NF-A4x20 PWM, Premium Quiet Fan, 4-Pin (40x20mm, Brown)

The Noctua NF-A4x20 PWM is one of those tiny components that punches hilariously above its weight. At 40mm, it looks like it should be decorative, yet it’s capable of transforming loud, grumpy network gear into something that no longer sounds like it’s preparing for takeoff. Drop one of these into a firewall or switch that shipped with a fan clearly designed by someone who hates silence, and suddenly the room feels calmer, cooler, and more civilized. It’s small, precise engineering doing a big favor for your ears. In real-world use, this fan is a peace offering to anyone who’s had to live near enterprise hardware. It moves air efficiently for its size, ramps smoothly under PWM control, and avoids that high-pitched whine that cheaper 40mm fans love to produce. Thermals stay under control, airflow is steady, and the fan itself behaves like it understands its job description. It doesn’t try to impress; it just quietly fixes a problem you’ve been ignoring because you assumed loud was unavoidable. Where the NF-A4x20 really shines is in reclaiming sanity from gear that was never designed for human proximity. Firewalls, routers, compact servers—anything that technically fits under a desk but audibly objects to the arrangement—benefits immediately. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes you wonder why manufacturers insist on shipping jet-engine fans in devices meant to live in offices. The improvement isn’t subtle; it’s the difference between “background noise” and “oh, I forgot that thing was on.” Noctua’s usual attention to detail is all here: solid bearings, predictable PWM behavior, and build quality that inspires confidence. It’s not flashy, it’s not exciting, and it doesn’t need to be. It simply does what good engineering is supposed to do—solve a problem cleanly, quietly, and without introducing new ones. Pros • Dramatically quieter than stock 40mm fans • Smooth, predictable PWM control • Excellent airflow for its size • High-quality bearings and long service life • Instantly improves livability of noisy network gear Cons • 40mm size still limits absolute airflow • Requires compatible PWM control • Physical fit can vary by device • Once installed, you’ll notice how bad the original fan really was

I recently added the Noctua NF-A4x20 PWM to my server setup, and the performance of this 40x20mm fan has left me thoroughly impressed. Noctua's reputation for premium quality is well-deserved, and this fan is no exception. Firstly, the build quality is exceptional. The brown color may be unconventional, but it's a symbol of Noctua's commitment to quality. The construction feels robust, and the attention to detail is evident. This fan exudes durability, assuring me that it can handle continuous operation in a server environment. Now, let's talk about the noise level—or rather, the lack of it. This fan is remarkably quiet, especially considering its size. Noctua's focus on providing a quiet solution without sacrificing performance is evident here. Whether my server is working at full capacity or idling, the NF-A4x20 PWM operates silently, contributing to a peaceful and distraction-free environment. The PWM functionality is a standout feature. The fan's speed is dynamically controlled based on the system's temperature needs, ensuring optimal cooling without unnecessary noise. This adaptability is a game-changer for maintaining the right balance between temperature control and acoustics. Installation was a breeze, thanks to the included accessories and clear instructions. The fan integrates seamlessly into my server setup, and the 4-pin connector allows for precise control over its operation. The performance, reliability, and quiet operation make it a top-tier choice for anyone seeking a compact, high-quality fan for their server. In my book, it's a solid 5-star product, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking to add performance and lower the noise level of their server or PC.

Excellent and very quiet fans! I bought a rackmount network switch that arrived with typical server room fans. You know the kind. They sounded like a jet engine when idling and you're afraid that the switch will fall off the shelf from their propulsion. While I'm sure the air pressure, air volume, and airspeed were all higher, this Noctua 40mm fan is no slouch either. There's plenty of air pressure and airflow to keep it running at normal temperatures in my bedroom closet. Even at top speed, this fan is adequately quiet. I'm sure it'd be inadequate in a big data center, but I don't have one of those (and wouldn't want to pay the power bill if I did).

very very quiet!!! i use this on a 3D-Printed bracket to cool my NVIDIA Tesla P4 accelerator card and it works great!

I don't write reviews here often, but this device really warranted it. We have an NVR for our security system and lately the fans just seemed to louder than usual. I did some research through YouTube and several mentioned replacing the fans for the unit we have and recommended these fans. I was a bit skeptical thinking would it really make that much of a difference and is this something I should even mess with. I decided to give it a try and all I can say is I wish I would have done this sooner. It was quite easy to remove the existing fans and the the new fans are all wired and come with their screws (the original screws were too small). I did have to shave a little plastic off the connector as it is too narrow for the existing. But just a blade from a box cutter did the trick. I connected them, screwed then in place and put the device back together. As soon as I powered up the device... I convinced they were not even working because it was completely silent. I used a flashlight and sure enough, the fans were turning. But they are insanely quiet! It's sad the equipment I purchased doesn't use a quality quiet fan such as this product. I cannot recommend these enough. Super easy to replace and just incredibly quiet.

I wanted a fan on my HBA card since one time the case fan got caught in a wire and stopped moving and the over heating alarm went off! I had no idea what it was at the time and couldn't figure it out till I spoke to some friends. Who knew there was an audible alarm on a card? Well to make sure it never happens again, I ziptied this little guy to the heat sink and I know it will never run hot again. It is quiet, has been working for months now and I'm very satisfied with the product.

It's quiet, which I like, and it comes with super thoughtful accessories. Those things are carrying the weight of my 4 stars, because the big issue is that the fan doesn't move much air. Not nearly as much as a typical "thick" 40mm fan. I just don't know what the application is. If you try to replace a screaming server style fan, these will not come close to moving enough air. Maybe this is good if you have space and want to replace a loud 40x10 fan?

The quality that you'd expect from Noctua at a great price. The amount of odds and ends they give you with these fans are amazing it will be handy for other projects. I've seen a lot of criticisms about how they don't move a lot of air, and no they really don't but keep in mind these are meant to be quiet not powerful.