Out of the packaging it's unmistakeably Noctua and has quite a standard looking 7 blade fan design. The 4-pin cable is nicely protected in a rubberised braid which should go some way to protecting it from snags and bumps during install. The only feature that really stands out over Noctua fans I've previously reviewed are the rubber mounts adorning the eight corners of the frame.



The rear certainly looks quite different with the focus flow frame which sports 11 stator guide vanes.



Up close you can see the angled faces that straighten and focus the airflow into a column as well as the vortex control notches which help control noise levels. Specifically the notches work by generating varying pressure pulses all around the circumference of the fan's frame as the fan blade passes over. This variation helps spread the noise frequencies over a larger range rather than standard designs which generate the same frequency all the way round and thus create a more noticeable and intrusive sound signature.



Going by the blurb under this label is the 2nd generation of Noctua's SSO bearing. It's magnetically stabilised design should offer greater longevity due to the added precision and control offered by the assembly.



Here you can see the silicone pads. They are held in place by the two pins you can see as well as the outer edge of the rubber pad that slips over the outer edge of the frame.



As a result of the simple construction and fitting they are easily removed allowing completely standard fitment of the fan. I'd imagine with certain cases and heatsink fitment designs this will be a godsend.