Noctua NF-S12 and NF-R8 PC Case Fan Review

Also included in the package are a set of fan screws and a set of anti vibration studs/grommets (or Vibration Compensators as Noctua likes to call them). I’ve seen these studs around the market for a long time but never integrated into a kit to use out of the box. I wanted to achieve maximum silence so I used those compensators: the way these things work is that they suspend the drive into the rubber grommets instead of bolting them to the case. This way none of the fan’s vibrations can reach the case and produce sound, since vibration = sound.

I had to manipulate those compensators a little bit because my case has a few bigger holes. But if you have a standard case with 4 screw holes at the back, then you’re set (but the studs might need some persuasion). ;)

Only downside I could find (and it’s not even a bad thing in my opinion) is the color of the fans. I myself like the different color scheme but some people might not like the brow / red / crème kind of colors, then again this might just set off that casemod you where planning to build. All in all this is a great piece of kit and will be valuable to system builders (if not for the silence or the excellent build quality, then the 6-year warranty). For whichever reason you choose the Noctua fans, you have made a great decision.

	REPORT CARD : Noctua NF-S12 and NF-R8 Case Fans category rating comments Quality 5 Plastic is high quality, as are the bearings and is warranteed for six years. Some may object to the fan color. Innovation 5 SSO technology makes for an extremely silent fan with high durability. Performance 5 These fans push alot of air and are the quietest fans I’ve ever used. Extra adapters make the fans even more silent. Installation 4 Extra steps are taken to use the rubber grommets, which can take a little work. Value 4 These fans are on the pricey side, but if you absolutely need silence then these are the fans to buy. FINAL VERDICT: 5 out of 5 stars