Noctua NF-R8 & NF-S12
3. Tests and Conclusion
The 12cm model came with only the U.L.N.A. adaptor while the 8cm model also included a L.N.A. adaptor. It would be better though if they had a potentiometer to regulate the RPM instead of adaptors.
The NF-S12 works at 2 speeds (1200/600 rpm) and at both settings, the fan provides very good airflow. The NF-R8 has 3 speeds (1800/1300/800 rpm) and only the two first speeds produce adequate results.
We installed them on the back of our PC case, below the power supply and compared to the standard ball bearing fans (12 and 8 cm respectively), they performed much better with regards to noise level and airflow. They are very quiet, even without using any of the low noise adaptors. Their operation proved to be barely noticeable. With the case closed, the only noticable noise produced, was from the CPU cooler and the hard disk.
The fans run at their nominal speeds with a variation of +5-10% which is normal. The cables are long enough so there should be no problem finding a connection anywhere on the motherboard to plug in, and if the motherboard doesn't provide a spare 3-pin fan connection, you can use the 3:4-pin adaptor and plug it to a molex connector. The only drawback here is that you can't monitor the fan's speed.
- Conclusion
Both products are the most silent and efficient case fans we've ever reviewed. They don't have the bells and whistles other similar products have, but they bear cutting edge technology. These fans are aimed at consumers who know what they want and want it silently.
Pros
- Great retail packaging
- Vibration Compensators
- SSO Bearing
- Deadly Silent
- 6 year warranty
- Adaptors instead of potentiometer or switches for RPM regulation
- Difficult to install the vibration compensators