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Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap?
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O against Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap 2.34 mmH2O, which puts Corsair QX120 RGB 38% ahead. Add max speed to that, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 2000 RPM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap, and the pattern holds. Warranty runs the same way, 5 years on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap, another win for Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap.
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 not built for builders without other iCUE LINK hardware and budget multi-fan purchases. The Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap suits all-black or monochrome case builds and radiator or filtered-intake duty needing high static pressure, though it is not the pick for shoppers who want the newer G2 bearing improvements and budget multi-fan purchases. 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 chromax.black.swap (9/10): same excellent A12x25 performance in a colorway that fits black-themed builds without a sticker or paint job.
Where the two are identical
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. They match on 2 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap differ on airflow?
Yes. Airflow reads 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 60.09 CFM on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap.
Is the Positioning the same on the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap?
It is. Both are listed at Premium, 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 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
Bearing Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 1
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 2.34 mmH2O-38%
Max Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 2000 RPM-17%
Airflow
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 60.09 CFM-5%
Noise Level
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 37 dBA
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 22.6 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Yes
Zero RPM Capable
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- SSO2
Connector Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- None
RGB Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- No
Lighting Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- ARGB Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- None
Colorway
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Black
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Black
Warranty
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Premium
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Premium
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 chromax.black.swap 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 chromax.black.swap |
|---|---|---|
| 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 chromax.black.swap
9 / 10 Expert Rating
Same excellent A12x25 performance in a colorway that fits black-themed builds without a sticker or paint job.