Noctua 120mm Black Dual Fan Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This noctua 120mm black dual fan review covers the NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP chromax.Black set. It includes two 120x25mm fans designed for high-end quiet cooling. The fans operate at slightly offset speeds to reduce acoustic interaction. They feature a Sterrox LCP construction and an AAO frame for durability. This set is ideal for push-pull configurations or side-by-side mounting on radiators. The all-black chromax design includes black anti-vibration mounts. You get a complete package with necessary accessories for installation.
What stands out
- Offset speed design reduces acoustic interference between fans
- Sterrox LCP construction with ultra-tight tip clearance
- SSO2 bearing rated for over 150,000 hours MTTF
- Includes 12cm anti-vibration gasket for tighter radiator seal
- Protected against reverse polarity and overvoltage
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should choose this set if you are building a high-end quiet PC. It suits users running 240mm or 360mm water cooling radiators in push-pull setups. It is also ideal for case intake or exhaust applications where two fans operate side by side. The all-black aesthetic fits well with modern chromax-themed builds. The included accessories simplify installation for those who want a clean, professional finish without extra purchases.
Who should skip it
You might want to look elsewhere if you need single-fan options or different sizes. This set only provides two 120mm fans. It is not suitable for 140mm or 80mm slots. If you prefer colored accents, the all-black chromax design may not match your theme. The set is also less useful if you only need one fan for a small case. Consider individual fans if your build requires varied quantities or sizes.
Verdict: This dual fan set offers robust engineering and quiet operation for specific high-end cooling needs. It is a solid choice for push-pull radiator setups and coordinated case airflow.
Noctua Fan Specs Explained
Fan Size: 120mm
This measurement defines the physical footprint of the fan blades. A 120mm diameter fits standard mounting holes in most PC cases and radiators. You can use these fans for intake, exhaust, or liquid cooling setups. This size offers a balance between airflow volume and noise levels. It is the most common fan dimension for mid-tower and full-tower chassis. Verify your case supports 120mm mounts before purchasing.
Bearing Type: SSO2
SSO2 stands for Stabilized Static Oil bearing. This is a premium bearing design that reduces wobble and extends the fan lifespan. The data lists a mean time to failure exceeding 150,000 hours. This means the fans should run reliably for many years without degradation. You benefit from consistent performance and lower maintenance. Compare this with sleeve or ball bearings, which may wear out faster under heavy use.
Width: 4.72 inches
The width dimension indicates the horizontal space the fan occupies. At 4.72 inches, it aligns with the standard 120mm square form factor. You need to check your case’s internal dimensions to ensure this width fits between drive cages or motherboard trays. This measurement helps you plan cable routing and component placement. It ensures the fan sits flush within its designated mounting area without interference.
Height: 0.98 inches
Height refers to the depth or thickness of the fan frame. At 0.98 inches, this is a standard 25mm thickness. This depth allows for sufficient motor housing and blade length to move air effectively. You must ensure your radiator or case space can accommodate this thickness. Thinner fans may not move as much air. This standard depth is compatible with most 120mm fan mounts and radiator fins.
Design and build quality
The listing describes the construction as using Sterrox LCP material. This polymer provides rigidity and heat resistance. The frame features Flow Acceleration Channels and an AAO design. These elements direct airflow efficiently while reducing turbulence. The impeller uses a Progressive Bend shape with winglets and a Centrifugal Turbulator. This engineering aims to optimize air movement at lower speeds. The fans are 120x25mm in size. The listing notes dimensions of 4.72 inches by 4.72 inches by 0.98 inches. This standard 120mm footprint ensures compatibility with most PC cases and radiators. The 25mm thickness allows for thicker airflow profiles without requiring deep case interiors. You can mount these fans in standard 120mm holes found in chassis and liquid cooling blocks.
According to the listing, the set includes two fans with slightly offset speeds. This design choice helps avoid acoustic interaction phenomena when fans operate side by side. The finish is a chromax.Black version. This includes black anti-vibration mounts and a 12cm anti-vibration gasket. The gasket provides a tighter seal on radiators and fan screws. The set also comes with a Low-Noise Adaptor, extension cable, and splitter cable. These accessories allow you to control speed and connect multiple fans easily. The SSO2 bearing is rated for over 150,000 hours of mean time to failure. Safety certifications from UL and TÜV are mentioned. The unit is protected against reverse polarity, overvoltage, and overcurrent. This build focuses on quiet operation and durability for push-pull setups or case ventilation.
Setup And Everyday Use
Installing these fans requires mounting them to standard 120mm holes. The set includes a 12cm anti-vibration gasket. You place this gasket between the fan and the radiator or case frame. This ensures a tighter seal and reduces vibration transfer. The package also provides low-noise adaptors, extension cables, and splitter cables. These accessories allow you to connect the fans to your motherboard or other power sources. The fans feature a SSO2 bearing. This bearing type is rated for a mean time to failure exceeding 150,000 hours. This specification suggests long-term reliability in daily operation. The fans are designed for push-pull applications. You can mount one fan on each side of a radiator. They also work well side by side on 240 or 360mm radiators. The two fans operate at slightly offset speeds. This difference avoids acoustic interaction phenomena. You will not hear a beating pattern when both fans run. The fans include safety certifications from UL and TÜV. They are protected against reverse polarity, overvoltage, and overcurrent. This protection helps prevent damage from short circuits. The fans are all-black chromax versions. They come with black anti-vibration mounts. This design fits modern builds that prefer a uniform dark aesthetic. The fans do not require complex software setup. You connect them via the included cables. The PWM signal allows the motherboard to control speed. You get quiet operation suitable for sustained use. The construction uses Sterrox LCP material. This provides rigidity and heat resistance during everyday cooling tasks.
Before You Buy This Dual Fan Set
You should verify your motherboard headers before purchasing. These fans require PWM control for optimal speed management. Ensure your case or radiator has standard 120mm mounting holes. The set is ideal for push-pull configurations on 240mm or 360mm radiators. You may need additional extension cables if your fan headers are distant. The included Low-Noise Adaptor allows for quieter operation if needed. Regular upkeep involves dusting the blades to maintain airflow efficiency. Sterrox LCP construction resists heat, but debris accumulation can affect performance. This dual fan set fits well alongside other high-end quiet options. It suits users who prioritize acoustic isolation through offset speeds. Check your case airflow design to ensure proper intake or exhaust placement. The chromax.Black version matches black aesthetic builds. You should also confirm clearance for the 25mm depth. This product is not for single-fan setups where offset speeds offer no benefit. It is best for paired installations where acoustic interaction is a concern.
Check before you buy
- Verify motherboard supports PWM fan control.
- Check for standard 120mm mounting holes.
- Confirm space for 25mm fan depth.
- Ensure need for push-pull radiator setup.
- Check clearance for included accessories.
The product at a glance
Noctua 120mm Black Dual Fan Set
Best for: quiet push-pull radiator setups
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 1800 RPM
- Connector Type
- 4-Pin PWM
- Bearing Type
- SSO2
- Compatible Device
- Radiator
- Dimensions
- 4.72 × 4.72 × 0.98 inches
View on Amazon: Noctua 120mm Black Dual Fan Set Affiliate link
This set includes two Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM 120mm fans designed for quiet, high-end performance. The fans feature a 25mm thickness and an SSO2 bearing rated for over 150,000 hours. They are slightly offset in speed to reduce acoustic interaction. The chromax.Black version includes black anti-vibration mounts. This dual fan pack is ideal for push-pull setups or side-by-side mounting on radiators and cases.
Pros
- Dual 120mm fans with offset speeds to minimize acoustic interference
- SSO2 bearing with a mean time to failure exceeding 150,000 hours
- Includes Low-Noise Adaptor, extension cable, and splitter cable
- Black anti-vibration mounts and 12cm anti-vibration gasket included
Cons
- 25mm thickness is bulkier than standard 25mm fans
- No software control for fan speed adjustment
- Requires two fan slots for installation
Good fit if
- You need two fans for push-pull radiator mounting
- You want high durability with an SSO2 bearing
- You prefer a completely black aesthetic for your build
Skip if
- You require single-fan installation in tight spaces
- You need software-based speed control
- You are looking for a single fan instead of a pair
Verdict: Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 120mm Black Dual Fan offers durable SSO2 bearings and offset speeds for quiet operation. It suits builders needing reliable dual-fan performance for radiators or cases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Noctua 120mm Black Dual Fan Set |
|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 1800 RPM |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| Bearing Type | SSO2 |
| Compatible Device | Radiator |
| Dimensions | 4.72 × 4.72 × 0.98 inches |
| Model | NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP chromax.black |
Frequently asked questions
What does the G2 designation mean for these Noctua fans?
The G2 label indicates this is the second generation of the NF-A12x25 series. This iteration features improved motor technology and optimized blade geometry for better efficiency. You get enhanced airflow and static pressure compared to previous models. The design focuses on delivering superior cooling performance while maintaining the brand's signature low noise profile.
How do the offset speeds help with noise reduction?
The two fans in the set run at slightly different speeds to prevent acoustic resonance. When fans spin at identical frequencies, their sound waves can amplify each other, creating a louder drone. By offsetting the speeds, the noise becomes less noticeable to the human ear. This results in a smoother, quieter background hum in your PC case or radiator setup.
Is this fan set suitable for push-pull radiator configurations?
Yes, this dual fan set is explicitly designed for quiet push-pull radiator setups. You can mount one fan on the intake side and the other on the exhaust side of a radiator. The included anti-vibration gaskets help secure them tightly to the radiator frame. This configuration maximizes cooling efficiency while minimizing noise transfer through the chassis.
What mounting hardware is included in the box?
The package includes a 12cm anti-vibration gasket for each fan. You place these gaskets between the fan frame and the mounting surface. This creates a tighter seal and reduces vibration transfer to the case or radiator. The fans are designed to fit standard 120mm mounting holes, ensuring compatibility with most PC cases and liquid cooling radiators.
Do these fans require a specific motherboard header?
These fans use PWM control for optimal speed management. You should connect them to a motherboard header that supports PWM signals. This allows your system to dynamically adjust fan speeds based on temperature. Ensure your motherboard has available 4-pin PWM headers to take full advantage of the speed control features included in this dual fan set.
What is the physical thickness of these 120mm fans?
Each fan measures 25mm in thickness, which is the standard height for 120mm PC fans. The total width and length are both 120mm, fitting standard mounting patterns. This slim profile allows them to fit in tight spaces within your case or between radiator fins. The compact design ensures compatibility with a wide range of PC building scenarios.