We spoke with a Noctua representative not only about their upcoming 120 mm fans, designed to surpass the performance of the older NF-A12x25 models, but also about their integration into CPU coolers. Yes, they’re coming. And why exactly do these fans use winglets on the blades? It’s also possible that sooner or later, we’ll see Noctua fans with a thicker profile. However, new single-tower coolers with 140 mm fans are now unlikely.
There’s no better place to start than with the news on the next generation of 120 mm fans – NF-A12x25 G2 are set to be released and available on the market by the end of June 2025. Of course, plans can always change (even something like “unexpected logistical complications” could disrupt this timeline), but this is the current outlook in the Noctua camp.
The NF-A12x25 G2 fans feature the same aerodynamic design as the NF-A14x25 G2, only smaller (120 mm format). At the core is the same impeller geometry known as Progressive Bend, characterized by “humped” blades that distribute pressure more evenly across the blade surface. This enables more efficient cooling with greater airflow per unit of noise. The NF-A12x25 G2 impeller hub once again uses protrusions, similar to the NF-A14x25 G2, that direct more airstreams toward the blades. This system – or rather, this concept – is called “Centrifugal Turburator” by Noctua.
One of the advantages of this second-generation 120 mm fan over the first-generation NF-A12x25 is the inclusion of SuperTorque functionality in the etaPERF motor. Noctua provides detailed documentation on these specifics in their Computex 2025 press release, which also includes thermal testing data comparing cooling performance across generations of 120 mm fans. According to these figures, the new generation achieves an average 3.5°C lower CPU core temperature on radiators. On tower cooler heatsinks, the drop is around one degree Celsius. The exact conditions (load and radiator type) for these results are outlined in the mentioned press release.
The new 120 mm fans will eventually appear on tower cooler heatsinks. If you’re hoping for the second-generation 140 mm fans to be used on single-tower coolers with traditional heatpipe radiators, that likely won’t happen. Noctua has conducted in-depth market research showing that users typically prefer either compact coolers with 120 mm fans (especially for better compatibility in SFF cases), or they prioritize maximum cooling performance with dual-tower coolers. While a successor to the NH-U14S might appeal to a niche audience, the demand isn’t high enough to justify production. That’s not Noctua’s official stance, but our own assessment based on the information we’ve gathered.
There was also discussion about the winglets – an aerodynamic innovation found on both second-generation 120 mm and 140 mm fans. Inspired by aircraft design, their role is to reduce undesirable microturbulence at the blade tips. The result: higher airflow at lower noise levels. To achieve the desired effect, all elements of the fan must work in harmony, including AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation), which incorporates features like ISM (Inner Surface Microstructures) inside the fan frame. We’ve covered the benefits of these design features in previous fan analyses. Put simply, the goal is to achieve maximum airflow at minimal noise – even when dealing with airflow obstacles that demand higher static pressure.
Speaking of static pressure, we must also touch on the topic of thicker fan profiles. Yes, Noctua is researching such designs and will likely release them eventually. But it’s crucial to note that a thicker profile alone doesn’t automatically make a fan more efficient. The key is a solid aerodynamic foundation that enables high airflow at zero static pressure. Only after that can static pressure be increased via a thicker profile – this aligns with Noctua’s design philosophy. Keep in mind, even Phanteks T30 doesn’t outperform the Noctua NF-A12x25 across all scenarios, although there are some exceptions. And that’s despite a 5 mm difference in thickness.
Another big draw at Noctua’s booth was the display of their AIO liquid cooling prototypes.
We reported on Noctua’s thermosiphon water cooling systems last year, and you can learn about the latest developments in the updated Computex 2025 datasheet. Of course, there are more products in there than we can cover in this short report (a mouse with a fan to cool your palm? Or a brown-and-beige keyboard?).
In addition to ongoing collaborations with Asus (RTX 5080 Noctua Edition, which is said to feature significantly quieter coil whine than the RTX 30 series) and Seasonic (Prime PX HPD NE power supplies), cooling optimizations are also being applied to the Antec Flux Pro case (Noctua Edition)
One last interesting detail caught our attention: a small fan mounted on the block of a liquid cooler, produced via 3D printing. While this is typical for small-scale prototypes, retail versions will be injection-molded. But the fascinating part lies elsewhere.
We asked how enthusiasts might be able to print accessories in Noctua’s signature colors at home. The answer: this is becoming a reality. Noctua is working with Prusa Research on a filament in Noctua’s signature colors, and if all goes well, there will be a special filament kit available.
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš
Will we be able to publish the NF-A12x25 G2 fan reviews on launch day? What do you think? By the way, if there’s anything specific you’d like to know about them (some detail we don’t usually cover in fan reviews), this is the place to ask for that “extra expertise.” 🙂
I bet you will and I have to admit that if I had to choose one place to see the launch review of any fan, it would be hwcooling :> Exactly bacause you are the best at covering the details you ask about. And that’s why only one idea comes to my mind, but in general – measuring noise of minimum speed on every obstacle. It would be one additional graph in each category like e.g. Airflow through a hexagonal grille. Or maybe one additional page including all obstacles. How about that?
Btw here we must have different opinions, but I preferred when you included on the graphs both 120 mm and 140 fans, obviously divided from each other like it was, but present for comparison.
Thank you for the feedback. We try to approach things in a way that makes sense. When it comes to fan details, there are far more than what we focus on in our analyses. Sometimes, less is more. We intentionally select details that are at least somewhat accessible to ordinary readers (so they can understand what we’re talking about) and thus practically useful.
I don’t think we actually disagree regarding the choice of formats for the fan graphs. We only separated 140 mm from 120 mm models to avoid excessively tall and cluttered charts. Sooner or later, that would’ve become unmanageable. I’m thinking about how to present this more elegantly – so that 140 mm and 120 mm fans could be compared side by side – but haven’t found a good solution yet. For now, the current format seems to be a workable compromise.
So, it’s all clear now… and we will make it. We’ll push through to the NF-A12x25 G2 PWM review after releasing a few other fan tests that are lined up beforehand. Next week we’ll go live with the Vento Pro 120 PWM on Monday (basically an improved GT D1225C), Thermalright TL-C12C on Wednesday, and FD Momentum 12 on Friday.
And let’s just say… there’s a surprise coming your way tomorrow. June is going to be all about fans. 🙂
Very nice set of choice :] Vento Pro, so how much producer himself can improve his legendary design. TL-C12C, so I think more or less the fan from their bestselling and highly praised for noise normalized performance by reviewers coolers which then get puzzingly many complaints from actual users acoustic optimization and durability wise. And Fractal seeming to me coming with their own blade design what is refreshing nowadays. For sure I’ll check them all, but I suspect the duel of upcoming years in 120×25(mm) category will end up between NF-A12x25 G2 and P12 Pro, so how good fan money can buy vs what are the downsides of going dirt cheap, but – I guess – similarly performing Arctic instead. I already know that it’s not needed to request covering the latter 😉
And by surprise coming my way tommorow you mean me in person? Surprise exactly for me? :>
Dear Michał, while we have you here, do any local (from your country, i.e. Poland) reviewers have any information about whether Endorfy is planning any new products in the fan field (besides the white color and RGB shown at Computex’ 25)?
…too much “any”, I know 😀
For example, this one looks very good, I watch him sometimes… (but those generated subtitles … 😉 )
https://www.youtube.com/@BartekSzwedkowicz
I don’t think that Endorfy have shared anything about upcoming fans or even mentioned that they work on some. And I keep up with them, meaning checking what online media bring about them – it’s great to watch local brand competing with the rest of the world. I don’t think there’s any polish source which shares more info, some insights about Endorfy than what you get from them officially. They tend – and I also mean years of SilentiumPC – to just drop things to the market instead of talking about what they work on. It used to be like at best polish reviewers being the first to review new products. About Bartek, he’s Poland’s best at covering cooling products, so good find :]
–“…They tend – and I also mean years of SilentiumPC – to just drop things to the market instead of talking about what they work on. …”
Nevertheless, thank you for your insights 😉
–“…About Bartek, he’s Poland’s best at covering cooling products..”
I thought so too 😉
Bartek is doing a really great job! It’s good to see someone in tech journalism still taking PC cooling seriously.
You are welcome and btw good question, what interests me too. Likely they are – as many others – in the hardest spot to move on ever.
Yes, the Vento Pro 120 PWM builds on a remarkably efficient design that has been refined over the years. And it’ll be great to have it compared to the NF-A12x25 G2 later on. These two fans will make for a very interesting comparison. The TL-C12C, on the other hand, is more of a budget option – a slightly different take, just to keep things diverse.
We don’t yet have any update on P12 Pro sample availability for testing, but they might be close. There was a Reddit post showing retail packaging, probably from another market, but it’s a good indication that launch is approaching. We’ll definitely include them in testing as soon as we can get our hands on them. 🙂
PS: The “surprise” I mentioned was the CPS PCCooler F7 X120 review, which hadn’t yet been listed among the upcoming fan reviews.
How could you know that I’ve always dreamed about black RGB fans 😀 Bad that I don’t even have window in my case due to preferring thick metal with sound deadening material. And I’m totally satisfied with my 140’s G2 team as both cooler and case fans. When I doubt market will offer me something not worse at anything until the launch of successors in I guess closer to twenty than ten years…
Well, Ľubo doesn’t said “exactly for you” 😉 … He said “your way”, …I think, he ment cooling
😀
fooo… What kind of Indian English is this? … and I haven’t even had a drink. 🍺
😀
I try to correct the message to make it more understandable… I wanted to write:
Well, Ľubo didn’t write “exactly for you” 😉 … He wrote, “your way”, …I think, he meant cooling device