{"id":250615,"date":"2025-06-27T18:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T16:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hwcooling.net\/?p=250615\/"},"modified":"2025-06-27T22:59:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T20:59:56","slug":"future-of-older-noctua-nf-a12x25-g1-fans-finally-clear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hwcooling.net\/en\/future-of-older-noctua-nf-a12x25-g1-fans-finally-clear\/","title":{"rendered":"Future of older Noctua NF-A12x25 “G1” fans finally clear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Redux? That\u2019s one of the possible scenarios being discussed following the release of the second generation<\/a> of Noctua NF-A12x25<\/a> fans. Considering the technically superior performance of the newer NF-A12x25 G2<\/a> model, a price reduction for the original makes sense. To find out the actual plans, we asked Noctua directly, and the future of one of the most popular fan models of recent years is relatively clear.<\/p>\n

Yes, based on the performance results of the new NF-A12x25 G2 fans<\/a>, it’s only logical to assume that their predecessors should now be cheaper, as they\u2019ve been surpassed. But this will likely not happen\u2014and for good reasons. The most basic one is that the production costs of the Noctua NF-A12x25 \u201cG1\u201d are too high to leave any room for a reduced retail price. It\u2019s worth noting that the idea of a \u201cbudget\u201d fan made from LCP runs into reality quickly: such a product would be financially unviable. Even the material itself (liquid-crystal polymers) is expensive.<\/p>\n

A potential “redux” variant also faces hurdles due to the fact that these lower-cost fans derived from older models typically come in gray. While recoloring works well for PBT-based models, this may not be so simple with LCP\u2014or more specifically, Sterrox\u2014if all variants (including the existing models with brown rotors) are to maintain consistent properties. As for reducing the price by trimming down bundled accessories (such as only including self-tapping screws), that too is not a direction Noctua will take for this fan. That said, Noctua has not officially confirmed any of this information. Consider everything that follows as more of our “reflections,” meant to give you an idea of what could happen with the first-generation NF-A12x25 fans released in 2018<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Noctua currently has no plans to adjust the suggested retail price of the NF-A12x25 fans. It will remain aligned with the price of the \u201cG2\u201d model, at 34.90 EUR. That might seem illogical, given that the newer fan performs better. But from another perspective, it does make sense\u2014both economically and commercially. This is influenced by customer behavior on certain markets. Or even differing behaviors among customers within the same market.<\/p>\n

No matter how enthusiastically we look at it, some users will still choose to buy the older fan, even though a newer, better-performing model is already available. In this case, that means opting for the original NF-A12x25 over the NF-A12x25 G2. Reasons vary\u2014some may prefer a proven concept over a technically more refined one, or want to match fans they already own, among others. So, the price likely won\u2019t change\u2014at least not Noctua\u2019s suggested price. If a specific retailer decides to cut the price based on their own judgment, that\u2019s a separate issue. In that case, we\u2019re no longer talking about the MSRP, but an individual shop\u2019s pricing decision.<\/p>\n

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One final note: Noctua does not rule out a redux variant of the NF-A12x25 at some point. But that would require a different foundation to make it viable. This would likely mean switching from LCP to PBT for the base material, even if the fan geometry remained unchanged. However, this is pure speculation, and not a realistic scenario in the coming weeks or months.<\/p>\n

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If you were concerned that Noctua might classify the NF-A12x25 fans as an \u201cend of life\u201d (EOL) product, you can relax. That\u2019s not happening, and the sale of NF-A12x25 fans isn\u2019t ending anytime soon. Over their lifespan, they\u2019ve earned an outstanding reputation, and while the second generation (NF-A12x25 G2) is indeed improved, the original models still rank among the best. That\u2019s worth keeping in mind. Is that a letdown, or does it make sense to you?<\/p>\n

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