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Noctua NF-S12A PWM vs NZXT F120Q Quiet: Comparison

Noctua NF-S12A PWM and NZXT F120Q Quiet differ on bearing type: Noctua NF-S12A PWM at SSO, NZXT F120Q Quiet at Fluid Dynamic.

Specs

Specification
Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
Noctua NF-S12A PWM
NZXT F120Q Quiet (120mm/42.5 CFM/1.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/21 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
NZXT F120Q Quiet
Fan Size120120 mm
BrandNoctuaNZXT
ModelNF-S12A PWMF120Q
Bearing TypeSSOFluid Dynamic
LightingNo RGBNo RGB
Static Pressure1.06-26%1.43 mmH2O
Max Speed1200-29%1700 RPM
Noise Level17.825.1 dBA+7.3 dBA
Airflow44.9-40%74.26 CFM
PWM ControltrueYes
PositioningPremium quietQuiet mainstream
ColorsBrown/BeigeBlack or White

Price comparison

RetailerNoctua NF-S12A PWMNZXT F120Q Quiet
AmazonView on AmazonView on Amazon
NeweggView on 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-S12A PWM

8 / 10 Expert Rating

An excellent quiet airflow fan for open cases, but expensive per-fan for how little static pressure it offers.

NZXT F120Q Quiet

7 / 10 Expert Rating

A solid quiet fan for NZXT case owners who don't need RGB or maximum static pressure.

More comparisons in Case Fans