Noctua NF-S12 vs. P12 or F12, case fan application

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BrianF
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Joined: Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:59 am

Noctua NF-S12 vs. P12 or F12, case fan application

Post by BrianF » Mon Apr 23, 2018 5:45 am

I understand that the S12 models are the quietest, and are actually the highest in terms of m3 of air moved (at rated speed), BUT they also have the lowest pressure so should never be used for anything restrictive (like a heat sink).

My question is, at what point does a typical case become restrictive in this context? I imagine there is a threshold beyond which S12 fans will have to work so hard that a P or F would be in the aggregate quieter.

For context I'm thinking of something like a CaseLabs BH4 or ThermalTake V21, positive pressure configuration, using a pair of 120mm at the front. How would an intake dust filter change the equation?

Olle P
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Location: Sweden

Re: Noctua NF-S12 vs. P12 or F12, case fan application

Post by Olle P » Mon Apr 23, 2018 11:03 pm

A dust filter is decisively more restrictive than the typical heatsink, so that's where you want a strong fan.
Other than that most mounts in cases aren't very restrictive.

BrianF
Posts: 151
Joined: Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:59 am

Re: Noctua NF-S12 vs. P12 or F12, case fan application

Post by BrianF » Tue Apr 24, 2018 3:07 am

Indeed I am starting to completely rethink filters in general (though it might be interesting to experiment with pleated dust filters, something I've never seen tried on a PC).

In their absence though, would you think that the S12 model generates enough pressure to change the air in something like a BH4 or V21?

lodestar
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Location: UK

Re: Noctua NF-S12 vs. P12 or F12, case fan application

Post by lodestar » Tue Apr 24, 2018 12:52 pm

I have built systems using all three of the Noctua 120mm PWM fans. Essentially I would recommend using the NF-F12 for CPU cooler use only, though I have known of it being used it as an exhaust fan by other people. Of the other two I normally use the S12A PWM as an exhaust fan and the P12 PWM for intake. The only thing against the P12 PWM is that you can't get it in black (the other two have higher cost Chromax versions) which might or might not be an issue.

BrianF
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Joined: Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:59 am

Re: Noctua NF-S12 vs. P12 or F12, case fan application

Post by BrianF » Wed Apr 25, 2018 11:20 am

Very useful information. Thank you!

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