NF-A15 CPU & Case Fan:
Before we leave this review I think it’s important we first skim over the individual fans that are sold separately with the NH-U14S CPU cooler.
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Succeeding the award-winning NF-P14 Noctua’s NF-P14 fan has become a default-choice among PC enthusiasts looking for a premium quality quiet 140mm fan. Thanks to its thoroughgoing aerodynamic optimisations, the NF-A15/14 provides higher static pressure and an even better airflow/noise ratio than its much acclaimed predecessor.
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Round 140mm frame with 150mm width The NF-A15 is tailor-made for use on today’s high-end CPU coolers: While its 150mm width matches those of most high-end heatsinks, its 140mm height doesn’t make it extend on top and thus ensures best case compatibility. The NF-A15’s standard 120mm mounting holes (105mm spacing) also make it an ideal performance upgrade for 120mm case or CPU fans. 
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Flow Acceleration Channels The NF-A15 impeller features suction side Flow Acceleration Channels. By speeding up the airflow at the crucial outer blade regions, this measure reduces suction side flow separation and thus leads to better efficiency and lower vortex noise.
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AAO Frame Noctua’s AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation) frames feature integrated anti-vibration pads as well as Noctua’s proprietary Stepped Inlet Design and Inner Surface Microstructures, both of which further refine the fan’s performance/noise efficiency.
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Stepped Inlet Design Noctua’s Stepped Inlet Design adds turbulence to the influx in order to facilitate the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow, which reduces tonal intake noise, improves flow attachment and increases suction capacity, especially in space restricted environments.
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Inner Surface Microstructures With the tips of the fan blades ploughing through the boundary layer created by the Inner Surface Microstructures, flow separation from the suction side of the blades is significantly suppressed, which results in reduced blade passing noise and improved airflow and pressure efficiency.
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Integrated Anti-Vibration Pads Integrated Anti-Vibration Pads made from extra-soft silicone minimise the transmission of minute vibrations while maintaining full compatibility with all standard screws and other mounting systems.
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SSO2 Bearing The NF-A15 features the further optimised second generation of Noctua’s renowned, time-tested SSO bearing. With SSO2, the rear magnet is placed closer to the axis to provide even better stabilisation, precision and durability.
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Metal bearing shell In order to guarantee the highest possible degree of manufacturing precision, minimum tolerance and excellent long-term stability, the NF-A15 sports a CNC milled bearing shell made entirely from brass.
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Custom designed PWM IC with SCD Supporting fully automatic PWM speed control, the NF-A15 PWM uses Noctua’s novel, custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC that integrates Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology. By providing smoother torque impulses, SCD suppresses PWM switching noises and thus makes the fan quieter at low speeds.
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Low-Noise Adaptor The NF-A15 PWM is supplied with a Low-Noise Adaptor (L.N.A.) that reduces the maximum fan speed from 1200 to 900rpm. The L.N.A can be used either to run the fan at a fixed speed of 900rpm or to cap the maximum speed when using automatic PWM control.
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Extensive cabling options The fan’s short 20cm primary cable minimises cable clutter in typical applications while the supplied 30cm extension provides extended reach when necessary. Both cables are fully sleeved and a 4-pin y-cable allows to connect a second NF-A15 PWM fan to the same PWM fan header for automatic control.
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Ultra-Low Power Consumption Despite of its further improved performance, the NF-A15 PWM consumes only 0.96W of power, which amounts to a reduction of about 20% as compared to its predecessor. This doesn’t only make it eco-friendly but also helps to cut down the electricity bill!
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6 years manufacturer’s warranty Noctua fans are renowned for their impeccable quality and outstanding longevity. Like all Noctua fans, the NF-A15 features an MTBF of more than 150.000 hours rating and comes with a full 6 years manufacturer’s warranty.
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