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Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M vs Corsair AF120 Elite: Comparison
Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M vs Corsair AF120 Elite static pressure compared
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M 2.4 mmH2O against Corsair AF120 Elite 1.93 mmH2O, which puts Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M 20% ahead. Bearing type is not the same on both, Ball on the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M versus Fluid Dynamic on the Corsair AF120 Elite. Lighting is not the same on both, ARGB on the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M versus No RGB on the Corsair AF120 Elite. There is a split on rgb lighting as well, Yes on the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M versus No on the Corsair AF120 Elite. Lighting type is not the same on both, ARGB 5V on the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M versus None on the Corsair AF120 Elite.
Who each one is for
Take the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M for multi-fan radiator setups where reducing turbulence between adjacent fans genuinely matters. It is the wrong buy for single-fan applications where the interlocking blade design provides no real benefit over a standard fan. The Corsair AF120 Elite suits mesh-front intake positions and builds that don't want RGB clutter, though it is the wrong buy for radiator or filtered-intake duty and budget-per-fan shoppers. Our rating of the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M (7/10): A specialized fan for multi-fan radiator setups where reducing turbulence between adjacent fans genuinely matters. Our rating of the Corsair AF120 Elite (7/10): A clean, quiet airflow fan for mesh cases, though the Arctic F12 PWM matches it for less money.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M and Corsair AF120 Elite differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 22 dBA on the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M versus 28.9 dBA on the Corsair AF120 Elite.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M and Corsair AF120 Elite?
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 SF120M
- 120 mm
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 120 mm
Brand
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- Cooler Master
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Corsair
Model
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- SF120M ARGB
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- AF120 Elite
Bearing Type
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- Ball
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- ARGB
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- No RGB
Static Pressure
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- 2.4 mmH2OBest
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1.93 mmH2O-20%
Max Speed
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- 2000 RPMBest
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1850 RPM-7%
Airflow
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- 62 CFMBest
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 59.1 CFM-5%
Noise Level
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- 22 dBABest
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 28.9 dBA
PWM Control
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- Yes
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Yes
Min Speed
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- 650 RPMBest
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 400 RPM
Connector Type
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- 4-Pin PWM
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- Yes
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- No
Lighting Type
- Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M
- ARGB 5V
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- None
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M if you want the higher static pressure (2.4 mmH2O vs 1.93 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2000 RPM vs 1850 RPM) and the higher airflow (62 CFM vs 59.1 CFM).
Choose Corsair AF120 Elite if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M | Corsair AF120 Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| 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 SF120M
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A specialized fan for multi-fan radiator setups where reducing turbulence between adjacent fans genuinely matters.
Corsair AF120 Elite
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, quiet airflow fan for mesh cases, though the Arctic F12 PWM matches it for less money.