Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM High Performance Fan Review

There is something nice about modern computer hardware.  In the past companies would battle over who had the best of this or who is using the best of that and, for the most part the computer hardware enthusiast bought into the marketing, we made our purchases and moved on.  With modern hardware, the bugs have been worked out and there is less to fight over.  Motherboards have improved, cases have improved, heatsinks have gotten better and just about everything with a computer fan has been worked out.

Or has it?

In this review we looked at the Noctua NF-A12x25-G2.  This is a second-generation release of the NF-A12x25 that we reviewed back in 2018 and is by far one of the best fans I have ever used.  The G2 takes things to the next level with only a few minor tweaks to the design.

The obvious change is to the blade design where the G2 features a slightly large blade that appears to be cupped in the middle.  This helps to redirect airflow into a parallel column and is something the fan does surprisingly well.  If you look at the center hub you will find some surface fins that help to move the “dead air” located atop of the motor and direct it into the fan to help with overall airflow.  On the previous edition, this area was flat with the motor counterweight being exposed giving it a very distinct look.

Many of the other changes are rather minor but, I can attest in saying that spinning the fan blades offers no rolling resistance and does not need to spin very fast to start moving air.  This is a key feature in cooling performance and one of the easiest ways to lower the noise footprint.

• Size: 120x120x25 mm
• Bearing: SSO2
• Blade geometry: Progressive-Bend Impeller
• Frame technology: AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization)
• Material: Sterrox® LCP
• Rotational speed (+/- 10%): 1800 RPM
• Rotational speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%): 1500 RPM
• Airflow: 107.3 m³/h
• Airflow with L.N.A.: 87.2 m³/h
• Acoustical noise: 22.5 dB(A)
• Acoustical noise with L.N.A.: 18.1 dB(A)
• Static pressure: 3.14 mm H2O
• Static pressure with L.N.A.: 1.71 mm H2O
• Warranty: 6 years

Included with the NF-A12x25-G2 fan you will get the following

• NA-RC7 Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
• NA-YC1 4-pin PWM splitter cable
• NA-EC1 30cm extension cable
• 4x NA-AV2 anti-vibration mounts
• NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gasket for water cooling radiators
• Fan screws

The LNA is an inline resistor that will limit the fan speed and lower the overall noise ceiling quite a bit.  Combine that with the antivibration mounts and gasket and you will, quite literally, have a near silent fan experience.

Based on the overall design, this fan would work best when used on an AIO Radiator or aircooled heatsink where a variable PWM controller can change the fan speed to meet the cooling needs of your system.  One thing to keep in mind is that, many PWM controllers are designed for less efficient fans, which may work in your benefit given that the NF-A12x25-G2 can move around 63 CFM when running at full tilt at only 1800 RPM.

Currently you can get these fans in single and dual fan packages to match most any system configuration.

Hyper Efficient Fan
Solid Construction
Ultra Smooth PWM Motor
High Pressure Construction
High Flow When Needed

I cannot think of a single one