- Review -
NF-A12x25 G2 LS-PWM,NF-A12x25 G2 PWM,NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP
It’s true. Technically, Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 picks up the baton seamlessly and may well represent a new “gold standard” (replacing the NF-A12x25 G1) for 120 mm fans. Noctua’s rivalry with Phanteks is partially over – airflow through thicker radiators is consistently higher with the NF-A12x25 G2 compared to the T30 (with its wider, less compatible profile).
The new Noctua fan often wins even on a thinner radiator, and at the lowest noise level, the lead is quite substantial – 12%. This refers to the airflow pushed through the radiator by the fan, which scales with cooling performance. Since our tests are not distorted by external factors (which, in specific configurations – such as a particular cooler – include TDP), we can treat this figure as the maximum difference that may occur under these conditions.
We also observed a more significant generational leap in scenarios without obstacles, where static pressure is not a factor. The second generation of the NF-A12x25 PWM always outperforms its predecessor, thanks in part to a smaller hub and larger blades. The active cross-section of the fan is simply larger. Several factors contribute to the final result, including micro-optimizations and their application in the fan’s overall aerodynamic design. What matters is that even in this regard, the NF-A12x25 G2 shows clear improvement, as is evident in combination with dust filters.
Results with a nylon filter are excellent – for example, Phanteks loses by up to 21% in the “31 dBA” mode. Operation with a plastic filter is also highly efficient, though the NF-A12x25 G2 PWM does face competition with more attractive results here. Even so, Noctua’s fan remains at the very top, a trend that also holds true when paired with a hexagonal grille.
The new Noctua fan often wins even on a thinner radiator, and at the lowest noise level, the lead is quite substantial – 12%. This refers to the airflow pushed through the radiator by the fan, which scales with cooling performance. Since our tests are not distorted by external factors (which, in specific configurations – such as a particular cooler – include TDP), we can treat this figure as the maximum difference that may occur under these conditions.
We also observed a more significant generational leap in scenarios without obstacles, where static pressure is not a factor. The second generation of the NF-A12x25 PWM always outperforms its predecessor, thanks in part to a smaller hub and larger blades. The active cross-section of the fan is simply larger. Several factors contribute to the final result, including micro-optimizations and their application in the fan’s overall aerodynamic design. What matters is that even in this regard, the NF-A12x25 G2 shows clear improvement, as is evident in combination with dust filters.
Results with a nylon filter are excellent – for example, Phanteks loses by up to 21% in the “31 dBA” mode. Operation with a plastic filter is also highly efficient, though the NF-A12x25 G2 PWM does face competition with more attractive results here. Even so, Noctua’s fan remains at the very top, a trend that also holds true when paired with a hexagonal grille.
"The Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 (PWM) is the most efficient fan we’ve ever tested. It clearly outperforms its predecessor (NF-A12x25 “G1”), as well as the Phanteks T30 and all competing 120 mm fans in the extensive database we’ve built so far. The NF-A12x25 G2 consistently comes out on top, making it an uncompromising choice for the most demanding PC builds." (Ľubomír Samák, HWCooling.net)
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