Major Hardware tests 15-mini-fan CPU cooler, matches Noctua NF-A12x25 thermals with far more noise
YouTuber Major Hardware has built a custom 120 mm fan made from 15 miniature fans i n a project modeled after Noctua’s NF-A12x25. The idea started after the creator noticed the small motors in a toy UFO were moving more air than expected. In the video, he estimated that roughly 14 to 15 of the 30 mm fans would be needed to match the area of a standard 120 mm unit.
The final design used a 3D-printed frame with a raised dome to fit all 15 fans into a 120 x 120 mm footprint. Major Hardware also routed the wiring around the outside of the frame so it would not obstruct airflow through the middle of the fan.
Source: Major Hardware
The first prototype did not go smoothly. The creator said some motor mounts cracked, one mount broke completely, and the antivibration pad cutouts were accidentally left out of the print, which led to a second revision before testing. The finished version was then powered by 4.5V motors and described as “basically a meme” of the A12x25.
Source: Major Hardware
In acoustic testing, the custom fan reached 73 dB with the microphone positioned about 200 mm from the fan face. Major Hardware said the sound profile was relatively flat, but it was still just “a really loud fan.” Thermal testing on an older Intel Core i7-7700K system running at 4.9 GHz for 20 minutes showed the stock NF-A12x25 ending at 69.5°C, while the 15-fan design ended at about 69°C.
That result puts the custom design within margin of error of the Noctua fan, despite the far more complex build and far higher noise output. I’m certain Noctua will not copy this idea for their official lineup.
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