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Arctic P12 PWM PST vs SilverStone AP121: Comparison
Arctic P12 PWM PST vs SilverStone AP121 airflow compared
On airflow the spread is 37%, Arctic P12 PWM PST 56.3 CFM against SilverStone AP121 35.36 CFM, so Arctic P12 PWM PST takes it. Add static pressure to that, 2.2 mmH2O on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 1.71 mmH2O on the SilverStone AP121, and the pattern holds. Arctic P12 PWM PST also leads on max speed, 1800 RPM on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 1500 RPM on the SilverStone AP121. Pwm control is not the same on both, Yes on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus No on the SilverStone AP121.
Arctic P12 PWM PST vs SilverStone AP121: 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. It also earns its place with 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. Buy the SilverStone AP121 for SilverStone case builds wanting brand-matched fans and balanced airflow and static pressure needs, though it is not the pick for builds chasing best-in-class performance and RGB or showcase 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 SilverStone AP121 (6/10): A competent, unremarkable fan best chosen for brand consistency in a SilverStone build rather than outright performance.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Arctic P12 PWM PST and SilverStone AP121 differ on connector type?
Yes. Connector Type reads 4-Pin PWM on the Arctic P12 PWM PST versus 3-Pin DC on the SilverStone AP121.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Arctic P12 PWM PST and SilverStone AP121?
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
- SilverStone AP121
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Arctic
- SilverStone AP121
- SilverStone
Model
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- P12 PWM PST
- SilverStone AP121
- AP121
Bearing Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Fluid Dynamic
- SilverStone AP121
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- None
- SilverStone AP121
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 25 mm
- SilverStone AP121
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 2.2 mmH2OBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 1.71 mmH2O-22%
Max Speed
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 1800 RPMBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 1500 RPM-17%
Airflow
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 56.3 CFMBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 35.36 CFM-37%
PWM Control
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- Yes
- SilverStone AP121
- No
Connector Type
- Arctic P12 PWM PST
- 4-Pin PWM
- SilverStone AP121
- 3-Pin DC
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic P12 PWM PST if you want the higher static pressure (2.2 mmH2O vs 1.71 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (56.3 CFM vs 35.36 CFM).
Choose SilverStone AP121 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic P12 PWM PST | SilverStone AP121 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
SilverStone AP121
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A competent, unremarkable fan best chosen for brand consistency in a SilverStone build rather than outright performance.