Review on Noctua NF-S12B Redux-1200 PWM: High Performance 120mm Cooling Fan (Grey) by Jason Hinrichs

Noctua recommends 12B for case cooling on their website and P-12 recommends for heatsink cooling, although P-12 has more of the 12. CFM at maximum speed. So I got a bunch of P-12s and S12Bs (this model) and fitted them to a Mesify C (a very typical mid-range case) to see how it cools. The testing methodology was simple: ambient, medium usage and full throttle aida64. Under all circumstances, the P-12 performed better by at least 3 degrees. Aida64 screenshots are attached showing that the cores of the overclocked processors are cooled almost four degrees better than the P-12 processors. The only scenario where the 12-B performed adequately was when locking at 1000 rpm with the faceplate removed. But these are just not realistic test cases. You *should* not eat without a filter! And modern front panels are becoming increasingly complex, requiring ever higher static pressures from intake fans. Honestly there is no reason to buy this fan as long as 12V is available.