Buying Guide
The Best Case Fans
Seven 120mm case fans and multi-packs, from quiet premium singles to ARGB five-packs, compared on rated airflow, pressure and value.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read7 products evaluated
Case fans move air through the case and across radiators. Airflow ratings matter behind open mesh; static pressure matters behind filters and radiators. Ratings are the makers' own.
We compared listed ratings and prices at the time of writing; we did not test these fans.
Quick Picks
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Value Pack
ARCTIC P12 PWM PST (5 Pack)Five PWM fans with 2.2 mmH2O rated static pressure.
Best for: Filling a whole case.
Check price for ARCTIC P12 PWM PST (5 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Single
Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWMAn SSO2 bearing with a MTTF above 150,000 hours.
Best for: Quiet builds.
Check price for Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Rated Airflow
Thermalright TL-C12C-S (5 Pack)The highest rated airflow here (66.17 CFM).
Best for: Moving air through a warm case.
Check price for Thermalright TL-C12C-S (5 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Quiet Fluid Bearing
be quiet! Silent Wings 4 120mm PWMA fluid-dynamic bearing with a 6-pole motor.
Best for: Low-noise builds.
Check price for be quiet! Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Radiators
be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 120mm PWMA speed switch up to 3000 RPM.
Best for: Dense radiators.
Check price for be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 120mm PWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Cable Management
Lian Li UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120 (3 Pack)Interlocking fans with a controller for up to 16 fans.
Best for: Tidy RGB builds.
Check price for Lian Li UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120 (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Adjustable Profile
Phanteks T30-120A switch with three fan profiles.
Best for: Tuning without software.
Check price for Phanteks T30-120 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Value Pack1 of 7
ARCTIC P12 PWM PST (5 Pack)
ARCTIC's P12 PWM PST five-pack offers 56.3 CFM and 2.2 mmH2O per fan at up to 1800 RPM.
Best for
- Filling a whole case.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TL-C12C-S 5-pack, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
PST lets you daisy-chain all five from one header, and the fans stop below 5% PWM. It matches the TL-C12C-S 5-pack on pack size (5 fans). It matches the NF-A12x25 G2 on top speed (1800 RPM).
It also offers a pressure-optimised blade design. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. With 5 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. When we checked, only the NF-A12x25 G2 and cheaper picks cost less, and the UNI FAN SL-Infinity cost more.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 5 fans
- Max speed
- 1800 RPM
- Rated airflow
- 56.3 CFM
- Static pressure
- 2.2 mmH2O
- Rated noise
- 0.3 sone
- Stops at low PWM
- Yes
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- 5 fans in the box
- 56.3 CFM rated airflow
- 2.2 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
- Stops spinning at very low PWM for silent idle
Cons
- Costs more than the TL-C12C-S 5-pack at the time of writing
Best Premium Single2 of 7
Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM
Noctua's NF-A12x25 G2 is a single fan with a Sterrox LCP impeller and an SSO2 bearing rated above 150,000 hours.
Best for
- Quiet builds.
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
The box adds anti-vibration mounts, a low-noise adaptor and a splitter. On pack size it ties with the Silent Wings 4, the Silent Wings Pro 4 and the T30-120 at 1 fan. On top speed it ties with the P12 PWM PST 5-pack at 1800 RPM.
It is the only pick here with an SSO2 bearing; the TL-C12C-S 5-pack has a S-FDB bearing instead. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. Its price falls between the Silent Wings Pro 4 and the P12 PWM PST 5-pack, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed rated airflow should compare it with the TL-C12C-S 5-pack, which offers 66.17 CFM.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 1 fan
- Max speed
- 1800 RPM
- Bearing
- SSO2
- Stops at low PWM
- Yes
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- a SSO2 bearing
- Stops spinning at very low PWM for silent idle
- Anti-vibration mounts, a Low-Noise Adaptor and a splitter cable in the box
- Sterrox LCP impeller with tight tip clearance
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- Costs more than the TL-C12C-S 5-pack at the time of writing
Highest Rated Airflow3 of 7
Thermalright TL-C12C-S (5 Pack)
Thermalright's TL-C12C-S five-pack offers 66.17 CFM at 1550 RPM with ARGB lighting.
Best for
- Moving air through a warm case.
Skip if
- Skip it if top speed matters most to you; the Silent Wings Pro 4 offers 3000 RPM.
Why we like it
At the time of writing it cost less per fan than any other pick here. On pack size it ties with the P12 PWM PST 5-pack at 5 fans. On top speed it trails the group at 1550 RPM, while the Silent Wings Pro 4 offers 3000 RPM.
It is the only pick here with a S-FDB bearing; the NF-A12x25 G2 has an SSO2 bearing instead. It is the only pick here with ARGB lighting; the UNI FAN SL-Infinity has ARGB infinity mirror lighting instead. It also offers 55cm cables for daisy-chained PWM control.
Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. With 5 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Silent Wings 4 was the next step up.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 5 fans
- Max speed
- 1550 RPM
- Rated airflow
- 66.17 CFM
- Static pressure
- 1.53 mmH2O
- Rated noise
- 25.6 dBA
- Bearing
- S-FDB
- Lighting
- ARGB
Pros
- 5 fans in the box
- 66.17 CFM rated airflow
- a S-FDB bearing
- ARGB lighting
Cons
- Top speed trails the Silent Wings Pro 4 (3000 RPM)
The catch
If top speed is your priority, the Silent Wings Pro 4 (3000 RPM) is the stronger choice.
Best Quiet Fluid Bearing4 of 7
be quiet! Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM
be quiet!'s Silent Wings 4 uses a fluid-dynamic bearing, a 6-pole motor and a funnel-shaped frame for pressure.
Best for
- Low-noise builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more.
Why we like it
The maker doesn't give airflow or speed figures. On pack size it ties with the NF-A12x25 G2, the Silent Wings Pro 4 and the T30-120 at 1 fan. Like the Silent Wings Pro 4, it has a fluid-dynamic bearing, while the NF-A12x25 G2 uses an SSO2 bearing.
You also get push-pin or screw mounting. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. Before buying, weigh one limit: no published top speed. Its price falls between the TL-C12C-S 5-pack and the Silent Wings Pro 4, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 1 fan
- Bearing
- Fluid-dynamic
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- a Fluid-dynamic bearing
- 6-pole motor for smoother running
- Funnel-shaped frame outlet for higher air pressure
- Push-pin or screw mounting
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- No published top speed
- Costs more than the TL-C12C-S 5-pack at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed top speed should compare it with the Silent Wings Pro 4, which offers 3000 RPM.
Best for Radiators5 of 7
be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 120mm PWM
The Silent Wings Pro 4 adds a speed switch that raises the ceiling to 3000 RPM, which suits dense radiators.
Best for
- Dense radiators.
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 shares the Silent Wings 4's fluid-dynamic bearing and 6-pole motor. A funnel-shaped outlet and tight tip clearance build high pressure for radiators, yet it is near silent at normal speed. On pack size it ties with the NF-A12x25 G2, the Silent Wings 4 and the T30-120 at 1 fan.
Nothing else here matches its 3000 RPM top speed; the P12 PWM PST 5-pack comes closest at 1800 RPM. Like the Silent Wings 4, it has a fluid-dynamic bearing, while the NF-A12x25 G2 uses an SSO2 bearing. It also offers blades tuned for radiators and heatsinks.
Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Silent Wings 4 and the pricier NF-A12x25 G2, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 1 fan
- Max speed
- 3000 RPM
- Bearing
- Fluid-dynamic
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- a 3000 RPM top speed for radiators
- a Fluid-dynamic bearing
- Speed switch with medium, high and ultra-high modes
- 6-pole motor
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- Costs more than the TL-C12C-S 5-pack at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its rated airflow; if that figure matters, the TL-C12C-S 5-pack offers 66.17 CFM.
Best Cable Management6 of 7
Lian Li UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120 (3 Pack)
Lian Li's UNI FAN SL-Infinity fans interlock so their cables join into one run, and the included controller handles up to 16 fans.
Best for
- Tidy RGB builds.
Skip if
- Its top speed is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Each fan carries 40 LEDs behind an infinity mirror. On pack size it sits mid-pack at 3 fans: the P12 PWM PST 5-pack comes in at 5 fans, and the T30-120 comes in at 1 fan. No other pick in this guide offers ARGB infinity mirror lighting; compare the TL-C12C-S 5-pack, which has ARGB lighting.
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 the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the P12 PWM PST 5-pack and the rest.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 3 fans
- Lighting
- ARGB infinity mirror
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- ARGB infinity mirror lighting
- Interlocking fans that join cables into one run
- Controller that handles up to 16 fans
Cons
- No published top speed
- Costs more than the TL-C12C-S 5-pack at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its top speed; if that figure matters, the Silent Wings Pro 4 offers 3000 RPM.
Best Adjustable Profile7 of 7
Phanteks T30-120
Phanteks's T30-120 uses a rigid LCP frame and blades with a switch for three fan profiles.
Best for
- Tuning without software.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more.
Why we like it
The maker gives no airflow or speed figures. Its liquid crystal polymer blades are rigid, and a switch picks silent, balanced or extreme fan profiles. On pack size it ties with the NF-A12x25 G2, the Silent Wings 4 and the Silent Wings Pro 4 at 1 fan.
You also get acoustic tuning toward a lower frequency range. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. If pack size is your priority, the P12 PWM PST 5-pack (5 fans) is the stronger choice.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 1 fan
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- Rigid LCP frame and blades
- Switch with three fan profiles
- Acoustic tuning toward a lower frequency range
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- Pack size trails the P12 PWM PST 5-pack (5 fans)
- No published top speed
How We Chose These Case 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side seven case fans on pack size, top speed, rated airflow and static pressure from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while top speed and rated airflow have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 7, from the P12 PWM PST 5-pack to the T30-120, state pack size and lighting.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Silent Wings 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120 give no top speed; the NF-A12x25 G2, the Silent Wings 4, the Silent Wings Pro 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120 give no rated airflow.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the TL-C12C-S 5-pack (under $50) to the UNI FAN SL-Infinity ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Case Fan
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pack size
Across these 7 picks pack size spans 1 fan (the T30-120) to 5 fans (the P12 PWM PST 5-pack). The TL-C12C-S 5-pack comes second at 5 fans, in the same price tier as the P12 PWM PST 5-pack.
Top speed across these picks
The Silent Wings Pro 4 tops top speed at 3000 RPM and the TL-C12C-S 5-pack sits lowest at 1550 RPM. Start with the Silent Wings Pro 4 if top speed decides it. The Silent Wings 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120 give no top speed figure, so 4 of 7 picks are compared here.
A tower air cooler with brown fans installed in a PC How much rated airflow you need
The TL-C12C-S 5-pack tops rated airflow at 66.17 CFM and the P12 PWM PST 5-pack sits lowest at 56.3 CFM. If rated airflow is your first filter, the TL-C12C-S 5-pack sets the ceiling at 66.17 CFM. The NF-A12x25 G2, the Silent Wings 4, the Silent Wings Pro 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120 give no rated airflow figure, so 2 of 7 picks are compared here.
Bearing
The NF-A12x25 G2 lists SSO2; the TL-C12C-S 5-pack lists S-FDB; the Silent Wings 4 and the Silent Wings Pro 4 list Fluid-dynamic. Settling bearing first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 1 or 1.
A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans Stops at low PWM
The P12 PWM PST 5-pack and the NF-A12x25 G2 have it. Sort out stops at low PWM before price: it splits 2 stated picks into groups of 2.
How to Choose a Case Fan
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Filling a whole case | P12 PWM PST 5-pack | Five PWM fans with 2.2 mmH2O rated static pressure |
| Quiet builds | NF-A12x25 G2 | An SSO2 bearing with a MTTF above 150,000 hours |
| Moving air through a warm case | TL-C12C-S 5-pack | The highest rated airflow here (66.17 CFM) |
| Low-noise builds | Silent Wings 4 | A fluid-dynamic bearing with a 6-pole motor |
| Dense radiators | Silent Wings Pro 4 | A speed switch up to 3000 RPM |
| Tidy RGB builds | UNI FAN SL-Infinity | Interlocking fans with a controller for up to 16 fans |
| Tuning without software | T30-120 | A switch with three fan profiles |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The P12 PWM PST 5-pack leads on pack size at 5 fans, ahead of the TL-C12C-S 5-pack at 5 fans. "Not listed" marks top speed where the Silent Wings 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120 leave the figure out.
| Case Fan | Fans in box | Max speed | Rated airflow | Static pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P12 PWM PST 5-pack | 5 fans | 1800 RPM | 56.3 CFM | 2.2 mmH2O |
| NF-A12x25 G2 | 1 fan | 1800 RPM | Not listed | Not listed |
| TL-C12C-S 5-pack | 5 fans | 1550 RPM | 66.17 CFM | 1.53 mmH2O |
| Silent Wings 4 | 1 fan | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Silent Wings Pro 4 | 1 fan | 3000 RPM | Not listed | Not listed |
| UNI FAN SL-Infinity | 3 fans | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| T30-120 | 1 fan | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The TL-C12C-S 5-pack was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the UNI FAN SL-Infinity the highest ($50 to $100) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Case Fans |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | TL-C12C-S 5-pack, Silent Wings 4, Silent Wings Pro 4, NF-A12x25 G2, P12 PWM PST 5-pack |
| About $50 to $100 | UNI FAN SL-Infinity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest top speed: the Silent Wings Pro 4 or the P12 PWM PST 5-pack?
The Silent Wings Pro 4 tops top speed at 3000 RPM; the P12 PWM PST 5-pack follows at 1800 RPM, 67% apart. The TL-C12C-S 5-pack closes the ranking at 1550 RPM. No top speed figure is published for the Silent Wings 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120, which leaves 4 of 7 picks ranked here.
Is the TL-C12C-S 5-pack ahead of the P12 PWM PST 5-pack on rated airflow?
The TL-C12C-S 5-pack leads at 66.17 CFM, with the P12 PWM PST 5-pack at 56.3 CFM. The NF-A12x25 G2, the Silent Wings 4, the Silent Wings Pro 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120 don't state a rated airflow figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 7 picks are ranked.
Is the P12 PWM PST 5-pack ahead of the TL-C12C-S 5-pack on static pressure?
The P12 PWM PST 5-pack leads at 2.2 mmH2O, with the TL-C12C-S 5-pack at 1.53 mmH2O. The NF-A12x25 G2, the Silent Wings 4, the Silent Wings Pro 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120 don't state a static pressure figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 7 picks are ranked.
What does the UNI FAN SL-Infinity add over the TL-C12C-S 5-pack?
The UNI FAN SL-Infinity matches or trails the TL-C12C-S 5-pack on pack size, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The TL-C12C-S 5-pack leads on pack size (5 fans). On our last price check the TL-C12C-S 5-pack was in the under $50 tier and the UNI FAN SL-Infinity in the $50 to $100 tier, with 4 other picks between them.
Why is the Silent Wings 4 our Best Quiet Fluid Bearing pick?
The label rests on a fluid-dynamic bearing with a 6-pole motor. The price of that: the TL-C12C-S 5-pack, the cheapest pick, still beats it on pack size (5 fans against 1 fan). It is aimed at low-noise builds.
Do the P12 PWM PST 5-pack and the TL-C12C-S 5-pack differ on rated noise?
The P12 PWM PST 5-pack uses 0.3 sone; the TL-C12C-S 5-pack uses 25.6 dBA. The NF-A12x25 G2, the Silent Wings 4, the Silent Wings Pro 4, the UNI FAN SL-Infinity and the T30-120 have no rated noise listed, so 2 of 7 picks are covered here.
Bottom Line
ARCTIC's P12 PWM PST five-pack is the value pick, and Noctua's NF-A12x25 G2 is the premium single. Thermalright's TL-C12C-S adds ARGB cheaply, and Lian Li's SL-Infinity keeps RGB wiring tidy.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best PC Cases
- Related guideThe Best RGB PC Cases
- Related guideThe Best PC Cases Under $200
- Lower budgetThe Best Case Fans Under $15
- Similar guideThe Best ARGB Case Fans
- ExplainerPC Airflow Explained
- ExplainerHow Many Case Fans Do You Need?
- Check compatibility: processorsCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Similar guideThe Best 120mm Case Fans
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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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