NF-F12 PWM Brown vs Black PPC noise?

[kd1011]

When running at an identical lower RPM via PWM, are the black Noctuas any noisier than the brown ones?

 

This review states that for the A14 at least, it's only about 3 dBA louder than an NF-A15 (3 dBA is considered imperceptible)

http://www.relaxedtech.com/reviews/noctua/nf-a14-industrialppc/7

 

So has anyone swapped their 'poop' Noctuas for the sexy black ones and has been unhappy with the noise?

 

NB: Before you ask, there is only a $3 difference between the PPC and regular Noctuas in Australia, the brown ones are extremely overpriced, the black ones are roughly the same as the USA price. So that means that if the Black PPC ones are not unreasonably loud, I would probably get them over the overpriced brown ones.

[MegaDave91]

I have an Industrial NFA14. I have it connected to my case's fan controller so the noise doesnt bother me because it can run as low as 750 rpm. I run it at full rpm when I game because I have headphones on and my 780s are reference, so no point in trying to keep things quiet.

 

Anyone unhappy with the noise obviously didn't know what they were getting into. 

[PC-NOOB]

I would get the black noctuas just for the looks of it.

As long as the rpm is low, its whisper quiet.

[Shaqo_Wyn]

When running at an identical lower RPM via PWM, are the black Noctuas any noisier than the brown ones?

 

This review states that for the A14 at least, it's only about 3 dBA louder than an NF-A15 (3 dBA is considered imperceptible)

http://www.relaxedtech.com/reviews/noctua/nf-a14-industrialppc/7

 

So has anyone swapped their 'poop' Noctuas for the sexy black ones and has been unhappy with the noise?

 

NB: Before you ask, there is only a $3 difference between the PPC and regular Noctuas in Australia, the brown ones are extremely overpriced, the black ones are roughly the same as the USA price. So that means that if the Black PPC ones are not unreasonably loud, I would probably get them over the overpriced brown ones.

If you want black cream of the crop Noctua's and their at a price that you're willing to pay for them, why not? The higher RPM and static pressure would be great for radiators. Not sure if they're worth it as case fans tho. I'd also love to see noise level comparisons for the model people are more interested in, the NF-F12 IPPC's. IMO it's definitely not worth it on the NH-D15. You already spent $99 for a Noctua cooler that comes with two high quality NF-A15 fans including all the cables you'd expect from Noctua at such a price. Then you'd spent about $60 more just because you don't like the standard Noctua colors and for 4 degrees lower temps?

[Faa]

So has anyone swapped their 'poop' Noctuas for the sexy black ones and has been unhappy with the noise?

Aye, bearing is clearly audible from an inch or three away at 400rpm. 

[kd1011]

IMO it's definitely not worth it on the NH-D15. You already spent $99 for a Noctua cooler that comes with two high quality NF-A15 fans including all the cables you'd expect from Noctua at such a price. Then you'd spent about $60 more just because you don't like the standard Noctua colors and for 4 degrees lower temps?

Agreed.

These are for a new build, which is actually going to be watercooled. All of the radiator fans are going to be hidden by the rads, so I'll probably take the safe option and use regular NF-F12s. The main fan I'd want to run as a PPC version would be the rear 140mm, as a poop noctua would stick out like a sore thumb.

Aiming for total silence on this build, the case fans are only there really to cool RAM, drives and parts of the mobo.

Can anyone recommend an alternative, silent black 140mm PWM fan?

[Shaqo_Wyn]

Agreed.

These are for a new build, which is actually going to be watercooled. All of the radiator fans are going to be hidden by the rads, so I'll probably take the safe option and use regular NF-F12s. The main fan I'd want to run as a PPC version would be the rear 140mm, as a poop noctua would stick out like a sore thumb.

Aiming for total silence on this build, the case fans are only there really to cool RAM, drives and parts of the mobo.

Can anyone recommend an alternative, silent black 140mm PWM fan?

Have look at Noiseblocker BlackSilent Pro PK2/3 or Silverstone AP141's.

[kd1011]

Thie Noctua NF-P14s PWM might be a good 3rd option, the airflow is obviously not as good as a regular A14, but for a mainly WC build I think it should be ok.

 

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_413&products_id=27878

 

Doesn't look too bad either, better than poop brown.