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Arctic F12 PWM vs Thermalright TL-C14C-S: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic F12 PWM and Thermalright TL-C14C-S?
On static pressure the spread is 48%, Arctic F12 PWM 1.0 mmH2O against Thermalright TL-C14C-S 1.93 mmH2O, so Thermalright TL-C14C-S takes it. Airflow runs the same way, 53.0 CFM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 75.8 CFM on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S, another win for Thermalright TL-C14C-S. Thermalright TL-C14C-S also leads on max speed, 1350 RPM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 1500 RPM on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S. They differ on lighting too, No RGB on the Arctic F12 PWM versus ARGB on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S. There is a split on rgb lighting as well, No on the Arctic F12 PWM versus Yes on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S. They differ on lighting type too, None on the Arctic F12 PWM versus ARGB 5V on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S.
Arctic F12 PWM vs Thermalright TL-C14C-S: which one fits your build
The Arctic F12 PWM suits budget case intake/exhaust replacements and unobstructed airflow positions, though it is not built for radiator or filtered-intake duty (choose the P-series instead) and RGB builds. Buy the Thermalright TL-C14C-S for budget multi-fan ARGB upgrades and builders prioritizing airflow-per-dollar, though it is not the pick for premium acoustic refinement and radiator or high-restriction duty. 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 Thermalright TL-C14C-S (7/10): outsized 140mm ARGB airflow-per-dollar from a brand built on exactly that value proposition.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Bearing type, connector type, fan thickness, pwm control and positioning read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Arctic F12 PWM and Thermalright TL-C14C-S differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 22.5 dBA on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 26.4 dBA on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 120 mm
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- 140 mm
Brand
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Arctic
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- Thermalright
Model
- Arctic F12 PWM
- F12 PWM
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- TL-C14C-S
Bearing Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Arctic F12 PWM
- No RGB
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- ARGB
Fan Thickness
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 25 mm
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1.0 mmH2O-48%
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- 1.93 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1350 RPM-10%
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- 1500 RPMBest
Airflow
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 53.0 CFM-30%
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- 75.8 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 22.5 dBABest
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- 26.4 dBA
PWM Control
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Yes
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- Yes
Connector Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- Arctic F12 PWM
- None
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- 3-Pin 5V ARGB
RGB Lighting
- Arctic F12 PWM
- No
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- Yes
Lighting Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- None
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- ARGB 5V
Positioning
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Budget
- Thermalright TL-C14C-S
- Budget
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic F12 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.5 dBA vs 26.4 dBA).
Choose Thermalright TL-C14C-S if you want the higher static pressure (1.93 mmH2O vs 1.0 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1500 RPM vs 1350 RPM) and the higher airflow (75.8 CFM vs 53.0 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic F12 PWM | Thermalright TL-C14C-S |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
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.
Thermalright TL-C14C-S
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Outsized 140mm ARGB airflow-per-dollar from a brand built on exactly that value proposition.