Is the Noctua NF-F12 actually good as a radiator fan?

PC_NOOB_ · Feb 5, 2016

I've been looking around and cant seem to find a confirmed answer. Some people say that they are loud, others their next to silent. I want fans that are quiet when they are at higher rpm but still have good cooling performance. I live in Australia so the fans are almost always running at 80% or more.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

huvik · Feb 5, 2016

I have the NF-F12. currently using as a case fan. they are indeed very very quiet fans. I recommend them highly.

PC_NOOB_ · Feb 5, 2016

huvik :

Do you think they would be good as a radiator fan on a water cooling loop?

Darkbreeze · Feb 5, 2016

Which NF-F12 fan are you considering? There are six industrial models and an NF-F12 PWM model.

PC_NOOB_ · Feb 5, 2016

Darkbreeze :

the old tan and crappy brown colour

Darkbreeze · Feb 5, 2016

That would be the NF-F12 PWM. The industrial models are all black.

That unit has a 2.61 H20 static pressure, which is pretty good. Excellent actually. It has fairly low noise levels as well. Should be fine for use as a heatsink fan or on radiators. In fact, Noctua specifically specifies "elite choice for use on air coolers, radiators and other pressure demanding applications."

It also has an SS02 bearing, so it should have long life and shouldn't complain about being in any orientation like some sleeve bearing fans do.

By comparison, the SP120 fans used on many Corsair radiators are about 3.1 H20, on paper, actually testing has shown them to be closer to 2.8, and are MUCH louder than the Noctua fans, by about 10db.

Darkbreeze · Feb 5, 2016

What radiator are you planning to use these on? A custom loop or an AIO unit?

PC_NOOB_ · Feb 5, 2016

Darkbreeze :

im using an H100i

Darkbreeze · Feb 5, 2016

I'd recommend these which are PWM, have 3.94 H20 static pressure, a full 1.33 H20 more than the NF-F12 PWM model and .94 higher than the SP 120's, and are only about 4db louder at max speed than the brown NF-F12 PWM model. These are very high quality fans and look like they are the same price as the lower static pressure Noctua model on PCCasegear.

https://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=27865&cPath=413

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Is the Noctua NF-F12 actually good as a radiator fan?

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