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Corsair iCUE Link RX120 vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM: Comparison
Corsair iCUE Link RX120 vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM: the static pressure difference
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Corsair iCUE Link RX120 4.38 mmH2O against Noctua NF-S12A PWM 1.19 mmH2O, which puts Corsair iCUE Link RX120 73% ahead. Add airflow to that, 74.2 CFM on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 63.27 CFM on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM, and the pattern holds. Max speed runs the same way, 2100 RPM on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 1200 RPM on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM, another win for Corsair iCUE Link RX120. Noctua NF-S12A PWM also leads on warranty, 5 years on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM.
Which should you buy, Corsair iCUE Link RX120 or Noctua NF-S12A PWM?
The Corsair iCUE Link RX120 is the one to take 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-S12A PWM suits mesh-front cases with unobstructed airflow paths and builds where near-silent operation matters more than raw CFM, though it is not built for radiator or filtered-intake use where pressure matters more and budget multi-fan builds needing 6+ fans. 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-S12A PWM (8/10): an excellent quiet airflow fan for open cases, but expensive per-fan for how little static pressure it offers.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 and Noctua NF-S12A PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 36 dBA on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 17.8 dBA on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 and Noctua NF-S12A 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-S12A PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- iCUE Link RX120
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- NF-S12A PWM
Lighting
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- No RGB
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 1
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 4.38 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 1.19 mmH2O-73%
Max Speed
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 2100 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 1200 RPM-43%
Airflow
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 74.2 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 63.27 CFM-15%
Noise Level
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 36 dBA
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 17.8 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Yes
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Yes
Connector Type
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- No
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- None
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- None
Colorway
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Black
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Brown And Beige
Warranty
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Mainstream
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair iCUE Link RX120 if you want the higher static pressure (4.38 mmH2O vs 1.19 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2100 RPM vs 1200 RPM) and the higher airflow (74.2 CFM vs 63.27 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-S12A PWM if you want the lower noise level (17.8 dBA vs 36 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair iCUE Link RX120 | Noctua NF-S12A 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-S12A PWM
8 / 10 Expert Rating
An excellent quiet airflow fan for open cases, but expensive per-fan for how little static pressure it offers.