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Arctic P12 PWM PST vs Noctua NF-F12 PWM: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic P12 PWM PST and Noctua NF-F12 PWM?
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Arctic P12 PWM PST 2.2 mmH2O against Noctua NF-F12 PWM 2.61 mmH2O, which puts Noctua NF-F12 PWM 16% ahead. Arctic P12 PWM PST also leads on max speed, 1800 RPM on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 1500 RPM on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM.
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. The same goes for budget 240/360mm AIO radiator mounts, where the PST daisy-chain simplifies wiring. Avoid it for buyers specifically wanting absolute best performance regardless of price, the Noctua NF-A12x25 or G2 is better for that. The Noctua NF-F12 PWM suits CPU tower cooler fans and thin 120mm AIO radiators, though it is the wrong buy for budget multi-fan case builds and RGB-focused builds. 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. Our rating of the Noctua NF-F12 PWM (9/10): the benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Fan size, bearing type, connector type, lighting and fan thickness read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 5 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Arctic P12 PWM PST and Noctua NF-F12 PWM differ on airflow?
Yes. Airflow reads 56.3 CFM on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 54.97 CFM on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM.
Is the PWM Control the same on the Arctic P12 PWM PST and Noctua NF-F12 PWM?
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-F12 PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Arctic
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- P12 PWM PST
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- NF-F12 PWM
Bearing Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Fluid Dynamic
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- None
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 2.2 mmH2O-16%
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 2.61 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 1800 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 1500 RPM-17%
Airflow
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 56.3 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 54.97 CFM-2%
PWM Control
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Yes
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Yes
Zero RPM Capable
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Yes
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Yes
Start Voltage
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 3.9 V
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 7 V
Connector Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 4-Pin PWM
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- No
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- None
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- None
Cable Length
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 400 mm
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 200 mm
Weight
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 145 gBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 165 g
Warranty
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 6 years
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 6 years
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic P12 PWM PST if you want the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1500 RPM), the higher airflow (56.3 CFM vs 54.97 CFM) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 6 years).
Choose Noctua NF-F12 PWM if you want the higher static pressure (2.61 mmH2O vs 2.2 mmH2O).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic P12 PWM PST | Noctua NF-F12 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Noctua | View on Noctua |
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-F12 PWM
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.