Test System
Testing Methodology
Software Used
Cooling Performance
Our results show the NF-S12A PWM and NF-S12A FLX posting identical results as they both have 1200RPM maximum rotation speeds. GPU temperatures were consistent across all fans suggesting that actively cooled hardware receives minimal benefit from the extra airflow. However, the temperature sensors on the motherboard and CPU, both of which were being passively cooled, varied a lot more. We can clearly see the benefit to the system of the more airflow.
For reference the SilverStone AP123 spin at 1500RPM, the Noctua NF-S12A PWM at 1200RPM, NF-S12A FLX at 1200RPM and NF-S12A ULN at 800RPM.
The Noctua 1200RPM fans (FLX and ULN) posted generally better scores than the SilverStone AP123 fans despite running at lower RPMs and being quieter. I think the results speak for themselves.
The acoustic performance below shows just how quiet the Noctua fans were. If you were after total silence then the ULN variety offers exactly that while the PWM and FLX versions offer much more performance with more noise. Arguably the NF-S12A PWM is going to vary depending the most on which speed you want, since it does anything between 300 and 1200RPM. That said the NF-S12A PWM is essentially the FLX and ULN models rolled into one providing you have the ability to control the fans via either a PWM header on your motherboard or through a fan controller.
Acoustic Performance
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