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Proven NF-P14 design
Tens of thousands of quiet cooling enthusiasts around the globe swear by Noctua's classic NF-P14. Thanks to its impressive quietness, excellent performance and impeccable quality, the NF-P14 has become an established reference for quiet 140mm fans.
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Streamlined redux edition
The redux product line reissues some of Noctua's most popular, award-winning models by presenting them in streamlined, accessibly priced packages. All redux edition products are industry proven, time-tested models that helped to found Noctua's reputation as a first-tier supplier of premium grade low noise cooling equipment.
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Round 140mm frame with 120mm mounting holes
Using a round frame with the same hole-spacing as common 120mm fans and producing more airflow due to its larger diameter, the NF-P14r is a perfect upgrade for 120mm CPU or case fans.
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Pressure-optimised Nine-Blade Design
Specifically developed for high-impedance applications such as CPU coolers, water-cooling radiators or cases with tight fan grills, the NF-P14's nine-blade impeller provides outstanding pressure and airflow performance.
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Vortex-Control Notches
Noctua's signature Vortex-Control Notches split up trailing edge vortices and thus spread the fan's noise emission over a wider range of frequencies. This measure makes the fan sound more pleasant to the human ear.
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Custom-designed PWM IC with SCD
Supporting fully automatic speed control via PWM, the fan uses Noctua's custom-designed NE-FD1 PWM IC that integrates Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology. By providing smoother torque impulses, SCD suppresses PWM switching noises and thus makes the fan quieter at lower speeds.
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Stops at 0% PWM
When the fan is set to 0% PWM duty cycle by the motherboard or PWM fan controller, it will stop. This makes it ideal for creating setups with semi-passive cooling that automatically turn the fans off and thus run completely silent at idle if thermals allow.
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SSO-Bearing
Combining the proven concept of hydrodynamic bearings with an additional magnet that supports the self-stabilisation of the rotor axis, Noctua's time-tested SSO-Bearing technology has become synonymous with supremely quiet operation and exceptional long-term stability.
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Optional accessories
Users can choose from Noctua's wide range of optional accessories such as anti-vibration mounts, Low-Noise-Adaptors, y-cables, 3:4 pin adaptors or extension cables to upgrade redux edition fans according to their individual needs.
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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 redux edition models feature an MTTF rating of more than 150.000 hours and come with a full 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.
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Size
140x140x25 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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Rotational speed (+/- 10%)
1500 RPM
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Min. rotational speed (PWM, +/-20%)
450 RPM
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Acoustical noise
25,8 dB(A)
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Static pressure
1,91 mm H₂O
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Max. input power
2,4 W
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Max. input current
0,2 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-P14r redux-1500 PWM Review
La gamme Redux de Noctua, qui n'est plus toute jeune puisqu'elle a vu le jour courant 2014, nous permet de profiter du meilleur de Noctua sans payer le prix souvent assez lourd d'un modèle complet. La marque autrichienne propose ses best-sellers dans une livrée grise cette fois et dépourvus de tout accessoire en bundle. Par contre, les performances de chaque modèle ne sont pas amputées pour notre plus grand bonheur. Nous profiterons donc de tout le savoir-faire de la marque à un prix plus accessible, même s'il reste conséquent. La presque totalité des références reste compatible avec les produits Chromax si vous avez besoin de patins antivibrations par exemple. Si vous avez besoin de changer un ventilateur vieillissant, vous devriez votre bonheur parmi les 13 modèles allant de 80 mm à 140 mm. Nous regrettons simplement l'absence de l'excellent NF-P12 dans cette série. Affichés généralement avec un prix 25% inférieur aux modèles complets, les Redux de Noctua sont une bonne alternative si vous n'avez pas l'utilité de toutes les fioritures du bundle.
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Test verdict: "Nous ne pouvons que recommander cette gamme si vous cherchez l'essentiel d'un bon Noctua, la couleur beige en moins !" (Thierry Comtesse, Le Comptoir du Hardware)
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NF-P14r redux-1500 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-P14r redux-1500 PWM Review
The redux fan series is Noctua’s answer to system builders who have been demanding options of a more affordable and alternately colored fan. Packaging has been streamlined compared to the regular retail version but the build quality is still excellent and top notch despite the lower price. Most users can live without the extra accessories as most fans available in the market come just as bare anyway. The color choice is excellent with contrasting two-tone grays that still look unmistakably Noctua while fitting in and standing out at the same time inside a system.
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Test verdict: "Overall, Noctua’s redux fans easily stand-out from the rest of the market because of their high build quality and new sexy gray color scheme. Utilizing proven Noctua technology offered at a lower price point with the same long warranty as the current Noctua retail crop, the redux series is a must-have for those looking for silent cooling solutions." (Ron Perillo, Modders-Inc.com)
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NF-P14r redux-1500 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-P14r redux-1500 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-P14r redux-1500 PWM Review
Noctua has knocked down the prices of their classic fans, changed their colors, and moved from a full course meal to an a la carte menu for their accessories. The price reduction should open up a new part of the market, the new colors will stop turning off purchasers who hate the old colors, and having the accessories available separately will allow people to buy what they need.
These are good fans. That NF-S12B is a surprisingly good fan. It was right up with the NF-P12 in pushing through the radiator. It helps that these fans are now not only price-competitive with comparable fans, they beat most of them with their reasonable prices. And let us not forget: all of the packaging is easy on the environment. It is all completely recyclable. If you have bought a heatsink from Noctua, you know it is a tradition for them. Now we see it in their fans. Good job!
The biggest pent-up demand is probably in the NF-P14s redux. The NF-P14s redux is just what many users have been asking for: a square-framed 140mm Noctua fan that can really blow through a case, do it quietly, and look great so you can show it off.
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Test verdict: "A new styling theme, excellent performance and a refined accessories kit allows the Noctua redux series to pick up our prestigious gold award." (Ed Hume, Vortez.net)
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NF-P14r redux-1500 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-P14r redux-1500 PWM Review
En las pruebas realizadas encontramos un rendimiento elevado en cada uno de estos ventiladores como ya nos tiene acostumbrado Noctua, manteniendo un nivel muy bajo de ruido en sus productos y brindando un performance elevado en el caudal de aire y presión estática en todas sus presentaciones evaluadas, tanto en 140 / 120 / 92 /80 mm. Un abanico de opciones brinda el fabricante con estos productos ya que encontramos velocidades que van desde los 700 rpm hasta los 1800 rpm en variadas medidas dejando al consumidor final la decisión de que producto elegir.
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Test verdict: "Noctua ha dado un paso importante en cuanto a diseño y estética con la serie de ventiladores Redux, rompiendo con el color marrón claro característicos por tantos años. Actualizando a las nuevas tendencias en sus colores y ofreciendo un precio relativamente mas accesible que sus antecesores sin incluir tantos extras en accesorios para llegar al mercado con un precio mas competitivo." (Carlos Quiroga, MaximaReview.com)
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NF-P14r redux-1500 PWM Review
Como decíamos al inicio de este análisis, Noctua comenzó sus andadas con una potente especialización en el ámbito de ventiladores el cual ha llevado con el paso de los años a convertirse en líder indiscutible en desarrollo de la tecnología propia de estos componentes desmarcándose de la práctica totalidad de competidores del sector y ofreciendo probablemente una de las mejores opciones de ventilación activa para cualquier chasis, Radiadores de RL o Disipadores de CPU.
Siempre ha habido algo que ‘rechinaba’ en Noctua y era las escasas opciones de color disponibles de sus ventiladores, cuestión que han corregido, ofreciendo colores más neutros y de fácil combinación con cualquier setup.
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Test verdict: "Dada la calidad de los materiales, eficiencia demostrada, caudal de aire que mueven, tecnología incorporada y neutralidad del color, le otorgamos nuestro award platino." (Miguel Ángel Garcia, PCPRO.es)
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NF-P14r redux-1500 PWM Review
Each of the fans comes with mounting screws and is extremely simple to install.
I installed each Redux fan in my test system then put them through their paces running the Witcher 3 at maximum settings on a GTX 1080Ti at 4K.
The fans each remained whisper quiet even under full load, which is great news for hardcore gamers.
But if you’re more of a casual gamer, and mainly use your PC for work or surfing the internet, you’ll barely notice these fans are on.
This makes them a perfect choice for mini-ITX builds or a rig you’ve designed to sit under your TV in the living room.
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Test verdict: "If you’re building a gaming PC, first make sure you don’t overlook cooling, second make sure you consider Noctua’s excellent line up. Recommended." (Chris Sealey, Building a Gaming PC)
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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
Which Noctua 140mm fans are optimised for airflow, which are optimised for static pressure?
I'm experiencing fan speed issues with my motherboard from Supermicro, what can I do?
My Noctua PWM fan runs at a much higher minimum speed than advertised, what is wrong?
My Noctua PWM fan starts to spin when the PC boots but then stops, what is wrong?
I get a CPU fan error despite the fan is running!
How much torque should be used for fan screws?
Can I use Noctua fans in my system from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands?
How can I check if my 4-pin fan header supports PWM?
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 run 4-pin PWM fans on 3-pin fan headers?
Can I disassemble my fan for cleaning (or other purposes, e.g. painting)?
Can Noctua fans be used to replace noisy stock fans in NAS devices?
Can Noctua fans be used to replace noisy stock fans in switches, routers or other network devices?
How can I find out the direction of airflow and sense of rotation?
Can I paint my Noctua fan in order to change its color?
Which Noctua fan or CPU cooler should I buy? How to choose the right model?
Which Noctua 140mm fans are optimised for airflow, which are optimised for static pressure?
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.
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.
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.
I get a CPU fan error despite the fan is running!
Where can I find a technical documentation and specifications of the PWM speed control system of Noctua’s fans?
How much torque should be used for fan screws?
Can I use Noctua fans in my system from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands?
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 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 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).

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 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 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.
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