Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 fans
1. Introduction
Noctua recently announced a new series of 120mm fans, the NF-A12x25 G2. Noctua, based upon the NF-A12x25, introduces a refined blade geometry and a novel motor design, leading to a significant boost in performance-to-noise efficiency. That allows the NF-A12x25 G2 to achieve very good results across various applications, including water cooling radiators, heatsinks, and case fan setups.
“The first-generation NF-A12x25 set a new benchmark for 120mm fans and has become one of the most successful Noctua fans of all time, so we’re excited to be able to offer another significant performance boost over this renowned model,” says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “Using the same motor and aerodynamic design approach as the 14cm G2 model, the new NF-A12x25 G2 has been further refined in virtually all respects, which enables it to further push the envelope in terms of performance-to-noise efficiency.“
The NF-A12x25 G2 is the second-generation, further improved successor to the groundbreaking NF-A12x25 and 120mm sister model to the award-winning 140mm NF-A14x25 G2: Like its much-acclaimed predecessor, it is made from Sterrox LCP and features an extremely tight tip-clearance of only 0.5mm. At the same time, its further optimised Progressive Bend impeller with winglets, Flow Acceleration Channels and the new Centrifugal Turbulator Hub enable the G2 version to surpass the original NF-A12x25’s performance, making it Noctua’s undisputed new flagship in the 120mm range.
Just like its predecessor and the 140mm version, the NF-A12x25 G2 is a true all-rounder that yields superb results in all types of usage, regardless of whether it’s in low-impedance, airflow-oriented applications such as case cooling, or high-impedance, static pressure demanding scenarios such as on heatsinks and water cooling radiators. For application-specific optimisation, the NF-A12x25 G2’s AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation) frame can be combined with the included NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gasket for a tighter seal on radiators or the optional, separately sold, NA-IS1-12 inlet side spacer frame, which can help to achieve superior suction acoustics and improved flow rates in challenging “pull” configurations.
Its ultra-low-loss etaPERF motor with Smooth Commutation Drive 2 technology doesn’t only provide unprecedented energy efficiency and running smoothness, but thanks to the new SupraTorque feature, it can also leverage extra torque headroom to keep the fan at its desired speed when working against back pressure, thereby ensuring even better performance on heatsinks and radiators.
The fan is available in a standard PWM version with 1800rpm maximum speed, an ultra-quiet LS-PWM version with up to 1100rpm, as well as in an Sx2-PP set that contains two fans that are offset in speed by +/- ~50rpm. This speed offset can be beneficial in push-pull operation as well as in situations where two or more fans are operating side by side, such as in case cooling applications or on water cooling radiators, in order to avoid periodic humming or other undesired acoustic interaction phenomena.
Topped off with Noctua’s SSO2 bearing, a bundle of accessories and 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NF-A12x25 G2 is a premium product. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are as follows: NF-A12x25 G2 PWM: EUR 34.90 / USD 34.90 NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP: EUR 64.90 / USD 64.90 NF-A12x25 G2 LS-PWM: EUR 34.90 / USD 34.90