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Arctic F12 PWM vs Corsair SP140 RGB Elite: Comparison

Arctic F12 PWM vs Corsair SP140 RGB Elite: the static pressure difference

The gap that matters here is static pressure: Arctic F12 PWM 1.0 mmH2O against Corsair SP140 RGB Elite 1.66 mmH2O, which puts Corsair SP140 RGB Elite 40% ahead. Add airflow to that, 53.0 CFM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 68.1 CFM on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite, and the pattern holds. Add warranty to that, 6 years on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 2 years on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite, and the pattern holds. Max speed runs the same way, 1350 RPM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 1200 RPM on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite, another win for Arctic F12 PWM.

Who each one is for

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 SP140 RGB Elite for 140mm radiators needing moderate static pressure and budget RGB builds filling multiple large mounts, though it is not built for builders chasing the lowest possible noise floor and high-restriction radiators needing max pressure. 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 SP140 RGB Elite (7/10): A capable mid-range 140mm RGB fan, though the pricier ML140 PRO RGB or quieter Light Wings both outclass it in their own way.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Arctic F12 PWM and Corsair SP140 RGB Elite differ on noise level?

Yes. Noise Level reads 22.5 dBA on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 26.8 dBA on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite.

Is the Connector Type the same on the Arctic F12 PWM and Corsair SP140 RGB Elite?

It is. Both are listed at 4-Pin PWM, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Fan Size

    Arctic F12 PWM
    120 mm
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    140 mm
  • Brand

    Arctic F12 PWM
    Arctic
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    Corsair
  • Model

    Arctic F12 PWM
    F12 PWM
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    SP140 RGB Elite
  • Bearing Type

    Arctic F12 PWM
    Fluid Dynamic
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    Hydraulic
  • Lighting

    Arctic F12 PWM
    No RGB
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    RGB
  • Fan Thickness

    Arctic F12 PWM
    25 mm
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    25 mm
  • Static Pressure

    Arctic F12 PWM
    1.0 mmH2O-40%
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    1.66 mmH2OBest
  • Max Speed

    Arctic F12 PWM
    1350 RPMBest
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    1200 RPM-11%
  • Airflow

    Arctic F12 PWM
    53.0 CFM-22%
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    68.1 CFMBest
  • Noise Level

    Arctic F12 PWM
    22.5 dBABest
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    26.8 dBA
  • PWM Control

    Arctic F12 PWM
    Yes
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    Yes
  • Min Speed

    Arctic F12 PWM
    230 RPM
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    450 RPMBest
  • Connector Type

    Arctic F12 PWM
    4-Pin PWM
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    4-Pin PWM
  • RGB Lighting

    Arctic F12 PWM
    No
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    Yes
  • Lighting Type

    Arctic F12 PWM
    None
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    RGB 12V
  • Warranty

    Arctic F12 PWM
    6 yearsBest
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    2 years-67%
  • Positioning

    Arctic F12 PWM
    Budget
    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
    Mainstream

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Arctic F12 PWM if you want the higher max speed (1350 RPM vs 1200 RPM), the lower noise level (22.5 dBA vs 26.8 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 2 years).

    Choose Corsair SP140 RGB Elite if you want the higher static pressure (1.66 mmH2O vs 1.0 mmH2O) and the higher airflow (68.1 CFM vs 53.0 CFM).

    Verdict

    Arctic F12 PWM

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    The no-frills budget fan pick when a build just needs more quiet case airflow.

    Corsair SP140 RGB Elite

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    A capable mid-range 140mm RGB fan, though the pricier ML140 PRO RGB or quieter Light Wings both outclass it in their own way.

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