Noctua NF-P12 Fan Review

Written by Stuyo

Thursday, 19 June 2008

 

Page 2 - Theory

Noctua NF-P12 has many innovations, sophisticated design and interesting engineering solutions. There is much thought put in the development of this product and we would like to present some data from the Noctua web site.

NF-S12 and NF-P12 – Technical Backgrouns

Noctua, is following a two-fold approach with its NF-S12 and NF-P12 fan series in order to achieve optimal results at various applications: While the NF-S12 was optimized so as to provide a class-leading airflow to noise ratio in the lower speed ranges and therefore makes for an excellent case fan, the NF-P12 was designed to produce high airflow and an outstanding amount of static pressure at 900-1300 rpm, which makes it perfect for use on CPU coolers and other high-impedance applications. The following illustration shows how this approach differs from common all-round solutions:

Nine Blade Design with Vortex-Control Notches

The pressure-optimized Nine Blade Design of the NF-P12 (P stands for pressure, power and performance) has been specifically developed for high-impedance applications such as CPU coolers, water-cooling radiators, power supplies or cases with restrictive fan grills. It achieves outstanding static pressure and high airflow at very low noise levels.

While most conventional 120mm rotors possess seven comparably narrow fan blades, the NF-P12's Nine-Blade Design uses nine large, closely spaced blades with a relatively low angle of attack in order to achieve maximum static pressure and high airflow. As a result, the NF-P12 provides no less than 1.68 mm H2O at 1300 rpm, which is something that other fans merely achieve at 1600 rpm or more.

Smooth Communication Drive (SCD)

Next to aerodynamic noise and bearing related noises, the so called "commutation noise" or "switching noise" can play a major role in the noise emission of axial fans with brushless DC motors. At each transition from one stator coil to another, the rotor receives a sudden torque pulse when the next coil switches on. Each of these torque pulses causes a minute deformation of the whole fan structure. Depending on rpm, torque and the material of the fan, this can result in noticeable noises. Noctua's Smooth Commutation Drive system provides more continuous switching in order to achieve a smoother transition between the stator coils and thereby significantly contributes to the fan's overall quietness.

SSO-Bearing

Thanks to an optimised principle of operation, the self-stabilising oil-pressure bearing (SSO bearing) of the Noctua NF-S12 and NF-R8 series surpasses current types of ball, sleeve or liquid bearings in terms of long-term stability and quietness.