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As far as PC fans are concerned, we’re back with a test of a Noctua reference. Since October 1st, the Austrian brand has been offering a square frame version of its new-generation NF-A14x25 G2 fan. This version allows us to test the fan on a ventirad other than the NH-D15 G2. So let’s see how this model fares against rival models.
Presentation:
For the record, when the NH-D15 was released, Noctua offered a new-generation 140 mm fan. This is none other than the NF-A14x25 G2 PWM. However, before it was available in a version with a square frame, it was only available with a round frame, and we presented this version to you at this address.
However, since October 1st, the square frame version has been on the market. By offering this version, the brand is able to cater for all types of user and all types of heatsink: 140/280/420 mm watercooling, case mounting and fridge mounting. Note that circular frame fans are only used by certain fans.
The NF-A14x25 G2 PWM:
As usual, Noctua is offering products in its traditional colours of brown and beige. Clearly, this doesn’t appeal to everyone, but with patience, the brand is eventually offering its most popular products in black under its chromax.black range. As far as this mill is concerned, according to the brand’s latest roadmap, we’ll have to wait until the 1st quarter of 2025.
In itself, we’re already familiar with the fan, since we presented the round-frame version as mentioned above. However, compared with the first NF-A14 PWM (visible below), there has been a drastic change in the shape of the blades. Instead of being thick and seven in number, they are now thinner and more numerous: 9.
In addition to the number of units, this package offers a number of technologies designed to improve performance, airflow or reduce noise pollution. Noctua calls the ‘break’ in the curvature of the blades the Progressive Bend Impeller. At the tips, we have the Flow Acceleration Channel coupled to a small fin. Finally, even the central hub has been worked into a turbine shape, whereas the first NF-A14 had nothing in this area.
As with the NF-A12x25, Noctua has sought to reduce the gap between the blades and the frame as much as possible in order to make the most of the blades. Here, the gap is only 0.7 mm, whereas it was much larger on the previous generation of fans.
Noctua has also paid particular attention to the frame. Once again, we find the brand’s own technologies, such as Inner Surface Microstructures, which are small asperities inside the frame to reduce noise. Similarly, the edges of the frame are staircase-shaped to improve acoustic performance, and there are anti-vibration devices. What’s more, the fan is built using Sterrox liquid crystal polymer, ensuring quality construction and foolproof rigidity!
We now move on to the technical specifications:
- Without L.N.A. adapter :
- Speed: up to 1500 rpm
- Air flow: 91.98 CFM
- Static pressure: 2.56 mm H2O
- With L.N.A. adapter
- Speed: up to 1500 rpm
- Air flow: 74.81 CFM
- Static pressure: 1.3 mm H2O
The bundle:
The NF-A14x25 G2 PWM comes with the following accessories:
- 4x NA-AVP1-LR silicone wedges
- 4x NA-AV2 siliconised nipples for mounting without screws or tools
- 4x screws for mounting in a housing
- 1x L.N.A adapter NA-RC16
- 1x splitter to two NA-YC1 female fan sockets
- 1x 30 cm PWM extension lead NA-EC1
As you can see, the accessories section is extremely comprehensive for a fan. Here, Noctua doesn’t just supply the mounting screws, no, the brand goes further by offering a number of other accessories, including the 30 cm extension lead and the splitter. And let’s not forget that the price is not insignificant: €40 per fan on the brand’s official shop!
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Tests :
For the fan tests, we’re following roughly the same basis as our CPU cooling tests. So we’re testing everything on our Ryzen 9 7900X with a power consumption of just 105W on a Noctua NH-C14S fan. The aim is to be fan-dependent in order to highlight the differences in performance from one fan to another.
Fan speed :
Clearly, when you compare the speed of the 140mm fans with that of the 120mm mills, overall, it comes out that they spin slower. Here, the two Noctua NF-A14s both cap at around 1500 rpm. At 66%, the speed drops to 1000 rpm and stabilises at 500 rpm at 33% PWM signal. These are the slowest fans in our comparison, with the Arctic P14 and Corsair AF140 Elite running faster, especially at low speeds of 700 and 800 rpm respectively!
Noise :
Having looked at speed, it’s time to look at noise. We mount our fans on our ventirad and measure the noise levels with a sound level meter positioned 40 cm in the direction of the fans’ suction.
As far as noise levels are concerned, Noctua’s new generation of 140 mm fans are quieter than their predecessors. The difference is noticeable at full speed, where the G2 generates 38.5 dB compared with 41 dB for the NF-A14.
At 66% PWM signal, the NF-A14x25 G2 again has the advantage, with noise levels falling to a barely perceptible 30.5 dB. Finally, at low speed, the noise level is 30 dB. In short, if not 100%, this new model rivals Arctic’s P14 in terms of noise pollution.
Temperatures :
Let’s start with the temperature readings for our 105W profile. There’s a lot of heat escaping here, so let’s see how our fans fare! This is the most interesting test for highlighting fan performance.
As far as temperatures are concerned, we noticed that when mounted on an NH-C14S, the NF-a14x25 G2 was unable to contain the load of our Ryzen 9 7900X when running at low speed. In our opinion, this is due to an operating speed that is too slow. As we can see, the AF140 Elite and P14 manage to do this, but operate at least 200 rpm faster. As for the NF-A14, it manages to cool our processor, but only just.
However, at its highest fan speeds, Noctua’s new mill performs well. Compared to the P14, it displays between 2°C and 4°C less on our CPU. However, the gap is smaller against the NF-A14 PWM, but the new generation still dominates.
Temperature/noise ratio :
On this performance/noise ratio graph, we remind you that the best position is as far down as possible on the left of the graph. For ease of reading, the point furthest to the left symbolises ventilation at 12V, the point in the centre ventilation at 8V and the point furthest to the right ventilation at 5V.
Here, the NF-A14x25 G2’s temperature/noise ratio puts it ahead of its rivals, even if it didn’t keep our CPU cool at low revs. That’s why the curve is truncated. In the case of this fan, our advice is to run it above 500 rpm, so that it doesn’t collapse too much at low revs. We therefore think that 700 rpm should be the minimum.
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Conclusion:
It’s now time to conclude about the NF-A14x25 G2 PWM. So, does it have what it takes to find its place in your PC? We tell you all about it!
A new-generation Noctua 140 mm fan!
While the NF-A14x25 G2 was launched with a round frame, here it comes with a square frame. The square frame makes it easier to install in cases, but also on watercooling radiators or aircooling fans.
Other than that, the construction is solid and the whole thing really exudes quality. What’s more, the Austrian brand has put all its know-how into this mill, and no element has been spared. Whether it’s the frame, the blades or even the central hub, the work and innovations are present at every level.
With this, we can count on a complete accessory section. The fan comes with a cable extension, splitter and other accessories. So there’s no excuse for missing anything when it comes to assembly.
Silent, but lacks punch at 500 rpm!
Let’s face it, this new version offers improved fan performance while being quieter than its predecessor: the NF-A14 PWM. However, there’s one fly in the ointment: it didn’t keep our Ryzen 9 7900X running at low revs, which is a shame for a premium fan like this. In this case, we suggest you run it faster than 500 rpm. On the other hand, its low noise levels mean that it offers a better temperature/noise ratio than the rivals we’ve selected.
A very high price!
Once again, Noctua equipment comes with a hefty price tag. In fact, this new fan can be found for €40 on the official Noctua shop on Amazon. That’s a pretty steep price to pay for a fan, especially when you consider alternatives like Arctic, where you can get a pack of five P14 PWMs for the same price. This pricing makes us fear the worst for the chromax.black version, which is generally more expensive than the original.
Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM :
We like:
- The quality of manufacture
- Comprehensive accessories for a fan
- Lower noise levels than the previous generation
- Lower temperatures at high and medium speeds
- Excellent temperature/noise ratio at high and medium speeds
We liked it less :
- The brown/beige colour isn’t to everyone’s taste, but it’s coming in black!
- Lack of punch at 500 rpm
- The very high price
In the end, we’ve decided to give this Noctua fan a silver award. Although it benefits from an excellent treatment and comes with a very complete accessory part, its price is likely to repel many, which is why it loses the gold. Expect to pay €80 for two fans, while a large case front panel will cost you €120! It’s a pity, because compared to the previous generation, it offers reduced noise pollution and improved performance at its highest speeds. Just try to run it faster than 500 rpm, or it might not show its full potential on a ventirad at least.
Many thanks to Noctua !
