Noctua vs GDSTIME: Case Fans Compared by Specs
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This noctua vs GDSTIME case fan comparison looks at two very different products. The Noctua NA-FH1 is an 8-port PWM fan hub designed to manage and power multiple cooling fans. The GDSTIME unit is a 70mm 3-pin DC brushless fan for direct cooling. While both support 12V systems, their roles differ significantly. One controls airflow distribution, while the other generates it. We compare their specs to help you decide which fits your build.
Key differences
| Aspect | Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub | GDSTIME 70mm 3-Pin Cooling Fan 2-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | 8-Port Fan Hub | 70mm Cooling Fan |
| Connector Type | 4-pin PWM and SATA | 3-pin DC |
| Fan Size | Not listed | 70mm x 70mm x 15mm |
| Airflow | Not listed | 18.7 CFM |
| Noise Level | Not listed | 25.8 dBA |
| Mounting | Magnetic | 4-hole mount (61.5mm spacing) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub if
- You need to control and power multiple fans from a single motherboard header.
- You prefer magnetic mounting on steel PC case panels.
- You require short circuit protection and safety fuses for your cooling setup.
Choose GDSTIME 70mm 3-Pin Cooling Fan 2-Pack if
- You need a dedicated 70mm fan for a CPU cooler or small component.
- Your motherboard or fan controller uses 3-pin DC connectors.
- You are looking for a specific airflow and noise specification for direct cooling.
Verdict: The Noctua hub is the right choice if you need to expand your fan connections and manage airflow centrally. The GDSTIME fan is better if you simply need a small, dedicated unit for direct cooling. Choose the hub for system management and the fan for direct air movement.
Noctua Hub vs GDSTIME Fan Specs
Primary Function
You need to understand what these products actually do before comparing them further. The Noctua NA-FH1 is not a fan. It is an 8-port PWM fan hub. It manages power and signals for multiple fans. It connects to your motherboard or a separate controller. The GDSTIME unit is a physical cooling fan. It is a 70mm brushless DC fan. It moves air directly over a CPU cooler. One manages electricity and data. The other moves air. They serve completely different roles in a PC build. You cannot swap them for the same task.
Connector Type
The connection method differs significantly between the two. The GDSTIME fan uses a 3-pin connector. This is a standard DC fan interface. It draws power directly from the header. The Noctua hub uses 4-pin and SATA inputs. It outputs PWM signals to connected fans. The hub supports both 5V and 12V fans via its inputs. It transmits PWM control to all eight ports. The GDSTIME fan lacks PWM support in its connector. It relies on voltage control. Your motherboard headers must match the specific connector type you choose for your setup.
Airflow Performance
Airflow data is only available for one product. The GDSTIME fan delivers 18.7 CFM of airflow. This moves air at a rated speed of 2500 RPM. The noise level is listed at 25.8 dBA. The Noctua NA-FH1 does not move air. It is a passive electronic component. It has no fans inside to generate airflow. It only distributes power and signals. You cannot compare airflow because the Noctua unit does not produce any. It enables other fans to run. The GDSTIME unit provides the actual air movement for cooling.
Physical Dimensions
Size comparison requires looking at form factors. The GDSTIME fan is a 70mm unit. Its frame is 70mm by 70mm with a 15mm depth. It weighs 1.29 ounces. The Noctua hub has different dimensions. It measures 3.66 inches in height. It is 1.69 inches in length. It is very thin at 0.49 inches. It weighs 1.09 ounces. The GDSTIME fan is a small component for tight spaces. The Noctua hub is a compact board for mounting. They fit in different areas of your case. The hub mounts to magnetic surfaces. The fan mounts via standard screw holes.
Power Requirements
Power handling is a key difference. The Noctua hub supports up to 54W via SATA input. It also supports 24W via the 4-pin interface. It can power multiple fans simultaneously. It includes safety fuses for short circuits. The GDSTIME fan has a rated current of 0.16 Amps. It operates on a 12V DC supply. The voltage range is 5.5V to 13.8V. The hub manages high current for many devices. The fan draws minimal power for itself. The hub protects connected devices from overcurrent. The fan requires stable voltage to avoid lifespan issues.
Which Noctua or GDSTIME product fits you
You need to manage multiple case fans
The Noctua NA-FH1 hub handles up to eight PWM fans. It splits signals from your motherboard to all connected units. You get centralized control over fan speeds. The magnetic mount allows easy installation on steel panels. This hub simplifies wiring and keeps your case interior tidy while maintaining consistent airflow across all fans.
You need direct cooling for a small CPU cooler
The GDSTIME fan provides direct airflow for compact cooling needs. It measures 70mm by 70mm by 15mm. It runs at 2500 RPM with 18.7 CFM airflow. The 3-pin connector plugs directly into your motherboard. This unit delivers focused cooling for small CPU coolers where space is limited and a hub is unnecessary.
You want safety protection for your fan wiring
The Noctua hub includes safety fuses for overcurrent and short-circuit protection. It complies with EN 62368-1 and UL-507 standards. You get peace of mind when powering multiple fans simultaneously. The 6-year warranty adds long-term reliability. This protection ensures your sensitive components remain safe from electrical faults while you manage your cooling setup.
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
This is an 8-port PWM fan hub designed to power and control multiple case fans. It connects to your motherboard via a 4-pin header and draws power from either a 4-pin or SATA connector. The unit weighs 1.09 ounces and features strong magnets for mounting on steel surfaces. It supports up to 54W of total power for 12V fans. This hub suits users managing many case fans who need centralized control and short-circuit protection.
Pros
- Connects up to 8 fans to a single motherboard header
- Supports simultaneous 4-pin and SATA power inputs
- Includes magnetic mounting for easy installation on steel cases
- Provides short-circuit protection via safety fuses
Cons
- Requires a separate fan controller for advanced speed management
- Limited to 8 ports for fan connections
- SATA power input is restricted to 12V fans only
Good fit if
- You have more fans than available motherboard headers
- You prefer magnetic mounting over screwing the hub in place
- You need centralized power and PWM signal distribution
Skip if
- You only have a few fans to connect
- You want built-in speed control without extra hardware
- Your case lacks magnetic steel surfaces for mounting
Verdict: Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub is a compact solution for users with many case fans who need to expand their motherboard headers. It fits builders who want magnetic mounting and centralized fan control.
GDSTIME 70mm 3-Pin Cooling Fan 2-Pack
Best for: Small, quiet CPU cooling replacements
- Fan Size
- 70mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2500 RPM
- Max Airflow
- 18.7CFM
- Noise Level
- 25.8dBA
- Connector Type
- 3-Pin
- Bearing Type
- Sleeve Bearing
View on Amazon: GDSTIME 70mm 3-Pin Cooling Fan 2-Pack Affiliate link
This GDSTIME unit is a 70mm x 70mm x 15mm fan designed for CPU cooling. It runs at 2500 RPM with a 18.7 CFM airflow and 25.8 dBA noise level. The 3-pin connector draws 0.16A at 12V. It uses a sleeve bearing rated for 35,000 hours. You should buy this if you need a small, quiet replacement fan for older or compact cooling setups.
Pros
- Compact 70mm frame fits tight spaces
- Low 25.8 dBA noise output
- High 35,000-hour bearing lifespan
- Standard 3-pin DC connector
Cons
- Sleeve bearing has shorter life than fluid dynamic types
- Fixed 3-pin speed control lacks PWM flexibility
- Small 70mm size limits total airflow capacity
Good fit if
- You need a 70mm replacement for a CPU cooler
- You require a low-noise fan under 26 dBA
- Your system uses 3-pin headers
Skip if
- You need PWM speed control
- You require high airflow above 20 CFM
- You want a larger 120mm or 140mm fan
Verdict: GDSTIME 70mm 3-Pin CPU Fan offers quiet operation for small coolers. It fits users who prioritize low noise over high airflow in compact builds.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Noctua 8-Port Magnetic PWM Fan Hub | GDSTIME 70mm 3-Pin Cooling Fan 2-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | not stated | 70mm |
| Max Fan Speed | not stated | 2500 RPM |
| Max Airflow | not stated | 18.7CFM |
| Noise Level | not stated | 25.8dBA |
| Connector Type | not stated | 3-Pin |
| Bearing Type | not stated | Sleeve Bearing |
| Compatible Device | not stated | CPU Cooler |
| Dimensions | 1.69 × 0.49 × 3.66 inches | 2.76 × 2.76 × 0.59 inches |
| Weight | 1.09 ounces | 1.29 ounces |
| Color | Black | not stated |
| Model | NA-FH1 | GDT7015S12V3P |
| Size | not stated | 70x15mm |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Noctua NA-FH1 a case fan?
No, it is not a fan. The Noctua NA-FH1 is an 8-port PWM fan hub. It expands your motherboard headers to control multiple fans. The GDSTIME product is an actual 70mm cooling fan. You use the Noctua unit to manage airflow from other fans, not to cool components directly.
What is the size of the GDSTIME fan?
The GDSTIME fan measures 70x15mm. Its width and length are both 2.76 inches, with a height of 0.59 inches. It weighs 1.29 ounces. This small form factor makes it suitable for compact CPU coolers where space is limited and quiet operation is a priority.
Does the Noctua hub have a magnetic mount?
Yes, it features magnetic mounting capabilities. This allows for easy installation on steel cases. The hub itself is compact, measuring 1.69 inches in length and 0.49 inches in width. This design helps keep your cable management tidy while providing centralized control for up to eight fans.
What connector type does the GDSTIME fan use?
The GDSTIME fan uses a 3-pin connector. It is designed for direct connection to compatible CPU cooler headers. This DC brushless fan prioritizes low noise levels. It is best suited for users who need quiet operation in small builds rather than high-speed airflow.
Can the Noctua hub control fan speeds?
Yes, it provides centralized fan speed control. The hub splits signals from your motherboard to all connected PWM fans. You can manage the speed of up to eight fans from one point. This simplifies tuning your system's cooling profile without needing multiple motherboard headers.
Is the GDSTIME fan suitable for main case airflow?
It is not ideal for main case airflow. The GDSTIME unit is a 70mm fan designed for small CPU coolers. Its primary strength is quiet operation rather than high airflow. You should use larger case fans for general chassis ventilation and reserve this unit for specific compact cooling needs.
How heavy is the Noctua fan hub?
The Noctua NA-FH1 weighs 1.09 ounces. Its lightweight construction aids in easy mounting. The compact dimensions allow it to fit in tight spaces within steel cases. This low weight ensures it does not add significant bulk to your build while expanding your fan connectivity options.