Noctua makes the Framework Desktop quieter though 3D printing

Noctua drops the Framework Desktop’s noise levels significantly with a custom fan grill

Noctua has managed to make the Framework Desktop significantly quieter by utilising a custom fan grill design. While the Framework Desktop isn’t known for being an overly loud system, Noctua’s mod enabled users to achieve whisper-quiet noise levels or achieve lower temperatures with higher fan speeds while keeping noise levels low.

Noctua created its custom fan grill using a 3D printer. Their design files are available now through Printables. Noctua claims that this grill can deliver a noise reduction of 5-7 dB(A).

How to make the @FrameworkPuter Desktop run even quieter? Our 3D-printable side panel design available through @printablescom can lower noise levels by 5-7dB(A): https://t.co/mOBqTOCkrZ pic.twitter.com/jTgaOCJ8AD

— Noctua (@Noctua_at) September 1, 2025

Fans of Noctua products will be familiar with this custom-designed fan grill. Noctua used this grill design on its Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition power supply. The company also released this fan grill design to makers through Printables.

Noctua also tested Framework’s Desktop PC using its newer NF-A12x25 G2 fans. While this fan could deliver the same thermal results with slightly lower noise levels (1-1.5 dB(A) lower), Noctua’s G2 fans do not offer the same maximum RPM value as the high-speed NF-A12x25 (G1) fans used on the Framework Desktop. Because of this, Noctua’s G2 fans cannot deliver the same maximum performance and cooling headroom. With this in mind, Noctua does not recommend replacing the Framework Desktop’s NF-A12x25 fans.

If you want your Framework Desktop to be quieter, consider using Noctua’s custom side panel. All you need to do is download it and get it printed.

You can join the discussion on Noctua’s modded Framework Desktop side panel on the OC3D Forums.