Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-A14 PWM: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A14 PWM?
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O against Noctua NF-A14 PWM 2.08 mmH2O, which puts Corsair QX120 RGB 45% ahead. Add airflow to that, 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 82.52 CFM on the Noctua NF-A14 PWM, and the pattern holds. Corsair QX120 RGB also leads on max speed, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 1500 RPM on the Noctua NF-A14 PWM. Add warranty to that, 5 years on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-A14 PWM, and the pattern holds.
Who each one is for
The Corsair QX120 RGB suits 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. Buy the Noctua NF-A14 PWM for silent-focused builds and case intake/exhaust in mid or full towers, though it is the wrong buy for RGB-themed builds and budget multi-fan upgrades. 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-A14 PWM (9/10): the default recommendation for a 140mm airflow fan when looks don't matter and quiet running does.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Fan thickness, pack quantity, pwm control and positioning read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A14 PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 37 dBA on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 24.6 dBA on the Noctua NF-A14 PWM.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 140 mm
Brand
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- NF-A14 PWM
Bearing Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 1
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 2.08 mmH2O-45%
Max Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 1500 RPM-37%
Airflow
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFM-24%
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 82.52 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 37 dBA
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 24.6 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- Yes
Min Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 400 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 300 RPM
Zero RPM Capable
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- No
Bearing Marketing Name
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- SSO2
Connector Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- None
RGB Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- ARGB Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- None
Colorway
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Black
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- Brown And Beige
Warranty
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Premium
- Noctua NF-A14 PWM
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 2.08 mmH2O) and the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 1500 RPM).
Choose Noctua NF-A14 PWM if you want the higher airflow (82.52 CFM vs 63.1 CFM), the lower noise level (24.6 dBA vs 37 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair QX120 RGB | Noctua NF-A14 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-A14 PWM
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The default recommendation for a 140mm airflow fan when looks don't matter and quiet running does.