Arctic P12 PWM PST
Expert rating9 / 10
- Fan Size:
- 120 mm
- Bearing Type:
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing
- Lighting:
- None
- Airflow:
- 56.3 CFM
- Static Pressure:
- 2.2 mmH2O
- Noise Level:
- 22.5 dBA
- PWM Control:
- Yes
Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Manufacturer: Arctic Last updated: September 8, 2026
Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) Review
The Arctic P12 PWM PST is a pressure-optimised 120mm fan rated for 56.3 CFM of airflow and 2.2 mmH2O of static pressure at a 22.5 dBA noise ceiling, using a fluid dynamic bearing, with PWM PST daisy-chain control chaining up to 5 fans on a single header, no RGB, and a 6-year warranty, selling at roughly $7-8 per fan in a 5-pack.
Independently named the best value pick in the category — five daisy-chainable 120mm static-pressure fans at roughly $7 each, a price point no premium brand touches while delivering genuinely strong measured performance. The 'P' denotes pressure optimisation, and the 2.2 mmH2O plus 56.3 CFM is purpose-built for radiator mounts, independently confirmed as matching the CFM of pricier competitors like the Lian Li SL120 V2. The 22.5 dBA nearly matches the Noctua NF-A12x25 in noise, remarkable for the price.
Value and Performance
Independently named the best value pick in the category — five daisy-chainable 120mm static-pressure fans at roughly $7 each, a price point no premium brand touches while delivering genuinely strong measured performance. The 'P' denotes pressure optimisation, and the 2.2 mmH2O plus 56.3 CFM is purpose-built for radiator mounts, independently confirmed as matching the CFM of pricier competitors like the Lian Li SL120 V2.
Acoustics and Bearing
The 22.5 dBA nearly matches the Noctua NF-A12x25 in noise, remarkable for the price, and independently described as rivalling fans costing five times as much. The fluid dynamic bearing carries a 6-year warranty matching premium competitors despite the lower price.
PWM PST Daisy-Chain
The PST connector chains up to 5 fans on a single motherboard header without a separate controller hub, simplifying wiring for budget radiator fills.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM, that delivers meaningfully better absolute performance and a lower noise floor, but this Arctic independently delivers roughly 80% of that performance at under one-third of the price. Against the Arctic P12 Pro PST, that higher-tier model pushes considerably higher airflow and static pressure for more cooling headroom.
Specifications
Identity and packaging
| Brand | Arctic |
|---|---|
| Model | P12 PWM PST |
| Fan Thickness | 25 mm |
Design
| Fan Size | 120 mm |
|---|---|
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic |
| Lighting | None |
Performance
| Static Pressure | 2.2 mmH2O |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 1800 RPM |
| PWM Control | Yes |
Performance at maximum speed
| Airflow | 56.3 CFM |
|---|
Performance at quiet speed
| Min Speed | 200 RPM |
|---|---|
| Zero RPM Capable | Yes |
Power and control
| Start Voltage | 3.9 V |
|---|
Connection and daisy chain
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
|---|---|
| Daisy Chain Support | Yes |
| Ecosystem | Arctic PST |
Lighting
| RGB Lighting | No |
|---|---|
| Lighting Type | None |
Physical and finish
| Cable Length | 400 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 145 g |
Market
| Warranty | 6 years |
|---|
| Price (5-pack) | ~$35-39.99 (~$7-8 per fan) |
|---|---|
| Source URL | https://www.arctic.de/en/P12-PWM-PST/ACFAN00120A |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating9 / 10
The smartest cheapest meaningful upgrade available — roughly 80% of premium performance at under one-third of the price, with matching warranty.
Best for
- Buyers filling an entire case with fans on a budget — the smartest cheapest meaningful upgrade available.
- Budget 240/360mm AIO radiator mounts, where the PST daisy-chain simplifies wiring.
Not for
- Buyers specifically wanting absolute best performance regardless of price — the Noctua NF-A12x25 or G2 is better for that.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack)?
The Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) is a case fan from Arctic. Key specs: Fan Size 120, Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic Bearing, Lighting None, Airflow 56.3, Static Pressure 2.2.
Will the Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) work with my current setup?
The Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) lists Fan Size is 120. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) best suited to?
It suits buyers filling an entire case with fans on a budget — the smartest cheapest meaningful upgrade available., budget 240/360mm aio radiator mounts, where the pst daisy-chain simplifies wiring..
What are the drawbacks of the Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack)?
It is a poor fit for buyers specifically wanting absolute best performance regardless of price — the noctua nf-a12x25 or g2 is better for that..
Compare and read more
- Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) vs Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap (120mm/60.1 CFM/2.34 mmH2O Static Pressure/2000 RPM Max/22.6 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) vs be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 120mm PWM (120mm/66.4 CFM/2.66 mmH2O Static Pressure/2200 RPM Max/30.7 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) vs be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM (140mm/78.8 CFM/2.42 mmH2O Static Pressure/1900 RPM Max/29.4 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) vs Noctua NF-F12 PWM (120mm/53.7 CFM/2.61 mmH2O Static Pressure/1500 RPM Max/22.4 dBA/SSO2 Bearing/No RGB/PWM)
- Arctic P12 PWM PST (120mm/56.3 CFM/2.2 mmH2O Static Pressure/22.5 dBA Max/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM PST Daisy-Chain/6-Year Warranty/~$7-8 per Fan in 5-Pack) vs Corsair QX120 RGB (120mm/65.8 CFM/3.29 mmH2O Static Pressure/2500 RPM Max/34 dBA/Magnetic Dome Bearing/RGB/iCUE LINK)