To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu.

    -----------------------------------------------

     This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,

     located at http://www.cdrinfo.com.

    -----------------------------------------------

---

1. Introduction

---

After having tested their Noctua NF-S12 120mm rotating fan, Noctua provided us with their high end NF-P12 model, which offers better performance and around the same, if not lower noise levels compared with the NF-S12. We also had in our labs, the Noctua NH-U12F, so we ran some quick tests to see how the two compare.

The NF-P12 has been specifically developed for applications where CPU coolers demand superior pressure and airflow performance. Thanks to psycho-acoustic optimizations, like the Vortex-Control Notches, the new SCD drive system and Noctua's premium-grade SSO-Bearing, the NF-P12 achieves exceptional quietness and long-term stability.

- Features

	Pressure-optimized Nine-Blade Design Specifically developed for high-impedance applications such as CPU coolers, water-cooling radiators or cases with tight fan grills, the NF-P12 provides superior pressure and airflow performance.
	Vortex-Control Notches Psycho-acoustic optimizations like the staggered Vortex-Control Notches make the NF-P12 surprisingly quiet.
	Smooth Commutation Drive The NF-P12's new drive system reduces torque variations and thereby ensures improved running smoothness.
	Self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearing Noctua's well proven SSO-Bearing technology guarantees supremely quiet operation and exceptional long-term stability.

- Packaging

The NF-P12 comes in the familiar Noctua retail package, which includes the 4 silicon vibration compensators, noise reduction adapter, ultra noise reduction adapter and 3:4-pin molex adaptor.

Everything is well packaged...

The 120mm fan has a rather unusual rotating blade design, called the "Nine Blade Design" by Noctua.

---

2. Tests and Conclusion

---

Since we already had in our labs the Noctua NH-U12F, we wanted to compare how well this rotating fan would perform compared with the NF-S12 that uses a simpler blade design. All tests were performed with the following configuration system:

• CPU: Intel E6750 Retail
• Case: ThermalTake Soprano
• Motherboard: Asus Blitz Extreme Bios 0904
• Memory: 2x1GB SuperTalent DDR3-1600CL7
• PSU: Corsair HX620W, OCZ 720W
• HDD: WD 80JB
• Operating system Windows XP with all the latest updates installed
• Software: Intel Thermal Analysis Tool (TAT) & CoreTemp 0.95.4
• Thermal Paste: Arctic Cooling TX-2
• Idle time: ~30min
• Load time: ~30min
• Case fan rpm: 1250 rpm (full speed)
• RPM speed controllable via SmartFan BIOS or via external hardware controller

The results are shown below. At stock voltages, you won't notice a great gain with the NF-P12, only about 1°C.

However, when overclocking, we did notice a drop of 2°C, from 58°C down to 56°C.

Lastly, if you decide to use the ultra low noise adapter, we saw a drop of almost 4dB!

- Conclusion

The Noctua NF-P12 proved to be slightly more efficient than its brother, the NF-S12. In the best case, you will gain almost 2°C and if you use the ultra low noise adapter, around 4dB noise reduction. The numbers speak for themselves. We have no regret recommending this product to anyone who wants to improve the cooling efficiency and lower the overall noise in their PC case.

Pros

• Very good performance
• Great retail packaging
• Vibration Compensators
• SSO Bearing
• SCD drive system
• 6 year warranty

Cons

• Adaptors instead of switches for RPM regulation
• Hard to install with the vibration compensators
• Odd colouring