heading
The industrialPPC models are high-speed fans for industrial applications. As such, they are not as quiet as other Noctua fans and less suited for low-noise PC builds. Unless you specifically require the higher speeds and performance of the industrialPPC versions, we recommend using models of our other product lines (chromax if you prefer black fans) instead. |
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Award-winning NF-F12 design
Having received more than 150 awards and recommendations from the international press, Noctua's NF-F12 has become a proven premium choice for 120mm cooling needs. Its renowned efficiency has convinced tens of thousands of customers all over the world.
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2000rpm industrialPPC version
Thanks to its elevated 2000rpm top speed, the NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 provides a significant performance boost over the 1500rpm retail version. Combined with the industrialPPC series' robust polyamide construction and advanced protection features, this makes the fan ideal for challenging industrial applications.
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Three-phase motor design
While most axial fans use single-phase motors with 4 slots, Noctua's industrialPPC fans feature a three-phase design with 6 slots, which provides smoother transitions between the slots and thus allows for even higher running smoothness, further reduced vibrations and unprecedented energy efficiency.
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Class-leading energy efficiency
While the standard NF-F12 is one of the most energy efficient 1500rpm 120mm fans on the market, the industrialPPC version's three-phase motor provides a further 10% reduction in power consumption when compared at 2000rpm.
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Fibre-glass reinforced polyamide construction
Both the impeller and the frame of Noctua’s industrialPPC fans are made entirely from fibre-glass reinforced polyamide. This material can withstand temperatures up to 140°C and makes the fans even more robust and break-proof than Noctua’s standard fibre-glass reinforced PBT fans.
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Certified IP67 water- and dust protection
The motor and PCB of the IP67 version are completely cast in a special, highly heat conductive resin that combines thoroughgoing protection and effective motor heat dissipation. Complying with the ingress protection rating IP67, this fan is not only fully dust tight but also completely waterproof up to 1m water depth.
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Focused Flow™ frame
Designed for pressure demanding applications such as heatsinks and radiators, the Focused Flow™ frame features eleven stator guide vanes that straighten, channel and focus the airflow, which allows the NF-F12 to rival the performance of conventional fans running at much faster speeds.
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Varying Angular Distance and Vortex Control Notches
The NF-F12's stator guide vanes are set out in Varying Angular Distance and feature Vortex-Control Notches. Both measures help to spread the noise emission over a broader frequency spectrum and thus make the fan's sound pattern more agreeable to the human ear.
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Heptaperf™ Impeller
Custom designed for the new Focused Flow™ frame and to work in tandem with the eleven stator guide vanes, the NF-F12's seven blade Heptaperf™ impeller has been carefully optimised to achieve a perfect balance between power and quietness.
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AAO frame
Noctua's AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation) frames feature integrated anti-vibration pads as well as Noctua's proprietary Stepped Inlet Design and Inner Surface Microstructures, both of which further refine the fan's performance/noise efficiency.
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Stepped Inlet Design
Noctua's Stepped Inlet Design adds turbulence to the influx in order to facilitate the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow, which reduces tonal intake noise, improves flow attachment and increases suction capacity, especially in space-restricted environments.
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Inner Surface Microstructures
With the tips of the fan blades ploughing through the boundary layer created by the Inner Surface Microstructures, flow separation from the suction side of the blades is significantly suppressed, which results in reduced blade passing noise and improved airflow and pressure efficiency.
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Integrated anti-vibration pads
Integrated anti-vibration pads made from extra-soft silicone minimise the transmission of minute vibrations while maintaining full compatibility with all standard screws and other mounting systems.
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SSO2 Bearing
The NF-F12 industrialPPC features the further optimised second generation of Noctua's renowned, time-tested SSO bearing. With SSO2, the rear magnet is placed closer to the axis to provide even better stabilisation, precision and durability.
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Metal bearing shell
In order to guarantee the highest possible degree of manufacturing precision, minimum tolerance and excellent long-term stability, the NF-F12 industrialPPC sports a CNC milled bearing shell made entirely from brass.
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Custom-designed PWM IC with SCD
Supporting fully automatic PWM speed control, the NF-F12 industrialPPC uses Noctua's custom-designed NE-FD2 PWM IC for three-phase motors. The NE-FD2 integrates Noctua's proprietary Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology, which suppresses PWM switching noises and thus makes the fan quieter at lower speeds.
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6-year manufacturer’s warranty
Noctua fans are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the NF-F12 industrialPPC features an MTTF rating of more than 150.000 hours and comes with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.
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Customisable for industry clients
For industry clients, various features, certificates, packaging options and accessories can be customised on requests. For example, we can provide 24V versions, different connectors and speeds, different cable length or UL and TÜV certification. Please feel free to contact us for customised offers!
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Notes and warnings
The industrialPPC models are high-speed fans for industrial applications. As such, they are not as quiet as other Noctua fans and less suited for low-noise PC builds. Unless you specifically require the higher speeds and performance of the industrialPPC versions, we recommend using models of our other product lines (chromax if you prefer black fans) instead.
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Size
120x120x25 mm
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Mounting hole spacing
105x105 mm
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4-pin PWM
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Cable length
40cm
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Bearing
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Blade geometry
Heptaperf™
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Frame technology
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Material
Fibre-glass reinforced polyamide
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Ingress protection
IP67
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Motor type
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Rotational speed (+/- 10%)
2000 RPM
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Min. rotational speed (PWM, +/-20%)
450 RPM
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Acoustical noise
29,7 dB(A)
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Static pressure
3,94 mm H₂O
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Max. input power
1,2 W
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Max. input current
0,1 A
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Operating voltage
12 V
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MTTF
> 150.000 h
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Scope of delivery
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6 years
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
REDUX verze stále o parník překonávají
provozní kvalitou drtivou větinu ventilátorové
produkce. Přitom pořád nabízejí 6 let záruky,
vynikající výkon při nízké hlučnosti a
zkrátka se musíte obejít bez nejnovějích
vychytávek a rozsáhlého přísluenství
(musíte si vybrat napevno danou verzi s otáčkami a PWM). Jene
finanční úspora je také velká. Běně
jsou REDUX verze o 120-150 korun levnějí, ne jejich
hnědé luxusnějí verze, co u je pro řadu
uivatelů dost znatelná úspora. V případě
nákupu tří kusů 120mm hnědých modelů NF
toti zaplatíte tolik (1500 korun), e za to máte 4 kusy REDUX
verze a to u se při osazování skříně u
mnohých prostě počítá. Ovem právě jen
do skříní bych ty REDUX verze doporučil (na to jsou i
určeny). Pokud je chcete na chladič CPU, či výměník
vodního chlazení, na to jsou tu speciálně
optimalizované ty hnědé modely a vyplatí se do nich
jít. Pokud jde o ty IndustrialPPC model. Pro drtivou větinu
domácích uivatelů nebudou zajímavé. Jsou
hlučné. Ale to je vlastně jejich jediná nevýhoda a je to
vyváeno ohromným průtokem vzduchu a tedy obrovským
výkonem, při TOP kvalitě zpracování,
zvýené odolnosti proti vlhkosti a prachu a záruce
dlouhé ivotnosti. Cena je ovem hodně vysoká
(stojí o 130-140 korun víc ne hnědé verze). Ale pokud
vám jde předně o ten výkon a chcete si být jisti,
e vám to i chvíli vydrí, nemůete s nimi
udělat chybu. Jsou opravdu famózně výkonné. Strčte
je na výměník vodního chlazení a poskytnou vám
maximální účinek - ale nepočítejte s tím,
e budou tiché.
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Test verdict: "Obě nové řady jsou velmi vítaným
zpestřením nabídky ventilátorů." (Jan Stach,
DDWorld.cz)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
Overall, these new Noctua IndustrialPPC fans are quite capable and surprisingly will not drive you crazy with the noise despite the higher RPM. The NF-A14 in particular is remarkably quiet for a fan spinning at 2000RPM. The Higher RPMs also provide users with much more range in high performance systems compared to the standard Noctua fans which are more approriate at lower RPM ranges. As usual, the only downside is that these Noctua IndustrialPPC fans cost more than the competition and despite lacking extras out of the box, a long 6-year warranty from Noctua more than makes up for it. Besides, the Ingress Protection ratings for these fans are impressive.
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Test verdict: "Both the NF-F12 and NF-A14 IndustrialPPC fans from Noctua receive the Hardware 360 Editor’s Choice award." (Ron Perillo, Hardware-360)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
So if the coffee and cream color of Noctua's fans were the only thing holding you back from enjoying the highest quality in cooling components for your computer, well jump up for joy cause the new colors offered by Noctua are awesome. With the added benefit of style, no quality was sacrificed and these line of fans performed well and a few of them at max RPM could barely be heard over the ambient noise. The braided cables are nice touch also. The fans carry a 6-year warranty offered by Noctua. These fans perform exceptionally well and look good while doing so. These fans move massive amounts of air and achieve very reasonable dB levels at maximum RPM.
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Test verdict: "The new colors offered by Noctua are fantastic. The Redux models are premium quality, quiet and priced competitively. The industrialPPC models are heavy duty models that will meet the demands of the most extreme conditions." (Chris McCart, FunkyKit.com)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
The first, the redux line, is taking its naming very literally. The redux line is reaching to the back of the top shelf, dusting off all of the oldies but goldies, and re-releasing them as a baseline product to catch the attention of the more economically inclined. However, there is one twist. A brand new, and long overdue, color scheme update. The new redux models are all coming in a light/dark contrast gray, paying homage to the original light/dark contrast brown that was their roots. Now, I know what you're thinking, "why older, out of date fans?". My answer is simple: Though the models are older, they are also what put Noctua where they are today and should not be underestimated. [...] The grand finale is the industrialPPC series. There are not likely fans at the 140mm size that can match these thermal killing speed demons. They are an overclocker's dream. Throw a couple of these at a water cooler and heat dissipation will never be better. At nearly 50 Celsius I had nothing but head room for additional overclocking.
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Test verdict: "All of these fans are great, even if it is their second unveiling. I think that with the release of the industrialPPC and the redux, Noctua has every base covered. Easy to please base users who don't have much need for insane power or quiet, sound enthusiasts who need to work with little to no sound, and those who have a need for speed to keep their CPUs from frying during heavy overclocking." (Allen Woo, OverclockersClub.com)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
La gamme Industrial PPC s’inspire de deux ventilateurs, à savoir le NF-F12 et le NF-A14. Donc sans conteste le haut de gamme de chez Noctua.
Conçues pour un environnement industriel, ils sont dotés d’un châssis en polyamide renforcé fibre de verre.
Ils embarquent un moteur avec alimentation triphasée, ce qui assure un fonctionnement plus souple, génère moins de vibration et accroît le rendement énergétique.
De part sa protection à la poussière et à l’eau, cette gamme répond aux normes de protection IP 52.
Noctua propose dans cette série, des ventilateurs répondant aux normes IP67. Mais aussi des ventilateurs avec prise 3-pins ou prise 4-pins PWM.
Ils tournent à 2000 tr/min soit 500 tr/min de plus que les versions classiques. La marque propose même une vitesse de rotation à 3000 tr/min!
Le circuit PWM est associé au circuit intégré NE-FD2 PWM IC.
Le câble est revêtu d’une gaine tressée très serrée ne laissant pas apparaître la couleur des fils, il mesure 400 mm.
Tout comme la gamme Redux, point de bundle excessif… rien que le nécessaire : 4 vis.
Du gris on passe au noir mat avec des silentblocs d’une couleur marron plus prononcée que la gamme classique.
Ils bénéficient tous d’une garantie de 6 ans.
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Test verdict: "Du coté de la série Industrial PPC, on tape un cran au-dessus avec déjà des ventilateurs qui sont dans le haut de gamme de Noctua! avec du coup une orientation refroidissement radiateur (aircooling ou watercooling)
Tout est renforcé!!! la structure avec l’utilisation de Polyamide renforcé fibre de verre (versus PBT), le moteur avec un tri-phasé (versus mono-phasé) et une norme qui répond aux exigences IP 52 voire IP 67." (Bertrand Curras, modding.fr)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
Noctua has extended their fan line into radiator territory - these are powerful fans with the right form factor for rads. The relatively low prices, the ruggedness, the standard IP52 protection, the availability of IP67 protection, the long MTBF and the low, low current draw of these fans make them perfect for industrial uses as well. Finally, the color change is just what a number of people have asked for. And Noctua did not stop with increasing their 1500 RPM fans to 2000. The 3000 RPM models are where the industrialPPC fans really shine. With a simple 50% rise in output, these fans really punch out the air, both in flow and with pressure. The NF-A14 iPPC-3000 more than doubles its static pressure as it moves from 2000 RPM to 3000.
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Test verdict: "Noctua has taken their game to a whole new level by introducing a superb product which is packed full of value. After our findings we are pleased to hand out our Elite Award." (Ed Hume, Vortez.net)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
Ultimately, Noctua makes a great fan, but they fit best with people who have the higher budgets for them. [...] I never see the level of quality in manufacturing from other brands that Noctua puts in their product and they match that with a massive 6 year warranty. Because of this, we happily award all fans in this round up with the PureOverclock Great Hardware Award!
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Test verdict: " These are great quality fans for those who prefer elegance over flashy appearance and don't mind spending a premium for them." (Josh Jackson, PureOverclock.com)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
When the fans' speeds were increased to 2000 RPM, the idle temperature remained at low 30s. Again, the NF-F12 iPPC did the best across the three fans, but the margins reduced. The CPU package was at 59°C and the hottest CPU core was at 69°C. It was a 5.7% and a 2.8% advantage over the Jetflo 120 and B12-P. At the same time, the B12-P performed 2.7% better than the Jetflo 120.
Overall, the Noctua NF-F12 iPPC and the Noiseblocker B12-P have a similar cooling performance, with Noctua's performing slightly better.
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Test verdict: " For the Noctua NF-F12 iPPC, it performs exceptionally well when using it on radiators. The higher rated static pressure performance does contribute in better cooling. The fan's more durable construction and its IP52 dust resistance rating are useful, especially for servers or other industrial uses." (Chan Long Yin, Unboxing Treatment)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
Phanteks and Noctua therefore receive Excellent Choice Awards in this category.
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Test verdict: "If you want to use 120mm fans, two series stand out from the rest of the bunch: the Phanteks PH-F120 and the Noctua NF-F12." (Tomas Hochstenbach, Hardware.Info)
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NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 IP67 PWM Review
Excellent Choice-awards zijn er dus voor Phanteks en Noctua in deze categorie.
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Test verdict: "Als je 120mm-fans wilt plaatsen, springen twee series boven het maaiveld uit: de Phanteks PH-F120 en de Noctua NF-F12." (Tomas Hochstenbach, Hardware.Info)
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NA-SAV4
- 16 NA-AV4 silicone anti-vibration mounts for up to 4 fans
- Flat case-side end for clean exterior look
- 5 defined, numbered pawls
- Compatible with all Noctua fans

You can either buy from our local sales partners or directly from us via our official Amazon and eBay stores:
FAQs
Can industrialPPC fans be used with fan controllers and resistor cables (Low-Noise Adaptors)?
How can I check if my 4-pin fan header supports PWM?
Can I use Noctua fans in my system from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands?
How much torque should be used for fan screws?
I get a CPU fan error despite the fan is running!
My Noctua PWM fan starts to spin when the PC boots but then stops, what is wrong?
My Noctua PWM fan runs at a much higher minimum speed than advertised, what is wrong?
I'm experiencing fan speed issues with my motherboard from Supermicro, what can I do?
Can I use Low-Noise Adaptors with y-cables / multiple fans?
How should I clean my Noctua fan?
What pin configuration do Noctua 12V fans use?
Can I use Low-Noise Adaptors for industrialPPC fans?
Are industrialPPC fans as quiet as other Noctua fans?
Can I paint my Noctua fan in order to change its color?
How can I find out the direction of airflow and sense of rotation?
Can Noctua fans be used to replace noisy stock fans in switches, routers or other network devices?
Can Noctua fans be used to replace noisy stock fans in NAS devices?
Can I disassemble my fan for cleaning (or other purposes, e.g. painting)?
Can I run 4-pin PWM fans on 3-pin fan headers?
Which Noctua fan or CPU cooler should I buy? How to choose the right model?
Can industrialPPC fans be used with fan controllers and resistor cables (Low-Noise Adaptors)?
4-pin PWM | 3-pin | |
Mainboard fan control PWM based | ![]() |
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Mainboard fan control voltage based | ![]() |
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Resistor cables (Low-Noise Adaptors) | ![]() |
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Common PC fan controllers | ![]() (high starting speed) |
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Laboratory/industrial power supplies | ![]() |
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How can I check if my 4-pin fan header supports PWM?

Note that mainboard manufacturers use different terms to indicate that Pin 4 is not being used for PWM control (e.g. “+5V”, “VCC” or “NC”), but if one of these terms is used, you can be sure that the fan header does not support PWM. If Pin 4 is described as “Speed Control” or “PWM” or the like, you can be sure that the fan header supports PWM.
Unfortunately, the description of Pin 2 is not always a clear indication as some manufacturers use terms such as “Fan PWR” or “Power” for both types of fan headers. However, if Pin 2 is described as “Speed Control”, you can also be sure that the fan header does not support PWM based speed control. If Pin 2 is described as “+12V”, this is a clear indication that the fan header supports PWM.
Please also note that in some cases, the descriptions of the pin layouts in the mainboard manuals may not be correct and some models actually allow you to switch the fan headers from voltage control mode to PWM control mode in the BIOS even though the pin descriptions do not indicate PWM support. We thus recommend to look for these options in the BIOS before taking other measures. In case of doubt, please contact your mainboard manufacturer.
If your mainboard features other 4-pin fan headers that use PWM for speed control, you can run multiple fans from these headers using Y-split cables. Make sure not to exceed the specified maximum power draw of the fan headers (usually 10-12W) though.
Can I use Noctua fans in my system from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands?
How much torque should be used for fan screws?
Where can I find a technical documentation and specifications of the PWM speed control system of Noctua’s fans?
I get a CPU fan error despite the fan is running!
My Noctua PWM fan starts to spin when the PC boots but then stops, what is wrong?

Note that mainboard manufacturers use different terms to indicate that Pin 4 is not being used for PWM control (e.g. “+5V”, “VCC” or “NC”), but if one of these terms is used, you can be sure that the fan header does not support PWM. If Pin 4 is described as “Speed Control” or “PWM” or the like, you can be sure that the fan header supports PWM.
Unfortunately, the description of Pin 2 is not always a clear indication as some manufacturers use terms such as “Fan PWR” or “Power” for both types of fan headers. However, if Pin 2 is described as “Speed Control”, you can also be sure that the fan header does not support PWM based speed control. If Pin 2 is described as “+12V”, this is a clear indication that the fan header supports PWM.
Please also note that in some cases, the descriptions of the pin layouts in the mainboard manuals may not be correct and some models actually allow you to switch the fan headers from voltage control mode to PWM control mode in the BIOS even though the pin descriptions do not indicate PWM support. We thus recommend to look for these options in the BIOS before taking other measures. In case of doubt, please contact your mainboard manufacturer.
To resolve the issue, you can:
Choose a higher fan speed profile in the BIOS (e.g. „normal“ instead of „silent“, etc.) or deactivate automatic fan speed control and use a Low-Noise Adaptor instead.
Use the mainboard‘s fan speed control software or 3rd party tools like Speedfan to regulate the fan speed. Unlike BIOS based fan speed control, the supplied software usually checks whether the fan has stopped and increases voltage accordingly or at least offer more options to set up the fan properly.
If your mainboard features other 4-pin fan headers that use PWM for speed control, you can run multiple fans from these headers using Y-split cables. Make sure not to exceed the specified maximum power draw of the fan headers (usually 10-12W) though.
My Noctua PWM fan runs at a much higher minimum speed than advertised, what is wrong?
- Many mainboards do not go below 40%, 50% or even 60% PWM duty cycle on case fan headers. Please refer to your mainboard manual to verify whether the fan header actually goes down to 20% duty cycle. If that's not the case, in some cases you can use the fan speed control software supplied with your mainboard to overcome these limitations and reduce the fan speed even further. However, 3rd party tools like SpeedFan offer greater flexibility and better options to work around the limitations imposed by the mainboard vendors.
- Some mainboards feature 4-pin fan headers that actually don‘t use a PWM signal on Pin 4 to control the fan speed but rather reduce the voltage on Pin 2 (like a standard 3-pin fan header). As the fan speed at minimum voltage is usually higher than the speed at 20% PWM duty cycle, the fan can not reach as low minimum speeds under voltage control as under PWM control. Please refer to your mainboard manual to check whether or not your mainboard has 4-pin fan headers that control the fan speed by reducing voltage on Pin 2 rather than by changing the PWM duty cycle on Pin 4:
Note that mainboard manufacturers use different terms to indicate that Pin 4 is not being used for PWM control (e.g. “+5V”, “VCC” or “NC”), but if one of these terms is used, you can be sure that the fan header does not support PWM. If Pin 4 is described as “Speed Control” or “PWM” or the like, you can be sure that the fan header supports PWM.
Unfortunately, the description of Pin 2 is not always a clear indication as some manufacturers use terms such as “Fan PWR” or “Power” for both types of fan headers. However, if Pin 2 is described as “Speed Control”, you can also be sure that the fan header does not support PWM based speed control. If Pin 2 is described as “+12V”, this is a clear indication that the fan header supports PWM.
Please also note that in some cases, the descriptions of the pin layouts in the mainboard manuals may not be correct and some models actually allow you to switch the fan headers from voltage control mode to PWM control mode in the BIOS even though the pin descriptions do not indicate PWM support. We thus recommend to look for these options in the BIOS before taking other measures. In case of doubt, please contact your mainboard manufacturer.
If your mainboard features other 4-pin fan headers that use PWM for speed control, you can run multiple fans from these headers using Y-split cables. Make sure not to exceed the specified maximum power draw of the fan headers (usually 10-12W) though.
I'm experiencing fan speed issues with my motherboard from Supermicro, what can I do?
The BIOS of many motherboard models from Supermicro expects a certain minimum fan speed (usually 600 or 700rpm), which is higher than the minimum fan speed that can be achieved with Noctua's PWM fan models. The BIOS may interpret the low minimum RPM of Noctua fans as a fan error and thus try to run the fan at 100% for a short period before going back to automatic control. This can result in oscillating fan speeds and fan speed warnings in the BIOS or the fan management console.
Unfortunately there is usually no option to set a lower minimum value in the BIOS that would suit the low minimum speed of Noctua PWM fans. The issue can thus only be resolved by either disabling automatic fan speed control in BIOS, which will cause the fans to run at a constant speed, by using 3rd party tools like IPMItool or IPMIutil, or by requesting a modified BIOS file from Supermicro, which takes the minimum fan speed of Noctua fans into account (charges might apply). Please note that any modifications performed with 3rd party tools are done at your own risk and that Noctua can not be held responsible for any possible issues.
Can I use Low-Noise Adaptors with y-cables / multiple fans?
Yes, Low-Noise Adaptors (L.N.A.s) can be used with y-cables, but please make sure to use one L.N.A. per fan and to place the L.N.A.s between the y-cable and the fans as shown below. Never use one L.N.A. for two (or more fans) by placing it between the mainboard and the y-cable!
How should I clean my Noctua fan?
In order to ensure flawless operation over many years of usage, Noctua’s premium grade SSO bearings are fully sealed to prevent the entering of fine dust particles. Please note that the fan is not designed to be taken apart by the user. Removing the impeller from the frame will break the sealing of the bearing and results in a loss of warranty.
What pin configuration do Noctua 12V fans use?

Can I use Low-Noise Adaptors for industrialPPC fans?
Are industrialPPC fans as quiet as other Noctua fans?
Can I paint my Noctua fan in order to change its color?
How can I find out the direction of airflow and sense of rotation?

Can Noctua fans be used to replace noisy stock fans in switches, routers or other network devices?
Noctua fans such as the 40, 60, 80 or 92mm NF-A series models are ideal for replacing noisy stock fans in switches, routers and other network devices in order to make them quieter and thousands of users have managed to significantly reduce the noise levels of their units this way. However, while it is easy and straightforward to replace the fans in some cases, it can be very difficult in others, so Noctua strongly recommends that users carefully research if it is possible to easily replace the fan(s) of their network device before purchasing a Noctua fan for this purpose. Some of the common issues that can occur when replacing pre-installed fans are:
- Different pin assignment: Whereas Noctua fans use the standardised pin assignment for PC fans (see this FAQ for details), some network devices use different assignments. For example, some devices have the power and GND or rpm and PWM pins swapped. Therefore please carefully verify that your device uses the same pin assignment as standard fans. Experienced users may also change the pin assignment by cutting and resoldering the fan cables, but please note that this will void your Noctua manufacturer’s warranty.
- Different pin functions: Noctua fans use the standardised pin functions for PC fans (see this FAQ for details); however, some network devices use fans where certain pins serve a different function. For example, some devices use the RPM pin for “power good” signals. Therefore please carefully verify that your device uses the same pin functions.
- Firmware speed control: Some network devices demand a certain maximum or minimum fan speed. If the new fan doesn’t have the same or similar maximum or minimum speed, the device may display errors or even shut down.
- Different starting voltage: Most network devices use voltage-based speed control. If the new fan has a higher starting voltage than the original fan, it may not start up right away. This may lead the device to display errors or even shut down because it suspects a fan failure.
- Different power draw: Some network devices monitor the fan’s power draw. If the new fan has a lower power consumption than the stock fan, the device might display errors or even shut down.
Please note that most network device manufacturers don’t provide detailed documentation regarding fan compatibility and control, so users who want to replace the fans of their devices usually have to rely on “How to” guides, blog and forum posts or video tutorials. Please also note that fan compatibility and control can vary from model to model and even from revision to revision even if the devices stem from the same manufacturer. As a result, it is important to make sure that the information or guidelines you rely on when replacing your fans are applicable to your specific model as well as your specific hardware and firmware revision.
Due to the possible issues listed above, Noctua recommends that only experienced users attempt to replace their pre-installed fans in network devices. Please note that since there are so many different devices and most of them lack documentation for aspects such as fan compatibility and control, Noctua customer support cannot assist you with compatibility issues when replacing pre-installed fans. Please contact your network device manufacturer for any questions regarding aspects such as the device’s pin alignment or fan monitoring and control.
Can Noctua fans be used to replace noisy stock fans in NAS devices?
Noctua fans such as the 40, 60, 80, 92 or 120mm NF-A series models are ideal for replacing noisy stock fans in NAS devices in order to make them quieter and thousands of users have managed to significantly reduce the noise levels of their NAS units this way. However, while it is easy and straightforward to replace the fans in some cases, it can be very difficult in others, so Noctua strongly recommends that users carefully research if it is possible to easily replace the fan(s) of their NAS device before purchasing a Noctua fan for this purpose. Some of the common issues that can occur when replacing NAS fans are:
- Different pin assignment: Whereas Noctua fans use the standardised pin assignment for PC fans (see this FAQ for details), some NAS units use different assignments. For example, some devices have the power and GND or rpm and PWM pins swapped. Therefore please carefully verify that your NAS device uses the same pin assignment as standard fans. Experienced users may also change the pin assignment by cutting and resoldering the fan cables, but please note that this will void your Noctua manufacturer’s warranty.
- Different pin functions: Noctua fans use the standardised pin functions for PC fans (see this FAQ for details); however, some NAS units use fans where certain pins serve a different function. For example, some devices use the RPM pin for “power good” signals. Therefore please carefully verify that your NAS device uses the same pin functions.
- Firmware speed control: Some NAS devices demand a certain maximum or minimum fan speed. If the new fan doesn’t have the same or similar maximum or minimum speed, the device may display errors or even shut down.
- Different starting voltage: Most NAS devices use voltage-based speed control. If the new fan has a higher starting voltage than the original fan, it may not start up right away. This may lead the NAS device to display errors or even shut down because it suspects a fan failure.
- Different power draw: Some NAS devices monitor the fan’s power draw. If the new fan has a lower power consumption than the stock fan, the device might display errors or even shut down.
Please note that most NAS manufacturers don’t provide detailed documentation regarding fan compatibility and control, so users who want to replace the fans of their devices usually have to rely on “How to” guides, blog and forum posts or video tutorials. For example, there are excellent video tutorials available for changing the fans in popular Synology NAS models (DS416j, DS1515+ and DS1812+ in English, DS416/DS415/DS916/DS216/DS214 and DS1515+ in German). Please also note that fan compatibility and control can vary from model to model and even from revision to revision even if the devices stem from the same manufacturer. As a result, it is important to make sure that the information or guidelines you rely on when replacing your NAS fan are applicable to your specific model as well as your specific hardware and firmware revision.
Due to the possible issues listed above, Noctua recommends that only experienced users attempt to replace their NAS fans. Please note that since there are so many different NAS models and most of them lack documentation for aspects such as fan compatibility and control, Noctua customer support cannot assist you with compatibility issues when replacing NAS fans. Please contact your NAS manufacturer for any questions regarding aspects such as the device’s pin alignment or fan monitoring and control.
Can I disassemble my fan for cleaning (or other purposes, e.g. painting)?
It is thus recommended to clean your fans using a duster, slightly moist tissue or canned air. Please be careful not to use too much force in order to prevent any damage to the fan. Please don’t use a vacuum cleaner as this may apply excessive force to the fan.
Can I run 4-pin PWM fans on 3-pin fan headers?
PWM fans come with a 4-pin connectors for fully automatic speed control via your mainboard’s 4-pin PWM fan headers. Please note that 4-pin fans can also be connected to your mainboard’s 3-pin fan headers though. When connected to 3-pin fan headers, the fan will run at full speed (unless the mainboard supports voltage based speed control).

Which Noctua fan or CPU cooler should I buy? How to choose the right model?
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