Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-F12 PWM: Comparison
Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-F12 PWM: the static pressure difference
Start with static pressure, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O against Noctua NF-F12 PWM 2.61 mmH2O, 31% in favour of Corsair QX120 RGB. Airflow runs the same way, 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 54.97 CFM on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM, another win for Corsair QX120 RGB. Add max speed to that, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 1500 RPM on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM, and the pattern holds. Warranty runs the same way, 5 years on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM, another win for Noctua NF-F12 PWM.
Corsair QX120 RGB vs Noctua NF-F12 PWM: which one fits your build
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. Buy the Noctua NF-F12 PWM for CPU tower cooler fans and thin 120mm AIO radiators, though it is the wrong buy for budget multi-fan case builds and RGB-focused builds. 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-F12 PWM (9/10): the benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-F12 PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 37 dBA on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 22.4 dBA on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Corsair QX120 RGB and Noctua NF-F12 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-F12 PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- NF-F12 PWM
Bearing Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 1
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 2.61 mmH2O-31%
Max Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 1500 RPM-37%
Airflow
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 54.97 CFM-13%
Noise Level
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 37 dBA
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 22.4 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Yes
Zero RPM Capable
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- SSO2
Connector Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- None
RGB Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- ARGB Proprietary
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- None
Colorway
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Black
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Brown And Beige
Warranty
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 5 years-17%
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Premium
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 2.61 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (63.1 CFM vs 54.97 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-F12 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.4 dBA vs 37 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 5 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair QX120 RGB | Noctua NF-F12 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Noctua | View on Noctua |
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-F12 PWM
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.