Noctua NF-S12B FLX vs. Thermaltake ISGC Fan

Product(s): Thermaltake ISGC Fan 12 Case Fan
Provided By: Thermaltake
Price:

Product(s): Noctua NF-S12B FLX Case Fan
Provided By: Noctua
Price:

Introduction: 

Today we’ve got a bit of a different head-to-head article for you, we’re taking the Noctua NF-S12B FLX fan and putting it up against the Thermaltake ISGC Fan 12. Now I know what you’re thinking already, “Who cares, they are just case fans”, and in a sense your right, however when you bring home your next new case and power it up and it sounds like a jet about to take off you’ll be glad you read this review. Both of these fans are designed to take that noisy case and bring it down to a reasonable level without sacrificing airflow and temperatures.

First Impressions - Noctua NF-S12B FLX:

The Noctua NF-S12B FLX comes from a long line of cooling from the folks over at Noctua, and this 120mm fan uses adapters to let you run the fan at either 1200, 900 or 600 RPM which should allow you to find a good mix of airflow and noise. The NF-S12B FLX is a redefined version of Noctua’s original NF-S12 fans. Noctua’s original NF-S12 fans become known for excellent air flow to noise ratio, and Noctua has tried to take the new NF-S12B FLX fans to the next level with some engineering enhancements. The biggest change is the addition of beveled fan blades which aim to reduce noise and airflow by up to 10%.

Let's take a closer look at the Noctua NF-S12B FLX 120mm fan.

Noctua NF-S12B FLX - Box Front

Noctua NF-S12B FLX - Box Back

 

Noctua NF-S12B FLX - Box Back (Open)

Noctua NF-S12B FLX - Inside of the Bo

 

Noctua NF-S12B FLX - Front View

Noctua NF-S12B FLX - Back View

 

As you can see in the picture below, the fan blades of the Noctua NF-S12B FLX have a bit of a different design thanks to the notched ends. This is done to achieve more airflow with less noise, both of which are good things. Head on over to Noctua for the full explanation of why they went with a new type of fan blade design and what it means for performance.

Noctua NF-S12B FLX - Fan Blade Design

Noctua NF-S12B FLX - Accessories

 

Noctua NF-S12B FLX Specifications:

All specifications have been taken from Noctua.at

Highly optimized impeller with Beveled Blade Tips
Thanks to its further refined blade geometry with extended leading edges and Beveled Blade Tips, the NF-S12B achieves up to 10% more airflow and static pressure than its much acclaimed predecessor at the same noise level.

3 speed settings for full flexibility
Providing 1200, 900 and 600 rpm speed settings via the supplied Low-Noise and Ultra-Low-Noise Adapters, the FLX (Flexibility) version can be fine-tuned for superior airflow or maximum quietness.

Smooth Commutation Drive 2
The latest version of Noctua’s advanced SCD drive system ensures superb running smoothness by eliminating torque variations and switching noises.

SSO-Bearing
Noctua’s time-tested SSO-Bearing technology has become synonymous with supremely quiet operation and exceptional long-term stability.

Detailed Specifications