Noctua NL-ACF1 Auxiliary Cooling Fan
- For NL-LC1 series all-in-one liquid coolers
- 80mm fan, NF-A8 impeller
- 2200 rpm max, 4-pin PWM control
- 55.5 m3/h airflow
- 17.7 dB noise level
- 12 V operation
- Magnetic tool-free mount on the CPU block
- 3.15 x 3.15 x 1.3 inches, 95 g
Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
An add-on fan that pushes air over memory, VRMs and SSDs around the socket in builds using a Noctua liquid cooler from the matching series. Outside that series it has nothing to attach to.
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ASIN: B0H2D7BBJQModel: NL-ACF1Category: CPU Cooling Fans
Overview
Inside a desktop cooled by a Noctua all-in-one liquid cooler from the matching NL series, this auxiliary fan attaches magnetically to the top of the CPU block. It blows air outward over the VRMs, memory and SSDs near the socket, with speed set by PWM from the motherboard.
Memory, VRMs and SSDs get direct airflow from a fan that attaches magnetically, with no tools or brackets. It is made for Noctua's own liquid cooler series, so owners of other coolers have no way to mount it.
Who it's for
Systems running Noctua's matching liquid cooler gain extra airflow over components near the socket. Builders using any other cooler, air or liquid, cannot attach it.
Pros and cons
- Cools VRMs, RAM and M.2 SSDs
- Magnetic attachment with no tools
- PWM control from the motherboard
- Large impeller for quieter airflow
- Made only for NL-LC1 series blocks
- Adds height on top of the CPU block
- Minimum speed not listed
- Needs a free 4-pin fan header
Performance notes
Cooling comes from the impeller pushing air outward off the CPU block, with the frame shaped to use the Coanda effect and bend the flow toward nearby components. Fan speed under PWM sets the balance between noise and airflow, either at a fixed setting or under motherboard control. Gains depend on how much heat the VRMs, memory and drives produce in the first place.
Where it stands among cpu cooling fans
- #6 most-searched brand and model of the 7 cpu cooling fans lines we track (by search demand, not sales).
From the specs of the 8 cpu cooling fans we list; not a test result.
Specifications
| Brand | Noctua |
|---|---|
| Model | NL-ACF1 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Fan size | 80mm |
| Item weight | 0.21 pounds |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 3.1 × 3.1 × 1.3 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Air Flow Capacity | 33 CFM |
| Noise Level | 18 dB |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2200 rpm |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Power Connector Type | 4-pin PWM |
| Voltage | 12 volts |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Fibre-Glass Reinforced PBT |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Mounting type | Magnetic, tool-free |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 6 years |
Closest rivals on specs
Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low Profile CPU Cooler- Air Flow Capacity 33 vs 43 CFM (-23%)
- Maximum Rotational Speed 2200 vs 2700 rpm (-19%)
- Noise Level 18 vs 22 dB (-18%)
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE CPU Air Cooler- Air Flow Capacity 33 vs 66 CFM (-50%)
- Maximum Rotational Speed 2200 vs 1500 rpm (+47%)
- Noise Level 18 vs 26 dB (-31%)
ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS CPU Air Cooler- Air Flow Capacity 33 vs 70 CFM (-53%)
- Maximum Rotational Speed 2200 vs 1500 rpm (+47%)
- Noise Level 18 vs 29 dB (-38%)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Noctua NL-ACF1 a CPU cooler on its own?
No. It is an auxiliary fan that attaches to the top of the CPU block of a Noctua NL-LC1 series all-in-one liquid cooler. It adds airflow for VRMs, RAM and M.2 SSDs and does not cool the CPU by itself.
Can I control the Noctua NL-ACF1 fan speed?
Yes. It uses a 4-pin PWM connection, so it can run at a fixed speed setting or under automatic motherboard control.
Will the NL-ACF1 fit a cooler from another brand?
The listing describes it only for Noctua NL-LC1 series coolers, attaching to their CPU block. No other coolers are listed as compatible.