Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Corsair AF120 Elite vs NZXT F120Q Quiet: Comparison
Corsair AF120 Elite vs NZXT F120Q Quiet airflow compared
Start with airflow, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Corsair AF120 Elite 59.1 CFM against NZXT F120Q Quiet 74.26 CFM, 20% in favour of NZXT F120Q Quiet. Add static pressure to that, 1.93 mmH2O on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 1.43 mmH2O on the NZXT F120Q Quiet, and the pattern holds. Corsair AF120 Elite also leads on warranty, 5 years on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 2 years on the NZXT F120Q Quiet. Positioning is not the same on both, Performance on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus Quiet mainstream on the NZXT F120Q Quiet.
Who each one is for
The Corsair AF120 Elite is the one to take for mesh-front intake positions and builds that don't want RGB clutter, though it is not built for radiator or filtered-intake duty and budget-per-fan shoppers. Buy the NZXT F120Q Quiet for Quiet builds inside NZXT H-series cases and open intake or exhaust positions, though it is the wrong buy for radiator or filtered-intake duty needing pressure and RGB or showcase builds. 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. Our rating of the NZXT F120Q Quiet (7/10): A solid quiet fan for NZXT case owners who don't need RGB or maximum static pressure.
What Corsair AF120 Elite and NZXT F120Q Quiet have in common
Everything else lines up. Fan size, bearing type, connector type, lighting and fan thickness read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 1 further specification as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair AF120 Elite and NZXT F120Q Quiet differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 28.9 dBA on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 25.1 dBA on the NZXT F120Q Quiet.
Is the PWM Control the same on the Corsair AF120 Elite and NZXT F120Q Quiet?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 120 mm
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Corsair
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- NZXT
Model
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- AF120 Elite
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- F120Q
Bearing Type
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Fluid Dynamic
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- No RGB
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 25 mm
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1.93 mmH2OBest
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 1.43 mmH2O-26%
Max Speed
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1850 RPMBest
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 1700 RPM-8%
Airflow
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 59.1 CFM-20%
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 74.26 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 28.9 dBA
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 25.1 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Yes
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- Yes
Min Speed
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 400 RPM
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 500 RPMBest
Connector Type
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 4-Pin PWM
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 4-Pin PWM
Warranty
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 5 yearsBest
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- 2 years-60%
Positioning
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Performance
- NZXT F120Q Quiet
- Quiet mainstream
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair AF120 Elite if you want the higher static pressure (1.93 mmH2O vs 1.43 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1850 RPM vs 1700 RPM) and the higher warranty (5 years vs 2 years).
Choose NZXT F120Q Quiet if you want the higher airflow (74.26 CFM vs 59.1 CFM) and the lower noise level (25.1 dBA vs 28.9 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair AF120 Elite | NZXT F120Q Quiet |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on 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
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.
NZXT F120Q Quiet
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid quiet fan for NZXT case owners who don't need RGB or maximum static pressure.