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Arctic F12 PWM vs Noctua NF-A9 PWM: Comparison

Arctic F12 PWM and Noctua NF-A9 PWM differ on bearing type: Arctic F12 PWM at Fluid Dynamic, Noctua NF-A9 PWM at SSO2.

Arctic F12 PWM (120mm/53.0 CFM/0.75 mmH2O Static Pressure/1350 RPM Max/22.5 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
ArcticArctic F12 PWM
Noctua NF-A9 PWM (92mm/46.4 CFM/2.28 mmH2O Static Pressure/2000 RPM Max/22.8 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
NoctuaNoctua NF-A9 PWM

Specs

Specification
Arctic F12 PWM (120mm/53.0 CFM/0.75 mmH2O Static Pressure/1350 RPM Max/22.5 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Arctic F12 PWM
Noctua NF-A9 PWM (92mm/46.4 CFM/2.28 mmH2O Static Pressure/2000 RPM Max/22.8 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Noctua NF-A9 PWM
Fan Size120 mm92
BrandArcticNoctua
ModelF12 PWMNF-A9 PWM
Bearing TypeFluid DynamicSSO2
LightingNo RGBNo RGB
Static Pressure1.0 mmH2O-56%2.28
Max Speed1350 RPM-32%2000
Noise Level22.5 dBA22.8+0.3 dBA
Airflow53.0 CFM46.4-12%
PWM ControlYestrue
PositioningBudgetPremium

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-A9 PWM

8 / 10 Expert Rating

The go-to premium option whenever a build genuinely needs a 92mm fan instead of 120mm.

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