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Corsair QX120 RGB vs Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12: Comparison

Corsair QX120 RGB vs Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 static pressure compared

On static pressure the spread is 37%, Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O against Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 2.41 mmH2O, so Corsair QX120 RGB takes it. There is a split on connector type as well, Proprietary on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 4-Pin PWM on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12. Add max speed to that, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 2000 RPM on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12, and the pattern holds. Lighting is not the same on both, RGB on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus No RGB on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12. There is a split on bearing marketing name as well, Magnetic Dome on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus Hydraulic Bearing Gen. 2 on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12.

Which should you buy, Corsair QX120 RGB or Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12?

Buy the Corsair QX120 RGB 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 Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 is the one to take for thick AIO and custom-loop radiators and high-restriction, high-RPM setups, though it is not the pick for quiet, low-RPM builds and open case front intakes. 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 Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 (8/10): one of the better plain-black high-pressure radiator fans, built tough for AIO and custom-loop use.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Corsair QX120 RGB and Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 differ on airflow?

Yes. Airflow reads 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 58.35 CFM on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12.

Is the Fan Size the same on the Corsair QX120 RGB and Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12?

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
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    120 mm
  • Brand

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    Corsair
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    Thermaltake
  • Model

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    QX120 RGB
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    TOUGHFAN 12
  • Bearing Type

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    Magnetic Dome
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    Hydraulic
  • Lighting

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    RGB
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    No RGB
  • Fan Thickness

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    25 mm
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    25 mm
  • Static Pressure

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    3.8 mmH2OBest
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    2.41 mmH2O-37%
  • Max Speed

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    2400 RPMBest
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    2000 RPM-17%
  • Airflow

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    63.1 CFMBest
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    58.35 CFM-8%
  • Noise Level

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    37 dBA
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    22.3 dBABest
  • PWM Control

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    Yes
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    Yes
  • Min Speed

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    400 RPM
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    500 RPMBest
  • Bearing Marketing Name

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    Magnetic Dome
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    Hydraulic Bearing Gen. 2
  • Connector Type

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    Proprietary
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    4-Pin PWM
  • Positioning

    Corsair QX120 RGB
    Premium
    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    Performance

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 2.41 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 2000 RPM) and the higher airflow (63.1 CFM vs 58.35 CFM).

    Choose Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 if you want the lower noise level (22.3 dBA vs 37 dBA).

    Price comparison

    RetailerCorsair QX120 RGBThermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    AmazonView on Amazon
    NeweggView on Newegg
    ThermaltakeView on Thermaltake

    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.

    Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    One of the better plain-black high-pressure radiator fans, built tough for AIO and custom-loop use.

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