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Noctua NF-A9 PWM vs SilverStone AP121: Comparison

Noctua NF-A9 PWM and SilverStone AP121 separate most on max speed: Noctua NF-A9 PWM at 2000 RPM, SilverStone AP121 at 1500 RPM, 25% in favour of Noctua NF-A9 PWM. Static Pressure splits them by another 25%, again favouring Noctua NF-A9 PWM. They match on bearing type and fan thickness.

Specs

Specification
Noctua NF-A9 PWM (92mm/46.4 CFM/2.28 mmH2O Static Pressure/2000 RPM Max/22.8 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Noctua NF-A9 PWM
SilverStone AP121 (120mm/49.4 CFM/1.86 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/24.4 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
SilverStone AP121
Fan Size92 mm120 mm
BrandNoctuaSilverStone
ModelNF-A9 PWMAP121
Bearing TypeFluid DynamicFluid Dynamic
LightingNoneNo RGB
Fan Thickness25 mm25 mm
Static Pressure2.28 mmH2O1.71 mmH2O-25%
Max Speed2000 RPM1500 RPM-25%
Noise Level22.8 dBA+0.4 dBA22.4 dBA
Airflow46.44 CFM35.36 CFM-24%
PWM ControlYesNo
Connector Type4-Pin PWM3-Pin DC
PositioningPremiumBalanced mainstream
Source URLhttps://cdn.noctua.at/media/noctua_nf_a9_pwm_infosheet_en_web.pdfhttps://www.silverstonetek.com/en/product/info/coolers/AP121/

Price comparison

RetailerNoctua NF-A9 PWMSilverStone AP121
AmazonView on Amazon
NeweggView on Newegg

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

Noctua NF-A9 PWM

8 / 10 Expert Rating

The go-to premium option whenever a build genuinely needs a 92mm fan instead of 120mm.

SilverStone AP121

6 / 10 Expert Rating

A competent, unremarkable fan best chosen for brand consistency in a SilverStone build rather than outright performance.

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