When we realized we would be doing a test on the Thermaltake HR-03 GT GPU heatsink we were very exited until we realized we didn’t have a 92mm fan to fit it. After a few emails Noctua was kind enough to send out one of their NF-B9’s. After finishing up testing on the NF-P12 120mm fan I already had high hopes for this 92mm. Would the NF-B9 perform up to the standard set by its big brother the NF-P12? Those are big shoes to fill, find out by clicking to read more.
Review Sample Provided by: Noctua
Review By: Garfi3ld
Pictures by: Garfi3ld
Packaging
The NF-B9 is packaged in a box similar in size and look as the NF-P12. In fact the only real difference is in the top right corner; the model number has changed. They have also changed one of the features listed on the front but the other three are the same. On the back of the packaging it has the same four features explained in more detail. They have feature lists in 6 other languages. They have also included again the back that opens up to show you even more details about the fan. They include graphs and drawings showing how their design features improve the performance of the fan. Frankly I have yet to see another fan company go into detail remotely close to when Noctua does with their packaging. It shows they didn’t just slap together a product and try to sell it.
Specifications
|
Size |
92x92x25 mm |
|
Bearing |
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Blade geometry |
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Rotational speed (+/- 10%) |
1600 RPM |
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Rotational speed with L.N.A (+/- 10%) |
1300 RPM |
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Rotational speed with U.L.N.A (+/- 10%) |
1000 RPM |
|
Airflow |
64.3 m³/h = 37.85 CFM |
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Airflow with L.N.A |
52.6 m³/h = 30.96 CFM |
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Airflow with U.L.N.A |
41.1 m³/h = 24.19 CFM |
|
Acoustical noise |
17.6 dB(A) |
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Acoustical noise with L.N.A |
13.1 dB(A) |
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Acoustical noise with U.L.N.A |
7.9 dB(A) (extrapolated) |
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Static pressure |
1.61 mm H20 |
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Static pressure with L.N.A |
1.09 mm H20 |
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Static pressure with U.L.N.A |
0.64 mm H20 |
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Input power |
1.32 W |
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Input current |
0.11 A |
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Voltage range |
12 V |
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MTBF |
> 150000 hours |
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Scope of delivery |
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Warranty |
6 years |
Our Test setup
Thermaltake Armor + MX Case
Intel Q6700 CPU 3.33GHz Overclock
Abit IP35 Pro Motherboard
4 gigs of HP206200 Mushkin Ram
Evga 8800GTS G92 512Mb
Corsair 620 Power Supply
Razer AC-1 Sound Card
Thermalright HR-03 GT
Performance
We tested the NF-B9 with the Thermalright HR-03 GT GPU heatsink. Without having a 2nd 92mm fan it was impossible to get accurate comparison numbers. But the fan proved to be extremely quite while also performing well. I think the numbers speak for themselves. 37.85 CFM at 17.6 dB(A) not only does the NF-B9 perform in the same range as some 120mm fans, but it also rivals them in noise output also. Not bad for a smaller fan!
Overall
I’ve nearly gotten to the point where I know it’s going to be dead silent just by seeing that odd pink and brown combo. Noctua puts amazing amounts of time into the design and testing of their products, and it shows. They also back there fan with a 6 year warranty should you have any problems! I don’t think you could ask for a fan that’s better performing without sacrificing sound. The only two issues I can find with it are the colors and the cost. The colors I can live with, in fact they look nice with blue lighting. As for the cost, well you get what you pay for. Even though we couldn't use them with the HR-03, Noctua also includes rubber silencer mounts for when you install the fan in a case. Not only do they make it easy to install, they keep the vibrations down. Just one more reason I can recommend this fan.
