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Corsair iCUE Link RX120 vs Noctua NF-F12 PWM: Comparison
Corsair iCUE Link RX120 vs Noctua NF-F12 PWM static pressure compared
On static pressure the spread is 40%, Corsair iCUE Link RX120 4.38 mmH2O against Noctua NF-F12 PWM 2.61 mmH2O, so Corsair iCUE Link RX120 takes it. Add airflow to that, 74.2 CFM on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 54.97 CFM on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM, and the pattern holds. Add max speed to that, 2100 RPM on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 1500 RPM on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM, and the pattern holds. Warranty runs the same way, 5 years on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM, another win for Noctua NF-F12 PWM.
Which should you buy, Corsair iCUE Link RX120 or Noctua NF-F12 PWM?
Buy the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 for iCUE Link fan and cooler builds and cable-management-focused builds, though it is the wrong buy for Non-iCUE-Link systems and RGB-focused builds. The Noctua NF-F12 PWM is the one to take for CPU tower cooler fans and thin 120mm AIO radiators, though it is not built for budget multi-fan case builds and RGB-focused builds. 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-F12 PWM (9/10): the benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 and Noctua NF-F12 PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 36 dBA on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 22.4 dBA on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 and Noctua NF-F12 PWM?
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 iCUE Link RX120
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- iCUE Link RX120
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- NF-F12 PWM
Lighting
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- No RGB
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 1
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 4.38 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 2.61 mmH2O-40%
Max Speed
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 2100 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 1500 RPM-29%
Airflow
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 74.2 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 54.97 CFM-26%
Noise Level
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 36 dBA
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 22.4 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Yes
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Yes
Connector Type
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- No
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- None
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- None
Colorway
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Black
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Brown And Beige
Warranty
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Mainstream
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair iCUE Link RX120 if you want the higher static pressure (4.38 mmH2O vs 2.61 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2100 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (74.2 CFM vs 54.97 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-F12 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.4 dBA vs 36 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair iCUE Link RX120 | Noctua NF-F12 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Store | View on Corsair Store | |
| Noctua | View on Noctua |
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-F12 PWM
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.