Noctua NF-A14 ULN, NF-A14 FLX and NF-A15 PWM Fan Review
1. Features, specs
Today we have in our labs Noctua's new NF-A14 and NF-A15 140mm fans. The new fans have been designed to replace the popular NF-P14 fans, which have been the choice of PC enthusiasts.
Compared to the NF-P14, the new fans have been aerodynamically optimized to provide higher static pressure and a better airflow/noise ratio. Noctua' NF-A14 series includes the NF-A14 FLX (flexible) and the NF-A14 ULN models. Both 140mm fans have the same size (140x140x25 mm) and square frame design.
The FLX version is provides 1200, 1050 and 900 rpm speed settings via the supplied Low-Noise and Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptors, offering more options for fine-tuning for superior airflow or maximum quietness.
The ULX version is providing 800 and 650 rpm speed settings via the supplied adaptor, meaning it's tailor made for silent enthusiasts who demand quietness of operation.
The third fan we present today is the Noctua NF-A15 PWM, an 140mm fan sized at 140x150x25 mm - 10mm wider than the NF-A14 series - with a round frame designed for use on today’s high-end CPU coolers. The cooler features standard 120mm mounting holes (105mm spacing) allowing for a performance upgrade for 120mm case or CPU fans.
The NF-A15 PWM fan supports the automatic PWM speed control and it 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. In addition, the NF-A15 PWM uses Noctua’s custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC that integrates Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology. The IC is said to provide smoother torque impulses suppressesing PWM switching noises and thus makes the fan quieter at low speeds.
All three coolers comply with Noctua’s AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization) standard, they feature Noctua's aerodynamic design measures such as Flow Acceleration Channels, and SSO2 bearing.
- Features
NF-P14 FLX | NF-P14 ULN | NF-A15 PWM | ||
Noctua’s NF-P14 fan has become a default-choice among PC enthusiasts. Thanks to its thoroughgoing aerodynamic optimizations, the NF-A15/14 provides higher static pressure and an even better airflow/noise ratio than their predecessors. | ||||
The NF-A14 (FLX & ULN) square 140mm frame with 140mm mounting holes (124.5mm spacing) makes it a replacement for common 140mm case fans and perfect for use on 140mm water cooling radiators, where its square shape will ensure full coverage and best pressure performance. |
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The NF-A15 is tailor-made for use on today’s high-end CPU coolers: While its 150mm width matches those of most high-end heat sinks, its 140mm height doesn’t make it extend on top and thus ensures case compatibility. The NF-A15’s standard 120mm mounting holes (105mm spacing) also make it a great performance upgrade for 120mm case or CPU fans. | ||||
The NF-A14/A15 impeller features suction side Flow Acceleration Channels. By speeding up the airflow at the crucial outer blade regions, this measure reduces suction side flow separation and thus leads to better efficiency and lower vortex noise. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. | ||||
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The fans feature the optimized second generation of Octal’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. | ||||
In order to guarantee the highest possible degree of manufacturing precision, minimum tolerance and excellent long-term stability, the NF-A12/A15 sport a CNC milled bearing shell made entirely from brass. | ||||
Providing 1200, 1050 and 900 rpm speed settings via the supplied Low-Noise and Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptors, the NF-A14 FLX (Flexibility) can be fine-tuned for superior airflow or maximum quietness. | ||||
Providing 800 and 650 rpm speed settings via the supplied adaptor, the ULN (Ultra-Low-Noise) version is tailor made for serious silent enthusiasts who demand super-slow running speeds and utmost quietness of operation. | ||||
Supporting fully automatic PWM speed control, the NF-A15 PWM uses Octal’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. | ||||
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The latest version of Noctua’s advanced Smooth Commutation Drive system ensures running smoothness by eliminating torque variations and switching noises. This makes the NF-A14 remarkably quiet even at very close distance. | ||||
The NF-A14 FLX consumes only 0.96W of power, which amounts to a reduction of about 20% as compared to its predecessor. | The NF-A14 ULN consumes only 0.48W of power. | The NF-A15 PWM consumes only 0.96W of power, which amounts to a reduction of about 20% as compared to its predecessor. |
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The fans' short 20cm primary cables minimize cable clutter in typical applications while the supplied 30cm extensions provide extended reach when necessary. All cables are fully sleeved and the supplied 3:4 pin adaptors allows to connect the fans directly to the power supplies. | 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 NF-A15 PWM fan to the same PWM fan header for automatic control. |
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Like all Noctua fans, the NF-A/14A15 features an MTBF of more than 150.000 hours rating and come with a full 6 years manufacturer’s warranty. |
Specifications
NF-A14 FLX | NF-A14 ULN | NF-A15 PWM | |
Size | 140x140x25 mm |
140x150x25 mm | |
Connector | 3-pin |
4-pin PWM | |
Bearing | |||
Blade Geometry | A-Series with Flow Acceleration Channels |
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Frame Technology | |||
Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) | 1200 RPM |
800 RPM |
1200 RPM |
Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%) | 1050 RPM |
650 RPM |
900 RPM |
Rotational Speed with U.L.N.A. (+/- 10%) | 900 RPM |
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Min. Rotational Speed (PWM) | - |
300 RPM |
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Airflow | 115,5 m³/h |
79,8 m³/h |
115,5 m³/h |
Airflow with L.N.A. | 101,9 m³/h |
66,4 m³/h |
88,7 m³/h |
Airflow with U.L.N.A. | 88,7 m³/h |
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Acoustical Noise | 19,2 dB(A) |
11,9 dB(A) |
19,2 dB(A) |
Acoustical Noise with L.N.A. | 16,4 dB(A) |
9,1 dB(A) |
13,8 dB(A) |
Acoustical Noise with U.L.N.A. | 13,8 dB(A) |
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Static Pressure | 1,51 mm H2O |
0,69 mm H2O |
1,51 mm H2O |
Static Pressure with L.N.A. | 1,18 mm H2O |
0,42 mm H2O |
0,89 mm H2O |
Static Pressure with U.L.N.A. | 0,89 mm H2O |
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Max. Input Power | 0,96 W |
0,48 W |
0,96 W |
Max. Input Current | 0,08 A |
0,04 A |
0,08 A |
Voltage | 12 V |
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MTBF | > 150.000 h |
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Scope of Delivery |
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Warranty | 6 years |