- Review -

10.05.2014 Hardware-360

NF-A4x10 5V,NF-A8 FLX,NF-A8 PWM,NF-A8 ULN

Stock performance shows a 3 degree drop with the A9 fans on heatsink use and up to 2 degrees under FPU only loads. Noise performance is superior in the NF-A9, despite the higher RPM with a smoother PWM operation and lesser high pitched noises across various speeds. The extra padded corners also help in giving extra space when positioned in a pull position minimizing noise. Ultimately each fan size has its own application depending on the chassis or heatsink applied to, although the smaller A4 5V fan is more suitable for storage cooling but will not look out of place as a chipset or spot cooler as well, especially the 12V version for added flexibility. The 92mm and 80mm A9 and A8 have a very balanced performance as both heatsink fans or case fans with their wide fan blade and excellent static pressure performance. The further lowered noise compared to the B9 and R8 series is a welcome change because the original fans were not particularly troublesome at all when it came to noise either. The integrated padded corners also work very well for noise dampening, especially when positioned as a “pull” fan since there is an added space that minimizes high pitched noises typically present in high-RPM performance fans when placed in this position.

"As with all Noctua fans, they come with premium pricing as they come in premium packaging and feature set so they are not easily affordable. The good thing is that the 6-year warranty found on larger Noctua fans also apply to the A9, A8 and A4 series, as well as the premium accessories that come out of the box." (Ron Perillo, Hardware-360)