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DeepCool CF120 vs Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12: Comparison
DeepCool CF120 vs Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12: the static pressure difference
On static pressure the spread is 32%, DeepCool CF120 1.63 mmH2O against Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 2.41 mmH2O, so Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 takes it. Max speed runs the same way, 1500 RPM on the DeepCool CF120 versus 2000 RPM on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12, another win for Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12. They differ on lighting too, ARGB on the DeepCool CF120 versus No RGB on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12. Positioning is not the same on both, Budget on the DeepCool CF120 versus Performance on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12.
Which should you buy, DeepCool CF120 or Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12?
Buy the DeepCool CF120 for budget ARGB case builds and quiet general case airflow, though it is not the pick for high-restriction radiator duty and maximum-airflow positive pressure builds. 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 the wrong buy for quiet, low-RPM builds and open case front intakes. Our rating of the DeepCool CF120 (6/10): A capable, quiet entry-level ARGB fan, upgrade to the CF120 PLUS if you want more visual presence. 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.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Fan size, bearing type, connector type, fan thickness and pwm control read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 2 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the DeepCool CF120 and Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 27 dBA on the DeepCool CF120 versus 22.3 dBA on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12.
Is the Min Speed the same on the DeepCool CF120 and Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12?
It is. Both are listed at 500 RPM, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- DeepCool CF120
- 120 mm
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 120 mm
Brand
- DeepCool CF120
- DeepCool
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Thermaltake
Model
- DeepCool CF120
- CF120
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- TOUGHFAN 12
Bearing Type
- DeepCool CF120
- Hydraulic
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Hydraulic
Lighting
- DeepCool CF120
- ARGB
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- DeepCool CF120
- 25 mm
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- DeepCool CF120
- 1.63 mmH2O-32%
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 2.41 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- DeepCool CF120
- 1500 RPM-25%
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 2000 RPMBest
Airflow
- DeepCool CF120
- 56.5 CFM-3%
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 58.35 CFMBest
Noise Level
- DeepCool CF120
- 27 dBA
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 22.3 dBABest
PWM Control
- DeepCool CF120
- Yes
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Yes
Min Speed
- DeepCool CF120
- 500 RPM
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 500 RPM
Max Power Draw
- DeepCool CF120
- 1.32 WBest
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 1.44 W
Connector Type
- DeepCool CF120
- 4-Pin PWM
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 4-Pin PWM
Weight
- DeepCool CF120
- 159 gBest
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 212.5 g
Positioning
- DeepCool CF120
- Budget
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Performance
Colors
- DeepCool CF120
- Black
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Black
Which one should you pick?
Choose DeepCool CF120 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 if you want the higher static pressure (2.41 mmH2O vs 1.63 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2000 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the higher airflow (58.35 CFM vs 56.5 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | DeepCool CF120 | Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 |
|---|---|---|
| DeepCool | View on DeepCool | |
| Thermaltake | View 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
DeepCool CF120
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A capable, quiet entry-level ARGB fan, upgrade to the CF120 PLUS if you want more visual presence.
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.




