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Noctua NF-S12A PWM vs SilverStone FQ121: Comparison

Noctua NF-S12A PWM and SilverStone FQ121 differ on bearing type: Noctua NF-S12A PWM at SSO, SilverStone FQ121 at Fluid Dynamic.

Noctua NF-S12A PWM (120mm/44.9 CFM/1.06 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/17.8 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
NoctuaNoctua NF-S12A PWM
SilverStone FQ121 (120mm/49.0 CFM/2.36 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/25.0 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
SilverStoneSilverStone FQ121

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
SilverStone FQ121 (120mm/49.0 CFM/2.36 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/25.0 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
SilverStone FQ121
Fan Size120120 mm
BrandNoctuaSilverStone
ModelNF-S12A PWMFQ121
Bearing TypeSSOFluid Dynamic
LightingNo RGBNo RGB
Static Pressure1.06-42%1.82 mmH2O
Max Speed1200-33%1800 RPM
Noise Level17.824 dBA+6.2 dBA
Airflow44.9-33%67.5 CFM
PWM ControltrueYes
PositioningPremium quietMainstream
ColorsBrown/BeigeBlue blades, white frame

Price comparison

RetailerNoctua NF-S12A PWMSilverStone FQ121
AmazonView on Amazon
NeweggView on Newegg
SilverStoneView on SilverStone

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.

SilverStone FQ121

7 / 10 Expert Rating

A quiet, capable static-pressure fan that undercuts the premium brands without giving up much performance.

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