Noctua NF-F12 or P12 for intake, exhaust, and side?

[Kohwali]

So I'm strongly considering buying some Noctua NF-F12 fans and using them in my case. One in the front, one on the side, and an exhaust fan in my NZXT Phantom 410.

I was watching LinusTechTips and he talked briefly about how the different models were meant for different places such as exhaust, heatsink, and stuff. Anyone have any extra info? Thanks

 

[dwatterworth]

You've picked the right Noctua fans for your case application with the F12's. The P12's are optimized for a higher static pressure, designed to push air through higher resistance things such as heatsinks and radiators.

The F12's will move the same air in a more free-flow application like case ventilation with significantly less noise than the P12's.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I use the new Noctua blacks.
http://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NF-F12-industrialPPC-120mm-2000RPM/dp/B00KFCRIQM/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1406918846&sr=1-1&keywords=noctua+industrial+fans

 

[dwatterworth]

I use the new Noctua blacks.
http://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NF-F12-industrialPPC-120mm-2000RPM/dp/B00KFCRIQM/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1406918846&sr=1-1&keywords=noctua+industrial+fans

If you don't mind me asking, what application do you have these fans in and how do you like the noise to performance? If you have an extra moment on top of that, what fans were you using before and how do the noctuas compare?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Just as case fans in my Enthoo Pro , little bit noisy , but more than sufficient.

I was using Quiet edition corsairs.

 

[dwatterworth]

Just as case fans in my Enthoo Pro , little bit noisy , but more than sufficient.

I was using Quiet edition corsairs.

Thanks! I've been looking for fans to recommend for use in more constricted cases without a mesh front etc.

 

[Kohwali]

From Noctua.at

NF-S12A: The NF-S12A has been optimised for “low impedance” applications that don’t require high static pressure and thus combines moderate pressure with outstanding airflow and superb quietness of operation. Choose the NF-S12A for case ventilation, applications with little or no obstruction to airflow as well as all other applications where minimum noise emission has first priority.

NF-P12: The NF-P12 has been designed with more pressure demanding “high impedance” applications in mind. It provides an even balance of high static pressure, high airflow and excellent quietness, which has made it a standard choice for low noise CPU cooling, cases with tight fan grills and other low noise cooling applications with mid- to high airflow resistance.

NF-F12: The NF-F12’s unique Focused Flow™ system produces extremely high static pressure and focuses the airflow in order to achieve even better results on air cooling heatsinks and water cooling radiators. With a top speed of 1500rpm, it also offers more performance headroom for less noise-sensitive applications. Choose the NF-F12 if you’re looking for the best possible performance on heatsinks and radiators.

 

[Kohwali]

Seems like the had the info on their site all along haha.

 

[dwatterworth]

So the S12's then?

 

[Kohwali]

It seems like any of them would work since fans push air by pulling it. NF-12A will be the quietest, however NF-F12s are barely audible according to reviews. If you have bad headphones and/or superhuman ears, there's always the L.N.A (low noise adapter).

EDIT: I'm still not sure. NF-F12s are obviously better for radiators, but its not completely clear to me which one would be the best for airflow from the intake to exhaust.

 

[Kohwali]

This forum suggests the NF-S12As are bad and to just use NF-F12s for everything. http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/57133-noctua-nf-f12-for-use-other-than-radiators/

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I have 4 NF-F12 Blacks and they move air.

Here you can see one in the back of my case rear exhaust.

 

[Kohwali]

I have 4 NF-F12 Blacks and they move air.
Here you can see one in the back of my case rear exhaust.

How audible are they? Is the LNA necessary? Is a side fan necessary in SLI? Are those backplates on the GPUs? Lol

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

They aren't quiet they are super loud , they just move Air.

 

[Kohwali]

Thanks to both of you! Nice PSU, Blackbird.

 

[Kohwali]

Final note: Linus uses the NF-F12s as exhaust and radiator fans here http://youtu.be/u8HsjgtMzEg

 

[dwatterworth]

Ah nice setup. Those fans should treat you well Kohwali.

 

[Kohwali]

Funny thing is I just decided that I actually don't need any more fans than the stock ones on the Phantom 410, although I may decide to switch those out for the mentioned NF-F12s. Having over 3 case fans seems excessive and noisy.

 

[dwatterworth]

One balance with additional fans is if you pair enough quiet ones together, you can get a good amount of airflow as well. If you can get your hands on extra fans temporarily to test system temps and sound with more fans, that would be ideal.

 

[Kohwali]

I changed my mind again. I'll trust Noctua on this one - the NF-S12a should have the highest airflow, ideal for case fans. NF-F12 for radiators and NF-P12 if you're not sure.