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Corsair iCUE Link RX120 vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM: Comparison
Corsair iCUE Link RX120 vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM static pressure compared
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Corsair iCUE Link RX120 4.38 mmH2O against Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM 2.34 mmH2O, which puts Corsair iCUE Link RX120 47% ahead. Corsair iCUE Link RX120 also leads on airflow, 74.2 CFM on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 60.09 CFM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM. Add warranty to that, 5 years on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM, and the pattern holds.
Who each one is for
Buy the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 for iCUE Link fan and cooler builds and cable-management-focused builds, though it is not built for Non-iCUE-Link systems and RGB-focused builds. The Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM is the one to take for premium builds where noise and longevity matter most. It is equally the pick for buyers wanting the single best-tested all-around 120mm fan for any position. Avoid it for tight budgets filling an entire case, the Arctic P12 PST 5-pack is better value. Our rating of the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 (8/10): A clean, quiet workhorse fan that only really makes sense once you're bought into iCUE Link's single-cable wiring. Our rating of the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM (9/10): the reference benchmark for 120mm fans, best-tested all-around performance and quietest in its class, with class-leading bearing longevity.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, fan size, fan thickness, pack quantity, pwm control and rgb lighting included, so the decision does not turn on any of those. They match on 1 further specification as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 36 dBA on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 22.6 dBA on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM.
Is the Lighting Type the same on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM?
It is. Both are listed at None, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- iCUE Link RX120
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- NF-A12x25 PWM
Lighting
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- No RGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 1
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 4.38 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 2.34 mmH2O-47%
Max Speed
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 2100 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 2000 RPM-5%
Airflow
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 74.2 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 60.09 CFM-19%
Noise Level
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 36 dBA
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 22.6 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- Yes
Min Speed
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 400 RPM
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 460 RPMBest
Connector Type
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- No
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- None
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- None
Colorway
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Black
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- Brown And Beige
Warranty
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair iCUE Link RX120 if you want the higher static pressure (4.38 mmH2O vs 2.34 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2100 RPM vs 2000 RPM) and the higher airflow (74.2 CFM vs 60.09 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.6 dBA vs 36 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair iCUE Link RX120 | Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Store | View on Corsair Store | |
| 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 iCUE Link RX120
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, quiet workhorse fan that only really makes sense once you're bought into iCUE Link's single-cable wiring.
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The reference benchmark for 120mm fans, best-tested all-around performance and quietest in its class, with class-leading bearing longevity.