When Noctua launched the latest NF-A12x25 fans, they also released the NA-SFMA1 fan adaptor. It allows the 120 mm fan to mount on a 140 mm spot in water-cooling radiators or PC cases. Let’s take a look at the adaptor.
Unboxing
Like any other Noctua accessories, the NA-SFMA1 has a similar packaging design with a mostly black cardboard box and signature dark brown accent. A big Noctua’s owl logo can be seen in the middle on the front. Below that is the model name of the adaptor.
Flipping to the back, you can found the model name again, as well as the content inside the box, the UPC and EAN codes.
There are two NA-SFMA1 adaptor frames and a total of eight NA-AV4 anti-vibration mounts, four for each adaptor. A simple user manual is also included.
NA-SFMA1 Fan Mounting Adaptor
The adaptor is made to fit the 120 mm fan to fit on a larger 140 mm radiator spot. It has a raised edge on each side to prevent air leaking between the fan and the radiator. You should be able to use normal long radiator fan screws to mount the whole assembly to the radiator.
The adaptor is designed to work perfectly with the NF-A12x25 fans, but other 120 mm fans with a somewhat standard square frames should work fine as well. Noctua does say it is compatible with its own NF-F12, NF-S12A and NF-P12 redux fans.
To install the fan on the adaptor, you use the included NA-AV4 mounts by pulling it through the standard screw holes on the fan. You can cut the remaining/hanging tips of the mounts, if you want a tidier look, but you would not be able to reuse it in the future.
The NA-SFMA1 adaptor covers the back and the sides of the fan very well with no visable leakage for air to pass through.
Review
The NF-A12x25 has cooling performance in terms of airflow comparable to the 140 mm NF-A14 PWM from Noctua. The NF-A12x25 performed the similar if not better when running at full speed. Therefore, if you are using a high quality 120 mm fan with the NA-SFMA1 adaptor, you should not worry much about the decrease in cooling capability.
Conclusion
The NA-SFMA1 fan adaptor is a great accessory with solid build quality and design. The overall insatallation is simple, quick and easy.
At the moment of this review, there is no 140 mm version of the NF-A12x25 fan This adaptor is the best way to get it installed on a 140 mm radiator. But you should check for compatibility if you are planning to use the adaptor with non-Noctua fans.
The NA-SFMA1 adaptor is priced at $11.90 USD (MSRP), which is fairly resonable in my opinion. You get two sets of the fan adaptor and the corresponding anti-vibration mounts, for up to a 280 mm radiator.
You can purchase the fan adaptor from your local/online resellers or the links below from Amazon and Newegg.
- Amazon US: Noctua NA-SFMA1 Adapter
- Newegg US: Noctua NA-SFMA1 Adapter
Thanks Noctua for providing us the NA-SFMA1 adaptor for review. (Review Sample)
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