We analyzed two Noctua fans, specifically the two NF-P12 Redux PWM models, one running at a maximum 1700 RPM and the other at 1300 RPM.
We can find a large number of different fans on the market according to our needs or according to our budget. The best manufacturer of computer fans with a wide range of products is Noctua that offers solutions unmatched in the market. Today we will talk about the Noctua NF-P12 Redux PWM, a high performance solution that is available in two versions, one operating at a maximum of 1700 RPM and the other operating at a maximum of 1300 RPM.
Both models feature 120x120x25mm dimensions, use SSO bearings, an AAO technology frame and feature the new pressure-optimized nine-blade design with vortex control notches. Both models are PWM, therefore they use a four-pin connector that allows to adjust the working speed according to the needs.
As a curiosity, these fans leave the typical brown colors of the company and opt for a range of grays that makes them different and even attractive, although it is true that they are still not very animated colors.
NOCTUA NF-R12 Redux 1700 PWM
The NF-P12 Redux 1700 PWM model, as its name indicates, has the characteristic of varying the speed of rotation, being able to operate between 450 RPM of minimum rotation speed, reaching 1700 RPM of maximum rotation speed. The maximum loudness level of this fan is 25dB, which is not a problem and works at a voltage of 12V at a current of 90mA.
NOCTUA NF-R12 Redux 1300 PWM
More and more users are looking for very quiet systems and the NF-P12 Redux 1300 PWM is designed for this type of audience and is that the minimum rotation speed is 300 RPM and at full operation it can reach 1300 RPM. The maximum loudness level of this fan drops slightly below 20dB. It has a working voltage of 12V at a current of 50mA.
BEARINGS SSO2
Fans normally use two systems, bearings and bearings. They both have problems. The bearings are very quiet in their first moments, but wear increases the noise and the useful life of the fans that incorporate them is very short and the bearings make a lot of noise, although they have a fairly long useful life. Noctua has looked for a solution that has a very long useful life and the noise level is minimal and they developed the SSO, a system of self-stabilized bearings of pressurized oil, which has been revised for improvement.
The development of this system is based on its low noise level and the quality demonstrated and tested in many products, in a large number of products. This system is based on an interesting concept of hydrodynamic oil-based bearings that integrate a magnet, which has the function of automatically stabilizing the rotor shaft. Stabilized by a magnetic field, these bearings allow for improved precision and longevity over ball bearing solutions, plain bearings and even traditional hydrodynamic systems.
Noctua has optimized and improved the SSO system in this update called SSO2. Metallic bearings and an injection molding system have been used for this renewed system. They have a magnet closer to the rotor shaft, generating a higher magnetic force on it. It offers, thanks to this system, greater stabilization, precision and durability of the fans.
FOCUSED FLOW FRAME
The NF-P12's Nine Blade Design (P stands for Pressure, Power and Performance) has been specifically developed for high impedance applications such as CPU coolers, water cooling radiators, power supplies or enclosures with restrictive vents. Achieve exceptional static pressure and high airflow with very low noise levels.
Whereas most conventional 120mm rotors have seven comparatively narrow fan blades, the NF-P12 Nine-Blade design uses nine large, widely spaced blades with a relatively low angle of attack to achieve maximum static pressure and high air flow. As a result, the NF-P12 delivers no less than 1,68mm H2O at 1300rpm, something other fans only achieve at 1600rpm or higher.
In principle, increasing the number of blades involves the risk of increasing aerodynamic noise in general and noise caused by rotor-stator interaction in particular. Basically, an increase in static pressure usually causes an increase in noise emissions. In the case of the NF-P12, this problem is solved by adding vortex control notches to the trailing edges of the blades. Thanks to the two notches on the trailing edge, the flows along the suction and pressure side mix more smoothly. This allows for less turbulence and loss of speed, leading to a significant reduction in noise emission, as well as an increase in efficiency. For the smoothest possible transition and maximum noise reduction, the vortex control notches have a rounded shape.
In addition to optimizing the junction of the flows at the trailing edge, the Vortex-Control Notches fulfill the task of psychoacoustic optimization: Due to the vortex control notches, the trailing edge vortices are divided into several smaller vortices. In this way, the noise is distributed over a wider range of frequencies and is therefore perceived as much less annoying.
The psychoacoustic optimization effect of Vortex-Control Notches is enhanced by the staggering of the notches. The vortex control notches are staggered from sheet to sheet, so that each sheet creates a different vortex pattern. As a result, the noise emission from the fan is better distributed over the frequency spectrum and thus makes it even more pleasant to the human ear.
FRAME AAO
These Noctua fans are designed to be as quiet as possible and that is why an AAO frame has been manufactured for them. The advanced acoustic optimization framework has built-in anti-vibration pads, as well as a step-by-step input design and internal surface microstructures, developed by Noctua, leading to a further improvement in energy efficiency and performance. fan performance.
STEPPED INLET DESIGN
The fans of this professional series have been designed step by step type. This allows Noctua an advanced measure of aerodynamic design first introduced in the NF-F12 fans. This allows adding turbulence to the air inlet of the fan, designed in a step-by-step system that facilitates the transition from laminar to turbulent flow. This measure has an effect very similar to the external structure of golf balls, which allows an improvement in the attachment of the flow of the frame, which allows the impulsion when more air is introduced and therefore, improves the overall efficiency of the air flow.
These improvements offer some aerodynamic improvements, which has a step-by-step input design, which also reduces input tonal noises caused by the input of a laminar flow. Thanks to this modification in the turbulent flow design, it produces a noise profile with a higher bandwidth. Thanks to this improvement in the design of the step-by-step entrance, it contributes to the improvement of the acoustic qualities of said fan, which allows it to integrate better with background noise and be more pleasant to the human ear.
CONCLUSION
Noctua has always been known for offering sober solutions in terms of design but with brutal performance and durability. The NF-P12 Redux PWMs clearly respond to the philosophy of the company, although in this case with a slightly different blade system that creates a vortex that makes them somewhat more efficient. Above all, the 1300 RPM model is striking, which is ideal for all types of chassis, since its mission is to move air and it does it perfectly and is highly silent, something to take into account.
