Page 2 - A Closer Look - Hardware
The Redux line is an updated version of some old favorites, the NF-P12 PWM and NF-P12. All four versions of the Noctua NF-P12 Redux fans have the same exterior features, and so I only took a picture of one of them. Pictured above and for the rest of this page, the Noctua NF-P12 1300 PWM is featured. For the Redux line to stand out, Noctua has opted to change the colors to gray. The impellers are a darker gray, while the rest of the frame is slightly lighter. The new design of the frame is due to its compatibility with Noctua's NA-SAVP1. These are anti-vibration pads and mounts available in many different colors. This adds quite a bit of flexibility to the color scheme, as opposed to some of Noctua's other fans that have a fixed color. However, this fan still has many of Noctua's more premium fans' features. The NF-P12 Redux is optimized for cooling heatsinks or radiators that require high pressure to push air through the fins efficiently. It also features Noctua's Smooth Communication Drive 2, which eliminates torque variations and switching noises, making the fan even quieter. Furthermore, the NF-P12 Redux is backed by a MTTF rating of 150,000 hours, as well as a six year warranty. Just like Noctua's other fans, there are some quality promises to back up the price.
The Noctua NF-P12 Redux has nine blades, which according to Noctua, are specifically designed for high pressure environments. The nine closely spaced fan blades ensure that high static pressure can be achieved at much lower RPMs. The addition of the notches along the outer edges of the impellers are required because of the added blades in the fan. These added blades would cause more noise, but the notches help to reduce noise, as well as increasing efficiency. The notches help to redirect how the air is pulled through the impellers. Noctua has a full page describing in more detail how these extra blades work with the notches. The picture above and the picture below help you to see how the notches are placed.
When it comes to specifications, there are quite a few we need to cover for the four different fans. Starting with the Noctua NF-P12 1700 PWM. The max RPM is 1700, while the minimum is 450. Airflow measures in at 120.2 m3/h, while acoustical noise is 25.1 dB(A). Static pressure sits at 2.83 mm H2O. For the NF-P12 1300 PWM, we have a max RPM of 1300 and a minimum of 300. Airflow is a little lower than the 1700 RPM version, measuring in at 92.3 m3/h. However, noise emissions are slightly lower as well coming in at 19.8 dB(A). Static pressure measures in at 1.68 mm H2O. The 1300 version has the exact same specifications. The last version with a maximum RPM of 900, with airflow measuring in at 63.4 m3/h, and acoustical noise a little lower than the others coming in at 12.6 dB(A). Lastly, the static pressure measures in at 1.21 mm H2O. The specifications seem to be up to par, we will just have to see how they perform on the next page.
The Noctua NF-P12 Redux fans have Noctua's SSO bearing. These bearings last much longer than sleeve or ball bearings, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages as well. For the most part, sleeve bearings are quieter, but do not last as long as ball bearings. The SSO bearings are hydrodynamic with a magnet which helps with stabilization. As we have already covered, this ensures that the fans have a MTTF of a 150,000 hours. SSO bearings are designed to bring the best of both worlds promising longevity, but to also be quiet. Otherwise, on the back of the fan, we have some more information covering the fan model and some electrical specifications.
Noctua also sent the NA-SFMA1 to us, which are adapters for radiators. They are designed not for the NF-P12 Redux fans, but for the NF-A12x25 fans. They make it possible for the 120 mm fan to be installed on a 280 mm radiator. Included in the box, are two mounting brackets and eight anti-vibration mounts. This is a nice accessory, which could prove to be quiet useful.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware
3. Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
