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Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-A9 PWM: Comparison
Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-A9 PWM: the static pressure difference
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O against Noctua NF-A9 PWM 2.28 mmH2O, which puts Corsair QX120 RGB 40% ahead. Corsair QX120 RGB also leads on airflow, 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 46.44 CFM on the Noctua NF-A9 PWM. Max speed runs the same way, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 2000 RPM on the Noctua NF-A9 PWM, another win for Corsair QX120 RGB. Noctua NF-A9 PWM also leads on warranty, 5 years on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-A9 PWM.
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 the wrong buy for builders without other iCUE LINK hardware and budget multi-fan purchases. The Noctua NF-A9 PWM is the one to take for SFF cases with 92mm-only mounts and coolers with 92mm fan slots, though it is not built for standard mid-tower intake/exhaust (use a 120mm or 140mm instead) and buyers chasing maximum total airflow. 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-A9 PWM (8/10): the go-to premium option whenever a build genuinely needs a 92mm fan instead of 120mm.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A9 PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 37 dBA on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 22.8 dBA on the Noctua NF-A9 PWM.
Is the Fan Thickness the same on the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-A9 PWM?
It is. Both are listed at 25 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-A9 PWM
- 92 mm
Brand
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- NF-A9 PWM
Bearing Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 1
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 2.28 mmH2O-40%
Max Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 2000 RPM-17%
Airflow
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 46.44 CFM-26%
Noise Level
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 37 dBA
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 22.8 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Yes
Min Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 400 RPM
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 400 RPM
Zero RPM Capable
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- SSO2
Connector Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- None
RGB Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- ARGB Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- None
Colorway
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Black
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Brown And Beige
Warranty
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Premium
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 2.28 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 2000 RPM) and the higher airflow (63.1 CFM vs 46.44 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-A9 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.8 dBA vs 37 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair QX120 RGB | Noctua NF-A9 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-A9 PWM
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The go-to premium option whenever a build genuinely needs a 92mm fan instead of 120mm.