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Arctic F12 PWM vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM: Comparison
Arctic F12 PWM and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM separate most on static pressure: Arctic F12 PWM at 1.0 mmH2O, Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM at 2.34 mmH2O, 57% in favour of Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM. Max Speed splits them by another 33%, again favouring Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM. They match on 10 other specifications, including fan size, bearing type and fan thickness.
Specs
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| Brand | Arctic | Noctua |
| Model | F12 PWM | NF-A12x25 PWM |
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic | Fluid Dynamic |
| Lighting | No RGB | None |
| Fan Thickness | 25 mm | 25 mm |
| Static Pressure | 1.0 mmH2O-57% | 2.34 mmH2O |
| Max Speed | 1350 RPM-32% | 2000 RPM |
| Noise Level | 22.5 dBA | 22.6 dBA+0.1 dBA |
| Airflow | 53.0 CFM-12% | 60.09 CFM |
| PWM Control | Yes | Yes |
| Min Speed | 230 RPM | 460 RPM |
| Zero RPM Capable | Yes | Yes |
| Max Power Draw | 1.44 W | 1.68 W |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM | 4-Pin PWM |
| Lighting Connector | None | None |
| RGB Lighting | No | No |
| Lighting Type | None | None |
| Colorway | Black | Brown And Beige |
| Cable Length | 400 mm | 200 mm |
| Weight | 105 g | 200 g |
| Warranty | 6 years | 6 years |
| Source URL | https://www.arctic.de/en/F12-PWM/ACFAN00203A | https://noctua.at/en/nf-a12x25-pwm/specification |
Verdict
Arctic F12 PWM
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The no-frills budget fan pick when a build just needs more quiet case airflow.
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The reference benchmark for 120mm fans — best-tested all-around performance and quietest in its class, with class-leading bearing longevity.