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Noctua NF-F12 PWM vs Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB: Comparison
Noctua NF-F12 PWM vs Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB: the airflow difference
Airflow is where these two genuinely part company, Noctua NF-F12 PWM 54.97 CFM against Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB 74.0 CFM, a 26% lead for Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. Add static pressure to that, 2.61 mmH2O on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM versus 1.9 mmH2O on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB, and the pattern holds. Noise level is closer, 22.4 dBA on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM versus 29.7 dBA on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. They differ on fan size too, 120 mm on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM versus 140 mm on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. There is a split on lighting as well, None on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM versus D-RGB on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB. They differ on positioning too, Premium on the Noctua NF-F12 PWM versus Mainstream on the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB.
Noctua NF-F12 PWM vs Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB: which one fits your build
Buy the Noctua NF-F12 PWM for CPU tower cooler fans and thin 120mm AIO radiators, though it is not the pick for budget multi-fan case builds and RGB-focused builds. The Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB suits 140mm case intake/exhaust and Phanteks case builds, though it is not built for radiator duty and silent builds. Our rating of the Noctua NF-F12 PWM (9/10): 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. Our rating of the Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB (7/10): A well-rounded 140mm intake fan for Phanteks cases that want lighting without sacrificing airflow.
What Noctua NF-F12 PWM and Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: bearing type, max speed and pwm control are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 120 mm
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 140 mm
Brand
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Noctua
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- Phanteks
Model
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- NF-F12 PWM
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- SK123-140 D-RGB
Bearing Type
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- None
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- D-RGB
Static Pressure
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 2.61 mmH2OBest
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 1.9 mmH2O-27%
Max Speed
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 1500 RPM
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 1500 RPM
Airflow
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 54.97 CFM-26%
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 74.0 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- 22.4 dBABest
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- 29.7 dBA
PWM Control
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Yes
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- Yes
Positioning
- Noctua NF-F12 PWM
- Premium
- Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
- Mainstream
Which one should you pick?
Choose Noctua NF-F12 PWM if you want the higher static pressure (2.61 mmH2O vs 1.9 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1500 RPM vs 1500 RPM) and the lower noise level (22.4 dBA vs 29.7 dBA).
Choose Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB if you want the higher airflow (74.0 CFM vs 54.97 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Noctua NF-F12 PWM | Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Noctua | View on Noctua | |
| Phanteks | View on Phanteks |
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.
Phanteks SK123-140 D-RGB
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-rounded 140mm intake fan for Phanteks cases that want lighting without sacrificing airflow.