Noctua today presented the new, third
generation of its signature S12 series quiet case fans, which have
received more than 250 awards and recommendations from the international
press. Featuring a further refined blade design with Anti-Stall Knobs
that works in tandem with the new AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation)
frame, the NF-S12A improves the airflow/noise efficiency of its renowned
predecessor by up to 8%.
"Introduced in 2006, the original NF-S12 became a cornerstone of our
reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of premium quality quiet
fans. The second generation NF-S12B, introduced in 2009, continued this
tradition with an even better airflow to noise ratio, making it one of
our most popular models of all time", says Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua
CEO. "We've been working on the next generation for about three years
and now we're thrilled to be able to present a worthy successor with the
new NF-S12A: The new Anti-Stall Knobs and our AAO type frame allowed us
to squeeze out another 8% in airflow to noise efficiency!"
The NF-S12A's novel Anti-Stall Knobs reduce flow separation phenomena in
medium to high impedance situations and thereby increase the fan's stall
margin. This means that the NF-S12A is even more versatile than its
renowned predecessor and can achieve better performance on heatsinks and
radiators. Noctua's AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation) frames feature
integrated anti-vibration pads as well as Noctua's proprietary Stepped
Inlet Design and Inner Surface Microstructures, both of which further
refine the fan's performance/noise efficiency.
Three models will be available upon launch: While the NF-S12A FLX
version provides 1200/900/700rpm speed settings via the supplied
Low-Noise Adaptors in order to give you full flexibility in fine-tuning
the fan for maximum ventilation performance or near-silent operation,
the NF-S12A ULN version provides super-slow 800/600rpm speed settings
for ultra-low-noise applications and highly noise-sensitive users. The
NF-S12A PWM sports Noctua's custom designed NE-FD1 IC for fully
automatic speed control via 4-pin fan headers and comes with a
Low-Noise-Adaptor to reduce the maximum speed during PWM control from
1200 to 900rpm.
All three models employ the further optimised second generation of
Noctua's renowned, time-tested SSO bearing and use CNC milled brass
bearing shells in order to guarantee the highest possible degree of
manufacturing precision, minimum tolerance and excellent long-term
stability. Like all Noctua fans, the NF-S12A models have an MTBF rating
of more than 150.000 hours and come with a full 6 years manufacturer's
warranty.
Pricing and availability
The new NF-S12A fans will be available immediately at recommended retail
prices of EUR 19.90 / USD 21.90.
