Noctua NF-A14 PWM: Relevant even after a decade

There aren’t many 140mm fans that are more popular than the NF-A14 (PWM). This Noctua model has maintained that for a long time, for over a decade. In the meantime, naturally, a host of newer competing solutions have come along, and the question is how Noctua’s still-flagship 140mm fan will hold up against them in the present day. By analyzing the NF-A14, we’ll also shorten a bit the interminable wait for its successor.

Results: Frequency response of sound with a dust filter

Measurements are performed in the TrueRTA application, which records sound in a range of 240 frequencies in the recorded range of 20–20,000 Hz. For the possibility of comparison across articles, we export the dominant frequency from the low (20–200 Hz), medium (201–2,000 Hz) and high (2,001–20,000 Hz) range to standard bar graphs.

However, for an even more detailed analysis of the sound expression, it is important to perceive the overall shape of the graph and the intensity of all frequencies/tones. If you don’t understand something in the graphs or tables below, you’ll find the answers to all your questions in this article. It explains how to read the measured data below correctly.

The vast majority of fan sound operates in the 70–7000 Hz band. You can virtually ignore frequencies above 7000 Hz, they reflect electromagnetic noise from the measurement chain. This (electromagnetic noise) also extends to frequencies below 70 Hz, although there is still aerodynamic noise at these frequencies. These bands (below 70 Hz and above 7 kHz) could be safely “cut out”, but we do not. Just in case one of the fans does have an anomaly that needs to be controlled and visualized.

Note: For these measurements, a plastic filter is used, which, compared to a situation without an obstacle, bends the sound considerably more than a non-obstructive nylon filter.



Wordpress Table Plugin




Wordpress Table Plugin




Wordpress Table Plugin


Why is there a missing value sometimes? There may be more reasons. Usually it is because the fan could not be adjusted to the target noise level. Some have a higher minimum speed (or the speed is low, but the motor is too noisy) or it is a slower fan that will not reach the higher decibels. But the results in the graphs are also missing if the impeller is brushing against the nylon filter mesh. In that case, we evaluate this combination as incompatible. And zero in the graphs is naturally also in situations where we measure 0.00. This is a common occurrence at extremely low speeds with obstructions or within vibration measurements.


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„Fishtank“ cases and Corona fans—Endorfy’s new hardware

The Poles bring good news—new cases and fans are hitting the market. Price‑wise, we’re talking mid‑range, though in practice this leans more toward the lower segment. In Endorfy’s lineup, however, these products sit relatively high, given the company’s strategy of producing well‑priced hardware. The view into the Aquarium cases is genuinely wide, and you can also look forward to the results of Endorfy’s new fans. Read more “„Fishtank“ cases and Corona fans—Endorfy’s new hardware” »

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Endorfy Stratus 140 White ARGB: Great, apart from high vibrations

Low price also applies when it comes to the Stratus 140 White ARGB fans. Considering the presence of vivid ARGB lighting, there aren’t many cheaper models in the 140 mm category. Its excellent aerodynamic characteristics are held back by one thing only, and that’s higher vibration levels, and it doesn’t appear to be a “one‑off sample issue”—as usual, our detailed testing is based on multiple units. Still, the trade-off seems to be worth it. Read more “Endorfy Stratus 140 White ARGB: Great, apart from high vibrations” »

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Asus ProArt PF120: The most efficient fan at low noise level

It wants to go head‑to‑head with the Phanteks T30-120 fan, while also having a slight edge in every respect. That’s Asus’s marketing—and now comes reality in HWCooling’s in‑depth analysis. The ProArt PF120 fans are truly something exceptional and worth paying attention to. High cooling efficiency and elegant daisy‑chaining are just the beginning. The overall design of Asus’s fans is impressive. Read more “Asus ProArt PF120: The most efficient fan at low noise level” »

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One comment Add comment

  1. Thanks.
    I particularly like the minimum fan speed, that’s a must to me.

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