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Lian-Li

Noctua NF-R8, NF-B9, NF-P12 Fan Roundup Print E-mail
Written by Chris Smith   
Monday, 25 May 2009 22:28
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Noctua NF-R8 80mm Fan Review.

The Noctua NF-R8 is a seven bladed fan, and looks similar to the others, but it lacks the Vortex Control Notches.


Official Specs.
  • Sound-optimised blade geometry and profile: The NF-R8 is the first fan employing a novel 80mm rotor which was developed by the Austrian Institute for Heat-Transmission and Fan Technology (Österreichisches Institut für Wärmeübertragung und Ventilatorentechnik, ÖIWV). Thanks to the special optimisation of the blade geometry towards ultra low noise application, the NF-R8 is up to 10% more quiet than current high-end fans at the same flow rate. button
  • Self-stabilising oil-pressure bearing (SSO bearing): The NF-R8 series are equipped with a magnetically centred, self lubricating oil-pressure bearing that provides a new level of quietness and long-term stability.
  • Size 80x80x25 mm
  • Bearing SSO-Bearing
  • Blade Geometry Raised-Blade-Design
  • Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) 1800 RPM
  • Rotational Speed with L.N.A. (+/- 10%) 1300 RPM
  • Rotational Speed with U.L.N.A. (+/- 10%) 800 RPM
  • Airflow 53 m³/h (31CFM)
  • Airflow with L.N.A. 39 m³/h (23 CFM)
  • Airflow with U.L.N.A. 26 m³/h (15 CFM)
  • Acoustical Noise 17 dB(A)
  • Acoustical Noise with L.N.A. 10 dB(A)
  • Acoustical Noise with U.L.N.A. 7* dB(A)
  • Input Power 1,32 W
  • Input Current 0,11 A
  • Voltage Range 4-13 V
  • MTBF > 150.000 h
  • Scope of Delivery
  • Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptor (U.L.N.A.)
  • Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.)
  • 4 Vibration Compensators
  • 3:4-Pin Adaptor
  • 4 Fan Screws
  • Warranty 6 years
The Packaging And Contents.

The NF-R8 has same kind of attractive box as the NF-B9 and NF-P12:

The parts are secured in a plastic blister with a lid, that becomes a window to the cut out panel in the box.

NF-R8 Front.

NF-R8 - Back.

Accessories.

Rubber anti vibration fan mounts.

Other goodies - From the top:
  • U.L.N.A - (Ultra Low Noise Adaptor) adjusts current to give lower 900RPM fan speed with 12.6db(A)
  • 4x self tapping fan mounting screws
  • Molex to fan header adaptor
  • L.N.A - (Low Noise Adaptor) gives 1100rpm 16.9db(A)


Testing.

I decided to test the fan on the DFI LANPARTY JR 790GX-M3H5.  There is a small heat sink here that has been running uncooled at 41.2C using the Hilka Digital Infra Red Thermometer.

I decided to stand the NF-R8 at the side of the motherboard blowing onto and over the heat sink. Again , after running Prime95 for an hour, I took another temperature reading of the heat sink, this was 26C which was only about 3~4C above ambient.

With regard to noise, the NF-R8 is the noisiest of the three reviewed. That's to be expected as  fan noise becomes more intrusive to our ears as the size of the fan decreases and rpm generally increases.

Again by clever use of technology and quality components Noctua seem to have managed to minimise noise, without impacting performance.

Noctua NF-R8 Fan Conclusion.

Price****
This fan retails at £12.06 ($15.75 ex Vat) curiously this is more expensive than the NF-B9. This appears to be a market trend which I'd not noticed before, that 92mm fans are cheaper. The closest competitive product is Silverstone FM81 which is around £9.76 ($12.73 ex vat).  The price premium here is the lowest of the three fans reviewed.

Cooling Performance****

Cooling is excellent again.

Noise *****
Though not have the vortex technology of the larger fans, noise or rather lack of it, is once again the outstanding feature,

Pros
  • Quality and build
  • Low Noise
  • High Performance for low RPM
  • Extras - Comprehensive package
  • Sleeved fan cable
  • Six Year Warranty

Cons

  • Price



 

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