty |
6 years
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Features |
- Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptor (U.L.N.A.)
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| - 4 Vibration Compensators
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| - 3 to 4-Pin Adapter
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| - 4 Fan Screws
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Noctua NF-S12 120mm Fans arrived in brown, black and blue coloured retail packaging with the Noctua logo located on the front and product
specifications located on the back. The premise behind these fans is silent performance for use with a wide variety of applications
which include CPU, GPU and case cooling. By employing an SSO bearing system, Noctua also provides a lifetime warranty that
covers a MTBF of 150,000 hours or 6 years.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the packaging, there is a lot to be said about the bold colour scheme marketed with the Noctua NF-S12 120mm cooling fans. While a
majority of cooling fans currently on the market employ a simplistic black colour scheme, Noctua introduces a bright white and brown
combination to differentiate their product from the rest of the crowd. The NF-S12 series is available in 2 different configurations
providing consumers with different models for application use. The NS-S12-1200 measures approximately 120mm x 120mm x 25mm and is
capable of pushing 47.68 CFM at 1200 RPM with a noise level of 17 dBA. The NS-S12-800 measures approximately 120mm x 120mm x 25mm and
is capable of pushing 34 CFM at 800 RPM with a noise level of 8 dBA. The highlight for both models is the inclusion of Noctua's
Straight Blade Design which provides maximum efficiency without the drawback of higher noise emission when used at higher rotation
speeds. The Noctua NF-S12 120mm cooling fans come bundled with an assortment of accessories which include the following:
- Ultra-Low-Noise Adapter (U.L.N.A.)
- 4 x Vibration Compensators
- 1 x 3 to 4-pin Adapter
- 4 x Fan Screws
The U.L.N.A or Ultra-Low-Noise Adapter is a simple 12v to 5v adapter that allows consumers to under-volt the existing voltage supplied
to the fan for even more quieter operation. This is the same type of principle used in modern day fan controllers, baybus and rheostat
units.
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The NF-S12 series deviates away from standard ball, sleeve or liquid bearing designs in favour of new SSO Bearings. SSO Bearings
are self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearings that include an additional magnet located near the rotor axis. This allows for faster,
more precise and reliable long term quietness of the bearing during operation. The NF-S12 has been specifically designed to address
the short overall lifespan and increasing noise levels found in normal ball and sleeve bearing fans.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to test the Noctua NF-S12 120mm Fans, I first powered the fans using the default U.L.N.A 3-pin to 4-pin adapter and then
switched to a Zalman ZM-MFC1 Fan Controller. The ZM-MFC1 is a 6-channel fan controller capable of running at a maximum power of 7 watts
per channel. At the full 12V, there is an audible soft humming noise that is generated by each fan. Once the fan is lowered to its
respective 7.5V and 5V the fans is dead silent. In order to gauge the CFM versus noise level of the NF-S12 series, here are the units
compared to existing rival units currently on the market:
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MTB 120mm Fan Comparison
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| Noctua NF-S12 1200 120mm Fan | 1200 RPM | 47.68 CFM | 17 dBA |
| Noctua NF-S12 800 120mm Fan | 800 RPM | 34 CFM | 8 dBA |
| AcoustiFan™ AFC120CT Noiseless 120mm Fan | 1400-2000 RPM | 26.7-41.7 CFM | 18.2-25.9 dBA |
| Nexus D12SL-12 Real Silent 120mm Fan | 1000 RPM | 36.87 CFM | 22.8 dBA |
| Panaflo/NMB FBA12G12L Low Speed 120mm Fan | 1700 RPM | 68.9 CFM | 30 dBA |
| SilenX iXtrema 120mm Fan | 1400 RPM | 72 CFM | 14 dBA |
| Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F 120mm Fan | 1600 RPM | 63.7 CFM | 28 dBA |
| Vantec Stealth Fan 120mm | 1500 RPM | 53 CFM | 28 dBA |
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Examining the comparison chart, the Noctua NF-S12 120mm fan series and SilenX iXtrema have the lowest dBA rating of the bunch measuring
at 8 dBA - 17 dBA respectively. In measuring actually CFM, the SilenX iXtrema has a slight advantage at 72 CFM compared to the NF-S12
Series at 47.68 CFM and 34 CFM. What should be noted that there is a big trade off for the lower noise reduction since a slower moving
fan moves less CFM. Noctua provides two different models to cater for specific applications such as a Home Theatre PC or
low-end workstation. Hard core users might look to alternative means instead losing much needed cooling performance.
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Conclusion:
In a highly competitive market that is already saturated with a wide selection of cooling products, the Noctua NF-S12
120mm Cooling Fans certainly bring something fresh to the table. As a complete package, consumers are provided an
assortment of noise reduction accessories which are perfect for low noise environments. Noctua's straight blade design
and SSO bearing configuration guarantees a much longer mean time between failure of 150,000 hours and warranty of 6 years.
Overall build quality and construction are very good although some might question Noctua's bold colour selection for
this series which might not fit all case themes. In terms of a price stand point the Noctua NF-S12 120mm Cooling Fans are
slightly expensive at $19 (CDN) / $17 (U.S) compared to rival brands which may deter some consumers but again the build
quality justifies the price point. Hopefully in the near future, Noctual can include 60mm and 92mm versions of this
brand to complete the entire product line. Overall, I was pleased with the Noctua NF-S12 120mm Cooling Fans and award a final
rating of 8.5 out of 10. If you have any questions regarding
this review be sure to visit the Noctua website for more information
or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Perfect for low noise environments
- 6 year warranty
- Good assortment of noise reduction accessories
- Quiet operation
- Good balance between CFM and dBA ratio
- MTBF of 150,000 hours
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Cons:
- Price and availability
- Doesn't push as much CFM compared to rival fans in its class
- Not suited for power users
- Bold colour scheme
- No 92mm or 60mm versions available
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