Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM: Not every low-end is the same

Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM in detail

In this test, we’ll take a look at Noctua’s anticipated first representative and how it ranks next to other fans. We’ll start from the bottom with the most affordable one from this Austrian company. It should be noted that Noctua views this class of fans slightly differently than other brands, and has the base perched very high. However, there is one BUT, which is rather insignificant, but still “lifted some people out of their chairs”.

The redux fan series is based on the first generation of Noctua fans. The main differences are in the colour (instead of beige-brown it’s a combination of lighter and darker grey) and mainly in the less extensive accessories, which made it possible to reduce the retail price.

A significant advantage over other fans in the same price category is also in the precision design of the motor. The integrated circuit also plays a part in thisNE-FD1 PWM IC, it provides smoother pulse ramp, which eliminates switching noises. We will look at what such a PWM waveform looks like through an oscilloscope in a future fan test.

And of course there are the virtually noiseless “self-lubricating” SSO bearings. With all other fans in this price range of 12-13 euros, there is always some friction sound (especially at very low speeds, when the aerodynamic sound dies down). But mainly, after sixteen years of SSO bearings, we can clearly confirm their reliability, which no other company can add to their advantages.

*When reading performance values, a certain amount of tolerance must always be taken into account. For maximum speeds, ±10 % is usually quoted, minimum speeds can vary considerably more from piece to piece, sometimes manufacturers will overlap by as much as ±50 %. This must then also be adequately taken into account for air flow, static pressure and noise levels. If only one value is given in a table entry, this means that it always refers to the situation at maximum speed, which is achieved at 12 V or 100 % PWM intensity. The manufacturer does not disclose the lower limit of the performance specifications in its materials in that case. The price in the last column is always approximate.

The rotor is the same as in the NF-P12 (PWM), except for the colour. There are nine axial blades, which are the same height as well as width (of course considering the widest point at the frame). There are then two more cut-outs on the rear, trailing edge of each blade, which break up the swirling with a focus on making the fan’s sound as pleasing as possible to the human ear.

The surface finish is finely roughened by sandblasting with high fineness. In the details, the workmanship is extremely precise and accurate, which of course also entails perfect weight balance. This is also why the vibrations are extremely low despite the fact that the reduxes lack anti-vibration pads. But you can buy these (NA-SAVP1 are compatible) and add them on yourself. More or less, this will only give you a more colourful appearance – there is no need to dampen vibrations here, as they practically do not appear even at the highest speeds, which is quite unprecedented considering the high airflow that the P12 redux-1700 PWM achieves.

The difference compared to the conventional brown NF-P12 (PWM) is in the case of the test variant (1700 PWM) also in the higher speed, by 400 rpm. The P12 redux-1700 PWM is supposed to operate in the 450-1700 rpm range, but there are also slower variants (P12 redux-1300/PWM) with ranges from the original P12. These have lower not only maximum (1300) but also minimum speed (300). Under pulse control, the NF-P12 redux PWMs, regardless of speed variant, do not support semi-passive operation, unlike NF-12 PWMs. This means that even at 0% PWM intensity the rotor still rotates.

Noctua is one of the few manufacturers to indicate the operating power on the motor housing. In this case it is approximately (even here, some tolerance is allowed) 1.08 W. The maximum power of the motor is naturally higher. Exactly by how much can traditionally be found within our measurements.

The power cord is long, up to 40 cm. With Noctua’s more expensive fans it is usually half the length, but that’s probably just because an extension cable is included. It is missing here and the contents of the package include only four self-tapping screws in addition to the fan. It’s about the same equipment as other fans in this price range. Some have extra rubber spikes, but as we mentioned before, the NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM doesn’t need those because of its very low vibration.

• Contents
• Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM in detail
• The basis of the methodology, the wind tunnel
• Mounting and vibration measurement
• Initial warm-up and speed recording
• Base 7 equal noise levels…
• .. and sound color (frequency characteristic)
• Static pressure measurement…
• … and airflow
• Everything changes with obstacles
• How we measure power draw and motor power
• Measuring the intensity (and power draw) of lighting
• Results: Speed
• Results: Airflow w/o obstacles
• Results: Airflow through a nylon filter
• Results: Airflow through a plastic filter
• Results: Airflow through a hexagonal grille
• Results: Airflow through a thinner radiator
• Results: Airflow through a thicker radiator
• Results: Static pressure w/o obstacles
• Results: Static pressure through a nylon filter
• Results: Static pressure through a plastic filter
• Results: Static pressure through a hexagonal grille
• Results: Static pressure through a thinner radiator
• Results: Static pressure through a thicker radiator
• Results: Static pressure, efficiency by orientation
• Reality vs. specifications
• Results: Frequency response of sound w/o obstacles
• Results: Frequency response of sound with a dust filter
• Results: Frequency response of sound with a hexagonal grille
• Results: Frequency response of sound with a radiator
• Results: Vibration, in total (3D vector length)
• Results: Vibration, X-axis
• Results: Vibration, Y-axis
• Results: Vibration, Z-axis
• Results: Power draw (and motor power)
• Results: Cooling performance per watt, airflow
• Results: Cooling performance per watt, static pressure
• Airflow per euro
• Static pressure per euro
• Results: Lighting – LED luminance and power draw
• Results: LED to motor power draw ratio
• Evaluation