Newly Tested PC Fan: Impressive Performances from Noctua's NF-A12x25 G2
Horn in'! After a long wait, Noctua's greatest 120mm PC fan, the NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, is finally here. But just as we got our mitts on it, Noctua went and made us wait longer for it! The wait is over, though, and let me tell you, it's worth it.
With a max speed of 1800 RPM, it's a bit lower than some of the best PC fans out there, but don't sweat it. This fan puts out 2.2 m/s of airflow, even beating Corsair's iCUE Link QX120 RGB at 2400 RPM. And the real magic happens at lower RPMs – this fan beats all the top PC fans in testing at 1200 RPM, 800 RPM, and 450 RPM. That's right, even when running slow, this fan shreds the competition in performance within a gaming PC.
Noise levels? This fan was the quietest at full speed and almost the quietest at lower RPMs. It was on the quiet side in all instances, keeping things nice and peaceful.
But how did Noctua do it? This fan has been a long time coming. Nearly a decade, to be exact. They've gone through frame bending, material issues, and a whole lot of testing to make this fan shine. The result is a tiny tip clearance of 0.5mm, and top-notch performance.
Now, there are a couple of downsides. If you're not a fan of the color brown, well, you're out of luck. This fan only comes in brown and beige. And if the price tag is a concern, at $35 it ain't cheap. But you are getting a fan with world-class airflow, excellent static pressure, and a six-year warranty.
In the end, it's tough to beat this one, but we'll see many try. It offers us something to benchmark against. And while it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, as an all-round fan, the NF-A12x25 G2 does have a lot going for it!
- Despite its maximum speed being lower than some competitors, the NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fan wins at airflow, even surpassing Corsair's iCUE Link QX120 RGB at higher RPMs and showing superior performance at lower RPMs.
- With noise levels that are the quietest at full speed and almost the quietest at lower RPMs, this fan ensures a peaceful gaming experience.
- In the realm of professional gadgets and technology, the NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fan offers world-class airflow, excellent static pressure, and is backed by a six-year warranty.
- Although it only comes in brown and beige, which may not appeal to everyone, and has a price tag of $35, which some fans might find costly, the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM fan is a tough competitor to beat, setting a benchmark in the industry.
