Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo vs Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo vs Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM: the static pressure difference
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo 1.6 mmH2O against Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM 3.14 mmH2O, which puts Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM 49% ahead. Add airflow to that, 47.2 CFM on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo versus 63.15 CFM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, and the pattern holds. Add warranty to that, 2 years on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, and the pattern holds.
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo vs Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM: which one fits your build
The Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo suits case-window centerpiece fans and builders wanting layered dual-ring lighting effects, though it is not built for radiator or high-restriction duty and Maximum-CFM performance builds. Take the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM for buyers wanting one fan that goes anywhere and cares about quiet, the current best overall for this combination. It also earns its place with radiator mounts and restrictive front panels needing a genuine static-pressure improvement. It is the wrong buy for tight budgets filling an entire case, the Arctic P12 PST 5-pack delivers roughly 85% of the performance for a fraction of the cost. Our rating of the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo (7/10): the pick within Cooler Master's lineup when dual-ring lighting matters more than raw airflow. Our rating of the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM (10/10): the current best overall case fan, class-leading static pressure at a class-leading noise ceiling, a genuine generational upgrade over the original.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo and Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 30 dBA on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo versus 22.5 dBA on the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo and Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM?
It is. Both are listed at 120 mm, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- Cooler Master
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- MasterFan MF120 Halo
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
Lighting
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- ARGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 1.6 mmH2O-49%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 3.14 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 1800 RPM
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 1800 RPM
Airflow
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 47.2 CFM-25%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 63.15 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 30 dBA
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 22.5 dBABest
PWM Control
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- Yes
Noise Level At Quiet Speed
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 6 dBABest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 18.1 dBA
Rated Life
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 160000 hours
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 150000 hours
Max Power Draw
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 3.0 W
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 1.8 WBest
Connector Type
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 4-Pin PWM
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- No
Cable Length
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 450 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 200 mm
Warranty
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- 2 years-67%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo if you want the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1800 RPM).
Choose Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM if you want the higher static pressure (3.14 mmH2O vs 1.6 mmH2O), the higher airflow (63.15 CFM vs 47.2 CFM) and the lower noise level (22.5 dBA vs 30 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo | Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | View on Newegg |
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
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The pick within Cooler Master's lineup when dual-ring lighting matters more than raw airflow.
Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
10 / 10 Expert Rating
The current best overall case fan, class-leading static pressure at a class-leading noise ceiling, a genuine generational upgrade over the original.