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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

    RetailerDeepCool CF120Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
    DeepCoolView on DeepCool
    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

    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.

    More comparisons in Case Fans