Buying Guide
The Best 140mm PC Fans
Five case fans compared, from the TL-C14 to the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 140mm fan moves more air at a lower speed than a 120mm fan, which keeps noise down. Every pick is a 140mm fan.
Our comparison rests on published figures for fans in box, max speed and rated airflow; where a maker leaves out rated airflow, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright TL-C14 140mm PWM Fan
The lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Thermalright TL-C14 140mm PWM Fan (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM 140mm
A square frame for radiators.
Best for: Buyers who want square frame for radiators.
Our take Check price for Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM 140mm (opens in a new tab)
Highest Rated Airflow
Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack
The highest rated airflow here (75.8 CFM).
Best for: Intake fans in a mesh-front case.
Our take Check price for Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Noctua NF-A14 PWM 140mm
A 140mm square frame suited to radiators.
Best for: Buyers who want 140mm square frame suited to radiators.
Our take Check price for Noctua NF-A14 PWM 140mm (opens in a new tab)
Highest Top Speed
be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM High-Speed
The highest top speed here (3000 RPM).
Best for: Buyers who put top speed first.
Our take Check price for be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM High-Speed (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Thermalright TL-C14 140mm PWM Fan on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the TL-C14 brings to the table is 74.3 CFM of rated airflow, plus an S-FDB bearing.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more.
Why we like it
It also comes as 1 fan and offers a 1500 RPM top speed. It matches the NF-P14s redux, the NF-A14 PWM and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm on pack size (1 fan). It matches the NF-P14s redux, the TL-C14C-S X3 and the NF-A14 PWM on top speed (1500 RPM).
A 26.6 dB(A) rated noise is unique to it among these picks, while the NF-A14 PWM uses a 24.6 dB(A) rated noise. You also get a budget price. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the NF-P14s redux was closest. What it gives up: pack size of 1 fan, behind the TL-C14C-S X3 (3 fans); by contrast, the TL-C14C-S X3 comes in at 3 fans.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 1 fan
- Max speed: 1500 RPM
- Rated airflow: 74.3 CFM
- Static pressure: 2 mmH2O
- Rated noise: 26.6 dB(A)
- Bearing: S-FDB
- Lighting: None
Pros
- 74.3 CFM rated airflow
- 2 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
- a S-FDB bearing
- Budget price
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- Pack size of 1 fan, behind the TL-C14C-S X3 (3 fans)
Also Consider2 of 5
Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM 140mm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NF-P14s redux is built around a square frame for radiators, with a rated life above 150,000 hours on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want square frame for radiators.
Skip if
- Pass on it if sold as a single fan, so a full case costs mor rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it comes as 1 fan and offers a 1500 RPM top speed. It matches the TL-C14, the NF-A14 PWM and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm on pack size (1 fan). It matches the TL-C14, the TL-C14C-S X3 and the NF-A14 PWM on top speed (1500 RPM).
You get a 25.8 dB(A) rated noise here, which sets it apart from the TL-C14C-S X3 and its a 26.4 dB(A) rated noise. You also get a lower price than the NF-A14. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers.
It was priced above the TL-C14 and below the TL-C14C-S X3 at the time of writing. There is no published rated airflow figure, whereas the TL-C14C-S X3 offers 75.8 CFM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 1 fan
- Max speed: 1500 RPM
- Rated noise: 25.8 dB(A)
- Lighting: None
Pros
- Square frame for radiators
- Rated life above 150,000 hours
- Lower price than the NF-A14
- 25.8 dB(A) rated noise, the only one here
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- Costs more than the TL-C14 at the time of writing
Highest Rated Airflow3 of 5
Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the TL-C14C-S X3 brings to the table is three 140mm ARGB fans, plus 75.8 CFM of rated airflow.
Best for
- Intake fans in a mesh-front case.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the TL-C14 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes as 3 fans and offers a 1500 RPM top speed. On pack size it leads this guide at 3 fans, ahead of the TL-C14 (1 fan). It matches the TL-C14, the NF-P14s redux and the NF-A14 PWM on top speed (1500 RPM).
You get a 26.4 dB(A) rated noise here, which sets it apart from the NF-P14s redux and its a 25.8 dB(A) rated noise. It also offers an S-FDB bearing. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers.
With 3 fans, use a splitter or hub rather than several headers, and check the header's current rating; each fan's draw is on the label. ARGB lighting needs a 5V 3-pin ARGB header or the included controller; do not connect it to a 12V RGB header. It was priced above the NF-P14s redux and below the NF-A14 PWM at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 3 fans
- Max speed: 1500 RPM
- Rated airflow: 75.8 CFM
- Static pressure: 1.93 mmH2O
- Rated noise: 26.4 dB(A)
- Bearing: S-FDB
- Lighting: ARGB
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- 75.8 CFM rated airflow
- a S-FDB bearing
- ARGB lighting
Cons
- Costs more than the TL-C14 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Noctua NF-A14 PWM 140mm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the NF-A14 PWM brings to the table is a 140mm square frame suited to radiators, plus Flow Acceleration Channels.
Best for
- Buyers who want 140mm square frame suited to radiators.
Skip if
- Pass on it if sold as a single fan, so a full case costs mor rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also comes as 1 fan and offers a 1500 RPM top speed. It matches the TL-C14, the NF-P14s redux and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm on pack size (1 fan). It matches the TL-C14, the NF-P14s redux and the TL-C14C-S X3 on top speed (1500 RPM).
A 24.6 dB(A) rated noise is unique to it among these picks, while the NF-P14s redux uses a 25.8 dB(A) rated noise. It also offers a rated life above 150,000 hours. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers.
When we checked, only the TL-C14C-S X3 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm cost more. Top speed is its weakest area, and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm covers it better at 3000 RPM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 1 fan
- Max speed: 1500 RPM
- Rated noise: 24.6 dB(A)
- Lighting: None
Pros
- 140mm square frame suited to radiators
- Flow Acceleration Channels
- Rated life above 150,000 hours
- 24.6 dB(A) rated noise, the only one here
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- Top speed trails the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm (3000 RPM)
- Costs more than the TL-C14 at the time of writing
Highest Top Speed5 of 5
be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM High-Speed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm brings to the table is a speed switch for medium, high and ultra-high modes, plus a funnel-shaped outlet for high pressure.
Best for
- Buyers who put top speed first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more.
Why we like it
It also comes as 1 fan and offers a 3000 RPM top speed. On pack size it ties with the TL-C14, the NF-P14s redux and the NF-A14 PWM at 1 fan. Its 3000 RPM top speed is the highest here; the TL-C14 comes next at 1500 RPM.
It also offers a 6-pole motor. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the NF-A14 PWM. If pack size is your priority, the TL-C14C-S X3 (3 fans) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 1 fan
- Max speed: 3000 RPM
- Lighting: None
Pros
- a 3000 RPM top speed for radiators
- Speed switch for medium, high and ultra-high modes
- Funnel-shaped outlet for high pressure
- 6-pole motor
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- Pack size trails the TL-C14C-S X3 (3 fans)
- Costs more than the TL-C14 at the time of writing
How We Chose These 140mm PC Fans
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Lighting and wiring
- We checked lighting type and whether a controller is included.
- Pack value
- We compared how many fans come in the box against the price at the time of writing.
- Rated performance
- We recorded airflow, static pressure and top speed where each listing states them.
- Noise and control
- We noted rated noise, PWM control and whether the fan stops at low PWM.
What to Look for in a 140mm PC Fan
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much top speed you need
Among these picks, top speed runs from 1500 RPM on the NF-A14 PWM to 3000 RPM on the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
Confirm size and thickness
Most cases take 120mm fans, and many also take 140mm. Standard fans are 25mm thick; thicker 30mm fans can clash with radiators or top-mounted RAM.
Check your case manual for each mount position.
Treat noise ratings with care
Rated noise is measured at full speed in the maker's own conditions. A fan that stops or slows at low PWM is quieter at idle than its headline figure suggests.
Decide on lighting early
ARGB fans add cables and usually a controller. If you want a quiet, plain build, unlit fans are cheaper per fan and simpler to wire.
Plan fan control and headers
4-pin PWM fans let the motherboard vary speed with temperature. Several fans on one header need a splitter or hub within the header's current limit.
How to Choose a 140mm PC Fan
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | TL-C14 | The lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want square frame for radiators | NF-P14s redux | A square frame for radiators |
| Intake fans in a mesh-front case | TL-C14C-S X3 | The highest rated airflow here (75.8 CFM) |
| Buyers who want 140mm square frame suited to radiators | NF-A14 PWM | A 140mm square frame suited to radiators |
| Buyers who put top speed first | Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm | The highest top speed here (3000 RPM) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Case Fan | Fans in box | Max speed | Rated airflow | Static pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL-C14 | 1 fan | 1500 RPM | 74.3 CFM | 2 mmH2O |
| NF-P14s redux | 1 fan | 1500 RPM | Not listed | Not listed |
| TL-C14C-S X3 | 3 fans | 1500 RPM | 75.8 CFM | 1.93 mmH2O |
| NF-A14 PWM | 1 fan | 1500 RPM | Not listed | Not listed |
| Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm | 1 fan | 3000 RPM | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these case fans compare on pack size?
The TL-C14C-S X3 leads at 3 fans, ahead of the TL-C14 at 1 fan; the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm sits at the other end with 1 fan.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The TL-C14 cost the least when we checked, and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
Can I plug ARGB fans into any RGB header?
No. ARGB fans use a 5V 3-pin header; 12V 4-pin RGB headers can damage them. Use the included controller if your board lacks a 5V header.
How many case fans do I need?
Most mid-tower builds work well with two intakes and one exhaust. Add more only if temperatures or noise at load call for it.
What is the difference between PWM and DC fans?
PWM (4-pin) fans take a speed signal from the motherboard; DC (3-pin) fans change speed through voltage. PWM usually gives finer control at low speeds.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the TL-C14, chosen for the lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing. Look at the NF-P14s redux for a square frame for radiators, the NF-A14 PWM for a 140mm square frame suited to radiators and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm for the highest top speed here (3000 RPM) if those matter more to you.
Check your case and radiator mounts accept 140mm fans before buying.