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Arctic P8 Max vs Cooler Master SickleFlow 120: Comparison

What is the difference between Arctic P8 Max and Cooler Master SickleFlow 120?

On static pressure the spread is 53%, Arctic P8 Max 5.3 mmH2O against Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 2.5 mmH2O, so Arctic P8 Max takes it. Airflow runs the same way, 40 CFM on the Arctic P8 Max versus 62 CFM on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120, another win for Cooler Master SickleFlow 120. Arctic P8 Max also leads on warranty, 6 years on the Arctic P8 Max versus 2 years on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120. Add max speed to that, 5000 RPM on the Arctic P8 Max versus 1800 RPM on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120, and the pattern holds.

Who each one is for

The Arctic P8 Max is the one to take for SFF cases with only 80mm fan mounts and VRM or chipset heatsink cooling in tight spaces, though it is the wrong buy for any case with room for a 92mm or 120mm fan and noise-sensitive builds. The Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 suits budget builds without a case window and filtered intake positions on a tight budget, though it is not built for showcase builds wanting lighting and premium quiet-first builds. Our rating of the Arctic P8 Max (6/10): A genuinely useful fan for cramped SFF builds, but only worth the noise penalty when nothing larger fits. Our rating of the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 (6/10): A dependable budget fan that performs identically to its pricier RGB sibling for less money.

Where the two are identical

The common ground is wider than the gap: connector type, lighting, fan thickness and pwm control are identical here.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Arctic P8 Max and Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 differ on noise level?

Yes. Noise Level reads 33.2 dBA on the Arctic P8 Max versus 27 dBA on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Fan Size

    Arctic P8 Max
    80 mm
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    120 mm
  • Brand

    Arctic P8 Max
    Arctic
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    Cooler Master
  • Model

    Arctic P8 Max
    P8 Max
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    SickleFlow 120
  • Bearing Type

    Arctic P8 Max
    Fluid Dynamic
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    Rifle
  • Lighting

    Arctic P8 Max
    No RGB
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    No RGB
  • Fan Thickness

    Arctic P8 Max
    25 mm
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    25 mm
  • Static Pressure

    Arctic P8 Max
    5.3 mmH2OBest
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    2.5 mmH2O-53%
  • Max Speed

    Arctic P8 Max
    5000 RPMBest
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    1800 RPM-64%
  • Airflow

    Arctic P8 Max
    40 CFM-35%
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    62 CFMBest
  • Noise Level

    Arctic P8 Max
    33.2 dBA
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    27 dBABest
  • PWM Control

    Arctic P8 Max
    Yes
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    Yes
  • Min Speed

    Arctic P8 Max
    500 RPM
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    650 RPMBest
  • Rated Life

    Arctic P8 Max
    500000 hours
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    160000 hours
  • Start Voltage

    Arctic P8 Max
    3.2 V
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    12 V
  • Connector Type

    Arctic P8 Max
    4-Pin PWM
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    4-Pin PWM
  • Weight

    Arctic P8 Max
    84 gBest
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    156 g
  • Warranty

    Arctic P8 Max
    6 yearsBest
    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
    2 years-67%

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Arctic P8 Max if you want the higher static pressure (5.3 mmH2O vs 2.5 mmH2O), the higher max speed (5000 RPM vs 1800 RPM) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 2 years).

    Choose Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 if you want the higher airflow (62 CFM vs 40 CFM) and the lower noise level (27 dBA vs 33.2 dBA).

    Price comparison

    RetailerArctic P8 MaxCooler Master SickleFlow 120
    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 P8 Max

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    A genuinely useful fan for cramped SFF builds, but only worth the noise penalty when nothing larger fits.

    Cooler Master SickleFlow 120

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    A dependable budget fan that performs identically to its pricier RGB sibling for less money.

    More comparisons in Case Fans