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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright TL-C14 140mm PWM FanThe lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the NF-P14s redux.
Check price for Thermalright TL-C14 140mm PWM Fan on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM 140mmA square frame for radiators.
Best for: Buyers who want square frame for radiators.
Check price for Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM 140mm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Rated Airflow
Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-PackThe highest rated airflow here (75.8 CFM).
Best for: Intake fans in a mesh-front case.
Check price for Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Noctua NF-A14 PWM 140mmA 140mm square frame suited to radiators.
Best for: Buyers who want 140mm square frame suited to radiators.
Check price for Noctua NF-A14 PWM 140mm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Top Speed
be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM High-SpeedThe highest top speed here (3000 RPM).
Best for: Buyers who put top speed first.
Check price for be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM High-Speed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Thermalright TL-C14 140mm PWM Fan
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 than into the NF-P14s redux.
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.
Key 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)
The catch
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.
Also Consider2 of 5
Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM 140mm
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 more 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.
Key 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
The catch
There is no published rated airflow figure, whereas the TL-C14C-S X3 offers 75.8 CFM.
Highest Rated Airflow3 of 5
Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack
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 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
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 more 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.
Key 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
The catch
Top speed is its weakest area, and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm covers it better at 3000 RPM.
Highest Top Speed5 of 5
be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm PWM High-Speed
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 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
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five case fans on pack size, top speed, rated airflow and static pressure, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out rated airflow.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the TL-C14 to the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm, state pack size, top speed and lighting.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The NF-P14s redux, the NF-A14 PWM and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm give no rated airflow; the NF-P14s redux, the NF-A14 PWM and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm give no static pressure.
- Price range
- From the TL-C14 to the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a 140mm PC Fan
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pack size across these picks
Across these 5 picks pack size spans 1 fan (the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm) to 3 fans (the TL-C14C-S X3). If pack size is your first filter, the TL-C14C-S X3 sets the ceiling at 3 fans.
Top speed
Here top speed runs from 1500 RPM on the NF-A14 PWM to 3000 RPM on the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm, a 100% spread. Start with the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm if top speed decides it.
A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans How much rated airflow you need
Here rated airflow runs from 74.3 CFM on the TL-C14 to 75.8 CFM on the TL-C14C-S X3, a 2% spread. The TL-C14C-S X3 is the pick for rated airflow. The NF-P14s redux, the NF-A14 PWM and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm give no rated airflow figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The TL-C14C-S X3: 75.8 CFM of rated airflow. The NF-A14 PWM: Flow Acceleration Channels. The Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm: a funnel-shaped outlet for high pressure.
An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card Where your budget lands
Price does little to separate these 5: the TL-C14 through the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm all landed in the under $50 tier, which leaves pack size to decide it.
How to Choose a 140mm PC Fan
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the NF-P14s redux | 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
The TL-C14C-S X3 leads on pack size at 3 fans, ahead of the TL-C14 at 1 fan. "Not listed" marks rated airflow where the NF-P14s redux, the NF-A14 PWM and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm leave the figure out.
| 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
Which has the largest pack size: the TL-C14C-S X3 or the TL-C14?
The TL-C14C-S X3 tops pack size at 3 fans; the TL-C14 follows at 1 fan, 200% apart.
How does the TL-C14 compare with the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm on top speed?
Between the top two, it is 3000 RPM on the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm against 1500 RPM on the TL-C14, a 100% difference.
How does the TL-C14 compare with the TL-C14C-S X3 on rated airflow?
Between the top two, it is 75.8 CFM on the TL-C14C-S X3 against 74.3 CFM on the TL-C14, a 2% difference. The NF-P14s redux, the NF-A14 PWM and the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm don't state a rated airflow figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm worth paying more than the TL-C14?
The spec sheets show top speed (3000 RPM against 1500 RPM) in its favour. Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so the gains in top speed cost little extra by tier.
What makes the TL-C14C-S X3 the Highest Rated Airflow?
It carries the badge for the highest rated airflow here (75.8 CFM). The TL-C14 is next on rated airflow at 74.3 CFM, so this pick's 75.8 CFM is 2% further out. It gives up static pressure (1.93 mmH2O against 2 mmH2O) to the TL-C14, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for intake fans in a mesh-front case.
Do the TL-C14 and the NF-P14s redux differ on rated noise?
The TL-C14 uses 26.6 dB(A); the NF-P14s redux uses 25.8 dB(A); the TL-C14C-S X3 uses 26.4 dB(A); the NF-A14 PWM uses 24.6 dB(A). The maker of the Silent Wings Pro 4 140mm doesn't state rated noise, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
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.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Case Fans
- Related guideThe Best ARGB Case Fans
- Related guideThe Best PC Cooling Fans
- Lower budgetThe Best Case Fans Under $15
- Similar guideThe Best 140mm Case Fans
- ExplainerPC Airflow Explained
- ExplainerHow Many Case Fans Do You Need?
- Check compatibility: processorsWhat Is a CPU Bottleneck and How Can You Identify One?
- Similar guideThe Best ARGB PC Fans
- Topic hubAll cpu coolers and cooling guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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