Noctua NF-AF 14 PWM vs FLX

gooooofpie · September 21, 2014

Which is better for general airflow? Is PWM only ideal for radiators?

WoodenMarker · September 21, 2014

It's the same fan with different methods of controlling fan speed. Airflow is the same.

LogicalDrm · September 21, 2014

PWM and FLX have nothing to do with where fans should go or where they are good. The difference between two is that PWM allows more accurate control and slower spinning with mothersboards which support it. FLX is normal, 3pin fan with voltage only control. It too can be controlled somewhat accurate but only if you have hardware fan controller or use motherboards own software.

Mortis Angelus · March 9, 2015

PWM and FLX have nothing to do with where fans should go or where they are good. The difference between two is that PWM allows more accurate control and slower spinning with mothersboards which support it. FLX is normal, 3pin fan with voltage only control. It too can be controlled somewhat accurate but only if you have hardware fan controller or use motherboards own software.

So if my case have fan-controls (the Antec GX500) should I go for PWM or FLX? I'm considering Noctua NF-S12A which come in both FLX and PWN-versions and cost the same. Can PWMs be controlled manually like the FLX?

LogicalDrm · March 9, 2015

So if my case have fan-controls (the Antec GX500) should I go for PWM or FLX? I'm considering Noctua NF-S12A which come in both FLX and PWN-versions and cost the same. Can PWMs be controlled manually like the FLX?

Yes they can. But with hardware based fan controllers problem is does the connector fit to header or not. Ofc you can "mod" it by cutting the plastic piece from side (and use extenders). PWM is better if you plan to keep that fan longer time and decide later that you want to use it with PWM capable connector. Those are slowly coming to hardware based controllers and more mobos.