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Arctic P12 Max vs EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic P12 Max and EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120?
On static pressure the spread is 38%, Arctic P12 Max 4.35 mmH2O against EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 2.7 mmH2O, so Arctic P12 Max takes it. Airflow is closer, 81.04 CFM on the Arctic P12 Max versus 77 CFM on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120. Max speed runs the same way, 3300 RPM on the Arctic P12 Max versus 2300 RPM on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120, another win for Arctic P12 Max. Fan thickness is not the same on both, 25 mm on the Arctic P12 Max versus 27 mm on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120. Min speed is closer, 400 RPM on the Arctic P12 Max versus 550 RPM on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120. Cable length is not the same on both, 400 mm on the Arctic P12 Max versus 100 mm on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120.
Which should you buy, Arctic P12 Max or EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120?
Take the Arctic P12 Max for radiator and dense heatsink applications needing high static pressure at a budget price. It is the wrong buy for silent-first builds that never need the fan's higher speed range, a quieter-tuned fan may suit better at low RPM. Buy the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 for custom water-cooling loop radiators and thick, high-FPI radiator duty, though it is not built for general case intake or exhaust duty and quiet-first builds. Our rating of the Arctic P12 Max (8/10): the highest static pressure in our case fan lineup at a budget price, ideal for radiators and dense heatsinks. Our rating of the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 (8/10): A strong purpose-built fan for custom loop radiators, less relevant outside that use case.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Fan size, bearing type, connector type and pwm control read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic P12 Max
- 120 mm
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic P12 Max
- Arctic
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- EK
Model
- Arctic P12 Max
- P12 Max
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
Bearing Type
- Arctic P12 Max
- Fluid Dynamic
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Fluid Dynamic
Fan Thickness
- Arctic P12 Max
- 25 mm
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 27 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic P12 Max
- 4.35 mmH2OBest
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 2.7 mmH2O-38%
Max Speed
- Arctic P12 Max
- 3300 RPMBest
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 2300 RPM-30%
Airflow
- Arctic P12 Max
- 81.04 CFMBest
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 77 CFM-5%
PWM Control
- Arctic P12 Max
- Yes
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Yes
Min Speed
- Arctic P12 Max
- 400 RPM
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 550 RPMBest
Connector Type
- Arctic P12 Max
- 4-Pin PWM
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 4-Pin PWM
Cable Length
- Arctic P12 Max
- 400 mm
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 100 mm
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic P12 Max if you want the higher static pressure (4.35 mmH2O vs 2.7 mmH2O), the higher max speed (3300 RPM vs 2300 RPM) and the higher airflow (81.04 CFM vs 77 CFM).
Choose EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic P12 Max | EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $17.99 View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View 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 P12 Max
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The highest static pressure in our case fan lineup at a budget price, ideal for radiators and dense heatsinks.
EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong purpose-built fan for custom loop radiators, less relevant outside that use case.