Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Corsair AF120 Elite vs Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB: Comparison
Corsair AF120 Elite vs Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB airflow compared
Airflow is where these two genuinely part company, Corsair AF120 Elite 59.1 CFM against Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB 74.0 CFM, a 20% lead for Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. The static pressure figures are near enough to ignore, 1.93 mmH2O on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 1.9 mmH2O on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. Noise level is closer, 28.9 dBA on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 29.7 dBA on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. They differ on fan size too, 120 mm on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 140 mm on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. Max speed runs the same way, 1850 RPM on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 1500 RPM on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB, another win for Corsair AF120 Elite. Lighting is not the same on both, No RGB on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus D-RGB on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. Positioning is not the same on both, Performance on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus Mainstream on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB.
Who each one is for
The Corsair AF120 Elite suits 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. The Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB is the one to take for 140mm case intake/exhaust and Phanteks case builds, though it is the wrong buy for radiator duty and silent 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 Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB (7/10): A well-rounded 140mm intake fan for Phanteks cases that want lighting without sacrificing airflow.
What Corsair AF120 Elite and Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: bearing type and pwm control are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 120 mm
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 140 mm
Brand
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Corsair
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- Phanteks
Model
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- AF120 Elite
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- SK123-140 D-RGB
Bearing Type
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Fluid Dynamic
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- No RGB
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- D-RGB
Static Pressure
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1.93 mmH2OBest
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 1.9 mmH2O-2%
Max Speed
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1850 RPMBest
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 1500 RPM-19%
Airflow
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 59.1 CFM-20%
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 74.0 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 28.9 dBABest
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 29.7 dBA
PWM Control
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Yes
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- Yes
Positioning
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Performance
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- Mainstream
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair AF120 Elite if you want the higher static pressure (1.93 mmH2O vs 1.9 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1850 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the lower noise level (28.9 dBA vs 29.7 dBA).
Choose Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB if you want the higher airflow (74.0 CFM vs 59.1 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair AF120 Elite | Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Phanteks | View on Phanteks |
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.
Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-rounded 140mm intake fan for Phanteks cases that want lighting without sacrificing airflow.