Noctua

Noctua NF-F12 PWM

Expert rating9 / 10

Fan Size:: 120mm
Airflow:: 53.7 CFM
Static Pressure:: 2.61 mmH2O
Noise Level:: 22.4 dBA

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Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

Manufacturer: Noctua Last updated: 2026-10-08

Where to buy

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Noctua NF-F12 PWM Review

Noctua NF-F12 PWM is a 120 mm, 25 mm thick, 4-pin PWM fan with a 2.61 mmH2O static pressure rating, 1500 RPM maximum speed, 22.4 dBA noise and an SSO2 bearing.

The NF-F12 PWM is rated for 2.61 mmH2O of static pressure. At its 1500 RPM maximum it is rated 22.4 dBA, and at its 1200 RPM quiet speed it drops to 18.6 dBA while moving 43.73 CFM. It has a 4-pin PWM connector, anti-vibration pads, a 150000 hour rated life and a 6 year warranty. It has no RGB lighting and comes in Noctua's brown and beige colours. That look and its premium positioning are the main drawbacks for matching builds.

Comparison to Alternatives

Against the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM already in our catalog, the F12 gives up some outright airflow and static pressure for a lower price on the same SSO2 bearing platform. Versus the Arctic P12 PWM PST, the F12 runs about 2 dBA quieter at similar static pressure but costs roughly 4x more per fan, which only makes sense on a single cooler fan, not a case full of them.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating9 / 10

The benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.

Best for

CPU tower cooler fans
Thin 120mm AIO radiators
Quiet high-restriction builds

Not for

Budget multi-fan case builds
RGB-focused builds
Open mesh front intakes

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity and packaging

Brand	Noctua
Model	NF-F12 PWM
Fan Thickness	25 mm
Pack Quantity	1

Design

Fan Size	120 mm
Bearing Type	Fluid Dynamic
Lighting	None

Performance

Static Pressure	2.61 mmH2O
Max Speed	1500 RPM
Noise Level	22.4 dBA
PWM Control	Yes

Performance at maximum speed

Airflow	54.97 CFM

Performance at quiet speed

Quiet Speed	1200 RPM
Airflow At Quiet Speed	43.73 CFM
Noise Level At Quiet Speed	18.6 dBA
Zero RPM Capable	Yes

Motor and bearing

Bearing Marketing Name	SSO2
Rated Life	150000 hours
Blade Material	PBT

Airflow direction and frame

Mounting Hole Spacing	105 mm
Anti Vibration Pads	Yes

Power and control

Max Power Draw	0.6 W
Start Voltage	7 V

Connection and daisy chain

Connector Type	4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector	None

Lighting

RGB Lighting	No
Lighting Type	None

Physical and finish

Colorway	Brown And Beige
Cable Length	200 mm
Weight	165 g

Market

Warranty	6 years
Positioning	Premium

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Noctua NF-F12 PWM (120mm/53.7 CFM/2.61 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/22.4 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)?

Key specs for the Noctua NF-F12 PWM: Airflow 54.97 CFM, Airflow At Quiet Speed 43.73 CFM, Static Pressure 2.61 mmH2O, Noise Level 22.4 dBA, Noise Level At Quiet Speed 18.6 dBA, Max Speed 1500 RPM.

Will the Noctua NF-F12 PWM (120mm/53.7 CFM/2.61 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/22.4 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM) work with my current setup?

The Noctua NF-F12 PWM (120mm/53.7 CFM/2.61 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/22.4 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM) lists Fan Size is 120 mm. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the Noctua NF-F12 PWM (120mm/53.7 CFM/2.61 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/22.4 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM) best suited to?

Best suited to: CPU tower cooler fans; Thin 120mm AIO radiators; Quiet high-restriction builds.

What are the drawbacks of the Noctua NF-F12 PWM (120mm/53.7 CFM/2.61 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/22.4 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)?

Not the best fit for: Budget multi-fan case builds; RGB-focused builds; Open mesh front intakes.