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Arctic F12 PWM vs Corsair AF120 Elite: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic F12 PWM and Corsair AF120 Elite?
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Arctic F12 PWM 1.0 mmH2O against Corsair AF120 Elite 1.93 mmH2O, which puts Corsair AF120 Elite 48% ahead. Corsair AF120 Elite also leads on airflow, 53.0 CFM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 59.1 CFM on the Corsair AF120 Elite. On noise level there is little in it, 22.5 dBA on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 28.9 dBA on the Corsair AF120 Elite. Add max speed to that, 1350 RPM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 1850 RPM on the Corsair AF120 Elite, and the pattern holds. Arctic F12 PWM also leads on warranty, 6 years on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 5 years on the Corsair AF120 Elite. Min speed is closer, 230 RPM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 400 RPM on the Corsair AF120 Elite. They differ on positioning too, Budget on the Arctic F12 PWM versus Performance on the Corsair AF120 Elite.
Which should you buy, Arctic F12 PWM or Corsair AF120 Elite?
The Arctic F12 PWM suits budget case intake/exhaust replacements and unobstructed airflow positions, though it is the wrong buy for radiator or filtered-intake duty (choose the P-series instead) and RGB builds. Buy the Corsair AF120 Elite for mesh-front intake positions and builds that don't want RGB clutter, though it is not built for radiator or filtered-intake duty and budget-per-fan shoppers. Our rating of the Arctic F12 PWM (7/10): the no-frills budget fan pick when a build just needs more quiet case airflow. Our rating of the Corsair AF120 Elite (7/10): A clean, quiet airflow fan for mesh cases, though the Arctic F12 PWM matches it for less money.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Fan size, bearing type, connector type, lighting and fan thickness read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 5 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PWM Control the same on the Arctic F12 PWM and Corsair AF120 Elite?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 120 mm
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Arctic
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Corsair
Model
- Arctic F12 PWM
- F12 PWM
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- AF120 Elite
Bearing Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Arctic F12 PWM
- No RGB
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 25 mm
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1.0 mmH2O-48%
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1.93 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1350 RPM-27%
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1850 RPMBest
Airflow
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 53.0 CFM-10%
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 59.1 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 22.5 dBABest
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 28.9 dBA
PWM Control
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Yes
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Yes
Min Speed
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 230 RPM
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 400 RPMBest
Zero RPM Capable
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Yes
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Yes
Connector Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Arctic F12 PWM
- No
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- No
Lighting Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- None
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- None
Colorway
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Black
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Black
Warranty
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 5 years-17%
Positioning
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Budget
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Performance
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic F12 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.5 dBA vs 28.9 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Choose Corsair AF120 Elite if you want the higher static pressure (1.93 mmH2O vs 1.0 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1850 RPM vs 1350 RPM) and the higher airflow (59.1 CFM vs 53.0 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic F12 PWM | Corsair AF120 Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Arctic F12 PWM
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The no-frills budget fan pick when a build just needs more quiet case airflow.
Corsair AF120 Elite
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, quiet airflow fan for mesh cases, though the Arctic F12 PWM matches it for less money.