The cooling fan is an integral part of any computer system, and not all are created equal. I personally prefer a quiet yet cool system and finding that balance is hard to do, thankfully Noctua makes it a bit easier with their award winning fan designs. The latest fan I have for review from Noctua is the NF-A14 ULN where ULN stand for Ultra Low Noise. This fan, at stock, runs at only 800 RPM but yet still manages to move quite a bit of air around your case but remaining virtually silent. If 800 RPM isn’t quiet enough for you, then you can use the supplied Low Noise Adapter and slow the fan down even further to only 650 RPM and yet still move almost the same amount of air. So read on to learn more about the fan and see some test results…
Noctua NF-A14 ULN 140mm Cooling Fan Review
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info
The NF-A14 is a premium quality quiet 140mm fan with a square frame that complies with Noctua’s AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization) standard. Its square shape and 140mm mounting holes (124.5mm spacing) make it ideal for use on watercooling radiators or as an upgrade for 140mm case fans. Featuring sophisticated aerodynamic design measures such as Flow Acceleration Channels, the NF-A14 further improves the renowned quiet cooling performance of the award-winning NF-P14. The ULN version provides super-slow 800/650rpm speed settings for ultra-low-noise applications and highly noise sensitive users who demand near-silent operation. Its superb running smoothness, reference-class SSO2 bearing and Noctua’s trusted premium quality make it an elite choice for the highest demands.
Succeeding the award-winning NF-P14
Noctua’s NF-P14 fan has become a default-choice among PC enthusiasts looking for a premium quality quiet 140mm fan. Thanks to its thoroughgoing aerodynamic optimizations, the NF-A14 provides higher static pressure and an even better airflow/noise ratio than its much acclaimed predecessor.
Square 140mm frame
The NF-A14’s square 140mm frame with 140mm mounting holes (124.5mm spacing) makes it a premium grade replacement for common 140mm case fans and perfect for use on 140mm water cooling radiators, where its square shape will ensure full coverage and best pressure performance.
Flow Acceleration Channels
The NF-A14 impeller features suction side Flow Acceleration Channels. By speeding up the airflow at the crucial outer blade regions, this measure reduces suction side flow separation and thus leads to better efficiency and lower vortex noise.
AAO Frame
Noctua’s AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization) frames feature integrated anti-vibration pads as well as Noctua’s proprietary Stepped Inlet Design and Inner Surface Microstructures, both of which further refine the fan’s performance/noise efficiency.
Stepped Inlet Design
Noctua’s Stepped Inlet Design adds turbulence to the influx in order to facilitate the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow, which reduces tonal intake noise, improves flow attachment and increases suction capacity, especially in space restricted environments.
Inner Surface Microstructures
With the tips of the fan blades ploughing through the boundary layer created by the Inner Surface Microstructures, flow separation from the suction side of the blades is significantly suppressed, which results in reduced blade passing noise and improved airflow and pressure efficiency.
Integrated Anti-Vibration Pads
Integrated Anti-Vibration Pads made from extra-soft silicone minimize the transmission of minute vibrations while maintaining full compatibility with all standard screws and other mounting systems.
SSO2 Bearing
The NF-A14 features the further optimized second generation of Noctua’s renowned, time-tested SSO bearing. With SSO2, the rear magnet is placed closer to the axis to provide even better stabilization, precision and durability.
Metal bearing shell
In order to guarantee the highest possible degree of manufacturing precision, minimum tolerance and excellent long-term stability, the NF-A14 sports a CNC milled bearing shell made entirely from brass.
Smooth Commutation Drive 2
The latest version of Noctua’s advanced Smooth Commutation Drive system ensures superb running smoothness by eliminating torque variations and switching noises. This makes the NF-A14 remarkably quiet even at very close distance.
2 speed settings for maximum quietness
Providing 800 and 650 rpm speed settings via the supplied adaptor, the ULN (Ultra-Low-Noise) version is tailor made for serious silent enthusiasts who demand super-slow running speeds and utmost quietness of operation.
Extensive cabling options
The fan’s short 20cm primary cable minimizes cable clutter in typical applications while the supplied 30cm extension provides extended reach when necessary. Both cables are fully sleeved and the supplied 3:4 pin adaptor allows to connect the fan directly to the power supply.
Ultra-Low Power Consumption
Despite of its further improved performance, the NF-A14 ULN consumes only 0.48W of power. This doesn’t only make it eco-friendly but also helps to cut down the electricity bill!
6 years manufacturer’s warranty
Noctua fans are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the NF-A14 features an MTBF of more than 150.000 hours rating and comes with a full 6 years manufacturer’s warranty.
Specs:
Size: 140x140x25 mm
Connector: 3-pin
Bearing: SSO2
Blade Geometry: A-Series with Flow Acceleration Channels
Frame Technology: AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization)
Rotational Speed (+/- 10%): 800 RPM
Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%): 650 RPM
Airflow: 79,8 m³/h
Airflow with L.N.A.: 66,4 m³/h
Acoustical Noise: 11,9 dB(A)
Acoustical Noise with L.N.A.: 9,1 dB(A)
Static Pressure: 0,69 mm H2O
Static Pressure with L.N.A.: 0,42 mm H2O
Max. Input Power: 0,48 W
Max. Input Current: 0,04 A
Voltage: 12 V
MTBF: > 150.000 h
Scope of Delivery:
-Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
-3:4 Pin Adaptor
-30cm Extension Cable
-4 Vibration-Compensators
-4 Fan Screws
Warranty: 6 years
Price: $19.98 (from Amazon at time of review)