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Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 vs SilverStone AP121: Comparison
Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 vs SilverStone AP121: the airflow difference
The gap that matters here is airflow: Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 62 CFM against SilverStone AP121 35.36 CFM, which puts Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 43% ahead. Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 also leads on static pressure, 2.5 mmH2O on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 versus 1.71 mmH2O on the SilverStone AP121. Add max speed to that, 1800 RPM on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 versus 1500 RPM on the SilverStone AP121, and the pattern holds. There is a split on positioning as well, Budget mainstream on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 versus Balanced mainstream on the SilverStone AP121. They differ on colors too, Black, White, or Red on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 versus Black frame, transparent blue blades on the SilverStone AP121.
Who each one is for
The Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 is the one to take for budget builds without a case window and filtered intake positions on a tight budget, though it is not the pick for showcase builds wanting lighting and premium quiet-first builds. The SilverStone AP121 suits SilverStone case builds wanting brand-matched fans and balanced airflow and static pressure needs, though it is the wrong buy for builds chasing best-in-class performance and RGB or showcase builds. 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. 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 SickleFlow 120 and SilverStone AP121 differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 27 dBA on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 versus 22.4 dBA on the SilverStone AP121.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 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 SickleFlow 120
- 120 mm
- SilverStone AP121
- 120 mm
Brand
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- Cooler Master
- SilverStone AP121
- SilverStone
Model
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- SickleFlow 120
- SilverStone AP121
- AP121
Bearing Type
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- Rifle
- SilverStone AP121
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- No RGB
- SilverStone AP121
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- 25 mm
- SilverStone AP121
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- 2.5 mmH2OBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 1.71 mmH2O-32%
Max Speed
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- 1800 RPMBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 1500 RPM-17%
Airflow
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- 62 CFMBest
- SilverStone AP121
- 35.36 CFM-43%
Noise Level
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- 27 dBA
- SilverStone AP121
- 22.4 dBABest
PWM Control
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- Yes
- SilverStone AP121
- No
Connector Type
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- 4-Pin PWM
- SilverStone AP121
- 3-Pin DC
Positioning
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- Budget mainstream
- SilverStone AP121
- Balanced mainstream
Colors
- Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
- Black, White, or Red
- SilverStone AP121
- Black frame, transparent blue blades
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 if you want the higher static pressure (2.5 mmH2O vs 1.71 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1800 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (62 CFM vs 35.36 CFM).
Choose SilverStone AP121 if you want the lower noise level (22.4 dBA vs 27 dBA).
Verdict
Cooler Master SickleFlow 120
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A dependable budget fan that performs identically to its pricier RGB sibling for less money.
SilverStone AP121
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A competent, unremarkable fan best chosen for brand consistency in a SilverStone build rather than outright performance.