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Corsair AF120 Elite vs Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB: Comparison

What is the difference between Corsair AF120 Elite and Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB?

Airflow is where these two genuinely part company, Corsair AF120 Elite 59.1 CFM against Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB 40.9 CFM, a 31% lead for Corsair AF120 Elite. Add static pressure to that, 1.93 mmH2O on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 1.4 mmH2O on the Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB, and the pattern holds. Max speed runs the same way, 1850 RPM on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 1500 RPM on the Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB, another win for Corsair AF120 Elite. Lighting is not the same on both, No RGB on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus RGB on the Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB. There is a split on rgb lighting as well, No on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus Yes on the Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB.

Who each one is for

Buy the Corsair AF120 Elite for 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. The Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB suits TT RGB Plus ecosystem builds and show-window RGB case fans, though it is not the pick for Non-Thermaltake lighting ecosystems 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 Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB (7/10): A dependable RGB case fan best bought as part of a full TT RGB Plus ecosystem rather than standalone.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Corsair AF120 Elite and Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB differ on noise level?

Yes. Noise Level reads 28.9 dBA on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 25.2 dBA on the Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB.

Is the Fan Size the same on the Corsair AF120 Elite and Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB?

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

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    120 mm
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    120 mm
  • Brand

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    Corsair
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    Thermaltake
  • Model

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    AF120 Elite
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    Riing Quad 12 RGB
  • Bearing Type

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    Fluid Dynamic
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    Hydraulic
  • Lighting

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    No RGB
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    RGB
  • Fan Thickness

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    25 mm
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    25 mm
  • Static Pressure

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    1.93 mmH2OBest
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    1.4 mmH2O-27%
  • Max Speed

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    1850 RPMBest
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    1500 RPM-19%
  • Airflow

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    59.1 CFMBest
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    40.9 CFM-31%
  • Noise Level

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    28.9 dBA
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    25.2 dBABest
  • Min Speed

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    400 RPM
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    500 RPMBest
  • Connector Type

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    4-Pin PWM
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    Proprietary
  • RGB Lighting

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    No
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    Yes
  • Positioning

    Corsair AF120 Elite
    Performance
    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    Mainstream

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Corsair AF120 Elite if you want the higher static pressure (1.93 mmH2O vs 1.4 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1850 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (59.1 CFM vs 40.9 CFM).

    Choose Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB if you want the lower noise level (25.2 dBA vs 28.9 dBA).

    Price comparison

    RetailerCorsair AF120 EliteThermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB
    AmazonView on Amazon
    ThermaltakeView on Thermaltake

    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.

    Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    A dependable RGB case fan best bought as part of a full TT RGB Plus ecosystem rather than standalone.

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