Specifications and Features

 

Noctua NF-S12A 120MM Cooling Fan

The NF-S12A marks the third generation of Noctua’s signature S12 series quiet case fans, which have received more than 250 awards and recommendations from the international press. Featuring a further refined blade design with Anti-Stall Knobs that works in tandem with the new AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization) frame, the NF-S12A improves the airflow/noise efficiency of its renowned predecessor by up to 8%. The PWM version sports Noctua’s custom designed NE-FD1 IC for fully automatic speed control via 4-pin fan headers and comes with a Low-Noise-Adaptor to reduce the maximum speed during PWM control from 1200 to 900rpm. Its superb running smoothness, SSO2 bearing and Noctua’s trusted premium quality make it an elite choice for quiet case cooling.

Features:
Award-winning S12 design
The NF-S12A features the third evolution of Noctua’s classic Straight Blade Design that has earned its S12 series countless recommendations from hardware journalists and enthusiasts around the world. Further optimized for even better airflow/noise efficiency, it makes the NF-S12A an ideal quiet case fan.

Anti-Stall Knobs
The NF-S12A’s Anti-Stall Knobs reduce flow separation phenomena in medium to high impedance situations and thereby increase the fan’s stall margin. This means that the NF-S12A is even more versatile than its renowned predecessor and can achieve better performance on heatsinks and radiators.

AAO Frame
Noctua’s AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization) frames feature integrated anti-vibration pads as well as Noctua’s proprietary Stepped Inlet Design and Inner Surface Microstructures, both of which further refine the fan’s performance/noise efficiency.

Stepped Inlet Design
Noctua’s Stepped Inlet Design adds turbulence to the influx in order to facilitate the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow, which reduces tonal intake noise, improves flow attachment and increases suction capacity, especially in space restricted environments.

Inner Surface Microstructures
With the tips of the fan blades ploughing through the boundary layer created by the Inner Surface Microstructures, flow separation from the suction side of the blades is significantly suppressed, which results in reduced blade passing noise and improved airflow and pressure efficiency.

Integrated Anti-Vibration Pads
Integrated Anti-Vibration Pads made from extra-soft silicone minimize the transmission of minute vibrations while maintaining full compatibility with all standard screws and other mounting systems.

Custom designed PWM IC with SCD
Supporting fully automatic PWM speed control, the NF-S12A PWM uses Noctua’s novel, custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC that integrates Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology. By providing smoother torque impulses, SCD suppresses PWM switching noises and thus makes the fan quieter at low speeds.

Low-Noise Adaptor
The NF-S12A PWM is supplied with a Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.) that reduces the maximum fan speed from 1200 to 900rpm. The L.N.A can be used either to run the fan at a fixed speed of 900rpm or to cap the maximum speed when using automatic PWM control.

Extensive Cabling Options
The fan’s short 20cm primary cable minimizes cable clutter in typical applications while the supplied 30cm extension provides extended reach when necessary. Both cables are fully sleeved and a 4-pin y-cable allows to connect a second fan to the same PWM fan header for automatic control.

SSO2 Bearing
The NF-S12A features the further optimized second generation of Noctua’s renowned, time-tested SSO bearing. With SSO2, the rear magnet is placed closer to the axis to provide even better stabilization, precision and durability.

Metal bearing shell
In order to guarantee the highest possible degree of manufacturing precision, minimum tolerance and excellent long-term stability, the NF-S12A sports a CNC milled bearing shell made entirely from brass.

6 years manufacturer’s warranty
Noctua fans are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the NF-S12A features an MTBF rating of more than 150.000 hours and comes with a full 6 years manufacturer’s warranty.

Specs:

Size: 120x120x25 mm
Connector: 4-pin PWM
Bearing: SSO2
Blade Geometry: S-Series with Anti-Stall Knobs
Frame Technology: AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization)
Rotational Speed (+/- 10%): 1200 RPM
Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%): 900 RPM
Min. Rotational Speed (PWM): 300 RPM
Airflow: 107,5 m³/h
Airflow with L.N.A.: 83,2 m³/h
Acoustical Noise: 17,8 dB(A)
Acoustical Noise with L.N.A.: 10,7 dB(A)
Static Pressure: 1,19 mm H2O
Static Pressure with L.N.A.: 0,73 mm H2O
Max. Input Power: 1,44 W
Max. Input Current: 0,12 A
Voltage: 12 V
MTBF: > 150.000 h

Scope of Delivery:
-Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
-4-Pin Y-Cable
-30cm Extension Cable
-4 Vibration-Compensators
-4 Fan Screws

Warranty: 6 years

Price: $22.90  (from Amazon at time of review)