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!
