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The Noctua NF-F12 PWM is a premium cooling fan designed in Austria, renowned for its superb quietness, exceptional performance, and thorough quality. It is the result of over two years of intensive development, engineered to be a technically advanced fan for pressure-demanding applications. Each fan undergoes a double check for flawless operation by a quality control team before leaving the factory, ensuring a high standard of reliability and performance.
The NF-F12 PWM is primarily designed for cooling computer components, such as heatsinks, radiators, or as a case fan. Its core function is to move air efficiently and quietly, thereby dissipating heat and maintaining optimal operating temperatures within a computer system. The fan features a 4-pin PWM connector, enabling fully automatic speed control via a mainboard's 4-pin PWM fan headers. This allows the fan speed to be dynamically adjusted based on the system's thermal load, providing an optimal balance between cooling performance and noise levels. While designed for 4-pin PWM control, the fan can also be connected to 3-pin fan headers. In such cases, the NF-F12 will operate at full speed unless the mainboard supports voltage-based speed control, which would then allow for some level of speed adjustment.
For users with multiple NF-F12 fans, a supplied y-cable (NA-YC1) facilitates connecting several fans to a single PWM fan header. This setup ensures that all connected fans run at the same speed, synchronized with the mainboard's control signals. This feature is particularly useful for systems requiring multiple fans for comprehensive cooling, simplifying cable management and control.
The fan is equipped with a short 20cm primary cable, designed to minimize cable clutter in typical applications. For situations requiring a longer reach, a 30cm extension cable (NA-EC1) is provided. This modular cabling approach offers flexibility in installation and helps maintain a tidy internal computer case.
A Low-Noise Adaptor (NA-RC6) is also included, which allows users to reduce the fan's maximum speed from 1500rpm to 1200rpm. This adaptor can be used in two ways: to set the fan to a fixed speed of 1200rpm when speed control is deactivated, or to cap the maximum speed at 1200rpm during PWM speed control. This feature provides an additional layer of control for users who prioritize even quieter operation, even at the expense of a slight reduction in maximum cooling potential.
Installation of the NF-F12 varies depending on its application. When used on a heatsink or radiator, users should utilize the mounting mechanism supplied with their respective heatsink or radiator, such as fan clips or screws, following the instructions in the component's manual.
For installation as a case fan, two primary methods are available. If the computer case features a proprietary clip system for fan installation, users can employ that system. Alternatively, the NF-F12 comes with supplied mounting screws and silicone anti-vibration mounts. To use the silicone mounts, they are first pulled through the mounting holes of the case. The fan is then placed onto these silicone mounts, and the mounts are pulled through the fan's mounting holes, securing the fan while providing vibration dampening. The NF-F12 also features integrated anti-vibration pads, which can be easily removed if necessary, offering further flexibility in installation and vibration management.
The fan's design prioritizes ease of use and flexibility. The automatic PWM speed control simplifies operation, as the system dynamically adjusts fan speed without manual intervention. The inclusion of a y-cable for multiple fans, an extension cable for longer reach, and a low-noise adaptor for reduced speed options caters to a wide range of user preferences and system configurations. The modular design of the cables and the option to remove anti-vibration pads ensure that the fan can be adapted to various installation scenarios and user requirements.
To ensure maximum performance and longevity, regular cleaning of the NF-F12 is recommended. Fans inside computer cases tend to accumulate dust over time, which can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Users can clean their fans using a duster, a slightly moist tissue, or canned air. It is important to exercise caution and avoid applying excessive force during cleaning to prevent any damage to the fan. The use of a vacuum cleaner is specifically advised against, as it may apply excessive force that could harm the fan.
The NF-F12 incorporates a premium grade SSO2 bearing, which is fully sealed. This sealing is crucial for preventing the entry of fine dust particles, thereby ensuring flawless operation over many years of usage. This advanced bearing design contributes significantly to the fan's durability and long-term reliability.
It is important to note that the fan is not designed to be taken apart by the user. Attempting to remove the impeller from the frame will compromise the sealing of the bearing, leading to a loss of warranty. This emphasizes the importance of external cleaning methods and respecting the fan's sealed design for optimal performance and warranty coverage.
Noctua stands behind the quality of the NF-F12 with a generous 6-year warranty period and offers direct, fast, and straightforward RMA service. This commitment to support ensures that users can rely on assistance should they encounter any problems with their NF-F12, further highlighting the product's focus on long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.
General| Model | NF-F12 |
|---|---|
| Size | 120x120x25 mm |
| Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| Bearing | SSO2 |
| Frame Technology | AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization) |
| Max. Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
| Rotational Speed with L.N.A. | 1200 RPM |
| Max. Airflow | 93.4 m³/h |
| Airflow with L.N.A. | 74.3 m³/h |
| Max. Acoustical Noise | 22.4 dB(A) |
| Acoustical Noise with L.N.A. | 18.6 dB(A) |
| Static Pressure | 2.61 mm H₂O |
| Static Pressure with L.N.A. | 1.83 mm H₂O |
| Input Power | 0.6 W |
| Operating Voltage | 12 V |
| Current | 0.05 A |
| Type | Fan |
| Blade Geometry | Focused Flow |
| MTTF | >150, 000 hours |
