Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Corsair AF120 Slim vs Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair AF120 Slim and Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM?
The gap that matters here is airflow: Corsair AF120 Slim 56.3 CFM against Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM 78.69 CFM, which puts Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM 28% ahead. Static pressure is closer, 1.9 mmH2O on the Corsair AF120 Slim versus 1.91 mmH2O on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM. Noise level is closer, 25.6 dBA on the Corsair AF120 Slim versus 25.8 dBA on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM. Fan size is not the same on both, 120 mm on the Corsair AF120 Slim versus 140 mm on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM. Corsair AF120 Slim also leads on max speed, 2000 RPM on the Corsair AF120 Slim versus 1500 RPM on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM. There is a split on fan thickness as well, 15 mm on the Corsair AF120 Slim versus 25 mm on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM.
Which should you buy, Corsair AF120 Slim or Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM?
The Corsair AF120 Slim suits tight-clearance builds where a standard 25mm-thick fan won't physically fit. It is not the one for builds with no clearance constraints, a standard-thickness fan like the Noctua NF-A12x25 will generally outperform this one. Buy the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM for budget-conscious builds that still want Noctua reliability and front intake positions behind a dust filter, though it is not the pick for builders who want the NF-A14's beige/brown aesthetic and maximum airflow per fan. Our rating of the Corsair AF120 Slim (7/10): A clearance-solving slim 120mm fan that keeps most of the airflow a standard-depth fan would give you. Our rating of the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM (7/10): solid mid-range 140mm option that trades Noctua's premium finish for a friendlier price.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: bearing type, lighting, pwm control and rgb lighting are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- 140 mm
Brand
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- AF120 Slim
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
Bearing Type
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- Fluid Dynamic
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- None
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- 15 mm
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- 1.9 mmH2O-1%
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- 1.91 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- 2000 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- 1500 RPM-25%
Airflow
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- 56.3 CFM-28%
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- 78.69 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- 25.6 dBABest
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- 25.8 dBA
PWM Control
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- Yes
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- Yes
RGB Lighting
- Corsair AF120 Slim
- No
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
- No
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair AF120 Slim if you want the higher max speed (2000 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the lower noise level (25.6 dBA vs 25.8 dBA).
Choose Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM if you want the higher static pressure (1.91 mmH2O vs 1.9 mmH2O) and the higher airflow (78.69 CFM vs 56.3 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair AF120 Slim | Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $24.99 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
Corsair AF120 Slim
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A clearance-solving slim 120mm fan that keeps most of the airflow a standard-depth fan would give you.
Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Solid mid-range 140mm option that trades Noctua's premium finish for a friendlier price.