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Arctic P14 Max vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic P14 Max and Thermalright TL-C12C-S?
On static pressure the spread is 63%, Arctic P14 Max 4.18 mmH2O against Thermalright TL-C12C-S 1.53 mmH2O, so Arctic P14 Max takes it. Airflow runs the same way, 95 CFM on the Arctic P14 Max versus 66.17 CFM on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S, another win for Arctic P14 Max. Add max speed to that, 2800 RPM on the Arctic P14 Max versus 1550 RPM on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S, and the pattern holds. There is a split on fan thickness as well, 27 mm on the Arctic P14 Max versus 25 mm on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S. Positioning is not the same on both, Performance on the Arctic P14 Max versus Budget on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S.
Which should you buy, Arctic P14 Max or Thermalright TL-C12C-S?
The Arctic P14 Max is the one to take for server and NAS builds prioritizing airflow over noise and extreme overclocking and test-bench cooling, though it is the wrong buy for quiet daily-driver builds and bedroom or office PCs. Take the Thermalright TL-C12C-S for budget builds filling multiple fan mounts without a premium per-fan cost. The same goes for anyone who wants Noctua-adjacent quiet performance at a fraction of the price. It is not the one for enthusiasts chasing the absolute best noise-to-airflow ratio, premium fans still win there. 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 Thermalright TL-C12C-S (7/10): Noctua-adjacent quiet operation at budget pricing, which is exactly what a six-fan build needs.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Arctic P14 Max and Thermalright TL-C12C-S differ on fan size?
Yes. Fan Size reads 140 mm on the Arctic P14 Max versus 120 mm on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S.
Is the Bearing Type the same on the Arctic P14 Max and Thermalright TL-C12C-S?
It is. Both are listed at Fluid Dynamic, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic P14 Max
- 140 mm
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic P14 Max
- Arctic
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Thermalright
Model
- Arctic P14 Max
- P14 Max
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- TL-C12C-S
Bearing Type
- Arctic P14 Max
- Fluid Dynamic
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Fluid Dynamic
Fan Thickness
- Arctic P14 Max
- 27 mm
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic P14 Max
- 4.18 mmH2OBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 1.53 mmH2O-63%
Max Speed
- Arctic P14 Max
- 2800 RPMBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 1550 RPM-45%
Airflow
- Arctic P14 Max
- 95 CFMBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 66.17 CFM-30%
PWM Control
- Arctic P14 Max
- Yes
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Yes
Connector Type
- Arctic P14 Max
- 4-Pin PWM
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 4-Pin PWM
Weight
- Arctic P14 Max
- 245 g
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 120 gBest
Positioning
- Arctic P14 Max
- Performance
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Budget
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic P14 Max if you want the higher static pressure (4.18 mmH2O vs 1.53 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2800 RPM vs 1550 RPM) and the higher airflow (95 CFM vs 66.17 CFM).
Choose Thermalright TL-C12C-S if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic P14 Max | Thermalright TL-C12C-S |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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.
Thermalright TL-C12C-S
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Noctua-adjacent quiet operation at budget pricing, which is exactly what a six-fan build needs.