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Arctic F12 PWM vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM: Comparison

Arctic F12 PWM and Noctua NF-S12A PWM differ on bearing type: Arctic F12 PWM at Fluid Dynamic, Noctua NF-S12A PWM at SSO.

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-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Noctua NF-S12A PWM
Fan Size120 mm120
BrandArcticNoctua
ModelF12 PWMNF-S12A PWM
Bearing TypeFluid DynamicSSO
LightingNo RGBNo RGB
Static Pressure1.0 mmH2O-6%1.06
Max Speed1350 RPM1200-11%
Noise Level22.5 dBA+4.7 dBA17.8
Airflow53.0 CFM44.9-15%
PWM ControlYestrue
PositioningBudgetPremium quiet

Price comparison

RetailerArctic F12 PWMNoctua NF-S12A PWM
AmazonView on Amazon
NeweggView on Newegg

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.

Noctua NF-S12A PWM

8 / 10 Expert Rating

An excellent quiet airflow fan for open cases, but expensive per-fan for how little static pressure it offers.

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