NF-S12A FLX:

The first fan we will look at is the NF-S12A FLX. This 120mm unit has a unique fan blade layout that features straighter/thinner blades with bumps on them that Noctua refers to as "Anti-Stall Knobs". The top speed of the fan is approximately is 1200RPM, but through the use of the included LNA and ULNA the speeds can be reduced to 900RPM and 700RPM respectively. Some of the fan's key specifications are listed below, and more information can be found at the official product page on the Noctua site.

Specifications:

» Size 120x120x25 mm
» Connector 3-pin
» Bearing SSO2
» Blade Geometry S-Series with Anti-Stall Knobs
» Frame Technology AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation)
» Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) 1200 RPM
» Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%) 900 RPM
» Rotational Speed with U.L.N.A. (+/- 10%) 700 RPM
» Airflow 107,5 m³/h
» Airflow with L.N.A. 83,2 m³/h
» Airflow with U.L.N.A. 65,8 m³/h
» Acoustical Noise 17,8 dB(A)
» Acoustical Noise with L.N.A. 10,7 dB(A)
» Acoustical Noise with U.L.N.A. 7,4 dB(A)
» Static Pressure 1,19 mm H2O
» Static Pressure with L.N.A. 0,73 mm H2O
» Static Pressure with U.L.N.A. 0,51 mm H2O
» Max. Input Power 1,44 W
» Max. Input Current 0,12 A
» Voltage 12 V
» MTBF > 150.000 h
» Scope of Delivery:
   » Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
   » Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptor (U.L.N.A.)
   » 3:4-Pin Adaptor
   » 30cm Extension Cable
   » 4 Vibration-Compensators
   » 4 Fan Screws
» Warranty 6 years

The image below shows the fan still in it's case, and once removed and powered up, it was impressive.



The image below shows the fan installed at the intake of a Cougar Spike based HTPC. Plugged directly in to a 3-pin power adapter I will admit I found the fan to be a bit loud for the setting. Adding the LNA made things better, but adding the ULNA made it nearly silent, and finally acceptable to me for an HTPC.