Noctua NF-A4x20 PWM

40mm silent case fan

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The NF-A4x20 is a highly optimised, high-end silent fan in 40x20mm format. The PWM version is equipped with Noctua's exclusive NE-FD1 IC which allows automatic speed control via 4-pin connectors.

40mm silent case fan

Overview

Silence is golden

Featuring an advanced aerodynamic design including Flow Acceleration Channels and Noctua's AAO frame, the NF-A4x20 is a highly optimised, high-end silent fan in 40x20mm format. The PWM version is equipped with Noctua's exclusive NE-FD1 IC which allows automatic speed control via 4-pin connectors and comes with a Low Noise Adaptator (LNA) connector which caps the speed in PWM (5000 rpm down to 4400 rpm). Its smooth operation, SSO2 bearing and Noctua's renowned premium quality make it ideal for the most demanding users.

A mini case fan

  • 40x20 mm size: Compared to the well-known Noctua NF-A4x10, the NF-A4x20 is twice as thick, which increases the static pressure performance. This makes the NF-A4x20 ideal for applications requiring high strength flow.
  • Flow Acceleration Channels: The NF-A4x20 impeller is equipped with flow channels on the suction side of the fan. The flow acceleration generated at the tips of the blades creates a more massive, less dispersed suction, thus increasing efficiency and reducing vortex-related noise disturbance.
  • AAO frame: Noctua's AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation) frames are equipped with anti-vibration mounts and benefit from exclusive optimisations to push the limits of performance and silence even further: Stepped Inlet Design and Inner Surface Microstructures.
  • Stepped Inlet Design: Noctua's Stepped Inlet Design adds turbulence to the incoming flow, allowing a gradual transition from laminar to turbulent flow. This reduces initial noise emissions, improves flow cohesion and increases suction capacity especially in environments where space is at a premium.

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A quiet fan

  • Microstructured bypass duct: Because the blade tips are close to the inner surface of the duct (characterised by the presence of a microstructure), the flow separation that occurs at the suction level is almost non-existent. This optimisation reduces noise emissions from blade movement, improves airflow and pressure levels.
  • Integrated anti-vibration dampers: The integrated anti-vibration mounts, made from extra soft silicone, reduce the transmission of minute vibrations while ensuring compatibility with standard screws and fastening systems.
  • Smooth Commutation Drive 2: The latest version of Noctua's Smooth Commutation Drive system ensures smooth operation by eliminating torque variations and switching noise. This makes the fan very quiet, even at close range.
  • SSO2 bearing: The NF-A4x20 is equipped with Noctua's well-known SSO bearing. This is the latest generation, which is even more optimised. The SSO2 is equipped with a rear magnet that is closer to the axle for greater precision, durability and stability.

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Designed for performance

  • Compatible with PWM automated speed control systems, the fan features the latest NE-FD1 PWM IC, which incorporates Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology. By generating less abrupt torque pulses, SCD eliminates the noise associated with PWM switching for quieter ventilation at lower speeds.
  • When the fan is set to a PWM duty cycle of 0%, either via the motherboard or a PWM fan controller, it shuts down. This allows the creation of semi-passive cooling configurations that automatically shut down the fans - to ensure completely silent operation - depending on load and temperature levels.
  • The NF-A4x20 PWMs are supplied with a Low Noise Adaptator (L.N.A.) that drops the maximum speed from 5000 to 4400rpm. The L.N.A. is suitable for both fixed speed operation (4400rpm) and for use in flanged PWM mode.
  • As many products with 40mm fans have special connectors to connect them, the NF-A4x20 comes with an OmniJoin adapter kit. Simply cut the cable from your original fan, connect it to the adapter using the supplied 3M Scotchlok connectors. You can then connect your NF-A4x20 to the proprietary fan connector.
  • The first fan cable is a short 20cm cable to minimise the space required for normal use. The supplied 30cm extension cable will solve any distance problems. Both cables are fully sheathed and a Y-cable (4-pin ) will allow a second fan to be connected to the same PWM terminal for automated control.
  • 6-year manufacturer's warranty: Noctua fans are known for their high quality and long life.

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Main features :

  • Dimensions 40x40x20 mm
  • Mounting hole spacing 32x32 mm
  • 4-pin PWM connection + LNA (Low Noise Adaptator) connectors
  • Rotation speed (+/-10%) 5000 RPM - Rotation speed with L.N.A. (+/-10%) 4400 RPM - Min. rotation speed (pwm, +/-20%) (PWM, +/-20%) 1200 RPM
  • Airflow 9,4 m³/h - Airflow with L.N.A. 8,3 m³/h
  • Sound level 14,9 dB(A) - Sound level with L.N.A. 12,2 dB(A)
  • 6-year manufacturer's warranty
Specifications
Select your criteria

General information

Product name

Noctua NF-A4x20 PWM

Brand

Noctua

Model

NF-A4X20 PWM

Technical specifications

Use

Case

Luminous

No

Connector(s)

1 X 4-pin Female

Reverse (inverted blades)

No

PWM

Yes

Heat Pipe

No

Cooling type

Active (fansink)

Fan diameter

40 mm

Min sound level

12.2 dB

Max sound level

14.9 dB

Minimum rotation speed

3700 RPM

Maximum rotation speed

5000 RPM

Min airflow

8.3 m³/h

Max airflow

9.4 m³/h

Bundle

No

Warranties

Commercial warranty

Seller 3 years

Legal warranty

See terms & conditions

Product referenced on 27 Oct 2020

Customer reviews
  • 86%
    6 reviews
  • 14%
    1 review
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  • by rémy-marie L
    Posted on 12 Aug 2023
    Bought on 10 Aug 2023 from LDLC
    Number of reviews: 47 Average rating: 9

    Noctua :)

    Noctua NF-A4X20 PWN bought in 2 copies to ventilate my Nas in rack which was struggling with the +40°c daily.
    Without using the accessories supplied with these fans, I fitted them instead of the original ones as they were...
    The result is a lot more ventilation for a silence, which when they are full, is inferior to those of origin when they were at rest.
    In short: Noctua is very good and the brown/beige colour is as gratifying on a NAS as Ferrari red on an Italian car.

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  • by Johan R.
    Posted on 28 Apr 2023
    Bought on 31 Mar 2023 from LDLC
    Number of reviews: 1 Average rating: 10

    Excellent products.

    I am impressed by the near-zero noise level of these two fans in operation, even when they are at maximum speed, even with the switch cover open. I am convinced of their performance and highly recommend them. However, their reliability can only be confirmed in the long term.

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  • by Patrice
    Posted on 11 Oct 2022
    Bought on 13 Sep 2022 from LDLC
    Number of reviews: 2 Average rating: 10

    This fan changes my life!

    Installed on a NVR, itself installed in my bedroom, I finally have a restful space thanks to this fan which is really quiet

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  • by ndub
    Posted on 5 Jun 2021
    Bought on 16 May 2021 from LDLC
    Number of reviews: 2 Average rating: 9

    Hello, is anyone there?

    Installed in a 1U short depth cpu Atom 3558 server.
    Extremely quiet fan! It remains to be seen if the performance will be good too. After a few hours, everything is ok in "full speed" mode (5100RPM according to the sensors), hence the half star on hold.
    To be recommended!

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  • by JeangabryelC
    Posted on 6 May 2021
    Bought on 29 Mar 2021 from LDLC
    Number of reviews: 6 Average rating: 10

    super quiet

    The NOCTUA NF-A4X20 PWM is really quiet.
    Use as a replacement for a very noisy switch fan

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