Fan FAQs

What pin configuration do Noctua fans use?
Can Noctua fans be used with only + and GND connected? All Noctua fans can also be used when only + and GND are connected. The fan will then run at full sp...
Tue, 30 Jan, 2024 at 1:19 PM
How to install the fan using the Anti-Vibration Mounts?
First, pull the Vibration-Compensators through the mounting holes of the case. Then put the fan onto the Vibration-Compensators and pull them through the mo...
Tue, 9 Jan, 2024 at 10:36 AM
Can Noctua fans be used to replace noisy stock fans in switches, NAS, routers or other network devices?
Noctua fans such as the 40, 60, 80 or 92mm NF-A series models are ideal for replacing noisy stock fans in switches, routers and other network devices in ord...
Tue, 22 Nov, 2022 at 1:43 PM
My fan is not working as intended, is it faulty?
My fan doesn’t spin when I start up the PC, is it faulty? If you've connected the fan directly (or using the supplied Low-Noise or Ultra-Low-Noise-Adap...
Tue, 22 Nov, 2022 at 1:44 PM
Can industrialPPC fans be used with fan controllers and resistor cables (Low-Noise Adaptors)?
Noctua recommends not to use industrialPPC (iPPC) fans with common PC fan controllers, resistor cables (Low-Noise Adaptors) or other devices such as potent...
Mon, 29 Jan, 2024 at 3:58 PM
Can I run Noctua 3-pin fans on 4-pin PWM connectors or 4-pin fans on 3-pin connectors?
You can simply connect our fan's 3-pin connector to the 4-pin PWM sockets of today's motherboards so that the fourth pin that transmits the PWM sig...
Wed, 4 Oct, 2023 at 4:22 PM
Can I use Low-Noise Adaptors with Y-cables?
Yes, Low-Noise Adaptors (L.N.A.s) can be used with Y-cables, but please make sure to use one L.N.A. per fan and to place the L.N.A.s between the Y-cable an...
Mon, 29 Jan, 2024 at 3:56 PM
Can I use Noctua fans in my system from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands?
Noctua 12V fans comply with the established specifications for standard PC systems issued by Intel and AMD. Systems from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or o...
Fri, 2 Sep, 2022 at 12:55 PM
Which Noctua fans can I use for 3D printers?
Noctua’s premium quality quiet fans are widely popular in 3D printers. They are ideal both for providing extra cooling to the printed part and for replacing...
Wed, 7 Feb, 2024 at 3:01 PM
Can I paint my Noctua fan in order to change its colour?
Since even small variations in the layer of paint can lead to an imbalance of the impeller resulting in vibrations, higher noise levels, increased stress on...
Wed, 12 Jul, 2023 at 10:59 AM
How do I determine my fan's airflow direction?
When looking at the fan so that the circular sticker with the Noctua logo is facing you, the direction of airflow is towards you and the sense of rotation i...
Tue, 30 Jan, 2024 at 2:32 PM
Does the NF-A15 PWM that comes with Noctua coolers run at a different speed (1500rpm) than the retail model (1200rpm)?
Yes, the NF-A15 PWM bundled with our heatsinks is specified to run at 1500rpm (see cooler specifications for details) and the retail model is specified to r...
Thu, 22 Sep, 2022 at 2:02 PM
Where can I find the production batch code?
The production batch code (LOT-code) is located on the side of the fan frame as shown below:
Fri, 2 Sep, 2022 at 1:28 PM
Where can I find a technical documentation and specifications of the PWM speed control system of Noctua’s fans?
While using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) based fan speed control in PC environments is usually straightforward and does not require any background knowledge...
Tue, 20 Sep, 2022 at 4:05 PM
Can Noctua fans be used to make the Anycubic I3 Mega 3D printer run more quietly?
Yes, many users of the Anycubic I3 Mega have successfully used Noctua fans for reducing the noise emission of this 3D printer. In particular, the following ...
Tue, 22 Nov, 2022 at 1:41 PM
Which is the best fan for the NVIDIA Jetson Nano?
Both the NF-A4x20 5V PWM and NF-A4x10 5V PWM are great choices for upgrading the cooling of NVIDIA’s Jetson Nano Developer Kit. The NF-A4x20 5V PWM provides...
Tue, 22 Nov, 2022 at 10:33 AM
Which fans are compatible with my anti-vibration pads?
Fans compatible with the NA-SAVP1 anti-vibration pads: The NA-SAVP1 anti-vibration pads are compatible with the following Noctua fans: NF-A14 FLX NF-...
Wed, 4 Oct, 2023 at 4:23 PM
Buying guide: Which Noctua fan should I buy?
Noctua offers a wide selection of fans for various demands and purposes. Use the following criteria to select the model that works best for you: Size ...
Wed, 7 Feb, 2024 at 2:58 PM
Can I power fans via a wall socket?
We don't recommend running a 12 Volt or 24 Volt fan via your power outlet. One of the main reasons for that is the lack of a universal standard for 12V ...
Wed, 4 Oct, 2023 at 4:08 PM
Can I connect multiple fans to one fan header?
Yes, with certain things in mind, it is possible to connect several fans to one fan header.  The most important point to consider is the collective current...
Wed, 10 May, 2023 at 9:09 AM