Noctua NF-12×15 Slim Fan Performance Review

NA-SAC5

The label on the simple black box informs us that what lies within is a SATA to 4pin power adapter cable.  In this case we have a pair of them to play with. 

And here it is, in all it’s glory, resting on a small foam rubber sheet insert we have the 300mm long NA-SACS adapter cable.  If we’re honest we have to say that nice though the presentation is, it may well have cost more to make the box than the cable.

NA-FC1 

Also for our delectation we have the NA-FC1 fan controller.  Like the adapter cable above, it also comes in a nice simple box.  Let’s hope there’s a little more inside this time.

 Please tell me that’s not it!  Please tell me there’s more in here than this little box with a dial on it!

And indeed there is more in here.  Quite a lot more in fact.  Along with the control box, which has an input and output side for the cables to attach to, there’s an NA-EC1 extension cable, an NA-SC1 Splitter cable and an NA-AC4 input cable with power supply adapter.  The fan controller can be used as a conventional fan controller with a 12v feed, or in PWM mode where it will take a signal from the motherboard.  In fact, the fan controller can be used as a semi automatic PWM controller with the speed dial limiting the fan speed, whilst still under PWM control.  It also has a “No Stop” mode which guarantees that the fans will always turn even when set to their very lowest setting, or to a point where they might otherwise cease to rotate.  All in all a clever bit of kit, and we think an essential to keep on hand.