Noctua NF-F12 PWM
Noctua sells a number of different fans, several of which are reviewed here, starting with the NF-F12 PWM. The F12 was released at about the same time that Noctua released its other fans in PWM versions.
Here is Noctua’s press release:
Vienna, November 9th 2011 - Noctua today introduced the new NF-F12 120mm Focused Flow™ fan. Teaming up eleven stator guide vanes with a specially conceived seven blade impeller, the NF-F12’s Focused Flow™ system creates outstanding static pressure and focuses the airflow for superior performance on heatsinks and radiators. At the same time, a wide range of advanced aerodynamic design measures, second generation SSO-Bearings and Noctua’s new, custom designed PWM IC for fully automatic control guarantee astounding quietness of operation.
"Our award-winning NF-P12 has become a standard choice for pressure demanding applications such as CPU coolers and radiators, but we’ve been striving to achieve even better performance in this domain, and this is how the NF-F12 was born", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. ''Due to the stator guide vanes focussing the airflow, it can push the air through dense fin stacks more effectively. This type of design has mostly been used for noisy high speed fans so far, so our engineers have put a lot of thought into keeping the noise in check."
The NF-F12 uses a wide range of aerodynamic optimisations in order to refine the fan’s acoustic qualities. For example, the NF-F12’s stator guide vanes are set out in Varying Angular Distance and feature Vortex-Control Notches. Both measures help to spread the noise emission over a broader frequency spectrum and thus make the fan’s sound pattern more agreeable to the human ear. Another novel measure introduced with the NF-F12 is the Stepped Inlet Design, which adds turbulence to the influx in order to facilitate the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow. This measure reduces tonal intake noise, improves flow attachment and increases suction capacity, especially in space restricted environments.
In addition to its advanced aerodynamic features, the NF-F12 is the first fan to implement the further optimised second generation of Noctua’s renowned, time-tested SSO bearing as well as the novel, custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC for fully automatic PWM speed control. The NE-FD1 integrates Noctua’s Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology for quieter operation and allows for ultra-low power consumption: Drawing only 0.6W, the NF-F12 consumes more than 50% less than many fans in the same speed range. This doesn’t only make it eco-friendly but also cuts down the electricity bill.
Last but not least, the NF-F12 comes with modular cabling, integrated anti-vibration pads and two speed settings for full flexibility. Its commanding performance, exhaustive set of features and Noctua’s trusted premium quality make it an elite choice for use on air coolers, radiators and other pressure demanding applications.
"Our award-winning NF-P12 has become a standard choice for pressure demanding applications such as CPU coolers and radiators, but we’ve been striving to achieve even better performance in this domain, and this is how the NF-F12 was born", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. ''Due to the stator guide vanes focussing the airflow, it can push the air through dense fin stacks more effectively. This type of design has mostly been used for noisy high speed fans so far, so our engineers have put a lot of thought into keeping the noise in check."
The NF-F12 uses a wide range of aerodynamic optimisations in order to refine the fan’s acoustic qualities. For example, the NF-F12’s stator guide vanes are set out in Varying Angular Distance and feature Vortex-Control Notches. Both measures help to spread the noise emission over a broader frequency spectrum and thus make the fan’s sound pattern more agreeable to the human ear. Another novel measure introduced with the NF-F12 is the Stepped Inlet Design, which adds turbulence to the influx in order to facilitate the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow. This measure reduces tonal intake noise, improves flow attachment and increases suction capacity, especially in space restricted environments.
In addition to its advanced aerodynamic features, the NF-F12 is the first fan to implement the further optimised second generation of Noctua’s renowned, time-tested SSO bearing as well as the novel, custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC for fully automatic PWM speed control. The NE-FD1 integrates Noctua’s Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology for quieter operation and allows for ultra-low power consumption: Drawing only 0.6W, the NF-F12 consumes more than 50% less than many fans in the same speed range. This doesn’t only make it eco-friendly but also cuts down the electricity bill.
Last but not least, the NF-F12 comes with modular cabling, integrated anti-vibration pads and two speed settings for full flexibility. Its commanding performance, exhaustive set of features and Noctua’s trusted premium quality make it an elite choice for use on air coolers, radiators and other pressure demanding applications.
The stators are placed in a non-regular array, with varying angles between the vanes. According to Noctua, this reduces sharp peaks in the noise produced by the fan. They have a graph that shows the effect here.
From another press release:
The new PWM versions build on the proven designs and feature Noctua's novel NE-FD1 IC for fully automatic control and ultra-low power consumption.
"Our customers have been asking us for PWM versions of our fans for a long time, but the available PWM fan driver ICs simply weren't up to our quality standards", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. "With our NE-FD1, we've now got our custom-designed IC that allows us to build PWM fans that consume less power and remain quieter at low speeds."
Most conventional PWM fan driver ICs put out square signals that cause sudden torque impulses. These impulses can cause minute deformations of the entire fan structure which lead to audible "clicking" noises that are especially noticeable with many common PWM fans running at slower speeds. Adopting Noctua's Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology, the custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC slows down the slew rate of the output signal in order to give a smoother, less sudden torque impulse. This way, PWM switching noises can be effectively suppressed and the fan runs even quieter, especially at low speeds.
Noctua's NE-FD1 IC was not only fine-tuned for superior quietness, it has also been carefully optimised to allow for ultra-low power consumption. As a result, the new PWM models consume 25-40% less power than their non-PWM counterparts.
"Our customers have been asking us for PWM versions of our fans for a long time, but the available PWM fan driver ICs simply weren't up to our quality standards", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. "With our NE-FD1, we've now got our custom-designed IC that allows us to build PWM fans that consume less power and remain quieter at low speeds."
Most conventional PWM fan driver ICs put out square signals that cause sudden torque impulses. These impulses can cause minute deformations of the entire fan structure which lead to audible "clicking" noises that are especially noticeable with many common PWM fans running at slower speeds. Adopting Noctua's Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology, the custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC slows down the slew rate of the output signal in order to give a smoother, less sudden torque impulse. This way, PWM switching noises can be effectively suppressed and the fan runs even quieter, especially at low speeds.
Noctua's NE-FD1 IC was not only fine-tuned for superior quietness, it has also been carefully optimised to allow for ultra-low power consumption. As a result, the new PWM models consume 25-40% less power than their non-PWM counterparts.
Product Page: Here
Careful listening did not reveal any clicking at all on this fan at any speed, at any PWM duty or at any Voltage. The Noctua engineers clearly achieved their objectives. The total absence of clicking in PWM fans is unique to Noctua.
To repeat: There was no clicking at all on this fan at any speed, at any Voltage.
Another thing: the speed of all Noctua PWM fans goes to zero when the PWM duty is zero. And as far as imprecise equipment could ascertain, the speed increased more or less in proportion to the PWM duty. This is also unique to Noctua fans.
Note that all eight corners of the frame are fitted into soft silicon gloves to attenuate any vibrations. The plastic case that slips into the box also contains the 4-pin Low Noise Adapter, or LNA as noted above, and four soft vibration isolators. These are only 26mm (an inch) long, so they cannot be pulled through from the other side of the fan. You must have access to the fan’s corners to use them.
The fan also contains a 4-pin Y-cable that allows two PWM fans to connect to a fan header, yet avoid confusing the motherboard because it reports only one fan’s speed. To avoid cord entanglements, the fan’s power cable is only eight inches (200mm) long, but there is a foot-long (300mm) 4-pin extension cable.
In case you missed it, Noctua intends this fan to be used on radiators in addition to heatsink coolers. The fan comes with a six year warranty. Users who have had trouble with their fans report on various forums that Noctua’s customer service has responded quickly and sent replacement fans at no charge, postpaid. Fan provided by Noctua.
Noctua NF-P12 and NF-P12 PWM
Above: NF-P12 on the left, NF-P12 PWM on the right. No changes but the circuits.
The P12 was for a long time Noctua’s go-to 120mm fan for their various heatsinks. Reasonably quiet, it performed fairly well. But it was a Voltage-controlled fan. To assist buyers in fan control they supplied a Low Noise Adapter (LNA) and an Ultra Low Noise Adapter (ULNA) with their fans so people did not need to buy fan controllers. But this did not address the users who wanted the higher speeds only when their computers were working hard. Then . . .
We will let Noctua speak for themselves:
Vienna, November 30th 2011 - Enlarging its portfolio of premium quality quiet fans, Noctua today announced PWM versions of its renowned NF-P12, NF-B9 and NF-R8 fans. Having received more than hundred awards and recommendations from the international press, the classic NF-P12, NF-B9 and NF-R8 fans helped to found Noctua’s reputation as a top-tier manufacturer of premium grade quiet cooling components. The new PWM versions build on the proven designs and feature Noctua’s novel NE-FD1 IC for fully automatic control and ultra-low power consumption.
“Our customers have been asking us for PWM versions of our fans for a long time, but the available PWM fan driver ICs simply weren’t up to our quality standards”, explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. “With our NE-FD1, we’ve now got our custom-designed IC that allows us to build PWM fans that consume less power and remain quieter at low speeds.”
Most conventional PWM fan driver ICs put out square signals that cause sudden torque impulses. These impulses can cause minute deformations of the entire fan structure which lead to audible “clicking” noises that are especially noticeable with many common PWM fans running at slower speeds. Adopting Noctua’s Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology, the custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC slows down the slew rate of the output signal in order to give a smoother, less sudden torque impulse. This way, PWM switching noises can be effectively suppressed and the fan runs even quieter, especially at low speeds.
Noctua’s NE-FD1 IC was not only fine-tuned for superior quietness, it has also been carefully optimized to allow for ultra-low power consumption. As a result, the new PWM models consume 25-40% less power than their non-PWM counterparts.
All models come with Low-Noise Adaptors, 30cm cable extensions and 4-pin Y-cables that allow to connect a second PWM fan to the same fan header for automatic control. Equipped with Noctua’s signature SSO bearing and topped off with a 6 years manufacturer’s warranty, the NF-P12 PWM, NF-B9 PWM and NF-R8 PWM are a proven premium choice for the highest demands.
“Our customers have been asking us for PWM versions of our fans for a long time, but the available PWM fan driver ICs simply weren’t up to our quality standards”, explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. “With our NE-FD1, we’ve now got our custom-designed IC that allows us to build PWM fans that consume less power and remain quieter at low speeds.”
Most conventional PWM fan driver ICs put out square signals that cause sudden torque impulses. These impulses can cause minute deformations of the entire fan structure which lead to audible “clicking” noises that are especially noticeable with many common PWM fans running at slower speeds. Adopting Noctua’s Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology, the custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC slows down the slew rate of the output signal in order to give a smoother, less sudden torque impulse. This way, PWM switching noises can be effectively suppressed and the fan runs even quieter, especially at low speeds.
Noctua’s NE-FD1 IC was not only fine-tuned for superior quietness, it has also been carefully optimized to allow for ultra-low power consumption. As a result, the new PWM models consume 25-40% less power than their non-PWM counterparts.
All models come with Low-Noise Adaptors, 30cm cable extensions and 4-pin Y-cables that allow to connect a second PWM fan to the same fan header for automatic control. Equipped with Noctua’s signature SSO bearing and topped off with a 6 years manufacturer’s warranty, the NF-P12 PWM, NF-B9 PWM and NF-R8 PWM are a proven premium choice for the highest demands.
Essentially Noctua replaced the IC (integrated circuit) of their fans, with no other changes. Thus you do not see the ‘SSO2’ bearings of the NF-F12 in these fans.
NF-P12 Product Page: Here
NF-P12 PWM Product Page: Here
Careful listening did not reveal any clicking at all on the PWM fan at any speed, at any Voltage. The Noctua engineers clearly achieved their objectives. The total absence of clicking in PWM fans is unique to Noctua.
To repeat: There was no clicking at all on the NF-P12 PWM at any speed, at any Voltage.
Another thing: the speed of all Noctua PWM fans goes to zero when the PWM duty is zero. And as far as imprecise equipment could ascertain, the speed increased more or less in proportion to the PWM duty. This is also unique to Noctua fans.
All cables are handsomely sleeved. The LNA for the P12 is not the same as the LNA for the F12. The PWM fan also comes with a 4-pin Y-cable that allows two PWM fans to connect to a fan header, yet avoid confusing the motherboard because it reports only one fan’s speed. To avoid cord entanglements, the fan’s power cable is only eight inches (200mm) long, but there is a foot long (300mm) 4-pin extension cable.
For both the original and the PWM P12’s, the plastic case that slips into the box also contains four soft vibration isolators. These are only 26mm (an inch) long, so they cannot be pulled through from the other side of the fan. You must have access to the fan’s corners to use them. The non-PWM P12 includes a Molex to 3-pin adapter.
As usual for Noctua, the fans come with a six-year warranty. Users who have had trouble with their fans report on various forums that Noctua’s customer service has responded quickly and sent replacement fans at no charge, postpaid. The NF-P12 PWM was provided by Noctua.
