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Noctua Nails It Again!
Review Summary
The Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM is a high-performance, ultra-quiet 140mm fan designed with meticulous engineering and premium materials like Sterrox LCP. It combines impressive thermal efficiency, low noise output, and exceptional durability with features like advanced anti-vibration components and a six-year warranty. However, its premium pricing and lack of RGB options may deter budget-conscious or aesthetic-focused buyers. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for those prioritizing performance and noise control over flashy looks.
Hours Tested: 3
Overall
-
Quality - 9/10
9/10
-
Design - 9/10
9/10
-
Performance - 9/10
9/10
-
Features - 9/10
9/10
-
Value - 7.5/10
7.5/10
Pros
- Thermal Performance
- SSO2 Bearing
- Sterrox LCP blade
- Progressive bend impellers
- 7mm Tip Clearance
- AAO2 Frame
- Anti-vibration pads and gasket
- Different Mounting Provisions
- PWM Control
- 6-Year Warranty
- Brass Shell
- NE-FD6 Motor
- Noise Performance
Cons
- Steep price
The NF-A12x25 PWM and other fans in that series have been a huge success for Noctua. Noctua came out with something good, and others followed quickly, though the first mover advantage will remain with Noctua. We were anticipating the 140mm version of this fan, but it took quite some time for Noctau’s R&D to finalize the design after rigorous testing and other such activities.
Finally, the NF-A14x25 G2 PWM is out in different configurations. Why G2? Noctua has kept the original NF-A14 naming convention in place to make it easier for the customers to identify the fans generation. The basic foot print of G2 is coming from the regular NF-A14 as well.
The following configurations are available:
- Single Fan Pack of NF-A14x25 G2 PWM with a price tag of USD 39.90
- Single Fan Pack of NF-A14x25 G2 LS-PWM with a price tag of USD 39.90
- Two Fans pack of NF-A14x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP with a price tag of USD 76.90
- Single Fan Pack of NF-A14x25r G2 PWM*
*The NF-A14x25r G2 PWM is not a new release since these fans came out with a new generation of NH-D15 G2 coolers, which we have also tested. These are now available as standalone fans as well.
The LS-PWM stands for low speed, wherein the maximum rotational speed is reduced to provide an even better overall noise output. This version, in particular, is suitable for case ventilation.
The S-2xPP fans come with two NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans. These two fans have offset speed setting (±25 RPM) meaning both fans will not operate at same speed under any circumstances. This is done to reduce harmonic phenomena like intermittent vibration or humming coming from interference.
Key Takeaways
- The Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM is a high-end 140mm fan that delivers excellent cooling performance and near-silent operation, built with high-precision engineering and premium materials.
- You should buy the Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM if you want great performing, nice sounding 140mm fans that feature a variety of accessories, including gaskets, mounting options, and anti-vibration pads.
- You should skip the Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans if you’re on a tight budget or the brown/beige color theme of Noctua does not suit you.
Let’s start with the key specs:
| Dimension | 140x140x25mm |
| Mounting Hole Spacing | 124.5×124.5mm** |
| Bearing | SSO2 |
| Material | Sterrox LCP |
| Speed | 1500 ±10% RPM |
| Speed with L.N.A*** | 1250 ±10% RPM |
| Airflow | 155.6 m³/h |
| Airflow with L.N.A | 127.1 m³/h |
| Noise Level | 24.8 dB(A) |
| Noise Level with L.N.A | 19.7 dB(A) |
| Static Pressure | 2.56 mmH₂O |
| Static Pressure with L.N.A | 1.3 mmH₂O |
| Input Power | 2.28W Max |
| Input Current | 0.19A Max |
| Operating Voltage | 12VDC |
| MTTF | > 150,000 hours |
| Warranty | 6 Years |
** This is almost 125x125mm fan spacing.
*** Low Noise Adapter
What Makes The NF-A14x25 G2 PWM Fans Different?
NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans are the next big thing in the arsenal of Noctua’s fans. These fans are based on the culmination of NF-A14 PWM and NF-A12x25 PWM fans, making it the best of both worlds. The NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans deliver a solid performance at reduced noise output but they may not be giving you a true value against the ARCTIC P14 PWM PST A-RGB fans. The only caveat would be the typical brown and beige color scheme.
A Look At The Packing Box
The fans are shipped inside a cardboard-based packing box.
Noctua has changed the color theme with G2 series of products. The main packing box is made of cardboard box finished in tan brown or dark brown color theme.
Opening the box reveals the side-by-side placement of the fan and the accessory box.
Noctua has mentioned that these fans are high-precision devices with extremely strict tolerances. This is regarding the installation of these fans over the radiator. Allowed total compressive per screw is 7.5Kg with a total of 30Kg max. In other words, 0.15 to 0.25 Nm torque with typical screws is required.
I am wondering why they did not include a screwdriver with this torque calibration to make the life of the user easy!
A single fan pack of NF-A14x25 G2 PWM box comes with:
- 1x NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fan
- 1x NA-RC16 Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
- 1x NA-YC1 4-pin PWM splitter cable
- 1x NA-EC1 30cm extension cable
- 4x NA-AV2 anti-vibration mounts
- 1x NA-AVG2-LR anti-vibration gasket [Installed on the fan]
- 4x NA-AVP1-LR load-relief anti-vibration pads
- 4x Fan screws
Design
Let’s start with the key features of the new fans:
- AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimization) Frame*
- Stepped Inlet Frame*
- Inner Micro Structure*
- Sterrox material derived from LCP (Liquid-Crystal Polymer) used on the impeller
- A gap of only 0.7mm between the impeller and the frame
- Additional brass structure to reinforce the axle mount
- CNC-milled bearing shell
- Flow Acceleration Channels and Winglets on the blades*
- Further Improved SSO2 bearing
- etaPERF Motor with NE-FD6 Motor IC
- Commutation Drive 2 System
- SupraTorque
- PWM Regulation with auto stop function on 0% PWM*
- Safety Protections for challenging electrical environments
- 6-Year Warranty*
- Low Noise Adapter and Extensive Cabling Options
- Integrated anti-vibration pads and gasket
- Progressive-Bend Impeller
- Centrifugal Turbulator Hub
*Features retained from NF-A14 PWM fans.
Noctua has retained the beige and brown color scheme here. I am expecting chromax.black edition of these fans down the road. Each fan has 9x progressive bend impellers having flow acceleration channels and winglets.
These blades are swept backwards to the hub and work in synchronization with the centrifugal Turbulator to improve uniform load across the surface. The winglet design combats the tip vortices.
LCP material is used on the impellers and the ultra-low tip clearance of 0.7mm is there. The AAO frame integrates the stepped inlet design, inner surface micro-structures, and anti-vibration pads.
The NA-AVP1-LR load relief anti-vibration pads come pre-installed on one side of the fans. There is a NA-AVG2 silicon gasket is on the rear to ensure proper seal over the radiator/surface.
One side of the AAO frame has a Noctua branding.
The arrow markers provide visual aid to the user in determining the direction of airflow and direction in which the blades spin.
Looking at the backside of the fan, there is a 4-arms assembly with each arm having a unique sloped with sharp center design. Inward slope design on the borders is also visible. The gasket I referred to above is also visible.
These fans draw 0.19A at 12VDC using 2.28W power per fan. These fans use Noctua’s SSO2 bearings with a life span of > 150,000 hours. Noctua has used CNC milled brass made bearing shell for long-term stability with minimum tolerance.
There is a small size cable with a 4-pin PWM black connector to regulate the speed. This fan uses NE-FD6 motor drive system combined with the SupraTorque technology. This motor integrates Hall Effect sensor for precise commutation performance using Smooth Commutation Drive 2 technology.
The SuporaTorque technology allows these fans to maintain the same RPM even when employed on the surface with high back pressure.
Safety Information
These fans come with the following safety features/protections, making them suitable for challenging environments:
- Reverse Polarity Protection
- Over Voltage Protection
- Over Current Protection
Testing
I have used the below configuration for thermal testing:
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (Advanced PBO)
- Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master
- Kingston Renegade 32GB 6400MHz CL32
- ASRock RX 7600 Phantom Gaming
- Be Quiet! Straight Power 11 850W Platinum
- XPG Rocket 4 Plus 2TB NVMe SSD
- Praxis Wetbench
The fans are tested at full speed. Here is a specification comparison of ARCTIC P14 and Noctua fans:
| NF-A14x25 G2 PWM | P14 PWM PST A-RGB | |
| Dimension | 140x140x25mm | 140x140x25mm |
| Speed | 1500 RPM | 200~1900 RPM |
| Airflow | 155.6 m³/h | 117.06 m³/h |
| Static Pressure | 2.56 mmH₂O | 2.0mmH₂O |
| Max Volume | 24 dBA | 0.3 Sone |
| Bearings | SSO2 | Fluid Dynamic |
| Rated Voltage | 12VDC | 12VDC |
| Power Consumption | 2.28W | 2.04W |
| Rated Current | 0.19A | 0.17A |
Result
The difference between both fans on the same settings comes to 1.5ᵒC, favoring the Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans. Although this difference is not that glaring, the overall noise output, pricing, and warranty favor the ARCTIC P14 PWM PST A-RGB fans.
PWM Range
The following is the PWM range along with the RPM:
| PWM (%age) | Speed (RPM) |
| 20 | 317 |
| 30 | 468 |
| 40 | 611 |
| 50 | 774 |
| 60 | 929 |
| 70 | 10985 |
| 80 | 1245 |
| 90 | 1388 |
| 100 | 1530 |
Noise
Both fans are almost at the same range, but ARCTIC fans have the lowest noise output.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You want Noctua’s best–performing fans: The NF-A14x25 G2 PWM are the best-performing 140mm fans from Noctua. If you can bite the bullet (pricing), then these fans will not disappoint.
✅You are a noise freak: NF-A14x25 G2 PWM sounds even better than silent NF-A14 PWM fans. Noctua has done some magic.
✅You want a complete package under one roof: Noctua provides comprehensive accessories, including different mounting methods, anti-vibration pads, gaskets, you name it. They are justifying the price tag.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You love A-RGB lighting: Skip these fans if you want the vivid aura of RGB/A-RGB backlighting from your fans.
❌You are on budget: A single fan pack costs you around USD 39.90 whereas the ARCTIC P14 PWM PST A-RGB fan three fans pack costs you around USD 35.98.
Conclusion
Say hello to new generation of 140mm fans from Noctua. The NF-A14x25 G2 PWM are next generation of 140mm fans that are built on the solid building block of ever famous NF-A14 PWM fans and augmented with the design technology of high-performance NF-A12x25 PWM fans.
Noctua has used Sterrox LCP material for the construction of progressive bend impellers having flow acceleration channels and winglets. Another key highlight is 0.7mm tip clearance or gap between the impellers and the AAO frame. This reduces the air leak on the border.
The AAO frame retains its key components including anti-vibration pads and this time even has a gasket, stepped inlet design, and inner micro-structures. These fans use SSO2 bearings with a life span of > 150,000 hours (17.12 years of non-stop 24/7 operations).
These fans have CNC milled brass made bearing shell and use NE-FD6 motor drive system combined with the SupraTorque technology and Smooth Commutation Drive 2 technology. The speed is rated for 1500 ± 10% RPM with an airflow rating of 155.1 m³/h and a static pressure rating of 2.56 mmH₂O.
These fans have extremely strict tolerance for being high precise design. It is mentioned that 0.15 to 0.25 Nm torque is needed when installing these fans over radiator with gasket. This could make it difficult for the novice users with a simple Philips screwdriver!
Noctua is back with yet another solid performance punch in the face of competition backed by carefully designed and rigorously tested NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans. These fans have our recommendation.
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[CPU Coolers & RAM Expert]
Hayyan Serwer is a tech enthusiast, with a love for PC building and article writing. Hayyan specializes in writing about CPU coolers and RAM kits. Hayyan has been familiar with the tech industry for over half a decade now, and has now stepped into providing quality reviews for the latest and greatest tech.
Get In Touch: hayyan@tech4gamers.com
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