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Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM?
Start with static pressure, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O against Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM 3.14 mmH2O, 17% in favour of Corsair QX120 RGB. Max speed runs the same way, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 1800 RPM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, another win for Corsair QX120 RGB. Add warranty to that, 5 years on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, and the pattern holds.
Who each one is for
Buy the Corsair QX120 RGB for builds already using iCUE LINK hubs or coolers and high static-pressure radiator duty, though it is not the pick for builders without other iCUE LINK hardware and budget multi-fan purchases. Take the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM for buyers wanting one fan that goes anywhere and cares about quiet, the current best overall for this combination. It also earns its place with radiator mounts and restrictive front panels needing a genuine static-pressure improvement. It is the wrong buy for tight budgets filling an entire case, the Arctic P12 PST 5-pack delivers roughly 85% of the performance for a fraction of the cost. Our rating of the Corsair QX120 RGB (8/10): excellent performance and the cleanest cabling in the catalog, but only worth it inside Corsair's LINK ecosystem. Our rating of the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM (10/10): the current best overall case fan, class-leading static pressure at a class-leading noise ceiling, a genuine generational upgrade over the original.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM differ on airflow?
Yes. Airflow reads 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 63.15 CFM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 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 QX120 RGB
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 3.14 mmH2O-17%
Max Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 1800 RPM-25%
Airflow
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFM0%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 63.15 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 37 dBA
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 22.5 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- Yes
Zero RPM Capable
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- SSO2
Connector Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- No
Warranty
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 3.14 mmH2O) and the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 1800 RPM).
Choose Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM if you want the higher airflow (63.15 CFM vs 63.1 CFM), the lower noise level (22.5 dBA vs 37 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair QX120 RGB | Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on 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 QX120 RGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent performance and the cleanest cabling in the catalog, but only worth it inside Corsair's LINK ecosystem.
Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
10 / 10 Expert Rating
The current best overall case fan, class-leading static pressure at a class-leading noise ceiling, a genuine generational upgrade over the original.