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 hexagonal grille

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.


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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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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ID-Cooling AT-120-K: Ring below blade tips?

The first ID-Cooling fan in our database, and it immediately features one unconventional element—the blade ring is positioned differently than usual. Its placement bellow the blade tips is typical of high-speed fans, and the AT-120-K model indeed spins at very high speeds. Despite that, it can also be significantly slowed down while maintaining attractive cooling efficiency even at lower noise levels. And all of this comes at an attractive price point. Read more “ID-Cooling AT-120-K: Ring below blade tips?” »

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New stars in the cooling hardware universe, part 6—Valkyrie

Established and well-known producers in the field are certainly familiar to our readers. In recent years, several new companies have appeared on the scene that may not yet be widely recognized. This series focuses precisely on such relatively new players. Although these brands have been on the market for a short time, their ambitions, fresh ideas, and technical solutions should not be underestimated. The sixth is inspired by Norse mythology. Read more “New stars in the cooling hardware universe, part 6—Valkyrie” »

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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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