Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan vs Noctua 120mm Slim PWM Fan (2026): Key Differences
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You are looking at the noctua na fh1 vs chromax black swap 120mm to decide between a control hub and a single cooling unit. Both products come in a black color scheme and share the Noctua brand reputation for quality. The main difference is their function. One device manages power and signals for multiple fans. The other provides physical airflow for your system. You need to know which role fits your build requirements.
Key differences
| Aspect | Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub | Noctua 120mm Slim PWM Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | 8-Port PWM Fan Hub | 120mm Case Fan |
| Dimensions | 1.69 x 3.66 x 0.49 inches | 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.59 inches |
| Max Speed | Not listed | 1850 RPM |
| Noise Level | Not listed | 23.9 dB(A) |
| Power Input | 4-pin and S-ATA | 4-pin PWM |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub if
- You need to power and control up to eight fans from a single board
- You want to mount a controller on a magnetic surface inside your case
- You require short circuit protection for multiple connected components
Choose Noctua 120mm Slim PWM Fan if
- You need a single fan for low-profile CPU coolers or ITX builds
- You want automatic speed control via motherboard PWM headers
- You prefer a slim 15mm profile for space-restricted applications
Verdict: The NA-FH1 is the right choice if you need to manage and power multiple fans efficiently. The Chromax Black Swap 120mm is the better option if you simply need a quiet, high-performance fan for a specific mounting spot. Choose based on whether you need control infrastructure or physical cooling.
Noctua Hub vs Fan Comparison
Primary Function
Product A is a central hub designed to manage multiple fans. It splits PWM signals from your motherboard or an optional controller to up to eight connected units. This makes it ideal for builds with many case fans. Product B is a single cooling unit. It is a 120mm fan designed to move air directly. You install it on a radiator or grill. One manages connectivity. The other provides airflow. They serve different roles in your PC chassis. You need both for a complete system if you want centralized control and direct cooling.
Power Input
Product A offers flexible power options. It accepts inputs from both a 4-pin interface and an S-ATA connector simultaneously. This allows you to draw up to 54W from S-ATA for 12V fans and 24W from the 4-pin interface. It supports both 5V and 12V fans. Product B requires a direct 4-pin PWM connection to your motherboard. It runs on 12V only. It does not have independent power inputs. If you need to power multiple fans from different sources, Product A provides the necessary infrastructure. Product B relies entirely on the motherboard header for its operation.
Fan Dimensions
Product B is a slim 120mm fan. Its physical dimensions are 120x120x15mm. This thin profile makes it suitable for low-profile CPU coolers and space-restricted ITX builds. It fits where standard 25mm thick fans cannot. Product A is a hub, not a fan. It measures 3.66 inches in height, 1.69 inches in length, and 0.49 inches in width. It is a flat board that mounts to magnetic surfaces. It does not move air itself. You compare the airflow component against the control component. The fan is thin. The hub is a flat board.
Speed Control
Product B features a broad speed range from 450 to 1850 RPM. It uses 4-pin PWM for automatic speed control via motherboard headers. It can stop completely at 0% PWM for semi-passive cooling. Product A does not control fan speed itself. It transmits the PWM signal from your motherboard or an optional NA-FC1 controller to all connected fans. It acts as a distributor. It ensures all fans connected to it receive the same speed signal. You set the speed on your motherboard or controller. Product A just passes that command along to multiple units.
Mounting Method
Product A uses four strong magnets for installation. It attaches easily to any magnetic surface, such as steel PC case panels. It does not require screws for the main body. Product B uses anti-vibration pads. It includes self-adhesive pads in red, black, white, blue, yellow, and green. These are for color customization and vibration dampening during screw mounting. Product A sticks to metal. Product B screws into place with dampening aids. Your case material determines which mounting style works best for your setup.
Safety Features
Product A includes safety fuses to protect against overcurrent and short-circuits. It complies with EN 62368-1, EN 55035, and EN 55032 standards. It holds CE, UKCA, and UL certifications. This protects your connected fans from power issues. Product B lists a mean time to failure (MTTF) of over 150,000 hours. This indicates high reliability and longevity. It does not list specific circuit protection features in the provided data. Product A focuses on electrical safety for the hub. Product B focuses on mechanical durability for the fan unit.
Which Noctua product fits your build
You have many fans and need a central hub
This 8-port hub manages up to eight fans via magnetic mounting. It accepts 4-pin PWM and SATA power inputs for up to 54 watts total. Short circuit protection and safety certifications ensure reliable operation. You get centralized control and monitoring without cluttering your motherboard headers. It is the practical choice for complex multi-fan setups.
You need a single quiet fan for tight spaces
This 120mm slim fan fits low-profile coolers and ITX builds. It runs at 1850 RPM with a max noise level of 23.9 dB(A). The 4-pin PWM connector allows automatic speed control from 450 to 1850 RPM. It stops at zero percent for semi-passive cooling. The slim 15mm depth is ideal for space-restricted applications.
You want magnetic mounting and safety protection
The hub attaches to any magnetic steel surface using four strong magnets. It includes safety fuses for overcurrent and short-circuit protection. You can power 12V fans via SATA and control them via 4-pin. The compact design weighs just 1.09 ounces. It provides a secure, tool-free installation for your fan management needs.
The products compared
Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub
Best for: expanding fan connections on steel cases
- Dimensions
- 1.69 × 0.49 × 3.66 inches
- Weight
- 1.09 ounces
View on Amazon: Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub Affiliate link
The Noctua NA-FH1 is an 8-port PWM fan hub designed for managing multiple case fans. It mounts easily to magnetic surfaces like steel PC panels using four strong magnets. The device supports simultaneous 4-pin and S-ATA power inputs, allowing up to 54W total power for 12V fans or 24W via the 4-pin interface. It transmits PWM signals from your motherboard to all connected fans, ensuring synchronized control and monitoring for your build.
Pros
- Eight ports for connecting multiple fans
- Strong magnetic mounting system
- Supports simultaneous 4-pin and S-ATA power
- Short circuit protection with safety fuses
Cons
- Requires a separate fan controller or motherboard header for PWM signals
- Limited to 24W max power via 4-pin interface
- Only mounts to magnetic surfaces like steel
Good fit if
- You have a steel PC case panel for magnetic mounting
- You need to control more than four fans from one header
- You want to mix 12V and 5V fan power sources
Skip if
- Your case is non-magnetic aluminum or plastic
- You need built-in fan speed control without a separate controller
- You only have one or two fans to manage
Verdict: Noctua NA-FH1 8-Port Magnetic PWM Hub is a practical solution for users with steel cases who need to expand their fan connections. It fits builders who want simple magnetic mounting and centralized fan control without adding bulk to their build.
Noctua 120mm Slim PWM Fan
Best for: Low-profile cooling in tight spaces
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 1850 RPM
- Noise Level
- 23.9 dB(A)
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
- Dimensions
- 4.72 × 4.72 × 0.59 inches
- Weight
- 9.52 ounces
View on Amazon: Noctua 120mm Slim PWM Fan Affiliate link
This Noctua fan measures 120x120x15mm and runs at up to 1850 RPM. It delivers 23.9 dB(A) of noise at maximum speed. The 4-pin PWM connector allows automatic speed control. Its slim profile fits low-profile CPU coolers and ITX builds. You get anti-vibration pads in multiple colors to match your case.
Pros
- Slim 15mm thickness fits tight spaces
- 4-pin PWM for automatic speed control
- Includes multi-color anti-vibration pads
- Max speed of 1850 RPM
Cons
- Higher noise level at max speed
- Single fan without hub integration
- No included speed controller
Good fit if
- You have a low-profile CPU cooler
- You need a slim 120mm fan
- You want customizable vibration pads
Skip if
- You need a fan hub
- You require silent operation under load
- You have a standard depth case
Verdict: Noctua 120mm Slim PWM Fan is ideal for builders with space-constrained ITX cases or low-profile coolers who need reliable airflow in a 15mm form factor.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub | Noctua 120mm Slim PWM Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | not stated | 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | not stated | 1850 RPM |
| Noise Level | not stated | 23.9 dB(A) |
| Connector Type | not stated | 4-pin PWM |
| Dimensions | 1.69 × 0.49 × 3.66 inches | 4.72 × 4.72 × 0.59 inches |
| Weight | 1.09 ounces | 9.52 ounces |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | NA-FH1 | NF-A12x15 PWM CH.BK.S |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub replace a case fan?
No, it cannot replace a fan. The Noctua NA-FH1 is a hub, not a cooling unit. It manages connections for up to eight fans. It does not move air itself. You still need to purchase separate fans to attach to its ports for cooling your components.
What is the main size difference between the hub and the slim fan?
The hub is small and flat, while the fan is larger in diameter but thin. The NA-FH1 measures 3.66 inches in height. The 120mm Slim Fan is 4.72 inches wide and 4.72 inches long. The fan is designed for a 120mm mounting hole, whereas the hub is a compact accessory.
Does the Noctua 120mm Slim PWM Fan fit in standard 120mm slots?
Yes, it fits standard 120mm mounting positions. It is specifically designed as a slim unit. Its height is only 0.59 inches. This allows it to work in tight spaces where a standard 25mm fan would not fit, such as behind low-profile CPU coolers.
How does the magnetic mounting on the hub benefit steel cases?
The magnetic design allows for easy, tool-free installation on steel surfaces. You can place the hub anywhere on the case interior. This simplifies cable management by letting you position the hub near your fans. It avoids the need for screws or zip ties for mounting the hub itself.
Is the Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub compatible with non-Noctua fans?
Yes, it works with most standard 4-pin PWM fans. The hub accepts standard PWM signals. You can connect various fan brands to it. It does not restrict you to Noctua brand units. This gives you flexibility in choosing airflow solutions for your specific build needs.
What is the weight difference between the two products?
The hub is significantly lighter than the fan. The NA-FH1 weighs 1.09 ounces. The 120mm Slim Fan weighs 9.52 ounces. The fan is heavier due to its motor and frame construction. The hub is a small electronic component with minimal mass.