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Noctua NF-F12 PWM vs NZXT F120Q Quiet: Comparison
Noctua NF-F12 PWM and NZXT F120Q Quiet separate most on warranty: Noctua NF-F12 PWM at 6 years, NZXT F120Q Quiet at 2 years, 67% in favour of Noctua NF-F12 PWM. Static Pressure splits them by another 45%, again favouring Noctua NF-F12 PWM. They match on 5 other specifications, including fan size, bearing type and fan thickness.
Specs
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| Brand | Noctua | NZXT |
| Model | NF-F12 PWM | F120Q |
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic | Fluid Dynamic |
| Lighting | None | No RGB |
| Fan Thickness | 25 mm | 25 mm |
| Static Pressure | 2.61 mmH2O | 1.43 mmH2O-45% |
| Max Speed | 1500 RPM-12% | 1700 RPM |
| Noise Level | 22.4 dBA | 25.1 dBA+2.7 dBA |
| Airflow | 54.97 CFM-26% | 74.26 CFM |
| PWM Control | Yes | Yes |
| Rated Life | 150000 hours | 60000 hours |
| Max Power Draw | 0.6 W | 3.36 W |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM | 4-Pin PWM |
| Cable Length | 200 mm | 600 mm |
| Warranty | 6 years | 2 years-67% |
| Positioning | Premium | Quiet mainstream |
| Source URL | https://www.noctua.at/en/products/nf-f12-pwm/specifications | https://nzxt.com/products/f120q |
Price comparison
| Retailer | Noctua NF-F12 PWM | NZXT F120Q Quiet |
|---|---|---|
| Noctua | View on Noctua | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View 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-F12 PWM
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The benchmark focused-flow 120mm fan for CPU coolers, still worth the premium for the one or two fans that actually sit on a heatsink.
NZXT F120Q Quiet
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid quiet fan for NZXT case owners who don't need RGB or maximum static pressure.