{"id":244582,"date":"2025-05-22T14:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T12:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hwcooling.net\/?p=244582\/"},"modified":"2025-05-24T00:21:01","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T22:21:01","slug":"new-120-mm-noctua-fans-coming-in-june-what-about-coolers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hwcooling.net\/en\/new-120-mm-noctua-fans-coming-in-june-what-about-coolers\/","title":{"rendered":"New 120 mm Noctua Fans Coming in June. What About Coolers?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We spoke with a Noctua representative not only about their upcoming 120 mm fans, designed to surpass the performance of the older NF-A12x25<\/a> models, but also about their integration into CPU coolers. Yes, they\u2019re coming. And why exactly do these fans use winglets on the blades? It\u2019s also possible that sooner or later, we\u2019ll see Noctua fans with a thicker profile. However, new single-tower coolers with 140 mm fans are now unlikely.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no better place to start than with the news on the next generation of 120 mm fans \u2013 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 \u201cunexpected logistical complications\u201d could disrupt this timeline), but this is the current outlook in the Noctua camp.<\/p>\n

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 \u201chumped\u201d 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<\/a>. This system \u2013 or rather, this concept \u2013 is called \u201cCentrifugal Turburator\u201d by Noctua.<\/p>\n

One of the advantages of this second-generation 120 mm fan over the first-generation NF-A12x25<\/a> is the inclusion of SuperTorque functionality in the etaPERF motor. Noctua provides detailed documentation on these specifics in their Computex 2025 press release<\/a>, 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\u00b0C lower CPU core temperature on radiators. On tower cooler heatsinks, the drop is around one degree Celsius.<\/a> The exact conditions (load and radiator type) for these results are outlined in the mentioned press release.<\/p>\n

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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\u2019t high enough to justify production. That\u2019s not Noctua’s official stance, but our own assessment based on the information we\u2019ve gathered.<\/p>\n

There was also discussion about the winglets \u2013 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<\/a>), which incorporates features like ISM (Inner Surface Microstructures<\/a>) inside the fan frame. We\u2019ve covered the benefits of these design features in previous fan analyses. Put simply, the goal is to achieve maximum airflow at minimal noise \u2013 even when dealing with airflow obstacles that demand higher static pressure.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s crucial to note that a thicker profile alone doesn\u2019t 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 \u2013 this aligns with Noctua\u2019s design philosophy. Keep in mind, even Phanteks T30<\/a> doesn\u2019t outperform the Noctua NF-A12x25<\/a> across all scenarios, although there are some exceptions. And that\u2019s despite a 5 mm difference in thickness.<\/p>\n

Another big draw at Noctua\u2019s booth was the display of their AIO liquid cooling prototypes.<\/p>\n

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We reported on Noctua’s thermosiphon water cooling systems<\/a> last year, and you can learn about the latest developments in the updated Computex 2025 datasheet<\/a>. 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?).<\/p>\n

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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)<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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We asked how enthusiasts might be able to print accessories in Noctua\u2019s signature colors at home. The answer: this is becoming a reality. Noctua is working with Prusa Research<\/a> on a filament in Noctua\u2019s signature colors, and if all goes well, there will be a special filament kit available.<\/p>\n

English translation and edit by Jozef Dud\u00e1\u0161<\/em><\/p>\n