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Arctic P14 Max vs Thermalright TL-C14C-S: Comparison

What is the difference between Arctic P14 Max and Thermalright TL-C14C-S?

The gap that matters here is static pressure: Arctic P14 Max 4.18 mmH2O against Thermalright TL-C14C-S 1.93 mmH2O, which puts Arctic P14 Max 54% ahead. Add airflow to that, 95 CFM on the Arctic P14 Max versus 75.8 CFM on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S, and the pattern holds. Add max speed to that, 2800 RPM on the Arctic P14 Max versus 1500 RPM on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S, and the pattern holds. They differ on lighting too, No RGB on the Arctic P14 Max versus ARGB on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S. There is a split on fan thickness as well, 27 mm on the Arctic P14 Max versus 25 mm on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S. Positioning is not the same on both, Performance on the Arctic P14 Max versus Budget on the Thermalright TL-C14C-S.

Who each one is for

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 not the pick for quiet daily-driver builds and bedroom or office PCs. The Thermalright TL-C14C-S suits budget multi-fan ARGB upgrades and builders prioritizing airflow-per-dollar, though it is the wrong buy for premium acoustic refinement and radiator or high-restriction duty. 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-C14C-S (7/10): outsized 140mm ARGB airflow-per-dollar from a brand built on exactly that value proposition.

Where the two are identical

Everything else lines up. Fan size, bearing type, connector type and pwm control read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Fan Size

    Arctic P14 Max
    140 mm
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    140 mm
  • Brand

    Arctic P14 Max
    Arctic
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    Thermalright
  • Model

    Arctic P14 Max
    P14 Max
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    TL-C14C-S
  • Bearing Type

    Arctic P14 Max
    Fluid Dynamic
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    Fluid Dynamic
  • Lighting

    Arctic P14 Max
    No RGB
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    ARGB
  • Fan Thickness

    Arctic P14 Max
    27 mm
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    25 mm
  • Static Pressure

    Arctic P14 Max
    4.18 mmH2OBest
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    1.93 mmH2O-54%
  • Max Speed

    Arctic P14 Max
    2800 RPMBest
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    1500 RPM-46%
  • Airflow

    Arctic P14 Max
    95 CFMBest
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    75.8 CFM-20%
  • PWM Control

    Arctic P14 Max
    Yes
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    Yes
  • Connector Type

    Arctic P14 Max
    4-Pin PWM
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    4-Pin PWM
  • Positioning

    Arctic P14 Max
    Performance
    Thermalright TL-C14C-S
    Budget

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Arctic P14 Max if you want the higher static pressure (4.18 mmH2O vs 1.93 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2800 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (95 CFM vs 75.8 CFM).

    Choose Thermalright TL-C14C-S if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerArctic P14 MaxThermalright TL-C14C-S
    AmazonView on AmazonView 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-C14C-S

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    Outsized 140mm ARGB airflow-per-dollar from a brand built on exactly that value proposition.

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