Our Verdict
75%
Good performance for the cash, but it could do with a little more power now.
The Noctua NF-P12 redux is a stripped-down 120mm case fan that lacks RGB lighting but retains Noctua’s premium build quality. However, it’s rated to a maximum 1,700rpm, which limits its range of uses. For most situations, 1,700rpm is all you need for a case fan, but you might need more if you need to deal with significant amounts of heat on rare occasions.
Despite its modest nature, in the flesh this fan looks fantastic, shedding Noctua’s usual brown coloring in favor of gunmetal grey.
Noctua NF-P12 redux performance
Check our how we test page for our fan testing procedure.
The NF-P12 redux holds its own when it comes to performance, though it slips down our tables in a few tests. It has decent efficiency at full speed, out-stripping the XSPC RGB Series 2, Scythe Kaze Flex 120 RGB and Gelid Radiant-D, although the XSPC did have slightly better sound quality, with the NF-P12 redux exhibiting a slight whine at 1,700rpm.
The XSPC was also slightly quieter at 1,000rpm, but shifted noticeably less air, with the NF-P12 redux offering better efficiency here, while shifting more air in our noise-normalized test too.
Noctua NF-P12 redux pros and cons
Pros:
- Good airflow-to-noise ratio
- Excellent airflow at 1,000rpm
- Good value
Cons:
- No RGB lighting
- Average sound quality
- Lacks high-speed grunt
Noctua NF-P12 redux specs
The Noctua NF-P12 redux specs list is:
| Max speed | 1700rpm |
| Stated noise | 25.1dBA |
| PWM control | Yes |
| RGB lighting | No |
| Accessories | None |
Noctua NF-P12 redux price
The Noctura NF-P12 redux is surprisingly decent value considering Noctua’s premium reputation
Price: Expect to pay $16 / £13
Noctua NF-P12 redux review conclusion
The Noctua NF-P12 redux remains a good choice as an affordable fan to pad out vacant fan mounts in your PC. It’s a better performer than the similarly-priced offerings from XSPC, Scythe, and Gelid as well, although we’d pick the Scythe if you also want RGB lighting. For our choice of the best fan options, check out our best PC fan list.