Noctua NF-S12B FLX 120mm Case Fan Review

Noctua NF-S12B FLX: Test Results and Conclusion

Test Results: Corsair stock fan VS Noctua NF-S12B FLX

Ambient temperature: 22deg Celsius
Stock Corsair Fan @ 1600rpm
Software: Lavalys Everest Ultimate

Stock Corsair fan at 1600rpm Results
Motherboard 43c
CPU 43c
PWM 34c
Southbridge 47c

NF-S12B FLX at 1300rpm ( fan controller register speed )
Software: Lavalys Everest Ultimate

Noctua NF-S12B FLX at 1300prm Results:
Motherboard 41c
CPU 41c
PWM 32c
Southbridge 45c

Comparison Chart: Corsair Stock fan vs Noctua NF-S12B FLX

Noctua NF-S12B FLX improves the cooling of the internal component by 2 degrees, which is impressive despite the low rpm and noise. Noctua did their job done how they tested this fan that can be better than 1600rpm standard fans with much better airflow/noise ratio. I prefer to low noise and still achieve the same amount of airflow to other noisy fans. Well if much airflow is needed but at a price of higher noise level which is annoying in everyday usage. Noctua captured the perfect choice for silent PC solution without losing the performance level of other aftermarket fans.

Fan Noise

In terms of noise levels, the Noctua NF-S12B FLX in 1200rpm mode (but in fan controller it registers 1300rpm) is very quiet. The only thing I can hear is the airflow it creates, compared to the stock Corsair Fan at 1600rpm, I can hear the noise of the fan, and also the airflow added to the noise. No need for decibel meter, it clearly shows Noctua can produce higher amount of air than stock fans at much lower noise level.

Rating:

Noctua NF-S12B FLX Case Fan: 9.0/10 Rating

Pros:

• Very Premium, High Grade finish product
• Very quiet
• Better airflow/pressure vs. standard fans
• 6 years warranty
• Complete with speed adapters, anti vibration compensators and case screws

Cons:

• Very Expensive than aftermarket fans
• Color somewhat be picky on personal preference

Verdict:

Noctua impressed me with their NF-S12B FLX Case fan. Which was impossible to be better than equivalent or higher rpm fan, but now I understand why. They keep innovating what can be possible in order to have better noise/airflow ratio. Those beveled blade tips are very clever, it improves the static pressure and thus lowering the fan noise. It’s nice they included the low noise adapter for quick setup for lower noise operation i.e. HTPC. If you’re going for a case fan that has low noise and can achieve better airflow and pressure for intake and exhaust than stock fans or aftermarket that is way noisier than this, this Noctua NF-S12B FLX is the excellent choice, you won’t regret buying this!

I would like to thank Noctua for letting me review this NF-S12B FLX from Austria.