Gather insights and engage in conversations about premium water cooling and hardware solutions.
Gather insights and engage in conversations about premium water cooling and hardware solutions.
Tomahok2 :
I understand that this might seem odd, but when we look at fan noise in decibels, it's not the only factor to consider.
I'm fully aware of what you're referring to. Pitch, tone, and sound quality matter a lot. But unless the sound is extremely sharp, it's usually imperceptible below 30 dBA inside a case.
Tomahok2 :
I wouldn't rely solely on manufacturer ratings for fans.
You're right to be cautious. Most specifications are fairly realistic, otherwise companies would face legal issues and misleading claims. As someone who reviews components professionally, the models I've listed have been tested personally.
Tomahok2 :
When it comes to performance, the Noiseblockers aren't the best at handling static pressure, but they perform adequately. In the chart I shared earlier, the Noctua NF-P12 (at 1300rpm) measured 21.9 cfm at 12 volts through a radiator, while the Noiseblocker B12-2 (also at 1300rpm) recorded 18.9 cfm. Comparing airflow after a radiator is a decent method, though I have some doubts about their testing procedure (the tubes don't behave as expected) and it was tested with only one radiator. The H80 model is 38mm, which is thicker than some, but it doesn't represent the average or most common radiators.
Tomahok2 :
But it was noticeably quieter at 28.8 dB compared to the Noctua's 37.9. This reinforces the idea of being cautious with manufacturer numbers—both brands seem to have misrepresented their results.
In fact, these readings are taken at a distance of 10 cm. Unless you're very close (less than 4 inches), those values aren't very meaningful. Most noise ratings are given at 1 meter. Sound pressure decreases with the square of the distance, so at ten times that distance, the intensity drops to one-tenth. Decibels are logarithmic; a rise of 10 dB means ten times more power. Thus, the numbers on the charts are about 20 dB higher than what you'd actually hear if your ears were just 1 meter away from your device. That's why the 17.9 dB mentioned in the review aligns closely with Noctua's advertised 19.8 dB.
Tomahok2 :
The NF-F12 fan used in the Noctua NH-U12S CPU cooler is also worth noting. The review shows that even with added turbulence from the cooler fins, the noise stays below 30 dB at 1 meter. A quick test with one of the NF-P12 fans I own gives a reading of 25 dBA at the same distance—though in a typical office setting, not a controlled lab.
Tomahok2 :
It's also worth mentioning that the Noiseblocker models look quite appealing compared to Noctua's design. Many users have complained about Noctua's color scheme, but that's purely subjective. If your case lacks a window, you won't see them anyway—so what's the issue?
Tomahok2 :
They also include two different lengths of braided cables.
Noctua offers a braided cable extension as well, plus a resistor cable for those without fan control in their system (self-contained or board headers).
Tomahok2 :
And they're generally more affordable.
Actually, the B12 series on PerformancePCs is priced between $19 and $22. Noctua 120mm fans are typically $18 to $20. So Noctua's could be slightly cheaper. Yes, their Industrial PPC fans are more expensive, but that's because they're built tougher and spin faster. Most people don't use the PPC line for consumer desktops.
Tomahok2 :
I believe this clears up any confusion. My goal isn't to mislead you, but to support my earlier claim that these fans perform well. I'm confident they're suitable in their own context. I just want to highlight them differently here.
Tomahok2 :
I spent a lot of time researching before choosing these models. I appreciate your effort, but there are still some points I overlooked.
Tomahok2 :
Right now, they're mainly air-cooling fans, but I'm planning to use them in an upcoming watercooling build. They're not the most popular choice, but several users have successfully used them for that purpose (most preferred the B12-3, but the idea is solid).
I understand your perspective, but I don't think you're seeing it the same way. The airflow dynamics inside a large case or through a fin stack differ greatly from how it works in a compact radiator. One often ignored aspect of liquid cooling is choosing the right fan for the specific setup—an improper fan can turn a passive heat sink into almost nothing.
The Noctuas are the quietest, with the Fractals and Vardars matching closely behind, though they're all very similar.
The Fractals appear cleaner and look much better, while the Noctuas struggle with their poor tan color despite strong performance.
The HP-12s are the most affordable at $14, followed by the Noctuas at $18, and the EKs at $24.60 for white and just under $30 for black.
Links provided:
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/GqkwrH/f...enthp12pwm
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/b2vRsY/n...n-nff12pwm
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/KFGj4D/e...1109867624
We're in Italy, so prices here are different, but I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks to all of you, the main issue now is choosing the right post as a solution—you've all been very helpful. 😊
Anyway, thanks once more.
Purchase them from Amazon.
The EKs are a bit too expensive, around 30 Euros throughout Europe, eek!
https://www.amazon.it/Fractal-Design-Ven...actal+HP12
https://www.amazon.it/Noctua-NF-F12-PWM-...rds=NF+F12
And keep in mind that the noise rating for a fan is only applicable at its highest speed. Unless you intend to run it at full power, it will generally be much quieter. When examining the fan specifications (EK Vardar F4, Noctua F12, and FD HP-12), you'll notice they tend to follow a relatively straight line with increasing RPM. The HP-12 would match the airflow of the Vardar at higher speeds, the F12 would provide similar pressure to the Vardar if it spun faster, and the Vardar would be comparable in quietness to the Noctua when running slower. The HP-12, however, deviates slightly from this pattern. It generates more noise relative to its pressure compared to the other two models.
If you have a fan controller or a motherboard with adjustable fan headers, you can take advantage of the Vardar's higher speed and airflow when needed, then reduce them to a quieter setting during idle periods. At the same speed, the Noctua would likely be slightly quieter than the Vardar. For maximum quiet performance, I recommend choosing the Noctua models and running them with a more aggressive fan curve. Although they may not look as appealing, they are less noticeable when hidden under a radiator.
If you're aiming for absolute silence, consider using two thinner radiators—one at the front and one on top. This setup would help distribute cooling more evenly and quietly, making slower fans sufficient for your needs.
If you're based in Italy, ordering directly from EK in Slovenia or Noctua in Austria might be the most cost-effective option. I'm uncertain about the impact of taxes and import duties across European borders, though.