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Arctic P12 PWM PST vs Corsair QX120 RGB: Comparison
Arctic P12 PWM PST vs Corsair QX120 RGB static pressure compared
On static pressure the spread is 42%, Arctic P12 PWM PST 2.2 mmH2O against Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O, so Corsair QX120 RGB takes it. Add airflow to that, 56.3 CFM on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB, and the pattern holds. Max speed runs the same way, 1800 RPM on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB, another win for Corsair QX120 RGB. Arctic P12 PWM PST also leads on warranty, 6 years on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 5 years on the Corsair QX120 RGB.
Who each one is for
Take the Arctic P12 PWM PST for buyers filling an entire case with fans on a budget, the smartest cheapest meaningful upgrade available. It also earns its place with budget 240/360mm AIO radiator mounts, where the PST daisy-chain simplifies wiring. It is the wrong buy for buyers specifically wanting absolute best performance regardless of price, the Noctua NF-A12x25 or G2 is better for that. Buy the Corsair QX120 RGB for builds already using iCUE LINK hubs or coolers and high static-pressure radiator duty, though it is the wrong buy for builders without other iCUE LINK hardware and budget multi-fan purchases. Our rating of the Arctic P12 PWM PST (9/10): the smartest cheapest meaningful upgrade available, roughly 80% of premium performance at under one-third of the price, with matching warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Arctic P12 PWM PST and Corsair QX120 RGB differ on bearing type?
Yes. Bearing Type reads Fluid Dynamic on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus Magnetic Dome on the Corsair QX120 RGB.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Arctic P12 PWM PST and Corsair QX120 RGB?
It is. Both are listed at 120 mm, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 120 mm
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Arctic
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
Model
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- P12 PWM PST
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
Bearing Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Fluid Dynamic
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
Lighting
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- None
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
Fan Thickness
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 25 mm
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 2.2 mmH2O-42%
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 1800 RPM-25%
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
Airflow
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 56.3 CFM-11%
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFMBest
PWM Control
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Yes
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
Min Speed
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 200 RPM
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 400 RPMBest
Zero RPM Capable
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Yes
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
Connector Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 4-Pin PWM
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
Daisy Chain Support
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Yes
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
Ecosystem
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Arctic PST
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair iCUE Link
RGB Lighting
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- No
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
Lighting Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- None
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- ARGB Proprietary
Warranty
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 6 yearsBest
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 5 years-17%
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic P12 PWM PST if you want the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 2.2 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 1800 RPM) and the higher airflow (63.1 CFM vs 56.3 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic P12 PWM PST | Corsair QX120 RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on 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 PWM PST
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The smartest cheapest meaningful upgrade available, roughly 80% of premium performance at under one-third of the price, with matching warranty.
Corsair QX120 RGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent performance and the cleanest cabling in the catalog, but only worth it inside Corsair's LINK ecosystem.