Fan Testing – Noctua S12A Series : Specs | CPU | Hashrate | Review | Config

Introduction

Hi all !

Today I’m going to introduce you to the latest fans from Noctua, the NF-S12A series.
This range is composed of 3 different versions, the FLX, ULN and PWM that I will present below, the design has been improved compared to the old generation in order to provide fans with a higher silence / air flow ratio by 8% more! These fans are designed to be box fans, not coolers so they will be treated as such 🙂

Do the new fans at Noctua keep their promises? This is what we will see!

Technologies Used

As much to say it right away, the engineers at Noctua were not idle and gave us a whole bunch of improvements compared to the previous models in order to bring their products closer to perfection. Here is a small summary of each of the technologies used:

Anti-Stall Knobs

The Anti-Stall Knobs, or anti-stall protuberances in French is a process that reduces the effect of stall and separation of air flows (as you see to the left of the diagram above) by accelerating the air at the level of the protrusions, this results in a maximum air flow superior to its predecessors.
Here is a photo of these protrusions:

Silentblocs Anti-Vibrations

I think the designation speaks for itself, Noctua added an anti-vibration pad in every corner in an effort to reduce noise, an initiative that I can only appreciate given my obsession with silence! These pads are also removable if needed.

Stepped Inlet

Steppend Inlet technology transforms the flat wall at the entry of the air flow into a stair-shaped wall, it aims to improve and strengthen the incoming air flow and to distribute the sound signal over a wider frequency band and thus blend more easily into the ambient noise.

Rolling

The SSO 2 bearing system is improved compared to the old versions, the magnet is now closer to the axis of the rotor and is therefore subjected to a greater magnetic force, which gives better stabilization, longevity and precision!

The pad has been changed from older versions and now goes all-brass for added longevity.

Microstructure bypass duct

Noctua has equipped its fans with small grooves and holes in order to reduce the undesirable turbulence generated by the separation of the flows, which makes it possible to reduce noise pollution as well as the overall efficiency of the fans!

Integrated circuit NE-DF1 (PWM version)

Regarding the PWM version of the NF-S12A series Noctua has concocted an exclusive integrated circuit that supports SCD (Smooth Commutation Drive) technology with the aim of reducing noise emissions as well as power consumption. This integrated circuit also eliminates parasitic noise that other low-speed PWM fans may be victim of (knocking for example).

Noctua NF-S12A ULN

Le bundle

The NF-S12A ULN bundle is composed of:

• 1 NF-S12A ULN fan rotating at a speed of 800 rpm
• 1 extension 3 pins of 33 cm
• 1 LNA adapter passing the speed from 800 rpm to 600 rpm
• 1 adapter 3 pins to 4 pins (Molex)
• 4 fixations anti-vibrations
• 4 visses
• 1 manuel

Characteristics

As we can see the maximum speed of the ULN version is 800 rpm, coupled with an adapter lowering this speed to 600 rpm it is the quietest fan of the range (but also the one which circulates the least air).

Noctua NF-S12A FLX

Le bundle

The NF-S12A FLX bundle is composed of:

• 1 NF-S12A FLX fan rotating at a speed of 1200 rpm
• 1 extension 3 pins of 33 cm
• 1 LNA adapter passing the speed from 1200 rpm to 900 rpm
• 1 ULNA adapter passing the speed from 1200 rpm to 700 rpm
• 1 adapter 3 pins to 4 pins (Molex)
• 4 fixations anti-vibrations
• 4 visses
• 1 manuel

Characteristics

The FLX version has a maximum speed of 1200 rpm, and goes down to 700 rpm with the ULNA adapter making it a fan with more leeway than the UNA.

Noctua NF-S12A PWM

Le bundle

The NF-S12A PWM bundle consists of:

• 1 NF-S12A PWM fan rotating at a speed of 1200 rpm
• 1 x 33 cm 4-pin extension (PWM)
• 1 LNA adapter passing the speed from 1200 rpm to 900 rpm
• 1 splitter 4 pins
• 4 fixations anti-vibrations
• 4 visses
• 1 manuel

Characteristics

The characteristics of the PWM are identical to the FLX, a fairly wide range of ventilation while remaining studied for silence.

The tests

The configuration

The configuration below will be used, there are 2 fans in suction (front) and 1 in extraction (behind the cooler), note that the fan installed on the cooler will remain the same and at the same speed throughout the test in order to to test only the performance of NF-S12A:

Processor : Intel core i5 2500K @ 4Ghz

Ventirad Processor : Prolimatech Megahalems + Nexus Basic Silent 120 @ 9v

Motherboard : Asus P8Z77-V

RAM memory : Kit 32Go Kingston Beast 1866Mhz

Graphic card : Sapphire 7950

Food : Season X-650

Housing : Antec P280 White Window (see the test)

SSD : Samsung 830 128Go & Intel « Postville » X25-M 80Go

DD : WD Velociraptor 150Go & WD Caviar Green 1To

The temperatures

As you can see on this graph, the advantage is clearly at Noctua, remember that these figures are only related to the fans of the case and not the coolers (CPU, GPU etc ..)!

Noise pollution

Attention : Part to be taken with a grain of salt, unfortunately not having access to the appropriate equipment and using an android application to take the readings the measurements below are only indicative!

As we can see, Nexus basic silent fans are quieter in 12v but are also less efficient! In 5v, on the other hand, the Noctua are on a par with the nexuses while offering more performance, all in all good!

Going into more detail, a little word on the noise of the engine itself (or rather the absence of noise), you have to literally stick your ear on the casing of the fan to hear it and this noise disappears as soon as possible. ear removed, a good point! I did not notice any parasitic noise, whether it be clicking, whirring or electrical noises, and this regardless of the position of the fan (horizontal or vertical) unlike a good part of the other fans (especially the nexus) which do not support well horizontal position.

A final word on the vibrations of the fans, why classify that in the noise nuisance part, you will say to me? Well quite simply because vibrations are the worst source of noise when building a quiet PC, all you need is a hard drive that vibrates too much, a fan that vibrates too much to destroy your hopes! What about the Noctua in all of this? Well it does very well, slight vibrations are felt but nothing that can be absorbed by the integrated anti-vibration pads.

Conclusion

Here we are at the end of this test, first of all I would like to thank Jakob Dellinger from Noctua who allowed me to carry out this test!

Noctua has always made quality products with a complete bundle seeking maximum silence, and you might as well tell you that these NF-S12A are no exception to the rule, the first thing that strikes when you take out one of these fans. the box is a feeling of quality, the finish is simply flawless and nothing is left to chance!

The +

• It exudes quality!
• Solid
• Very silent (no parasitic noises, very contained vibrations)
• Bundle complet
• 6 year warranty / MTBF of 150,000 hours

The –

• Price (we have nothing for nothing)
• Colors

In the end, can you buy these fans? The answer is yes, with your eyes closed! Not to mention that once you have bought one you will be at ease for 6 years thanks to the Noctua after-sales service which will send you a new fan as soon as there is the slightest problem!

Where to find the Noctua S12A?

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