- Review -

16.02.2012 Tech-Kings.net

The fans were tested in an isolated box by use of a long fan cable extension to eliminate the noise from other system fans. Until we obtain a more accurate decibel-meter, we'll have to make comparisons based upon a subjective comparison. At the lowest operational speed, the NF-F12 PWM is really as close to silent as you could ask for in a fan. In a passive system that needs a bit of an airflow boost, the NF-F12 PWM would be a great choice, as its combination of ultra-quiet operation and focused airflow should do the trick nicely. With the fan at its maximum speed, from 5 feet away the noise is barely audible as the faintest whisper, and it's not until you listen immediately next to the fan that the constant noise is easily heard. The perceived difference between the NF-F12 PWM and past Noctua fans we've covered is essentially negligible, and the stator vanes don't seem to add any noticeable noise. The forward static pressure definitely appears to benefit from the stator guide vanes of the Focused Flow system, as it feels much more directed, as was intended. The difference is especially noticeable at a distance ~5 feet where the airflow is much more constant and less fleeting than other fans which feel very "whispy" and faint. The static pressure feels great, and as an ultra-quiet heatsink fan solution, the NF-F12 PWM seems like a fantastic choice to really drive air through the heatsink or radiator fins without being obtrusively loud.

"Noctua has a tough game to play with itself as they've continually set a very solid standard with their previous case fans, so how do they make them better and maybe a bit different? Well, one answer to that is the NF-F12 PWM, which takes their proven technologies, and tailors it to a specific purpose with another added piece of technology, the stator guide vanes. The NF-F12 PWM maintains the ultra-quiet operation you'd expect from Noctua's high-end fans, but really dials up the static pressure necessary for ideal heatsink operation. Noctua's use of advanced aerodynamic design continues to pay off, as does their high quality SSO2 bearings, which ensure long lifetimes." (Evan Hiner, Tech-Kings.net)