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Arctic P12 PWM PST vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic P12 PWM PST and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap?
Start with airflow, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Arctic P12 PWM PST 56.3 CFM against Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap 60.09 CFM, 6% in favour of Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap. Max speed runs the same way, 1800 RPM on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 2000 RPM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap, another win for Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap.
Arctic P12 PWM PST vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap: which one fits your build
Take the Arctic P12 PWM PST for buyers filling an entire case with fans on a budget, the smartest cheapest meaningful upgrade available. The same goes for budget 240/360mm AIO radiator mounts, where the PST daisy-chain simplifies wiring. It is not the one for buyers specifically wanting absolute best performance regardless of price, the Noctua NF-A12x25 or G2 is better for that. The Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap is the one to take for all-black or monochrome case builds and radiator or filtered-intake duty needing high static pressure, though it is not built for shoppers who want the newer G2 bearing improvements 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.
What Arctic P12 PWM PST and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: fan size, bearing type, connector type, lighting and fan thickness are identical here. They match on 5 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Arctic P12 PWM PST and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap differ on start voltage?
Yes. Start Voltage reads 3.9 V on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 7 V on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap.
Is the PWM Control the same on the Arctic P12 PWM PST and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Arctic
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Noctua
Model
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- P12 PWM PST
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
Bearing Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Fluid Dynamic
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- None
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- None
Fan Thickness
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 2.2 mmH2O-6%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 2.34 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 1800 RPM-10%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 2000 RPMBest
Airflow
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 56.3 CFM-6%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 60.09 CFMBest
PWM Control
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Yes
Zero RPM Capable
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Yes
Start Voltage
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 3.9 V
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 7 V
Connector Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 4-Pin PWM
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- No
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- No
Lighting Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- None
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- None
Cable Length
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 400 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 10 mm
Weight
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 145 gBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 205 g
Warranty
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 6 years
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 6 years
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic P12 PWM PST if you want the higher warranty (6 years vs 6 years).
Choose Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap if you want the higher static pressure (2.34 mmH2O vs 2.2 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2000 RPM vs 1800 RPM) and the higher airflow (60.09 CFM vs 56.3 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic P12 PWM PST | Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 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 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.
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
9 / 10 Expert Rating
Same excellent A12x25 performance in a colorway that fits black-themed builds without a sticker or paint job.