Noctua have sent us their brand new NF-P14 FLX fan for review. Lets see if this giant betters the opposition!
Product on Review: Noctua NF-P14 FLX
Manufacturer and Sponsor: Noctua
Street Price: around £20
Noctua have made a real name for themselves in recent years. Their ultra high performance CPU cooling and fan products have attained an almost legendary status on release. Since then they seem to have gone from strength to strength.
With that in mind i’m looking forward to testing one of their most recent creations the 140mm NF-P14 FLX alongside a couple of their best reviewed fans the NF-P12 and NF-S12B FLX. The P14 is a large medium RPM fan that installs into both standard 120mm and the new 140mm mount layouts.
First let’s hear a little from the company themselves:
History
Noctua comes from a cooperation of the Austrian Rascom Computerdistribution Ges.m.b.H. with the Taiwanese cooling specialist Kolink International Corporation, pooling more than ten years of experience in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-end cooling components. Established in 2005, Noctua took the international silent enthusiasts’ hearts by storm and quickly developed into one of the most acclaimed suppliers of premium quality quiet cooling products. Today, Noctua is present in more than 30 countries across the globe and working with several hundred sales partners. Chosen by noise conscious PC users, system integrators and industry clients alike, Noctua has become synonymous with impeccable quality, excellent customer service and class leading quiet cooling performance.
Technology
Scientific know-how pooling and state-of-the-art simulation environments allow for advanced, highly optimised products that set new benchmarks for performance to noise efficiency. Over the years, Noctua has put itself on the forefront of quiet cooling innovations with its unique, psycho-acoustically optimised impeller designs as well as new bearing and drive technologies such as the SSO-Bearing (Self-Stabilising Oil Pressure Bearing) or the Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) system. Thanks to advanced aerodynamic design measures like Vortex-Control Notches and Bevelled Blade Tips, Noctua’s products are renowned for pushing the envelope in axial fan technology.
Specifications
Direct from Noctua’s website:
Following in the footsteps of the successful NF-P12, the NF-P14 is a highly optimised, premium quality 140mm fan with Vortex-Control Notches for superb quietness and outstanding aerodynamic efficiency.
Metal reinforcements, SCD2 technology and Noctua’s premium grade SSO-Bearing guarantee exceptional running smoothness and excellent long-term stability.
Using the same hole-spacing as common 120mm fans and achieving a superior airflow/noise ratio, the NF-P14 is ideal for upgrading 120mm CPU or case fans.
Features
In this section we look at the technology engineered into the Noctua fans we’re looking at.
I’ve added some images from Noctua’s own site to help illustrate the features.
The NF-P14 FLX and NF-P12 share similar technology. Both use Noctua’s VCN (Vortex-Control Notch) fan design.
Vortex-Control Notch design.
Twin notches placed at staggered positions from blade to blade have an interesting and beneficial effect.
Staggering aids performance.
They allow the suction and pressure sides of the airflow to mix more smoothly by producing smaller vortices which create less disturbance and in turn less noise.
Smaller vortices.
Indeed, these numerous smaller vortices also effect the size of the large vortices produced by the trailing edge of the fan blade tips. By making these ‘edge’ vortices smaller noise levels are further reduced.
Trailing edge disturbance is lessened.
All the Noctua fans on test come with their SSO (Self-Stabilising Oil-pressure) Bearing technology but the newer NF-P14 FLX also includes a Metal Reinforcement Hub and Bearing Shell which Noctua say should ‘achieve ultimate manufacturing precision, high durability and vibration-free running’.
The NF-P14 FLX’s special Metal Reinforced Hub.
Moving onto the NF-S12B FLX schematic we see a the blade tip change that sets it apart from the original highly regarded NF-S12.
The NF-S12B FLX’s blade design.
Also of note is Noctua’s SCD (Smooth Communication Drive) system. Both of the 120mm fans come with the first generation of this technology which aims to improve quiet running by ‘eliminating torque variations and switching noises’. The NF-P14 FLX also sports this feature but packs the newer 2nd generation of the system which should offer even better quiet performance!
NF-P14 FLX packaging
First up is the imposing NF-P14 FLX (which stands for Flexibility).
This large model comes in a simple looking box. The front lists some of the main features of the fan as well as a viewing window where you can clearly see part of the NF-P14 itself.
Box front.
The back provides additional information on the features highlighted on the box front as well as a summary of the fan itself. At the bottom right you also get specific information regarding fan performance.
Box rear.
The rear also sports a reveal panel that opens like a book to offer specific details about the fan blade’s interesting VCN design, it’s SSO bearing features and installation information.
Box rear panel open.
Upon opening we see everything in its place. The fan dominates the plastic internal packaging but also included are various cables, screws and mounts.
Internal packaging.
Specifically you get a molex to 3-pin adapter and two additional FLX cables to reduce the fans stock 1200rpm speed to 900rpm (black plug) and 750rpm (blue plug). There are a set of 140mm adapter mounts, standard fan screws and silicone mounts.
All contents.
The fan is an imposing piece of kit – noticeably larger than its 120mm brothers. It’s a 9 blade affair in typical Noctua colours! The rear of the fan states the model type and the fact the fan uses the Metal Reinforced SSO bearing that was mentioned in the last section.
Fan rear.
From this image you can see the Vortex-Control Notches cut out of the blade – much like the NF-P12 we will be looking at in a second.
The NF-P14 FLX’s Vortex-Control Notches.
The NF-P14 FLX actually uses fan mounts that have the same spacing as current 120mm models. If the user wishes to install the fan into a 140mm mount (some modern cases use this fan size) then Noctua have supplied adapters along with instructions to use them.
NF-P12 packaging
Moving onto the 120mm models from Noctua we see the NF-P12.
This is supplied in identically sized but different looking packaging to the P14. The front lists the make, model and features of the unit while the rear offers more specific information including a written summary of the fan itself.
Box front.
Box rear.
The rear of the packaging also opens up to provide additional specific details outlining some of the technology used in the NF-P12.
Box rear panel open.
On opening we find the fan and supplied extras cradled in a protective plastic casing.
Internal packaging.
Included are 4x fan screws, 4 silicone mounts (nicknamed Vibration Compensators) two in line speed adapters (LNA and ULNA), a molex to 3-pin adapter and a Noctua case badge. Browny point for the badge Noctua… it’s actually metal and very snazzy!
As with the NF-P14 FLX the fan is the same standard looking 9 blade design.
Fan rear.
Upon closer inspection you can see the fan blades VCN (Vortex-Control Notch) design. The staggered sets of twin cut notches are easy to see. As mentioned earlier these allow the suction and pressure sides of the airflow for the fan to mix more smoothly. The result of this should be a perceptibly quieter running fan… hopefully they’ll have a marked effect on performance.
The NF-P12’s Vortex-Control Notches.
NF-S12B FLX packaging
Next we have Noctua’s NF-S12B FLX.
The fan is supplied in an almost identically designed box. Only the details change due to the differing contents. Yet again the rear contains more specific details along with a product summary.
Box front.
Box rear.
Opening the hidden rear panel lists the fans specific technological design specs.
Box rear panel open.
The only thing absent upon checking the contents is a case sticker. Besides this the accessories are the same as the NF-P12 – fan screws, silicone mounts, LNA and ULNA adapters and the molex adapter.
Internal packaging.
The NF-S12B FLX is an odd looking thing. It’s 7 aggressively angled blades produce a sparse somewhat empty looking front profile.
Fan rear.
Up close we see those extended and bevelled fan tips. Noctua claim a 10% airflow and static-pressure increase at the same noise level as its non bevelled predecessor. Hopefully this should make it a very impressive unit.
The NF-S12B’s odd looking fan tips.
Testing
I will compare the three Noctua fans with a selection of fans from other competing manufacturers that i’ve tested before.
These are the Akasa Amber AK-183-L2B, Akasa (grey smoked) DFS122515L, Thermaltake TT-1225, Vantec Stealth SF12025L, GELID Silent 12, GELID Wing 12, Coolink SWiF 1201, SWiF2 921, SWiF2 92b, SWiF2 1201, SWiF2 120P and Antec Tri Cool 140mm.
Testing Methods
I used the sound pressure level meter below to test the db rating of the Noctuas at all fan speeds.
The sound meter used for testing.
Due to the sound level meter only registering a db rating of 50db+ i will have to adjust the sampling distance to allow the fan to register on the meter – after a few test runs it was decided to test the fan at each rated voltage at a distance of 2cm.
The ‘damping of sound level with distance’ calculator was then used to calculate the db rating at a greater listening distance. This will give a clearer understanding of the actual volume of the Noctua fans we have here.
The test will use a PC comprised of the following hardware:
For testing i used a hotwired ITX PSU which is a fanless silent model. This will provide power for the fan’s without producing any noise interference itself.
Results
Running @ 1200rpm (12v) and recorded @ 2cm
NF-P12 – 67 db
NF-S12B FLX – 71 db
NF-P14 FLX – 69 db
After conversion the results @ 2m are as follows
NF-P12 – 27 db
NF-S12B FLX – 31 db
NF-P14 FLX – 29 db
High speed results.
Running @ 900rpm (around 9v) and recorded @ 2cm
NF-P12 – 63 db
NF-S12B FLX – 67 db
NF-P14 FLX – 64 db
After conversion the results @ 2m are as follows
NF-P12 – 23 db
NF-S12B FLX – 27 db
NF-P14 FLX – 24 db
Medium speed results.
Running @ 750rpm (between 6v and 7v) and recorded @ 2cm
NF-P12 – 59 db
NF-S12B FLX – 63 db
NF-P14 FLX – 61 db
After conversion the results @ 2m are as follows
NF-P12 – 19 db
NF-S12B FLX – 23 db
NF-P14 FLX – 21 db
Low speed results.
Using both the LNA and ULNA together… probably around 600rpm (wouldn’t even like to guess the voltage) and recorded @ 2cm
NF-P12 – 55 db
NF-S12B FLX – 59 db
NF-P14 FLX – 54 db
After conversion the results @ 2m are as follows
NF-P12 – 15 db
NF-S12B FLX – 19 db
NF-P14 FLX – 14 db
Ultra low speed results.
Summary of fan performance
The first thing to consider is that the db rating doesn’t tell the whole story. Tone, resonance and other factors can be more important than pure sound levels and in this is particularly the case with the Noctua’s.
Motor whine and rhythmic speed related clicking may not show up on the sound meter but they are very apparent and can be annoyingly intrusive. On the flip side you could have a fan that made no discernable whining or clicking but was ‘showing’ as rating high on decibels!
These Noctuas (with the exception of the NF-S12B FLX @ 12v and LNA) are definitely in the 2nd category. Their decibel ratings put them at the higher end of the scale when compared to the majority of the fans i have tested and yet they delivery such a buttery smooth sound signature that they simply blend into insignificance.
Despite the readings i got (triple checked) i would say that these were some of the least intrusive and quietest fans i have tested.
The NF-P14 FLX – a big fan with a big performance. It was quiet at all voltages – no motor whine or turbulence style chuffing even @ 12v.
By the time i got to the ULNA cable i would say the fan was virtually silent. Due somewhat to its sheer size it also provided decent airflow even at lower fan speeds.
NF-P14 FLX.
The NF-P12 offers great silent performance at virtually all voltages. It’s not the master of static pressure but it provides a decent performance at stock and using the LNA. When the ULNA (and LNA/ULNA combo) is applied it’s deathly silent but a bit weak on the pressure side.
NF-P12.
Finally the NF-S12B FLX is a true power fan. It’s static pressure performance is considerable but i would say it’s sound is somewhat intrusive @ 12v and noticeable with the LNA fitted.
That said, at all the reduced voltages it did very well. Indeed, i was simply gobsmacked at how well it did with the LNA/ULNA connected in line… i’d guess it was spinning at around 400rpm while still providing acceptable pressure. Would be perfect for a HTPC or silent PC project.
NF-S12B.
Conclusion
All of the Noctuas here have impressed me greatly.They offer very commendable performance across the board. There\\\’s something for everyone from high performance air and watercooling to ultimate silent aircooling.
The NF-P14 FLX is a great addition to the Noctua family.
Noctua\\\’s excellent NF-P14 FLX.
If you can fit it in your case and are in need of airflow then it\\\’s an excellent choice.
Price wise the Noctua\\\’s are a not inconsiderable outlay (need 3 or more?) but knowing the performance on tap it\\\’s probably a worthy investment. Plus with a 6 year warranty you\\\’ll be buying and installing the next set of technologically advanced fans from Noctua before that cover runs out anyway!
Fantastic performance, silent operation, a great set of accessories, awesome warranty cover and a not unreasonable price tag! All this makes the NF-P14 FLX a very highly recommended fan!
I will agree that these are at the expensive end of the spectrum but i can honestly say that in my opinion they\\\’re worth every penny!
Pros
+ Quiet operation
+ Good static pressure
+ Great airflow at all tested speeds
+ Flexiblity offered by selective fan speed cabling
+ Installation adapters for 140mm use
+ Resonance, chuffing and click free performance
+ 6 Year Warranty
Cons
– Some would say a touch pricy but i would argue the 6 year warranty more than makes up for this.
Vortez Hardware would like to thank Noctua for supplying the NF-P14 FLX for review. Discuss this review on our forums.
