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Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap: Comparison
Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap: the airflow difference
On airflow the spread is 7%, Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 64.5 CFM against Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap 60.09 CFM, so Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 takes it. Add static pressure to that, 2.62 mmH2O on the Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 versus 2.34 mmH2O on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap, and the pattern holds. Warranty runs the same way, 2 years on the Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap, another win for Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap.
Who each one is for
The Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 suits front intake behind dense dust filters and multi-fan ARGB builds wanting more airflow than the SL120, though it is the wrong buy for noise-sensitive builds (SL120 is quieter) and single-fan installs. Buy the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap for all-black or monochrome case builds and radiator or filtered-intake duty needing high static pressure, though it is not built for shoppers who want the newer G2 bearing improvements and budget multi-fan purchases. Our rating of the Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 (9/10): the higher-output half of Lian Li's daisy-chain ARGB duo, best behind restrictive front-panel filters. Our rating of the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap (9/10): same excellent A12x25 performance in a colorway that fits black-themed builds without a sticker or paint job.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Fan size, bearing type, fan thickness and pwm control read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 and Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 28.3 dBA on the Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 versus 22.6 dBA on the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 120 mm
Brand
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- Lian Li
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Noctua
Model
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- UNI FAN AL120
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
Bearing Type
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- Fluid Dynamic
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- ARGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- None
Fan Thickness
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 2.62 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 2.34 mmH2O-11%
Max Speed
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 1900 RPM-5%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 2000 RPMBest
Airflow
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 64.5 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 60.09 CFM-7%
Noise Level
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 28.3 dBA
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 22.6 dBABest
PWM Control
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Yes
Max Power Draw
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 5.94 W
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 1.68 WBest
Start Voltage
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 6 V
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 7 V
Connector Type
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- Proprietary
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- None
RGB Lighting
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- No
Lighting Type
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- ARGB 5V
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- None
Warranty
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- 2 years-67%
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
- Mainstream
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 if you want the higher static pressure (2.62 mmH2O vs 2.34 mmH2O) and the higher airflow (64.5 CFM vs 60.09 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap if you want the higher max speed (2000 RPM vs 1900 RPM), the lower noise level (22.6 dBA vs 28.3 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 2 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Lian Li UNI FAN AL120 | Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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
Lian Li UNI FAN AL120
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The higher-output half of Lian Li's daisy-chain ARGB duo, best behind restrictive front-panel filters.
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap
9 / 10 Expert Rating
Same excellent A12x25 performance in a colorway that fits black-themed builds without a sticker or paint job.