Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 vs Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12: Comparison
EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 vs Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12: the airflow difference
On airflow the spread is 24%, EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 77 CFM against Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 58.35 CFM, so EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 takes it. Static pressure runs the same way, 2.7 mmH2O on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 versus 2.41 mmH2O on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12, another win for EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120. EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 also leads on max speed, 2300 RPM on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 versus 2000 RPM on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12. Rated life is not the same on both, 60000 hours on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 versus 40000 hours on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12.
Which should you buy, EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 or Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12?
The EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 is the one to take for custom water-cooling loop radiators and thick, high-FPI radiator duty, though it is not the pick for general case intake or exhaust duty and quiet-first builds. The Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 suits 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 EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 (8/10): A strong purpose-built fan for custom loop radiators, less relevant outside that use case. 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, connector type, pwm control and colors read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 and Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 36 dBA on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 versus 22.3 dBA on the Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 120 mm
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 120 mm
Brand
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- EK
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Thermaltake
Model
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- TOUGHFAN 12
Bearing Type
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Fluid Dynamic
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Hydraulic
Lighting
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- D-RGB
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 27 mm
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 2.7 mmH2OBest
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 2.41 mmH2O-11%
Max Speed
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 2300 RPMBest
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 2000 RPM-13%
Airflow
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 77 CFMBest
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 58.35 CFM-24%
Noise Level
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 36 dBA
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 22.3 dBABest
PWM Control
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Yes
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Yes
Min Speed
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 550 RPMBest
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 500 RPM
Rated Life
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 60000 hours
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 40000 hours
Max Power Draw
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 3 W
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 1.44 WBest
Connector Type
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 4-Pin PWM
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 4-Pin PWM
Weight
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 227 g
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- 212.5 gBest
Colors
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Black
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12
- Black
Which one should you pick?
Choose EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 if you want the higher static pressure (2.7 mmH2O vs 2.41 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2300 RPM vs 2000 RPM) and the higher airflow (77 CFM vs 58.35 CFM).
Choose Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 if you want the lower noise level (22.3 dBA vs 36 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 | Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| 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
EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong purpose-built fan for custom loop radiators, less relevant outside that use case.
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.




