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Arctic F12 PWM vs SilverStone FQ121: Comparison
Arctic F12 PWM vs SilverStone FQ121: the static pressure difference
On static pressure the spread is 45%, Arctic F12 PWM 1.0 mmH2O against SilverStone FQ121 1.82 mmH2O, so SilverStone FQ121 takes it. SilverStone FQ121 also leads on airflow, 53.0 CFM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 67.5 CFM on the SilverStone FQ121. Noise level is closer, 22.5 dBA on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 24 dBA on the SilverStone FQ121. Max speed runs the same way, 1350 RPM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 1800 RPM on the SilverStone FQ121, another win for SilverStone FQ121. On min speed there is little in it, 230 RPM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 1000 RPM on the SilverStone FQ121. Weight is closer, 105 g on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 143 g on the SilverStone FQ121. There is a split on positioning as well, Budget on the Arctic F12 PWM versus Mainstream on the SilverStone FQ121.
Arctic F12 PWM vs SilverStone FQ121: which one fits your build
The Arctic F12 PWM suits budget case intake/exhaust replacements and unobstructed airflow positions, though it is not the pick for radiator or filtered-intake duty (choose the P-series instead) and RGB builds. Buy the SilverStone FQ121 for CPU heatsink fans and filtered intake with dust screens, though it is the wrong buy for RGB builds and maximum airflow case builds. 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 SilverStone FQ121 (7/10): A quiet, capable static-pressure fan that undercuts the premium brands without giving up much performance.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, fan size, bearing type, lighting, fan thickness and pwm control included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 120 mm
- SilverStone FQ121
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Arctic
- SilverStone FQ121
- SilverStone
Model
- Arctic F12 PWM
- F12 PWM
- SilverStone FQ121
- FQ121
Bearing Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
- SilverStone FQ121
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Arctic F12 PWM
- No RGB
- SilverStone FQ121
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 25 mm
- SilverStone FQ121
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1.0 mmH2O-45%
- SilverStone FQ121
- 1.82 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1350 RPM-25%
- SilverStone FQ121
- 1800 RPMBest
Airflow
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 53.0 CFM-21%
- SilverStone FQ121
- 67.5 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 22.5 dBABest
- SilverStone FQ121
- 24 dBA
PWM Control
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Yes
- SilverStone FQ121
- Yes
Min Speed
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 230 RPM
- SilverStone FQ121
- 1000 RPMBest
Weight
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 105 gBest
- SilverStone FQ121
- 143 g
Positioning
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Budget
- SilverStone FQ121
- Mainstream
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic F12 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.5 dBA vs 24 dBA).
Choose SilverStone FQ121 if you want the higher static pressure (1.82 mmH2O vs 1.0 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1350 RPM) and the higher airflow (67.5 CFM vs 53.0 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic F12 PWM | SilverStone FQ121 |
|---|---|---|
| SilverStone | View on SilverStone |
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.
SilverStone FQ121
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A quiet, capable static-pressure fan that undercuts the premium brands without giving up much performance.