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Arctic P14 Max vs Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB: Comparison

What is the difference between Arctic P14 Max and Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB?

The gap that matters here is static pressure: Arctic P14 Max 4.18 mmH2O against Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB 1.9 mmH2O, which puts Arctic P14 Max 55% ahead. Add airflow to that, 95 CFM on the Arctic P14 Max versus 74.0 CFM on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB, and the pattern holds. Add max speed to that, 2800 RPM on the Arctic P14 Max versus 1500 RPM on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB, and the pattern holds. There is a split on lighting as well, No RGB on the Arctic P14 Max versus D-RGB on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. They differ on positioning too, Performance on the Arctic P14 Max versus Mainstream on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB.

Who each one is for

The Arctic P14 Max suits server and NAS builds prioritizing airflow over noise and extreme overclocking and test-bench cooling, though it is not built for quiet daily-driver builds and bedroom or office PCs. Buy the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB for 140mm case intake/exhaust and Phanteks case builds, though it is not the pick for radiator duty and silent builds. Our rating of the Arctic P14 Max (7/10): genuinely excellent cooling capacity for the size, but too loud at full speed for most home builds. Our rating of the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB (7/10): A well-rounded 140mm intake fan for Phanteks cases that want lighting without sacrificing airflow.

Where the two are identical

Where they agree, they agree completely, fan size, bearing type and pwm control included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Fan Size

    Arctic P14 Max
    140 mm
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    140 mm
  • Brand

    Arctic P14 Max
    Arctic
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    Phanteks
  • Model

    Arctic P14 Max
    P14 Max
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    SK123-140 D-RGB
  • Bearing Type

    Arctic P14 Max
    Fluid Dynamic
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    Fluid Dynamic
  • Lighting

    Arctic P14 Max
    No RGB
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    D-RGB
  • Static Pressure

    Arctic P14 Max
    4.18 mmH2OBest
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    1.9 mmH2O-55%
  • Max Speed

    Arctic P14 Max
    2800 RPMBest
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    1500 RPM-46%
  • Airflow

    Arctic P14 Max
    95 CFMBest
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    74.0 CFM-22%
  • PWM Control

    Arctic P14 Max
    Yes
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    Yes
  • Positioning

    Arctic P14 Max
    Performance
    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    Mainstream

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Arctic P14 Max if you want the higher static pressure (4.18 mmH2O vs 1.9 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2800 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (95 CFM vs 74.0 CFM).

    Choose Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerArctic P14 MaxPhanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
    AmazonView on Amazon
    PhanteksView on Phanteks

    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 P14 Max

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    Genuinely excellent cooling capacity for the size, but too loud at full speed for most home builds.

    Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    A well-rounded 140mm intake fan for Phanteks cases that want lighting without sacrificing airflow.

    More comparisons in Case Fans