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Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM?
Start with static pressure, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O against Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM 2.34 mmH2O, 38% in favour of Corsair QX120 RGB. Max speed runs the same way, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 2000 RPM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 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 PWM, and the pattern holds.
Who each one is for
The Corsair QX120 RGB is the one to take for builds already using iCUE LINK hubs or coolers and high static-pressure radiator duty, though it is the wrong buy for builders without other iCUE LINK hardware and budget multi-fan purchases. Buy the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM for premium builds where noise and longevity matter most. The same goes 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 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 PWM (9/10): the reference benchmark for 120mm fans, best-tested all-around performance and quietest in its class, with class-leading bearing longevity.
What Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM have in common
Everything else lines up. Fan size, fan thickness, pack quantity, pwm control and zero rpm capable read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM differ on airflow?
Yes. Airflow reads 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 60.09 CFM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- NF-A12x25 PWM
Bearing Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 1
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 2.34 mmH2O-38%
Max Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 2000 RPM-17%
Airflow
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 60.09 CFM-5%
Noise Level
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 37 dBA
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 22.6 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- Yes
Min Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 400 RPM
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 460 RPMBest
Zero RPM Capable
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- SSO2
Connector Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- None
RGB Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- ARGB Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- None
Colorway
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Black
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- Brown And Beige
Warranty
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 2.34 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 2000 RPM) and the higher airflow (63.1 CFM vs 60.09 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.6 dBA vs 37 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair QX120 RGB | Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 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 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 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.