Noctua Introduces NF-A12x25 G2 Next-Generation 120mm Fan

[btarunr]

Noctua today introduced its next-generation flagship 120 mm fan, the NF-A12x25 G2. Building upon the success of the original NF-A12x25, the G2 version introduces a refined blade geometry and a novel motor design. These advancements lead to a significant boost in performance-to-noise efficiency, allowing the NF-A12x25 G2 to achieve superior results across various applications, including water cooling radiators, heatsinks, and case fan setups.

"The first-generation NF-A12x25 set a new benchmark for 120 mm fans and has become one of the most successful Noctua fans of all time, so we're excited to be able to offer another significant performance boost over this renowned model," says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "Using the same motor and aerodynamic design approach as the 14 cm G2 model, the new NF-A12x25 G2 has been further refined in virtually all respects, which enables it to further push the envelope in terms of performance-to-noise efficiency."



The NF-A12x25 G2 is the second-generation, further improved successor to the groundbreaking NF-A12x25 and 120 mm sister model to the award-winning 140 mm NF-A14x25 G2: Like its much-acclaimed predecessor, it is made from Sterrox LCP and features an extremely tight tip-clearance of only 0.5 mm. At the same time, its further optimized Progressive Bend impeller with winglets, Flow Acceleration Channels and the new Centrifugal Turbulator Hub enable the G2 version to surpass the original NF-A12x25's performance, making it Noctua's undisputed new flagship in the 120 mm range.

Just like its predecessor and the 140 mm version, the NF-A12x25 G2 is a true all-rounder that yields superb results in all types of usage, regardless of whether it's in low-impedance, airflow-oriented applications such as case cooling, or high-impedance, static pressure demanding scenarios such as on heatsinks and water cooling radiators. For application-specific optimization, the NF-A12x25 G2's AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization) frame can be combined with the included NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gasket for a tighter seal on radiators or the optional, separately sold, NA-IS1-12 inlet side spacer frame, which can help to achieve superior suction acoustics and improved flow rates in challenging "pull" configurations.

Its ultra-low-loss etaPERF motor with Smooth Commutation Drive 2 technology doesn't only provide unprecedented energy efficiency and running smoothness, but thanks to the new SupraTorque feature, it can also leverage extra torque headroom to keep the fan at its desired speed when working against back pressure, thereby ensuring even better performance on heatsinks and radiators.

The fan is available in a standard PWM version with 1800rpm maximum speed, an ultra-quiet LS-PWM version with up to 1100rpm, as well as in a Sx2-PP set that contains two fans that are offset in speed by +/- ~50rpm. This speed offset can be beneficial in push-pull operation as well as in situations where two or more fans are operating side by side, such as in case cooling applications or on water cooling radiators, in order to avoid periodic humming or other undesired acoustic interaction phenomena.

Topped off with Noctua's reference-class SSO2 bearing, a rich bundle of accessories and 6-year manufacturer's warranty, the NF-A12x25 G2 is a premium-quality product through and through. Its superior performance, comprehensive feature set, cutting-edge construction and state-of-the-art materials set a new standard within Noctua's portfolio and make it an elite choice for the most discerning demands.

Suggested retail prices
The manufacturer's suggested retail prices are as follows: NF-A12x25 G2 PWM: EUR 34.90 / USD 34.90 NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP: EUR 64.90 / USD 64.90 NF-A12x25 G2 LS-PWM: EUR 34.90 / USD 34.90.

For more information, visit the product pages of NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP, and NF-A12x25 G2 LS-PWM.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[dgianstefani]

Ooooo baby, time to grab two of those dual packs. Interesting to see the offset 50 rpm.

 

[outlw6669]

I am sure they will be amazing, but 35€/$ for a single fan

 

[dgianstefani]

I am sure they will be amazing, but 35€/$ for a single fan

Every single Noctua fan I've ever bought over the last ten years is still functioning essentially as new. But yeah, price is steep, def need that slight discount from dual packs, shame there isn't a four pack.

I do find it pretty wild the difference having top tier fans makes, especially when they're the only active fans in the system. At least with stuff like this the money is going towards actual performance, it's not something like a $400 LCD AIO or a $35 RGB fan or something. It's excusable IMO.

Beats 5 mm thicker T30 in early reviews...

Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM: The king is dead, long live the king! - Page 19 of 44 - HWCooling.net

Results: Airflow through a thicker radiatorWe won’t keep you in suspense – the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 (PWM) is the most efficient fan we’ve ever tested. It clearly outperforms its predecessor (NF-A12x25 “G1”), as well as the Phanteks T30 and all competing 120 mm fans in the extensive database we’ve...

www.hwcooling.net

 

[outlw6669]

Every single Noctua fan I've ever bought over the last ten years is still functioning essentially as new. But yeah, price is steep, def need that slight discount from dual packs, shame there isn't a four pack.

I do find it pretty wild the difference having top tier fans makes, especially when they're the only active fans in the system. At least with stuff like this the money is going towards actual performance, it's not something like a $400 LCD AIO or a $35 RGB fan or something. It's excusable IMO.

Beats 5 mm thicker T30 in early reviews...

Normally I would agree, but try sneaking a 24 fan upgrade past the wife at these prices

I think I will stick with a pile of ~6€ Artic P14 PWM's, and just run them at a lower speed.
Even if I factor in having to buy larger radiators, they are still more cost-effective than smaller radiators with these Noctua's...

With all the effort put into fancy materials and engineering to decrease the distance between the fan blade tips and the shroud, I really do wonder, why more companies do not simply have a ring around the fan blades, with a smaller frame to fit everything

 

[unhealthy]

Might replace my 3 intake fans with these for complete silence.

 

[Steamroller]

I am sure they will be amazing, but 35€/$ for a single fan

Its the same price as for the old NF-A12x25 BTW, for Europe and the rest of the world of course, not counting the US.

 

[chris.london]

Black version coming in 2026. I am not surprised but I am still disappointed.

 

[dyonoctis]

Normally I would agree, but try sneaking a 24 fan upgrade past the wife at these prices

I think I will stick with a pile of ~6€ Artic P14 PWM's, and just run them at a lower speed.
Even if I factor in having to buy larger radiators, they are still more cost-effective than smaller radiators with these Noctua's...

With all the effort put into fancy materials and engineering to decrease the distance between the fan blade tips and the shroud, I really do wonder, why more companies do not simply have a ring around the fan blades, with a smaller frame to fit everything

From what I read the issue is that the fan expand when it spins, and will touch the frame at some point. The fancy materials are more resistant to that. Rings are already extensiveley used for GPus, so there must be a good reason as to why that design never made it to Case/radiator fans.
It seems effective though. But Nidec themselves doesn't use that design for their regular fans

https://www.tweaktown.com/news/91147/geforce-rtx-4090-founders-edition-axial-fans-are-great-for-cooling-cpus/index.html

 

[JustBenching]

I got a pair of the g1 version and the t30s are clearly better. Hope these ones outdo the t30, time to spend some $$

 

[dgianstefani]

Black version coming in 2026. I am not surprised but I am still disappointed.

They don't just paint the blades or settle for worse performing compound of different colour, Noctua take the time to ensure their black materials, including heatsinks, perform the same as their standard ones.

 

[Fourstaff]

I am sure they will be amazing, but 35€/$ for a single fan

At some point in the future Noctua will make fans with jet engine tolerances, and they will also be charging jet engine prices ...

 

[trsttte]

It's nice to look at, but not price competitive at all. Increasing the thickness of the fan by just a few milimeters offers much better airflow with much less cost. Even then we're talking marginal differences...

I like Noctua but these prices are a very tough sell.

Black version coming in 2026. I am not surprised but I am still disappointed.

Embrace the brown

 

[TechLurker]

I am sure they will be amazing, but 35€/$ for a single fan

You could always wait for the inevitable copycats (Thermaltake esp.), given that no one was really copying the OG Gentle Typhoons except EK via their Vardars, until Noctua copied them and improved on the basic design, which then caused everyone else to copy Noctua. I'd say give it maybe a year or two, and you'll start seeing copycat A12x25 G2s in other colorways.

 

[ErikG]

Again that horrible color.

 

[redeye]

they had to redesign them, because the phantek T35 is better, than two nf-a12X25 in push-pull on a radiator… and the t35 is quieter, and cheaper. i have 6 of the old nf-a12x25 collecting dust…

 

[Operandi]

Every single Noctua fan I've ever bought over the last ten years is still functioning essentially as new. But yeah, price is steep, def need that slight discount from dual packs, shame there isn't a four pack.

I do find it pretty wild the difference having top tier fans makes, especially when they're the only active fans in the system. At least with stuff like this the money is going towards actual performance, it's not something like a $400 LCD AIO or a $35 RGB fan or something. It's excusable IMO.

I mean, maybe it is in terms of "gamer" spec hardware where resources go into things that don't matter its a remarkable but building a fan that can run for a decade non-stop isn't a big deal, it should be minimum bar for a decent fan. Besides most of the longevity in low noise fans like this are simply due to the inherent low speeds they spin at, its much harder to build a fan that will go for 10+ years at 2,3,4000+ RPM.

 

[Mack4285]

The usual wait for black chromax version, sigh.

 

[RejZoR]

Gotta love how insistent Noctua is on their "baby skin and diarrhea" color scheme...

 

[ymdhis]

At some point in the future Noctua will make fans with jet engine tolerances, and they will also be charging jet engine prices ...

There's a video on youtube where someone ramps up a noctua a12 to 5500 rpm and it worked fine.

 

[Franzen4Real]

With all the effort put into fancy materials and engineering to decrease the distance between the fan blade tips and the shroud, I really do wonder, why more companies do not simply have a ring around the fan blades, with a smaller frame to fit everything

I have some of the Noiseblocker E-Loops that have the solid outer ring around them. From what I understand, Noiseblocker has that patent. I have seen other fans, such as those on Asus GPUs that use this, but I assumed they must have licensed the right to use it or something.

 

[dgianstefani]

I mean, maybe it is in terms of "gamer" spec hardware where resources go into things that don't matter its a remarkable but building a fan that can run for a decade non-stop isn't a big deal, it should be minimum bar for a decent fan. Besides most of the longevity in low noise fans like this are simply due to the inherent low speeds they spin at, its much harder to build a fan that will go for 10+ years at 2,3,4000+ RPM.

They're rated for 17 years constant 24/7 use...

 

[TechLurker]

I have some of the Noiseblocker E-Loops that have the solid outer ring around them. From what I understand, Noiseblocker has that patent. I have seen other fans, such as those on Asus GPUs that use this, but I assumed they must have licensed the right to use it or something.

IIRC, Noiseblocker doesn't have a patent on the ring itself; just the specific design where the ring is integrated with the fan blade beyond being just a stiffener. Several versions of the GTs in higher RPM options also had a basic ring to help stiffen the blades and prevent them from warping when they were going full tilt at 5000 RPM, and were also used as the default fans for early GPU AIOs (off-hand, the ATI Fury X and Vega LC Edition), and preceded the E-Loops. Then there are still some other server-grade fan manufacturers that have used a ring to help stiffen the blades during and after the E-Loop period, such as one of the thin 120mm fans from Silverstone, which also uses a very thin ring to keep the fan blades stiff and prevent them from wobbling out of frame.

 

[_roman_]

Marketing hype. With very bad german support. "REturn the fans" is easier as to answer a simple question in my case.

So sad. I was forced to use the stock and very noisy fractal design mesfhiy 2 case fans. Noctua sold via a fake seller on amazon.de not proper gen 2 140mm fans of this series. My build uses no fans or crap fans for such a long time that noctua finally released the generation 2 of both the 120 and 140mm Fans.

I'm guilty to have bought offset brackets for the AM5 socket for my second hand Noctua NH-D15. There are no benefits and no changes.

Warning to those who wants to buy: The 140mm ones have only in the package a small stamp like paper which gives warning to not use the fans for all applications. I read several times the nocuta homepage but I did not saw before purchase this warning note. A Warning about check distance, how much you tighten the screws, bla bla, else you damage the fan - especially when used with radiators, ... It's an unfinished product - not a generic fan which can be used flawless without worring in any application. Who usees a torque wrench for Case screws? I do not have such 100€ tool for such small Torque. I can not determine if the fan blade will get stuck on a radiator after i had mounted it, but there was a paper warning in the box. My box was missing parts and the support just did not answered any question, just wrote back to return the box. amazon.de has fraudulent seller - rascom but not noctua.at. It's also not an austrian company, it seems from asia when you look up that rascom company name. On the invoice very small Rascom and not noctua.

I decided to wait for the Phantek ones. MAybe we see them in June 2025 or July 2025 according to the marketing.
Phantek also does not want to sell the T30 - 140mm Version in my area so far. Or any T30 - 120mm ones.

 

[dgianstefani]

Marketing hype. With very bad german support. "REturn the fans" is easier as to answer a simple question in my case.

So sad. I was forced to use the stock and very noisy fractal design mesfhiy 2 case fans. Noctua sold via a fake seller on amazon.de not proper gen 2 140mm fans of this series. My build uses no fans or crap fans for such a long time that noctua finally released the generation 2 of both the 120 and 140mm Fans.

I'm guilty to have bought offset brackets for the AM5 socket for my second hand Noctua NH-D15. There are no benefits and no changes.

Warning to those who wants to buy: The 140mm ones have only in the package a small stamp like paper which gives warning to not use the fans for all applications. I read several times the nocuta homepage but I did not saw before purchase this warning note. A Warning about check distance, how much you tighten the screws, bla bla, else you damage the fan - especially when used with radiators, ... It's an unfinished product - not a generic fan which can be used flawless without worring in any application. Who usees a torque wrench for Case screws? I do not have such 100€ tool for such small Torque. I can not determine if the fan blade will get stuck on a radiator after i had mounted it, but there was a paper warning in the box. My box was missing parts and the support just did not answered any question, just wrote back to return the box. amazon.de has fraudulent seller - rascom but not noctua.at. It's also not an austrian company, it seems from asia when you look up that rascom company name. On the invoice very small Rascom and not noctua.

I decided to wait for the Phantek ones. MAybe we see them in June 2025 or July 2025 according to the marketing.
Phantek also does not want to sell the T30 - 140mm Version in my area so far. Or any T30 - 120mm ones.

So you bought fake fans and blame Noctua? Lol.