Explore Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM Case Fan 140mm

Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM Case Fans in various sizes,When user experience, retests, and database testing diverge from one another

The Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM has been around for what seems like aeons, so it makes sense that throughout time, it might have undergone technical improvements, had its tooling changed frequently, or at the very least, had some details altered. Media coverage of the (in the end nonexistent) disparities between Chinese and Taiwanese manufacture began in 2016.

At the start of our tests for the new database, we assessed a model that we had bought ourselves (before to 2023) and received criticism from readers because our measurements did not match their (subjective) impressions or those of other websites. Particularly considering noise emissions. Simply put, we don’t like to have our abilities questioned.

Of course, we repeated the measurement of this fan multiple times for just these reasons and consistently obtained the same results; by this point, things are operating very regularly. By the way, the fan of a third party from 2020 demonstrated a performance that was strikingly identical to that of our previous specimen, so we cannot presume a flaw. But when we contacted Noctua in the summer, we were given fresh samples that behave entirely differently.

Outside of the maximum values listed on the data sheet, the characteristics of the various fans also vary, particularly in how they behave around radiators and at lower speeds. External differences include the label, a lower weight, and clearly different machining.

Today he has just compiled the data from our tests, performed some material analysis, and filtered out the variations between the – let’s call them various iterations since he is very hesitant to enter the domain of irrational and unsupported supposition. The new fan is unquestionably superior, but it also has a minor flaw in one area. In the interim, he also had a phone conversation with the CEO, Roland Mossig, and was able to learn more about the quality control at Noctua and the OEM.

What distinguishes the two visually?

The new fan has a completely different label, so the first difference is actually fairly clear. The earlier model (left), in addition to having a CE print that was so wrong, lacked certification for the North American market. The new fan’s (right) label is now properly labelled. Of course, the performance is unaffected by this.

Additionally, the scales indicated that the new fan (with the bent cable) weighed 198 grammes as opposed to 207 grammes for the previous fan. Because it’s more than just a generous tolerance, which in turn speaks for a shift in the fan, which piqued our curiosity. As a result, you can see that the tooling has also changed and that not simply the tools have been rotated in a new position. he has once used yellow to frame the distinctions. It resembles a hidden object game with fans instead of other objects.

Each fan is nearly unique because of the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) employed, hence colour aspects are irrelevant. However, there are additional materials. The sheet metal used in the hub has the most variations. The zinc coating on the old fan was way too thin, yet the sheet metal was clearly thicker. According to the depth investigation, the old fan’s coating was already “through” after 13 to 15 shots, whereas the new fan’s zinc layer was still there after more than twice that many. The previous fan’s LIBS are visible on the left, whereas the new fan’s are visible on the right:

So there has undoubtedly been a change in the material, but the supplier was undoubtedly to blame for it. In any event, it is gratifying that the new fan has considerably better galvanization. The motor’s axle is built of an iron-chromium alloy in both types and should last longer; the differences here are already inside the measurement’s permissible tolerance limit.

The average copper percentage variation between the two models is less than 2%, indicating the brass used is practically identical between the two, therefore this is also acceptable and does not suggest a different manufacturer used a less expensive material.

And this? Yes, some materials and the tooling are easily distinguishable. Since the label issue is purely optical, it is irrelevant. It is challenging to determine why the previous model behaved in such a louder manner using straightforward methods. As a result, he have prepared another 2020 model from the past, and it should show up here soon. But if you want to verify the manufacture date of your model, check at the lasered so-called LOT number (Batch, Charge) in the frame beneath the logo, which Noctua conceals along with other information. So, it is clear that the updated portion dates from March 13, 2023.

The measurements and surfaces match fairly closely, as much as it could be confirmed with my technological capabilities. How does the new fan compare to the older one in terms of performance? The solution is crystal evident on the following page: quieter. After changing the page, you can read about how much better this is overall and where there might be variations in the results of the other tests.

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