@Forrhouse
Quote: Yes, I was referring to the 120mm fan for the PSU / Intake and Exhaust CPU compartment. My intake and Exhaust fans are set based on the NorthBridge Diode temp of 57C to 66C and are running at 1225 to 1380 RPM. They are still relatively quiet and at these settings and speeds and the result are great stable temps. So, even though the Noctua NF-A 12X25 FLX doesn't work under ~ 1000 rpm it sounds like it would be a great fit for my setup. Even doing light work puts them at a minimum of 1225RPM. In Northern California It will get to be 80F in the Summer inside the house. It will get to 90 to 100F (32C to 38C) in a Studio setting with lots of equipment on. Air conditioning is a must in the studio, but even with it on and a bunch of heat generated by equipment your still looking at a good 80 to 85F (27C to 29C). Outside we have days that average 110F (43C). If the Noctua NF-A 12X25 FLX fans are quieter even by just a small amount and they will last a long, long time then they would be worth it. So it sounds like the Noctua NF-A12X25 ULN is what I should use for my Setup as a PSU fan and a pair of Noctua NF-A 12X25 FLX fans is what I should use for the Intake and Exhaust CPU compartment.
About your concerns and questions :
- the most effective fans for NB T are : Intake and CPU A Boost.
Although it might seem strange, i leave Exhaust to auto , because it doesnt have any significant influence on Temps , test it , you'll see
Your setting is very safe , you could test the following : Intake 55 - 80 max rpm and Boost A 55-75 max rpm both sensor NB diode, Exhaust set to auto.
This way you'll lower noise (=rpm) quite a bit without sacrificing T too much.
- if installed a fan that doesnt run at default min, without logging in, it will not run, with all possible consequences.
You will have to set rpm min to 1000 , and afaik there's no software to set min rpm
and sensor dependent.
Setting the fan to a constant rpm is risky too..
I tested an electrical workaround (selfmade adaptercable) with the OP , to feed the fan with a min Voltage independent of the SMC .
This works, but it might be more practical (and safer!) to look for a fan with a wider rpm range.
- I'm using my main MP for audio too, so i know the importance of low noise level.
After many, many years in a very hot country too, i understand your concerns about Temps.
The Noctua's are actually a lot more silent than the OEM Delta fans , so it is imo worth the investment (but there are other very silent , high quality fans too).
The OP
@amedias started this thread , made a few very interesting observations but stated clearly that his goal was not to make a simple list of fans that work.
All credits go to him, i've noticed he hasnt logged in for ~ 1 year, which is a shame for several reasons , also because he mentioned some other brand fans he tested that run up to 2000rpm and at default min (600rpm) too.
You may find some other reports here though with other types/brands of fans running at min
and higher than the ULN.
EDIT: An example of a very promising 120mm fan , that i havent tested : NB BlackSilent Pro 120mm PL-2 , 3-pin max rpm 1400.