NA-IS1 and NA-AVG2: Noctua optimizes suction and blowing on radiators

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With the NA-IS1, Noctua is introducing spacers that are placed between the radiator of a water cooling system and the intake fans to ensure higher cooling performance and at the same time lower noise levels. Also new is the NA-AVG2 anti-vibration sealing lip, which was also developed for radiators.

With a 5 mm distance both cooler and quieter

When installing a water cooling radiator, there are basically three options for attaching the fans to the block. Users either let the fans blow air onto the radiator or through its fins, suck in the air on the other side of the radiator, or opt for both with a push-pull configuration. In the latter two cases, however, “massive air turbulence” can occur between the fins of the radiator and the intake fans, explains Noctua, which are “problematic from both an acoustic and an aerodynamic perspective”.

The manufacturer goes on to say that an additional 5 mm distance could noticeably reduce the aforementioned air turbulence. In controlled tests, an average increase in airflow of 4.4 m³/h and an average reduction in sound pressure level of 2 dB(A) were measured with the NA-IS1 for both 120 mm fans and 140 mm models been. However, the limitation is that the actual benefits depend on the fan model and speed, shape and structure of the radiator and other parameters – nevertheless, the positive effect of the NA-IS1 is “significant in most cases”. There are also advantages when mounting between the fan and the perforated housing wall.

  1. Noctua NA-IS1-12 chromax. black Sx2 (Image: Noctua)

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Noctua NA-IS1-12 Sx2 (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-12 Sx2 (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-12 Sx2 (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-12 Sx2 (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-12 Sx2 (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-12 Sx2 – The spacers are only available in a double pack (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-12 Sx2 – Accessories (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-14 chromax.black Sx2 (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-14 chromax.black Sx2 (Image: Noctua)
Noctua NA-IS1-14 chromax.black Sx2 – Accessories (Image: Noctua)

The spacers are offered in both traditional Noctua beige-brown and black colorways with a bezel width of 120mm or 140mm. According to the manufacturer, compatibility with all 140 × 25 and 120 × 25 Noctua fans is guaranteed; mounting is done using the included self-tapping screws or the NA-AV3 anti-vibration mounts that color-match the NA-IS1. M3 and UNC 6-32 screws are included for mounting on radiators. The spacers are available now and only in a double pack. The recommended retail price is 14.90 euros – the NA-IS1 alone are therefore more expensive than numerous case fans from other manufacturers.

Noctua's sealing lips have grown to 140 mm

Also new are the anti-vibration sealing lips of the NA-AVG2 type, which is a variant of the NA-AVG1 adapted for 140 mm fans. The silicone rubber sealing lips are also intended for installation between the radiator and fan and are intended to reduce leakage currents and dampen vibrations. Three NA-AVG2 are offered in a set for 9.90 euros.

  1. Noctua NA-SAVG2 chromax.black (Image: Noctua)

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Noctua NA-SAVG2 (Image: Noctua)