Sound-optimised blade geometry and profile: The NF-S12 is the first fan employing a novel rotor which was developed by the Austrian Institute for Heat-Transmission and Fan Technology (Österreichisches Institut für Wärmeübertragung und Ventilatorentechnik, ÖIWV). Thanks to the special optimisation of the blade geometry towards ultra low noise application, the NF-S12 is up to 10% more quiet than current high-end fans at the same flow rate.

Self-stabilising oil-pressure bearing (SSO bearing): The NF-S12 series are equipped with a magnetically centred, self lubricating oil-pressure bearing that provides a new level of quietness and long-term stability. 

Noctua: NF-S12-1200
Bearing Type	SSO Bearing	Power Rating	0.12A / 1.44W
Frame Size	120 x 120 x 25 mm	Hub Size	1.63"
RPM Rating	1,200 RPM	Header Type	3-pin
Airflow Rating	81 m³/h (48 CFM)	Starting Voltage	2.9V
Noise Rating	17 dBA

Voltage	Noise	RPM	CFM	Power
12V	25 dBA@1m	1250 RPM	63 CFM	1.32W
9V	21~22 dBA@1m	1020 RPM	52 CFM	1.00W
7V	~20 dBA@1m	840 RPM	42 CFM	0.79W
5V	<19 dBA@1m	640 RPM	30 CFM	0.60W
@25 CFM (4.3V)	<19 dBA@1m	570 RPM	25 CFM	0.53W

Includes:

• Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptor (U.L.N.A.)
• 4 Vibration Compensators
• 3:4-Pin Adaptor
• 4 Fan Screws

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Product Reviews:

30.11.2006: SilentPCReview.com

"Initially, we were quite skeptical that the unusually shaped fan blades could live up to their claim to provide better than usual airflow at low speeds. A similar blade design on an 80mm Mechatronics fan ended up being significantly less efficient when we compared it to more conventional designs. Additionally, the unusually wide clearance between the blade tip and the frame - intended to reduce turbulence noise - made us wonder whether the blades had enough surface area to move a significant amount of airflow.

Happily, the numbers proved Noctua's claims correct. A close analysis of the data showed that, rotation for rotation, the Noctua fans pushed about 20% more air than the rest of the fans in the test. Even better, the Noctua fans did not lose efficiency until the rotation speed dropped to ~400 RPM, while other fans typically dropped off around ~500 RPM.

So much for airflow, but what about noise? Certainly, the Noctua fans had the advantage of spinning more slowly to produce the same airflow, but we've long since learned not to judge noise on the basis of rotation speed alone. Luckily, the noise character seemed to consist mostly of the quiet, broadband whoosh of airflow, making it very easy to ignore. Close listening revealed a very slight buzz hidden underneath that gave the noise a slight edge that is absent in the Nexus fan. In contrast, the Nexus sounded more tonal, with more emphasis in the deeper frequencies.

Best of all, the better airflow efficiency meant that the Noctua was perceptibly quieter at equivalent airflow than the Nexus. The difference wasn't large, and at low speeds both were quiet enough to disappear entirely. Nevertheless, there was enough difference around ~40 CFM for this reviewer to give the Noctua the nod."

Test verdict: "The best fan of the bunch was the Noctua, which overcame our skepticism and lived up to its hype by producing more airflow at lower speeds. Its airflow-to-noise ratio is its best feature, which gives it enough of an edge to make up for its slightly rougher noise character. The Noctua has seen recommendations around the web, and we have no qualms about adding our own to the list." (Devon Cooke, SilentPCReview.com)

29.11.2006: HardwareCrew.com

"Der Yate-Loon D12SL-12 fällt im 12V-Modus recht unangenehm auf. Ein leichter Nebenton ist wahrnehmbar, daher ist er in diesem Modus kein Silent-Lüfter. Im 6V-Modus hingegen, verstummt der Nebenton völlig. Es ist lediglich ein leichtes Lagerrasseln bei genauem hinhören wahrnehmbar.

Beim Noctua NF-S12-1200 Lüfter lässt sich im 12V-Modus nur ein leises Luftrauschen vernehmen. Nebentöne sind praktisch nicht vorhanden. Im 6V-Modus ging er vollständig in den restlichen Gehäuselüftern unter und lies sich nicht mehr heraushören. Lagergeräusche waren keine vorhanden.

Der Noctua NF-S12-800 blieb von Anfang an nahezu stumm. Er drehte fröhlich seine Runden ohne irgendwelche nennenswerten Geräusche von sich zu geben. Auf 6V blieb er dann völlig lautlos. Auch hier waren keine Lagergeräusche zu vernehmen."

Test verdict: "Einsame Klasse was Noctua sich hier geleistet hat. Entwicklung hat sich diesmal bezahlt gemacht. Entstanden sind zwei hübsch anzusehende Lüfter mit einer Menge an Zubehör, ausgezeichneten Leistungen und einem ruhigen Lauf. Die nahezu nichtvorhandenen Vibrationen der Lüfter werden bei Bedarf vollends mit den beigelieferten Gummislicks gefiltert. Auf der CPU machten beiden eine tolle Figur." (Christian Nitschmann, HardwareCrew.com)

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