How to make the Framework Desktop run even quieter
14 comments
·September 16, 2025al_borland
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kurante
This isn't a problem. The article says that this is only if you're looking to trade-off performance for less noise:
> In other words, we would only recommend upgrading to the NF-A12x25 G2 if you seek to lower noise levels as much as possible and if you are willing to sacrifice the maximum performance headroom in worst-case scenarios that the G1 HS-PWM fan provides.
GrayShade
It doesn't say that:
> In addition to redesigning and testing the Noctua fan grill, we also evaluated various other scenarios. These included replacing the NF-A12x25 with its G2 variant and incorporating an additional 8cm fan for exhaust purposes.
murderfs
That's for switching to the NF-A12x25 G2 fan (from the G1), which has a lower max RPM. The improved side panel appears to be a strict improvement.
bryanlarsen
This guy has built a completely silent version: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/monochrome-2-my-cu...
therein
So just use Noctua fans? That'd do it.
khaki54
Well the fan in the Framework desktop is some kind of purpose built high performance Noctua fan that is significantly louder than usual. So they are suggesting to use the new grill with the fan that comes with it so you don't encounter throttling.
evanjrowley
It's more than just the Noctua fan. The fan grille is a contributing factor to noise [0]. The new design features in the article could reduce the noise of any 120mm fan.
traceroute66
Its been a while since I looked into "just use Noctua" for $another_use_case, but ...
Isn't the problem with Noctua (and similar "silent" fans) that they don't offer the same airflow throughput as their noise making bretheren ?
So sometimes its not as easy as "just use Noctua" ?
Aurornis
Noctua fans are quieter than most for a given airflow level.
They have a range of fan speeds going up to very high speeds.
Many people doing modifications will substitute a lower airflow fan for even more noise reduction, which might be why you’re thinking they flow less. That’s a function of fan choice, though.
Noctua fans perform very well on a noise-adjusted basis.
jsheard
Although Noctua never exceeds the standard 25mm fan thickness, so some alternatives can simply brute force higher performance by going thicker than that. The 30mm thick Phanteks T30 is a beast.
hnuser123456
Noctua makes 2000rpm and 3000rpm max variants of the NF-F12. Otherwise, through (over)engineered geometry and materials, their fans usually do push the most air volume and pressure at a given volume level, with a more pleasant sound profile. But you pay for it.
lawn
For some applications such as cooling of an extruder for a 3D printer Noctua fans indeed don't offer sufficient airflow.
But I don't think that's an issue for computer cooling unless you're talking about extreme circumstances.
Is Framework planning to ship this at some point? It seems pretty bad to need to print your own grill when Noctua collaborated on the project.