Hardware
Noctua NA-SAV3 and NA-SAV4 Anti-Vibration Mounts Review
Introduction
Installing cooling fans on your PC chassis can be tricky particularly if go for high-RPM fans or install them on thin aluminum panels. In such scenarios, the fan could produce vibrations that would produce noise and to some extent could lead to damaging your hardware. Fortunately, Noctua got something to address such issues with their NA-SAV3 and NA-SAV4 anti-vibration mounts. Let’s check these out today!
We would like to thank Noctua Premium Cooling Component for sending us their NA-SAV3 and NA-SAV4 to review.
Noctua’s Take on NA-SAV3 and NA-SAV4
NA-SAV3
The NA-SAV3 is a fan accessory set consisting of 16 NA-AV3 anti-vibration mounts for up to four fans. Replacing standard fan screws, the NA-AV3 mounts enable the convenient, quick and vibration-free installation of fans in standard mounting holes for case fans. Five defined, numbered pawls allow the NA-AV3 to work perfectly with both standard open corner fans (pawl 1) and 10, 14, 15, 20 or 25mm thick fans with closed corners (pawls 2 to 5). This makes the NA-AV3 ideal for slim fans where other anti-vibration mounts may not fit properly.
NA-SAV4
The NA-SAV4 is a fan accessory set consisting of 16 NA-AV4 anti-vibration mounts for up to 4 fans. Replacing standard fan screws, the NA-AV4 mounts enable the convenient, quick and vibration-free installation of fans in standard mounting holes for case fans. Five defined, numbered pawls allow the NA-AV4 to work perfectly with both standard open corner fans (pawl 1) and 10, 14, 15, 20 or 25mm thick fans with closed corners (pawls 2 to 5). This makes the NA-AV4 ideal for slim fans where other anti-vibration mounts may not fit properly. With their flat case-side end, the NA-AV4s are flush with the case panel and thus provide for a clean exterior look.
Unboxing and Closer Look – NA-SAV3
The Noctua NA-SAV3 anti-vibration mounts come in a box packaging.
Inside, you’ll find a user manual along with wit 16 pieces of the NA-SAV3 anti-vibration mounts which is good for four standard cooling fans.
The SAV-3 is ideal for fan mounts that’s hard to reach or nearly impossible to screw down through the rear. The single-pawl end of the SAV-3 will easily mount any fan from the front, securing it is easier than trying to get a screw behind the fan which at times would require you to remove installed hardware inside.
Unboxing and Closer Look – NA-SAV4
The Noctua NA-SAV4 anti-vibration mounts also come in a similar box packaging.
It also comes with 16 pieces of the NA-SAV4 anti-vibration mounts and the user manual.
Unlike the SAV3, the SAV4’s end makes it ideal for standard and open corner fan mounts. It is perfect for flat case panels particularly if you want to avoid using screws where it could damage the finish of the panel.
Installation, Benefits and Conclusion
Installation
Installing the NA-SAV3 and NA-SAV4 is pretty simple and won’t require tools like a screwdriver.
NA-SAV3 Installation
Using the SAV-3, you first need to mount it on the fan then mount it on the fan mounting hole. To secure the fan, simply pull the other end of the SAV-3 to lock it into place.
NA-SAV4 Installation
Using the SAV-4 on the other hand, you first need to mount it on the case through the rear. Then install the fan and pull the front end of the SAV-4 to lock the fan into place.
Removing Excess
To remove the excess rubber, simply cut the anti-vibration mount’s excess which is optional.
Benefits
Anti-vibration
Anti-vibration is obviously the major benefit in using the SAV-3 and SAV-4.
Protects Case Finish and Preserves Fan Mounting Holes
Unlike screw which can damage the surface or finish of your chassis’ panels, the anti-vibration mounts are made of rubber and will avoid damaging your chassis’ finish. Also, it preserves the screw mounting holes on your fans. The screw holes tend to get larger after several installation-uninstallation process but with these rubber anti-vibration mounts, the holes will remain like new.
Reusable
You can reuse the SAV-3 and SAV-4. Uninstallation is as simply as pulling the fan or mounts gently to remove from the fan mounts. Be careful though, you can also break the rubber mounts when applied with too much force.
Easier Installation
The SAV-3 and SAV-4 fan mounts make fan installation easier in certain scenarios where it’s tedious to use a screw that might require you to remove hardware installed inside the chassis like a radiator installed behind the front panel. In such cases, using the SAV-3 could be the easier option.
Conclusion
The Noctua NA-SAV3 and NA-SAV4 anti-vibration mounts is more than just addressing vibration issues in using high-RPM cooling fans or thin aluminum case panels, it also protects the finish or surface of your case when using screws. The anti-vibration mounts also make it possible to install cooling fans with ease. Given the option, I would prefer using anti-vibration mounts from Noctua than the conventional screws used in mounting cooling fans.
You can find the NA-SAV3 for $7.95 at Newegg and Amazon, the NA-SAV4 also goes for $7.95 at Newegg and Amazon. Significantly an investment compared to the free screws included in most aftermarket cooling fans but it could be a good investment if you highly consider the benefits mentioned above.
Noctua NA-SAV3
Noctua NA-SAV4
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