Noctua’s 3D-printed mod singlehandedly makes the Framework Desktop run quieter

Framework has made strides in creating a user-friendly platform for tech enthusiasts, despite the limitations on upgradeable system memory. The company has embraced the modding community by offering 3D-printable parts and maintaining compatibility with standard components. Recently, renowned cooling manufacturer Noctua revealed a significant enhancement to the Framework Desktop's cooling system, particularly beneficial for those with access to a 3D printer. By designing a new fan duct and a custom side panel, Noctua succeeded in reducing the noise produced by the desktop's standard cooling fan by an impressive five to seven decibels, all without altering any other existing components. The innovation lies in the unique design of the fan grill, which has also been effectively utilized to minimize noise in Noctua's own 1600W Seasonic power supply. This specialized grill features a spiral pattern that allows the fan to circulate air more efficiently at lower speeds, thereby decreasing noise levels. According to Noctua, the grill was meticulously crafted to complement the geometry of the NF-A12x25 fan blades. The design ensures that the radial struts are angled in opposition to the fan's rotation, preventing high pressure pulses that typically occur when the fan blades align too closely with the struts. Although the grill for the Framework Desktop fan is slightly smaller to meet safety regulations, the underlying principle remains unchanged. In addition to the new grill, Noctua introduced a funnel-shaped fan duct that further enhances airflow. They also shared observations regarding the Framework Desktop's cooling system for users interested in optimizing performance. While they noted a decrease in temperatures when adding an 80mm exhaust fan to the system’s front, the added noise outweighed the cooling benefits. Furthermore, replacing the standard NF-A12x25 fan with the upgraded NF-A12x25 G2 fan resulted in a quieter operation. However, the G2 fan's maximum speed of 1,800 RPM, compared to the original's 2,400 RPM, hindered its ability to maintain cooler temperatures under heavy loads.