Page 3 - Performance Tests
Complex tools that allow for in-depth, objective, and quantitative testing are important, but implementation of these tools can be a barrier to entry. As a result, APH Networks has invented the APH Networks proprietary testing method to perform qualitative tests for fans using tissue paper. The tissue paper is taped to the top of the fan on the exhaust side and placed on the edge of the table to ensure no airflow is reflected back. Once the fans are powered, the behavior of the tissue paper will reveal to us the strength, consistency, and shape of the airflow.
For the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 series, only the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM was tested, since the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP are nearly identical to it.
I first tested the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM at full power. The tissue paper was fully raised, nearly parallel to the ground, with minimal fluctuations, suggesting a strong and constant airflow. At the end of the tissue paper, the left side is raised higher, while the right side dips lower. This could potentially be caused by the airflow being in a rotational state, as it exists in the impellers. Due to inertia, the airflow on the left travels upwards, while the airflow on the right travels downwards, leading to the shape we see from the tissue paper. Overall, the performance of the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM at full power is excellent in terms of airflow strength and consistency.
After adding the low-noise-adapter, the performance is reduced as expected. The right side of the tissue paper was lower in all sections compared to when the fan was at full power. The left side, however, still held up very well, suggesting the airflow strength was still excellent on that side. The airflow was also consistent, as observed from the minimal fluctuations of the tissue paper. The overall performance was very good, even with the low noise adapter on.
In terms of volume produced by the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, it was decently quiet when spinning at maximum speeds, both at full power and low noise mode. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is pure silence, and 10 is standing right below fireworks, I would say the fan is a 2.5 at full power and 2.0 with the low noise adapter on. This noise level is excellent considering the performance of the fans.
To analyze how well the fans would perform when faced with static pressure, we would have to look at the P/Q curve provided by Noctuta on their website. On the graph, the airflow is plotted against static pressure, and the curve represents the fan's performance at maximum RPM. Fans often operate near the right or the middle section of the curve, so this is a crucial area to optimize. Noctua has intentionally optimized the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 Series to have a somewhat flat middle section, so that the airflow performance is relatively consistent when utilized in high static pressure applications. The graph also shows the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 series is a clear upgrade in terms of performance compared to the predecessor, Noctua NF-A12x25.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware
3. Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
