Noctua NF-P14 FLX Case Fan
By: Dan Durland
Introduction
After reviewing the Noctua NF-S12B FLX case fan Noctua asked me to evaluate the NF-P14 FLX case fan. Besides being a larger fan, the NF-P14 FLX also sports a unique blade design employing Vortex-Control Notches.
Features
- 140mm Impeller with Vortex Control Notches
Thanks to its psycho-acoustically optimised nine blade impeller with staggered Vortex-Control Notches, the NF-P14 combines superb quietness with exceptional airflow and static pressure. - Metal Reinforcements
Both the impeller hub and the bearing shell of the NF-P14 are metal reinforced in order to achieve ultimate manufacturing precision, high durability and vibration-free running. - Round frame with 120mm mounting holes
Using a round frame with the same hole-spacing as common 120mm fans and producing more airflow due to its larger diameter, the NF-P14 is a perfect upgrade for 120mm CPU or case fans. Thanks to the supplied adaptors, the NF-P14 also fits common 140mm mounting holes. - 3 speed settings for full flexibility
Providing 1200, 900 and 750 rpm speed settings via the supplied Low-Noise and Ultra-Low-Noise Adapters, the NF-P14 FLX (Flexibility) can be fine-tuned for superior airflow or maximum quietness. - Smooth Commutation Drive 2
The latest version of Noctua's advanced SCD drive system ensures superb running smoothness by eliminating torque variations and switching noises. - SSO-Bearing
Noctua's time-tested SSO-Bearing technology has become synonymous with supremely quiet operation and exceptional long-term stability.
Specifications
- Size - 140x140x25 mm
- Bearing - SSO-Bearing
- Blade Geometry - NF-P14 Blade Design with VCN
- Rotational Speed - 1200 RPM (+/- 10%)
- Rotational Speed with L.N.A. - 900 RPM (+/- 10%)
- Rotational Speed with U.L.N.A. - 750 RPM (+/- 10%)
- Airflow - 110.3 m3/h
- Airflow with L.N.A. - 83.7 m3/h
- Airflow with U.L.N.A. - 71.2 m3/h
- Acoustical Noise - 19.6 dBA
- Acoustical Noise with L.N.A. - 13.2 dBA
- Acoustical Noise with U.L.N.A. - 10.1 dBA
- Static Pressure - 1.29 mm H20
- Static Pressure with L.N.A. - 0.77 mm H20
- Static Pressure with U.L.N.A. - 0.53 mm H20
- Input Power - 1.2 W
- Input Current - 0.1 A
- Voltage Range - 12 V
- MTBF - >150,000 h
- Warranty - 6 years
- Scope of Delivery
Ultra-Low-Noise Adapter (U.L.N.A.)
Low-Noise Adapter (L.N.A.)
Adapters for 140mm mounting
4 Vibration Compensators
3:4-pin Adapter
4 Fan Screws
Packaging
The NF-P14 FLX case fan is packaged in what appears to be a regular box. But the curious shopper will find a flap that opens like a book, which contains a few design diagrams, plus Noctua's own test results.
Inside the box we find the fan and all of the accessories in a preformed plastic compartmentalized container.
Image Gallery
Here we have the accessories:
- Ultra-Low-Noise Adapter (U.L.N.A.) - Blue Connector
- Low-Noise Adapter (L.N.A.) - Black Connector
- (4) - Fan Screws
- (4) - 140mm Mounting Adapters
- (4) - Vibration Compensators
- 3:4 pin Adapter
In our next pictures we see the front or intake side of the NF-P14 FLX and a close-up shows shows the Vortex Control Notches plus one of the 140mm Mounting Adapters.
Once again we have the front or intake side of the NF-P14 FLX plus I have all (4) 140mm Mounting Adapters in place.
In our last two pictures we can see the rear or exhaust side of the NF-P14 FLX. The close-up provides a better view of the Vortex Control Notches.
Testing
I'll be testing the NF-P14 FLX fan using the same method I used with the NF-S12B FLX fan. Acoustical Noise levels will be verified using the dBA meter built into my Mastech Digital Multimeter. And I'll use my La Crosse Technology EA-3010U Anemometer to take a wind speed measurement in km/h. Once I have the km/h reading I can plug that number into a flow rate calculator and determine the airflow in (m3/h) or (cfm). Noctua has also listed a Static Pressure value in (mm H20) which is virtually impossible to test with my limited resources.
Results
- 1200 RPM (+/- 10%)
7.2 km/h =65.2 cfm or 110.8 m3/h
20.1 dBA
- 900 RPM (+/- 10%)
5.5 km/h = 49.8 cfm or 84.6 m3/h
13.9 dBA
- 750 RPM (+/- 10%)
4.6 km/h = 41.7 cfm or 70.8 m3/h
10.5 dBA
Similar to the other Noctua fans I've used and tested the NF-P14 FLX delivers results that are very similar to the specifications listed and well within the (+/- 10%) RPM range.
Pros
- 120mm or 140mm Mounting Options
- Very Quiet
- Excellent Airflow
- Vibration Compensators
- 6 year Warranty
Cons
- Color
- Expensive ($25-$30 US)
Conclusion
Once again Noctua has delivered a solid product that matches its listed specifications. While it is expensive and the color is rather dull the performance is as advertised. Leaving room for future improvements, like a combination of Noctua's Vortex Control Notches and their Bevelled Blade Tips, I'm awarding the NF-P14 FLX a 4.5 out of 5 star rating.
I would like to thank Noctua for allowing Tech-Forums to evaluate this product.
, I'm not that big a fan of the colour either but it doesn't really make that much difference as to how well it cools lol so no biggie IMO
