- Review -

22.04.2013 [blank]’s Universe

The NF-S12As set up in a push-pull configuration at 1200RPM with the FLX and PWM fans did marginally better than the stock Corsair fans that came with the H80 running at 1500RPM. The Corsair fan can run at 2500RPM and improves performance significantly but the noise output was too high to be considered usable in normal situations without being bothersome. Temperatures at idle were extremely close and temperatures under load were close as well. The Noctua fans were significantly quieter while running at a higher speed than fans such as the BitFenix Spectre and Fractal Silent series fans. It should also be noted that the Corsair fans are pressure optimized and designed for use with radiators while the Noctua NF-S12As were designed for case ventilation or situations with low air impedance. The Noctua NF-S12A fans are $22.99 at our local NCIX retailer and they sit in the pricier part of the spectrum. They provide the premium feel and performance you should expect for such an expensive product. Noctua has incorporated many enhancements and features into the fan, right down to the sticker in the middle, which isn't a sticker at all, but a metal badge. There is a lot of detail put into manufacturing a Noctua fan and it shows in its performance. Noctua backs up their fans with a 6-year warranty, showing that they are designed to last a very long time. Noctua has clearly put years of development onto these fans, which sets them apart from many other fan manufacturers. Many people complain about the high price, but I feel that the price is justified considering all the money spent on technology and research that was put into these fans.

"Noctua fans would be my first choice when selecting a fan for my computer if I could overlook price. They provide amazing performance and ultra low noise compared to many other fans." (Martin Tam, [blank]'s Universe)