What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
In one Battlefield 6 comparison reported by HotHardware, a custom 15-fan Noctua Superdome setup lowered the creator’s CPU temperature from 86.34°C to 66.91°C—19.43°C by subtraction, or roughly 20°C. That is a striking result from one creator-reported test, not a guarantee that the same change will occur in another PC.
What is the Noctua Superdome?
The Superdome is a custom PC side panel built by James, owner of the Major Hardware YouTube channel. As Paul Lilly reported for HotHardware on April 13, 2026, it uses a 3D-printed frame fitted with 15 Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM 120 mm fans. HotHardware says Noctua supplied the fans to James.
It is a one-off custom assembly, not a ready-made retail kit identified in the report. The specific fan used is the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM 120 mm fan; buying one fan does not reproduce the Superdome’s 15-fan panel.
What temperatures did the reported test show?
HotHardware’s account of James’s Battlefield 6 comparison gives these CPU readings:
#1 Best Overall
- High performance cooling fan, 120x120x25 mm, 12V, 4-pin PWM, max. 1700 RPM, max. 25.1 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF
- Renowned NF-P12 high-end 120x25mm 12V fan, more than 100 awards and recommendations from international computer hardware websites and magazines, hundreds of thousands of satisfied users
- Pressure-optimised blade design with outstanding quietness of operation: high static pressure and strong CFM for air-based CPU coolers, water cooling radiators or low-noise chassis ventilation
- 1700rpm 4-pin PWM version with excellent balance of performance and quietness, supports automatic motherboard speed control (powerful airflow when required, virtually silent at idle)
- Streamlined redux edition: proven Noctua quality at an attractive price point, wide range of optional accessories (anti-vibration mounts, S-ATA adaptors, y-splitters, extension cables, etc.)
| Configuration | Reported CPU temperature |
|---|---|
| Conventional tempered-glass side panel | 86.34°C |
| Custom Superdome side panel | 66.91°C |
The difference between those two figures is 19.43°C, calculated by subtraction; HotHardware characterizes the result as around 20°C. These are figures attributed to the creator’s test and relayed by HotHardware, not measurements independently verified across multiple systems.
Does that mean it will lower your gaming temperatures by 20°C?
No. The comparison demonstrates what James reported for his PC in that Battlefield 6 test. HotHardware’s report does not establish that the same reduction will occur with other processors, cases, games, ambient temperatures, fan curves, or panel configurations. It also does not provide enough methodological detail to treat the figures as a controlled comparison that readers can reproduce directly.
Rank #2
- Premium quiet fan, 120x120x25mm, 12V, 4-pin PWM, max. 2000 RPM, max. 22.6 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF
- Next-gen A-series design combines high airflow and high static pressure performance, ideal both as a case fan and for CPU coolers, watercooling radiators and AIO liquid cooling systems
- State-of-the-art engineering (AAO frame, Flow Acceleration Channels, record tight 0.5mm tip clearance) and construction (Sterrox LCP material, metal-reinforced hub, metal bearing shell, etc.)
- 4-pin PWM version for automatic speed control via 4-pin PWM fan headers, 2000rpm maximum speed (1700rpm with supplied Low-Noise Adaptor)
- Includes anti-vibration mounts, radiator gasket, fan screws, extension cable and y-cable for running two PWM fans on the same header
When comparing this project with ordinary case cooling, the relevant factors include the workload and test duration, CPU and case configuration, room temperature, side-panel condition, fan settings, noise, power draw, space, build complexity, and total parts cost. The published account does not give enough information to compare all of those factors.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What are the practical trade-offs?
The fan array reportedly drew about 27.6 W, compared with 8.1 W for one fan, according to the measurements attributed to James by HotHardware. The report also says cables initially touched fan blades before James resolved the issue. Its dome shape is bulkier than a flat panel, so it takes more space and involves more than swapping in a standard side panel.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- The information below is per-pack only
- High performance cooling fan, 120x120x25 mm, 12V, 4-pin PWM, max. 1700 RPM, max. 25.1 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF
- Renowned NF-P12 high-end 120x25mm 12V fan, more than 100 awards and recommendations from international computer hardware websites and magazines, hundreds of thousands of satisfied users
- Pressure-optimised blade design with outstanding quietness of operation: high static pressure and strong CFM for air-based CPU coolers, water cooling radiators or low-noise chassis ventilation
- 1700rpm 4-pin PWM version with excellent balance of performance and quietness, supports automatic motherboard speed control (powerful airflow when required, virtually silent at idle)
HotHardware stated an Amazon price of $34.90 per fan on April 13, 2026. That is a historical price from the report, not a current quote, and it does not represent the full cost of building a 15-fan assembly.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Premium quiet fan, 80x80x25 mm, 12V, 4-pin PWM, max. 2200 RPM, max. 17.7 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF
- Award-winning 80x25mm A-series fan with Flow Acceleration Channels and Advanced Acoustic Optimisation frame for superior quiet cooling performance
- 8cm format is ideal for compact PC cases (HTPC, ITX, Small Form Factor) and other chassis (intake & exhaust), replacement fan for NAS and other devices, etc.
- 4-pin PWM version for automatic speed control via 4-pin PWM fan headers, broad 450-2200rpm speed range (1750rpm max. with supplied Low-Noise Adaptor)
- Includes anti-vibration mounts, fan screws, Low-Noise Adaptor, extension cable and y-cable for running two PWM fans on the same header
Rank #4
- Premium quiet fan, 140x140x25 mm, 12V, 4-pin PWM, max. 1500 RPM, max. 24.6 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF
- Award-winning 140x25mm A-series fan with Flow Acceleration Channels and Advanced Acoustic Optimisation frame for superior quiet cooling performance
- Square frame design is ideal for water cooling radiators (AIO or DIY), PC cases and other chassis (intake & exhaust), cabinet ventilation, etc.
- 4-pin PWM version for automatic speed control via 4-pin PWM fan headers, broad 300-1500rpm speed range (1200rpm max. with supplied Low-Noise Adaptor)
- Includes anti-vibration mounts, fan screws, Low-Noise Adaptor, extension cable and y-cable for running two PWM fans on the same header
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
