The following system was used to test the fans:
– Processor: Intel i9 9900K @ 5GHz
– Motherboard: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X
– RAM: NeoForza Faye 64GB DDR4 @ 3600MHz
– GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
– SSD: Crucial P5 500GB
– HDD: GOODRAM IRDM 1TB SSD
– CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Master Liquid 240
– PSU: Seasonic Snow Silent 750W Platinum
– Case: be quiet! Silent Base 802 White
– Thermal compound: Noctua NT-H2
The noise level was measured at three different distances from the fans (10cm, 20cm, 30cm.) the noise was measured with a margin of error of ± 5 db.
Final thoughts
The Noctua NF-A20 PWM chromax.black.swap is an interesting fan. It is compatible only with some cases and mounting points. This fan will also work only on ATX and full tower cases as those are more likely to support 200mm and 230mm fans.
From a design standpoint, the NF-A20 PWM chromax.black.swap has one big advantage over the regular NF-A20 PWM, it looks great, and it will match any case and system you can find or build.
The performance is great as we would expect from a highly engineered 200mm fan. This model uses the Noctua SSO2 bearing system which ensures a quiet operation while the impellers have Flow Acceleration Channels, which will further reduce the noise. The fan has a low noise output even at its maximum rated speed of 800RPM. This was to be expected as large fans are quiet, but this Noctua model is one of the quietest.
In terms of build quality, the NF-A20 PWM chromax.black.swap is on the same level as other high end fans from Noctua. The black color is even on all surfaces and speaking of surfaces, there are no uneven patches or leftovers from the manufacturing process.
The included accessories are interesting to say the least. You get a 30cm extension cable, four Phillips screws and six pairs of rubber pads in different colors. This is essentially the chromax.black.swap bundle.
In conclusion, the Noctua NF-A20 PWM chromax.black.swap is a great fan that can act as both intake or exhaust. The biggest advantage of this fan over other models is the all-black design coupled with the SSO2 bearing. Those two features make it a good choice for a large ATX case, especially one without RGB.
