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Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism vs SilverStone AP121: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism vs SilverStone AP121: the airflow difference
Start with airflow, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism 54.0 CFM against SilverStone AP121 35.36 CFM, 35% in favour of Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism. Add max speed to that, 1800 RPM on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus 1500 RPM on the SilverStone AP121, and the pattern holds. There is a split on pwm control as well, Yes on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus No on the SilverStone AP121. They differ on positioning too, Mainstream on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus Balanced mainstream on the SilverStone AP121. There is a split on colors as well, Black on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus Black frame, transparent blue blades on the SilverStone AP121.
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism vs SilverStone AP121: which one fits your build
The Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism is the one to take for Cooler Master RGB ecosystem builds and show-window mirror-finish aesthetics, though it is the wrong buy for max-static-pressure radiator duty and silent builds. Buy the SilverStone AP121 for 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 Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism (6/10): A reasonable mid-tier RGB fan, worth it mainly for the mirror-finish look rather than outright performance. 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 Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism and SilverStone AP121 differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 27.0 dBA on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism versus 22.4 dBA on the SilverStone AP121.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism and SilverStone AP121?
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 Prism
- 120 mm
- SilverStone AP121
- 120 mm
Brand
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Cooler Master
- SilverStone AP121
- SilverStone
Model
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- MF120 Prism
- SilverStone AP121
- AP121
Bearing Type
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Rifle
- SilverStone AP121
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- RGB
- SilverStone AP121
- No RGB
Static Pressure
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- 1.9 mmH2OBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 1.71 mmH2O-10%
Max Speed
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- 1800 RPMBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 1500 RPM-17%
Airflow
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- 54.0 CFMBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 35.36 CFM-35%
Noise Level
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- 27.0 dBA
- SilverStone AP121
- 22.4 dBABest
PWM Control
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Yes
- SilverStone AP121
- No
Positioning
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Mainstream
- SilverStone AP121
- Balanced mainstream
Colors
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism
- Black
- SilverStone AP121
- Black frame, transparent blue blades
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism if you want the higher static pressure (1.9 mmH2O vs 1.71 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (54.0 CFM vs 35.36 CFM).
Choose SilverStone AP121 if you want the lower noise level (22.4 dBA vs 27.0 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Prism | SilverStone AP121 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Master Store | View on Cooler Master Store |
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 Prism
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A reasonable mid-tier RGB fan, worth it mainly for the mirror-finish look rather than outright performance.
SilverStone AP121
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A competent, unremarkable fan best chosen for brand consistency in a SilverStone build rather than outright performance.