Noctua
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM, High Performance Cooling Fan, 4-Pin, 1200 RPM (120mm, Grey)
Bottom line: The Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM: Just 18.1 dB(A) at its full 1200 RPM ceiling; main trade-off: 1200 RPM caps static pressure for dense radiators.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Just 18.1 dB(A) at its full 1200 RPM ceiling
- ✓ 4-pin PWM lets the motherboard idle it near-silent
- ✓ Blades tuned for low-resistance case and chassis airflow
- ✓ Over 150,000 h MTTF rating for install-and-forget use
Cons
- ✗ 1200 RPM caps static pressure for dense radiators
- ✗ Grey redux styling skips the premium Noctua look
- ✗ Accessories like anti-vibration mounts cost extra
- ✗ Standard 120x25 mm only, no slim or 140 mm option
Manufacturer description
The Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM brings Noctua's award-winning NF-S12B airflow design to a 120mm case fan that stays out of your ears. Its airflow-optimised blades are tuned for low-resistance jobs—intake, exhaust, and general chassis ventilation—where you want air moving without a whine to go with it. At its 1200 RPM ceiling the fan tops out at 18.1 dB(A), quiet enough that most builders never hear it over their GPU, and the 4-pin PWM connector hands speed control to your motherboard so it idles near-silent and ramps only when temperatures ask it to. Rated at >150,000 hours MTTF, this is a…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cooling & fans category. Noctua's cooling & fans lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for cooling & fans of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud is the Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM?
Noctua rates it at a maximum of 18.1 dB(A) at its 1200 RPM ceiling. Because it is a 4-pin PWM fan, your motherboard drops the speed at idle, where it runs quieter still.
Will this fan work as a CPU cooler or radiator fan?
It is built for low airflow resistance—case intake, exhaust, and chassis ventilation. Dense radiator fins and thick heatsinks favor higher static pressure, so a 1200 RPM airflow fan is not the best match there.
What is the difference between redux and a regular Noctua fan?
Redux is a streamlined edition of the same NF-S12B design at a lower price point. You get the proven fan; accessories such as anti-vibration mounts, S-ATA adaptors, y-splitters, and extension cables are optional add-ons.
Does it support automatic fan speed control?
Yes. The 4-pin PWM connector supports motherboard speed control, so the fan delivers airflow when temperatures rise and stays virtually silent at idle.
What size is it and how long should it last?
It is a standard 120x120x25 mm, 12 V fan that fits any 120 mm mount. Noctua rates it at more than 150,000 hours MTTF. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.
Key Features
- High performance cooling fan, 120x120x25 mm, 12 V, 4-pin PWM, max. 1200 RPM, max. 18.1 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF
- Renowned NF-S12B high-end 120x25mm 12V fan, more than 100 awards and recommendations from international computer hardware websites and magazines, hundreds of thousands of satisfied users
- Airflow-optimised blade design with high CFM and outstanding quietness of operation, ideal for low-noise case cooling, chassis ventilation and other applications with low airflow resistance
- 1200rpm 4-pin PWM version with excellent balance of performance and quietness, supports automatic motherboard speed control (powerful airflow when required, virtually silent at idle)
- Streamlined redux edition: proven Noctua quality at an attractive price point, wide range of optional accessories (anti-vibration mounts, S-ATA adaptors, y-splitters, extension cables, etc.)
Full Specifications
| Brand | Noctua |
|---|---|
| Model | NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Material | Fibre-glass reinforced PBT |
| Dimensions | 120x120x25 mm |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Noise Level | 18.1 Decibels |
| Part Number | NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM |
| Material Type | Fibre-glass reinforced PBT |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Vibration/Rumble | Yes |
| Air Flow Capacity | 100.6 Cubic Meters Per Hour |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Warranty Description | 6 year manufacturer’s warranty |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1200 RPM |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 0.98"L x 4.72"W x 4.72"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00842431012371 |
Ready to buy?
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM, High Performance Cooling Fan, 4-Pin, 1200 RPM (120mm, Grey) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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