The truth about Noctua fans

[Askew]

Simple poll, I am what I consider to be a rare breed of person who actually likes the colour scheme of Noctua fans, I'd like to know exactly how rare if you guys don't mind giving me a click or two on the subject.

 

I got my first Noctua fans because the original 1155 cooler I bought was a 120mm Noctua one that came with a Noctua push pull pair of fans, I bought it because I liked the way it looked and it had good reviews for it at the time, it cost more than a couple of equivalents but I just bought the Noctua.

 

Still using it, all my other fans are now the same brand and everything else in my PC case included is black.

 

I'm making this poll because there seems to be;

1: A lot of people who see them as top dog.

2: A lot of people who see them as overpriced.

3: A lot of people who think they are ugly.

 

I want to know what the forum thinks of them and why, then we can all see the result. There's now a lot of noise flying about concerning what I initially purchased as an under the radar product over the internet, this was waaay before the NH-D14 even existed.

[JoshM]

You know you have to vote for all 4 polls which means the last 2 don't work 

[Askew]

You know you have to vote for all 4 polls which means the last 2 don't work 

 

Fixed, thank you for pointing that out.

[JoshM]

Fixed, thank you for pointing that out.

Still doesn't work if you don't like them, 

[nsyedhasan]

Gentle Typhoons are an overall better fan that is why I prefer them.

[Askew]

Still doesn't work if you don't like them, 

 

Again thanks for pointing it out.

[Pingypoker]

None of the options in the last question apply to me.

[Lays]

Can't stand em at all. My experience with them was terrible, they weren't nearly as quiet as everyone makes them out to be, and are still audible at minimum speeds.  I no longer recommend them to people after switching to gentle typhoons.

 

People claim they perform better than other fans, which according to this review is wrong unfortunately

 

http://www.overclock.net/t/1389355/fan-testing-round-12-begins-thanks-to-cpachris-and-prymus-nb-e-loop-sp120-nf-f12-cougar-vortex-pwm-vortex-red-led-pirahna-ap-45

[Snickerzz]

If i could afford noctuas i woukd use them

[SpaghettiCarbonara]

None of the options in the last question apply to me.

Same with me. I just selected the last option for the last two questions because I would buy them if I was doing something like setting up my own water cooling loop, but I haven't even built my first air cooled computer, so... Yeaah...

[TheNinjaNextDor]

Can't stand em at all. My experience with them was terrible, I no longer recommend them to people after switching to gentle typhoons.

People claim they perform better than other fans, which according to this review is completely wrong.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1389355/fan-testing-round-12-begins-thanks-to-cpachris-and-prymus-nb-e-loop-sp120-nf-f12-cougar-vortex-pwm-vortex-red-led-pirahna-ap-45

Im going to sell my F12s because they are not quiet. At 900rpm I can easily hear them working very hard.

Would you recommend GTs or Eloops?

GTs dont have vibration padding, is that a problem?

[Lays]

Im going to sell my F12s because they are not quiet. At 900rpm I can easily hear them working very hard.

Would you recommend GTs or Eloops?

GTs dont have vibration padding, is that a problem?

 

 

I think e loops look awesome tbh, but gt's are a bit quieter while providing the same amount of airflow.   I don't notice the whole vibration thing, I may try buying one of those rubber grommet things to see if it changes anything though since they're cheap.

 

The only vibrations I can hear is my HDD spinning up, and then my pump at higher speeds

[R4STABAN]

Overpriced ugly tat.

[TheNinjaNextDor]

I think e loops look awesome tbh, but gt's are a bit quieter while providing the same amount of airflow. I don't notice the whole vibration thing, I may try buying one of those rubber grommet things to see if it changes anything though since they're cheap.

The only vibrations I can hear is my HDD spinning up, and then my pump at higher speeds

Thats my problem; quiet vs looks.

I think im leaning to GTs, but Eloops are so nice. What are you selling your NF-F12s for? Ill put them up tomorrow.

[TheProfosist]

I would say they are one of the best and teh extra stuff that comes with almost makes up for the price markup over other high end fans.

[Lays]

Thats my problem; quiet vs looks.

I think im leaning to GTs, but Eloops are so nice. What are you selling your NF-F12s for? Ill put them up tomorrow.

 

The gt's aren't bad looking IMO, E loops look really sweet though, but I'd rather take decent looks+ quietness vs "baller-ness" and somewhat quietness.

 

 

In the review I posted here was the results of some of his tests:

 

I'll probably sell them on the classifieds with my huge crapton of stuff I posted in off-topic earlier for an appraisal, probably gonna ask for ~325-350 for all the stuff, and maybe 50$ for the 4 nf-f12's, then maybe.. 65$ including fan controller.

 

Here's that thread:

 

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/125904-how-much-should-i-ask-for-this-giant-garage-sale-of-pc-parts/#entry1675303

 

 

 

I'm editing these in myself

 

@250 FPM:

 

Gt-15 : 33.3 dBA

NB Eloop B12-3 : 33.2 dBA

NF-F12: 34.2 dBA

 

@300 FPM:

 

Gt-15: 34.6 dBA

NB Eloop B12-3: 37 dBA 

NF-F12: 39 dBA

 

@350 FPM:

 

Gt-15: 36.3 dBA

NB Eloop B12-3: 41.3 dBA

NF-F12: 42.6 dBA

 

 

 

@400FPM air flow levels

 

• The two GT fans have the lowest noise level (Around 38dBA)but do have a slight whine noise quality.
• The two Noiseblocker e-loops have the second best noise level at around 43dbA and slightly better noise quality (more air noise and less bearing whine)
• The Corsair SP120 has the third lowest noise level at around 44-45dbA but does have a little bit more motor noise.
• The three Cougar fans get fourth in noise level with a varied noise quality. The PWM flavor does exhibit more noise using voltage control than the HDB model. The Dual-X and Vortex HDB are pretty close. The Piranha fan is a similar noise level an quality at around 46 or so dBA, fairly smooth but not silky smooth either.
• The loudest fan at 400FPM is the Noctua NF-F12 at around 48dBA

@500FPM air flow levels

 

• The two GT fans continue to have the lowest noise level at 42-43dbA, but it is a different tone (very little air noise, mostly just a bearing sound). Interestingly the AP-45 sample seems a bit smoother here than the AP-15
• The Corsair SP120 is second lowest at this performance level at about 49dBA, noise quality is ok but not ultra smooth either.
• The Noiseblocker B12-3 1900RPM model may not have super low noise level at 50dBA, but by ear it actually sounds much better. It is a smoother sound quality and makes it seem like a good number and actually comparatively good as the GTs. Also interestingly the noise quality of the higher speed Noiseblocker e-loop 2400RPM doesn’t seem nearly as good as the 1900RPM slower speed brother at this performance level.
• The Cougar Vortex PWM is the only one to make it this far of the Cougars and putting out around 52dBA however noise quality is rather poor with a stronger motor tick.
• The Noctua and Piranha also have legs to get to this air flow level, but the noise is also higher in the 52-53dBA levels and the noise quality not very good. The Piranha also seems to have a slight motor tick at this speed.

@600FPM air flow levels

 

• The two GT fans continue to have legs to get to this point and at their trademark low noise levels although not what I would call great noise quality. There is a rather dominating bearing noise without much air noise to mask it. Regardless, it is hard to argue with the low 46dBA noise level at these speeds.
• The Corsair SP120 would take second lowest noise level at this point with about 54dBA. It is considerably higher than the GTs, but still seems to be in it’s game without any unusual noise quality issues, fairly smooth for the speed.
• The B12-4 higher speed Noiseblocker E-loop also makes it this far, but noise quality dramatically reduces with a higher whine developing. Noise level is a similar 54dBA, but it sounds louder than that by ear.
• The Piranha also has legs to get here, but it’s the loudest of the bunch at 58dBA and also has some noise quality issues with an undulating low frequency and some motor tick.
• The Noctua and Cougar fans are not capable of this much air flow.

@700FPM air flow levels

 

• Only the GT AP-45 2150 model is capable of getting here and continues it low noise crown at only 49dBA but noise quality is continuing to suffer a little bit with a more pronounced whine.
• Only the Noiseblocker e-loop 2450 model can make it here, but at the cost of a higher noise level 58dBA and noise quality is also poor, just flat getting loud at this point.
• All other fans are not capable of getting this far.

 

[TheNinjaNextDor]

The gt's aren't bad looking IMO, E loops look really sweet though, but I'd rather take decent looks+ quietness vs "baller-ness" and somewhat quietness.

In the review I posted here was the results of some of his tests:

I'll probably sell them on the classifieds with my huge crapton of stuff I posted in off-topic earlier for an appraisal, probably gonna ask for ~325-350 for all the stuff, and maybe 50$ for the 4 nf-f12's, then maybe.. 65$ including fan controller.

Here's that thread:

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/125904-how-much-should-i-ask-for-this-giant-garage-sale-of-pc-parts/#entry1675303

@400FPM air flow levels

• The two GT fans have the lowest noise level (Around 38dBA)but do have a slight whine noise quality.
  
• The two Noiseblocker e-loops have the second best noise level at around 43dbA and slightly better noise quality (more air noise and less bearing whine)
  
• The Corsair SP120 has the third lowest noise level at around 44-45dbA but does have a little bit more motor noise.
  
• The three Cougar fans get fourth in noise level with a varied noise quality. The PWM flavor does exhibit more noise using voltage control than the HDB model. The Dual-X and Vortex HDB are pretty close. The Piranha fan is a similar noise level an quality at around 46 or so dBA, fairly smooth but not silky smooth either.
  
• The loudest fan at 400FPM is the Noctua NF-F12 at around 48dBA
  

@500FPM air flow levels

• The two GT fans continue to have the lowest noise level at 42-43dbA, but it is a different tone (very little air noise, mostly just a bearing sound). Interestingly the AP-45 sample seems a bit smoother here than the AP-15
  
• The Corsair SP120 is second lowest at this performance level at about 49dBA, noise quality is ok but not ultra smooth either.
  
• The Noiseblocker B12-3 1900RPM model may not have super low noise level at 50dBA, but by ear it actually sounds much better. It is a smoother sound quality and makes it seem like a good number and actually comparatively good as the GTs. Also interestingly the noise quality of the higher speed Noiseblocker e-loop 2400RPM doesn’t seem nearly as good as the 1900RPM slower speed brother at this performance level.
  
• The Cougar Vortex PWM is the only one to make it this far of the Cougars and putting out around 52dBA however noise quality is rather poor with a stronger motor tick.
  
• The Noctua and Piranha also have legs to get to this air flow level, but the noise is also higher in the 52-53dBA levels and the noise quality not very good. The Piranha also seems to have a slight motor tick at this speed.
  

@600FPM air flow levels

• The two GT fans continue to have legs to get to this point and at their trademark low noise levels although not what I would call great noise quality. There is a rather dominating bearing noise without much air noise to mask it. Regardless, it is hard to argue with the low 46dBA noise level at these speeds.
  
• The Corsair SP120 would take second lowest noise level at this point with about 54dBA. It is considerably higher than the GTs, but still seems to be in it’s game without any unusual noise quality issues, fairly smooth for the speed.
  
• The B12-4 higher speed Noiseblocker E-loop also makes it this far, but noise quality dramatically reduces with a higher whine developing. Noise level is a similar 54dBA, but it sounds louder than that by ear.
  
• The Piranha also has legs to get here, but it’s the loudest of the bunch at 58dBA and also has some noise quality issues with an undulating low frequency and some motor tick.
  
• The Noctua and Cougar fans are not capable of this much air flow.
  

@700FPM air flow levels

• Only the GT AP-45 2150 model is capable of getting here and continues it low noise crown at only 49dBA but noise quality is continuing to suffer a little bit with a more pronounced whine.
  
• Only the Noiseblocker e-loop 2450 model can make it here, but at the cost of a higher noise level 58dBA and noise quality is also poor, just flat getting loud at this point.
  
• All other fans are not capable of getting this far.
  

I think ill get GTs. You would recommend the AP-45 2150 version?

They will be on radiators and one as exhaust.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10323/fan-674/Scythe_Gentle_Typhoon_120mm_x_25mm_Fan_-_1850_RPM_D1225C12B5AP-15_Hot_Item_.html

?

[Sintezza]

Noctua fans are great quality, But i think they look terrible

[TheProfosist]

I think ill get GTs. You would recommend the AP-45 2150 version? They will be on radiators and one as exhaust. http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10323/fan-674/Scythe_Gentle_Typhoon_120mm_x_25mm_Fan_-_1850_RPM_D1225C12B5AP-15_Hot_Item_.html ?

They have a model like that? I though they only went to 1850rpm?

[Lays]

@TheNinjaNextDor I edited my post to add more stuff. 

 

 

Which radiator?

 

 I have ap-14's (1450rpm) on my 60mm thick rads, unless I'm HEAVILY overclocked I can leave the fans at 40% 24/7 while playing games and both gpu's hover around ~48c with cpu temps at around 55c.    If I turn the fans to 100%, temps are  39c-41c on the GPU's and ~45-50 on the CPU

[TheNinjaNextDor]

They have a model like that? I though they only went to 1850rpm?

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/12364/fan-810/Scythe_Gentle_Typhoon_120mm_x_25mm_Fan_-_4250_RPM_D1225C12B9AP-30.html

Yeah. Apparently this also exists. Dear god

[Lays]

They have a model like that? I though they only went to 1850rpm?

 

They have a full range from like 600 rpm models, to like 4000 or some insane number like that.  I think it's like.. ap-11 ap-12 ap-13 ap-14 ap-15 then ap-45 and a bunch of other models.  I can find a chart, I may be able to find it gimme a few mins

 

 

There's a boat-load more too

 

[TheNinjaNextDor]

@TheNinjaNextDor I edited my post to add more stuff.

Which radiator?

I have ap-14's (1450rpm) on my 60mm thick rads, unless I'm HEAVILY overclocked I can leave the fans at 40% 24/7 while playing games and both gpu's hover around ~48c with cpu temps at around 55c. If I turn the fans to 100%, temps are 39c-41c on the GPU's and ~45-50 on the CPU

XT45 360 and XTX 240

[Lays]

XT45 360 and XTX 240

 

 

You'd probably be good with the 1850 or 1450 rpm model, you're only cooling one 780 and one 4770k right?

[TheNinjaNextDor]

You'd probably be good with the 1850 rpm model, you're only cooling one 780 and one 4770k right?

Yep. My current fans are at 900rpm and keep my cpu at 4.6 under 80C during Prime95.

I think at 900rpm GTs will be silent.