Noctua NF-S12A PWM
Expert rating8 / 10
- Fan Size:
- 120mm
- Airflow:
- 44.9 CFM
- Static Pressure:
- 1.06 mmH2O
- Noise Level:
- 17.8 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: 2026-09-12
Where to buy
- AmazonGo to store
Noctua NF-S12A PWM Review
If you're after the quietest 120mm case fan Noctua makes that still moves real air, the NF-S12A PWM is the one people usually mean when they ask about a 'silent Noctua fan'.
It trades the A12x25's raw pressure for a wider, slower-spinning blade that stays under 18 dBA at full tilt, so we'd put it in front of a radiator-free case build where hearing the fan at all is the failure state.
Where It Fits
The S12A PWM is Noctua's general-purpose case and CPU-cooler fan, not their static-pressure specialist. It's built for open airflow paths through mesh fronts and vented tops, not for pushing through a dense radiator.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM already in this catalog, the S12A is quieter at the same RPM but gives up nearly half the static pressure, so it's the better pick for a mesh-front airflow case while the A12x25 stays the pick for anything with a filter or radiator in the way. Compared to the Arctic P12 PWM PST, the S12A costs roughly four times as much per fan and doesn't clearly out-cool it, so the Arctic remains the value pick if a full case's worth of fans is on the shopping list.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8 / 10
An excellent quiet airflow fan for open cases, but expensive per-fan for how little static pressure it offers.
Best for
- Mesh-front cases with unobstructed airflow paths
- Builds where near-silent operation matters more than raw CFM
- Noctua owners standardizing on one fan family across the case
Not for
- Radiator or filtered-intake use where pressure matters more
- Budget multi-fan builds needing 6+ fans
- RGB-focused builds
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity and packaging
| Brand | Noctua |
|---|---|
| Model | NF-S12A PWM |
| Fan Thickness | 25 mm |
| Pack Quantity | 1 |
Design
| Fan Size | 120 mm |
|---|---|
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic |
| Lighting | None |
Performance
| Static Pressure | 1.19 mmH2O |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 1200 RPM |
| Noise Level | 17.8 dBA |
| PWM Control | Yes |
Performance at maximum speed
| Airflow | 63.27 CFM |
|---|
Performance at quiet speed
| Quiet Speed | 900 RPM |
|---|---|
| Airflow At Quiet Speed | 48.97 CFM |
| Noise Level At Quiet Speed | 10.7 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 | 1.44 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 | 140 g |
Market
| Warranty | 6 years |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Premium |
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)?
Key specs for the Noctua NF-S12A PWM: Airflow 63.27 CFM, Airflow At Quiet Speed 48.97 CFM, Static Pressure 1.19 mmH2O, Noise Level 17.8 dBA, Noise Level At Quiet Speed 10.7 dBA, Max Speed 1200 RPM.
Will the Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM) work with my current setup?
The Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO 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-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM) best suited to?
Best suited to: Mesh-front cases with unobstructed airflow paths; Builds where near-silent operation matters more than raw CFM; Noctua owners standardizing on one fan family across the case.
What are the drawbacks of the Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)?
Not the best fit for: Radiator or filtered-intake use where pressure matters more; Budget multi-fan builds needing 6+ fans; RGB-focused builds.
Compare and read more
- Corsair QX120 RGB (120mm/65.8 CFM/3.29 mmH2O Static Pressure/2500 RPM Max/34 dBA/Magnetic Dome Bearing/RGB/iCUE LINK) vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- Cooler Master MobiusLink ARGB Fan (120mm/62.0 CFM/2.4 mmH2O Static Pressure/2000 RPM Max/30.0 dBA/Loop Dynamic Bearing/ARGB/PWM) vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120 (120mm/61.5 CFM/1.83 mmH2O Static Pressure/1700 RPM Max/26 dBA/Rifle Bearing/No RGB/PWM) vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 (120mm/74.55 CFM/3.36 mmH2O Static Pressure/2200 RPM Max/32 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/D-RGB/PWM) vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- Why Your Case Fan's Noise Rating Doesn't Match What You Hear