NF-A15 PWM:
The NF-A15 PWM is a
cool fan - pun intended - thanks to an interesting design twist. As you may have noticed, the naming structure designates the size in CM within the model number. For example, a "12" is 12CM or 120MM and a "14" is 14CM or 140MM. The 15 in the model number of this fan does imply that it is a 15CM fan, which is not a standard, but they have designed the frame to match up to the bolt holes used for a 14CM unit. You do need a bit more clearance around the fan frame for it to fit, and if you can make it happen you will get higher airflow at lower speeds and with less noise.
The PWM part of the model number also indicates that this has a 4-pin pulse width modulation connector, to allow for fine speed control in the specified range of 300-1200RPM The key specifications are listed below, and more information can be found on the official
product page on the Noctua website.
Specifications:
» Size 140x150x25 mm
» Connector 4-pin PWM
» Bearing SSO2
» Blade Geometry A-Series with Flow Acceleration Channels
» Frame Technology AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation)
» Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) 1200 RPM
» Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%) 900 RPM
» Min. Rotational Speed (PWM) 300 RPM
» Airflow 115,5 m³/h
» Airflow with L.N.A. 88,7 m³/h
» Acoustical Noise 19,2 dB(A)
» Acoustical Noise with L.N.A. 13,8 dB(A)
» Static Pressure 1,51 mm H2O
» Static Pressure with L.N.A. 0,89 mm H2O
» Max. Input Power 0,96 W
» Max. Input Current 0,08 A
» Voltage 12 V
» MTBF > 150.000 h
» Scope of Delivery:
» Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
» 4-Pin Y-Cable
» 30cm Extension Cable
» 4 Vibration-Compensators
» 4 Fan Screws
» Warranty 6 years
Here we see the uniquely shaped fan still in its case...
In the set of images below we see the NF-A15 PWM installed as an exhaust fan in the Bitfenix Prodigy based HTPC. It fits perfectly, and the noise produced is fairly low without any extra effort. After these pictures were taken, the LNA was installed to make it even quieter, though.
You may be wondering why the fan power cable runs right in front of the fan on its way to the motherboard. I used the rubber "Vibration-Compensators" to install all of the fans, including this one, and it was somewhat tricky getting my fingers in there to pull them through. After several minutes spent installing just this fan, I noticed the connector was at the top of the fan, and as far from the motherboard's fan header as I could have placed it. The cable reached, so I just left it.
