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Arctic P8 Max vs SilverStone AP121: Comparison
Arctic P8 Max vs SilverStone AP121: the static pressure difference
Start with static pressure, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Arctic P8 Max 5.3 mmH2O against SilverStone AP121 1.71 mmH2O, 68% in favour of Arctic P8 Max. Airflow runs the same way, 40 CFM on the Arctic P8 Max versus 35.36 CFM on the SilverStone AP121, another win for Arctic P8 Max. Max speed runs the same way, 5000 RPM on the Arctic P8 Max versus 1500 RPM on the SilverStone AP121, another win for Arctic P8 Max. There is a split on connector type as well, 4-Pin PWM on the Arctic P8 Max versus 3-Pin DC on the SilverStone AP121. They differ on pwm control too, Yes on the Arctic P8 Max versus No on the SilverStone AP121.
Arctic P8 Max vs SilverStone AP121: which one fits your build
Buy the Arctic P8 Max 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 SilverStone AP121 suits 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 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 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 P8 Max and SilverStone AP121 differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 33.2 dBA on the Arctic P8 Max versus 22.4 dBA on the SilverStone AP121.
Is the Bearing Type the same on the Arctic P8 Max and SilverStone AP121?
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 P8 Max
- 80 mm
- SilverStone AP121
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic P8 Max
- Arctic
- SilverStone AP121
- SilverStone
Model
- Arctic P8 Max
- P8 Max
- SilverStone AP121
- AP121
Bearing Type
- Arctic P8 Max
- Fluid Dynamic
- SilverStone AP121
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Arctic P8 Max
- No RGB
- SilverStone AP121
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Arctic P8 Max
- 25 mm
- SilverStone AP121
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic P8 Max
- 5.3 mmH2OBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 1.71 mmH2O-68%
Max Speed
- Arctic P8 Max
- 5000 RPMBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 1500 RPM-70%
Airflow
- Arctic P8 Max
- 40 CFMBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 35.36 CFM-12%
Noise Level
- Arctic P8 Max
- 33.2 dBA
- SilverStone AP121
- 22.4 dBABest
PWM Control
- Arctic P8 Max
- Yes
- SilverStone AP121
- No
Connector Type
- Arctic P8 Max
- 4-Pin PWM
- SilverStone AP121
- 3-Pin DC
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic P8 Max if you want the higher static pressure (5.3 mmH2O vs 1.71 mmH2O), the higher max speed (5000 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (40 CFM vs 35.36 CFM).
Choose SilverStone AP121 if you want the lower noise level (22.4 dBA vs 33.2 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic P8 Max | SilverStone AP121 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 P8 Max
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely useful fan for cramped SFF builds, but only worth the noise penalty when nothing larger fits.
SilverStone AP121
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A competent, unremarkable fan best chosen for brand consistency in a SilverStone build rather than outright performance.