Consumercarts

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 vs Thermalright TL-C12C: Comparison

Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 vs Thermalright TL-C12C: the static pressure difference

The gap that matters here is static pressure: Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 1.29 mmH2O against Thermalright TL-C12C 1.53 mmH2O, which puts Thermalright TL-C12C 16% ahead. They differ on fan size too, 140 mm on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 versus 120 mm on the Thermalright TL-C12C. There is a split on connector type as well, 3-Pin DC on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 versus 4-Pin PWM on the Thermalright TL-C12C. Thermalright TL-C12C also leads on max speed, 1200 RPM on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 versus 1550 RPM on the Thermalright TL-C12C. They differ on pwm control too, No on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 versus Yes on the Thermalright TL-C12C. There is a split on bearing marketing name as well, SSO on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 versus S-FDB on the Thermalright TL-C12C.

Which should you buy, Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 or Thermalright TL-C12C?

Buy the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 for budget 140mm case intake/exhaust and quiet HTPC builds, though it is the wrong buy for radiator or heatsink duty and max-airflow positive-pressure builds. The Thermalright TL-C12C is the one to take for single or small-quantity ARGB fan purchases and budget filtered-intake positions, though it is not built for bulk multi-fan purchases where the -S pack is cheaper and premium/quiet-first builds. Our rating of the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 (7/10): A sensible budget 140mm pick when you want Noctua's fit and finish without paying for the flagship A-series. Our rating of the Thermalright TL-C12C (7/10): excellent value ARGB fan; buy this version over the -S when you want the full controller bundle.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 and Thermalright TL-C12C differ on noise level?

Yes. Noise Level reads 19.6 dBA on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 versus 25.6 dBA on the Thermalright TL-C12C.

Is the Bearing Type the same on the Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 and Thermalright TL-C12C?

It is. Both are listed at Fluid Dynamic, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 (140mm/48.6 CFM/1.19 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.2 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Noctua
Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
Thermalright TL-C12C (120mm/61.7 CFM/2.09 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/25 dBA/S-FDB Bearing/ARGB/PWM)
Thermalright
Thermalright TL-C12C

Specs and benchmarks

  • Fan Size

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    140 mm
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    120 mm

  • Brand

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    Noctua
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    Thermalright

  • Model

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    NF-P14s redux-1200
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    TL-C12C

  • Bearing Type

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    Fluid Dynamic
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    Fluid Dynamic

  • Fan Thickness

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    25 mm
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    25 mm

  • Static Pressure

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    1.29 mmH2O-16%
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    1.53 mmH2OBest

  • Max Speed

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    1200 RPM-23%
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    1550 RPMBest

  • Airflow

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    64.92 CFM-2%
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    66.17 CFMBest

  • Noise Level

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    19.6 dBABest
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    25.6 dBA

  • PWM Control

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    No
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    Yes

  • Bearing Marketing Name

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    SSO
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    S-FDB

  • Connector Type

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    3-Pin DC
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    4-Pin PWM

  • Weight

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    195 g
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    120 gBest

  • Positioning

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200
    Budget
    Thermalright TL-C12C
    Value ARGB

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 if you want the lower noise level (19.6 dBA vs 25.6 dBA).

    Choose Thermalright TL-C12C if you want the higher static pressure (1.53 mmH2O vs 1.29 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1550 RPM vs 1200 RPM) and the higher airflow (66.17 CFM vs 64.92 CFM).

    Price comparison

    RetailerNoctua NF-P14s redux-1200Thermalright TL-C12C
    NoctuaView on Noctua
    AmazonView 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

    Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    A sensible budget 140mm pick when you want Noctua's fit and finish without paying for the flagship A-series.

    Thermalright TL-C12C

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    Excellent value ARGB fan; buy this version over the -S when you want the full controller bundle.

    More comparisons in Case Fans