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Noctua NF-S12A PWM vs Thermalright TL-B12: Comparison
Noctua NF-S12A PWM and Thermalright TL-B12 separate most on static pressure: Noctua NF-S12A PWM at 1.19 mmH2O, Thermalright TL-B12 at 2.87 mmH2O, 59% in favour of Thermalright TL-B12. Max Speed splits them by another 44%, again favouring Thermalright TL-B12. They match on 4 other specifications, including fan size, bearing type and pwm control.
Specs
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| Brand | Noctua | Thermalright |
| Model | NF-S12A PWM | TL-B12 |
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic | Fluid Dynamic |
| Lighting | None | No RGB |
| Fan Thickness | 25 mm | 25.6 mm |
| Static Pressure | 1.19 mmH2O-59% | 2.87 mmH2O |
| Max Speed | 1200 RPM-44% | 2150 RPM |
| Noise Level | 17.8 dBA | 28.1 dBA+10.3 dBA |
| Airflow | 63.27 CFM-8% | 69 CFM |
| PWM Control | Yes | Yes |
| Bearing Marketing Name | SSO2 | S-FDB |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM | 4-Pin PWM |
| Weight | 140 g | 205 g |
| Positioning | Premium | Value non-RGB |
| Source URL | https://www.noctua.at/en/products/nf-s12a-pwm/specifications | https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-b12/ |
Price comparison
| Retailer | Noctua NF-S12A PWM | Thermalright TL-B12 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on 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-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.
Thermalright TL-B12
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent value for a non-RGB static-pressure fan, undercutting pricier options with little real performance loss.