Buying Guide
The Best Case Fans for Gaming PCs
From the TL-C14 to the P12 Pro LN 5-pack: five case fans ranked on pack size and top speed, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Case fans move air through the build; PWM control keeps them quiet at idle. Every pick is PWM or ARGB, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for fans in box, max speed and rated noise; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out max speed, we say so.
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 Pure Wings 3.
Check price for Thermalright TL-C14 140mm PWM Fan on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Rifle Bearing
be quiet! Pure Wings 3 120mm PWMA rifle bearing.
Best for: Buyers who want a rifle bearing.
Check price for be quiet! Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM 120mmA pressure-optimised blade design.
Best for: Buyers who want pressure-optimised blade design.
Check price for Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM 120mm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Largest Pack Size
ARCTIC P12 Pro LN 5-Pack 120mmThe largest pack size here (5 fans).
Best for: Buyers who put pack size first.
Check price for ARCTIC P12 Pro LN 5-Pack 120mm 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 Pure Wings 3.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more is a problem.
Why we like it
It also comes as 1 fan and offers a 1500 RPM top speed. It matches the Pure Wings 3, the NF-P12 redux and the NF-P14s redux on pack size (1 fan). It matches the NF-P14s redux on top speed (1500 RPM).
A 26.6 dB(A) rated noise is unique to it among these picks, while the NF-P14s redux uses a 25.8 dB(A) rated noise. A S-FDB bearing is unique to it among these picks, while the P12 Pro LN 5-pack uses a fluid-dynamic bearing. It also comes with 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 Pure Wings 3 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 P12 Pro LN 5-pack (5 fans)
The catch
What it gives up: pack size of 1 fan, behind the P12 Pro LN 5-pack (5 fans); by contrast, the P12 Pro LN 5-pack comes in at 5 fans.
Rifle Bearing2 of 5
be quiet! Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM
be quiet!'s Pure Wings 3 is a plain, low-cost single fan with a rifle bearing rated for 80,000 hours.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rifle bearing.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more.
Why we like it
Its frame outlet is shaped for radiators, and it runs at a very low minimum speed. Seven airflow-optimised blades reduce noise, and the frame outlet is tuned for radiators. It matches the TL-C14, the NF-P12 redux and the NF-P14s redux on pack size (1 fan).
A rifle bearing is unique to it among these picks, while the P12 Pro LN 5-pack uses a fluid-dynamic bearing. 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-C14 cost less, and the NF-P12 redux cost more.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 1 fan
- Bearing
- Rifle
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- a Rifle bearing
- Frame outlet shaped for radiators
- Very low minimum speed for quiet running
- Rated 80,000-hour bearing life
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- No published top speed
- Costs more than the TL-C14 at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed top speed, look to the P12 Pro LN 5-pack instead: it offers 2000 RPM, while this one gives no figure.
Also Consider3 of 5
Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM 120mm
What the NF-P12 redux brings to the table is a pressure-optimised blade design, plus a rated life above 150,000 hours.
Best for
- Buyers who want pressure-optimised blade design.
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 1700 RPM top speed. It matches the TL-C14, the Pure Wings 3 and the NF-P14s redux on pack size (1 fan). Its 1700 RPM top speed ranks second of 4 here, behind the P12 Pro LN 5-pack (2000 RPM) and ahead of the NF-P14s redux (1500 RPM).
A 25.1 dB(A) rated noise is unique to it among these picks, while the NF-P14s redux uses a 25.8 dB(A) rated noise. You also get a low price for a Noctua fan. 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 Pure Wings 3 and cheaper picks cost less, and the NF-P14s redux cost more.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 1 fan
- Max speed
- 1700 RPM
- Rated noise
- 25.1 dB(A)
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- Pressure-optimised blade design
- Rated life above 150,000 hours
- Low price for a Noctua fan
- Top speed of 1700 RPM, ahead of the TL-C14
Cons
- Sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more
- Costs more than the TL-C14 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: sold as a single fan, so a full case costs more.
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 Pure Wings 3 and the NF-P12 redux on pack size (1 fan). You get a 25.8 dB(A) rated noise here, which sets it apart from the NF-P12 redux and its a 25.1 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 NF-P12 redux and below the P12 Pro LN 5-pack at the time of writing. It gives ground on pack size, where the P12 Pro LN 5-pack comes in at 5 fans.
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
- Pack size trails the P12 Pro LN 5-pack (5 fans)
- Top speed trails the P12 Pro LN 5-pack (2000 RPM)
Largest Pack Size5 of 5
ARCTIC P12 Pro LN 5-Pack 120mm
What the P12 Pro LN 5-pack brings to the table is a low-noise tuning from 450 to 2000 RPM, plus five fans in the box.
Best for
- Buyers who put pack size first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TL-C14, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 5 fans pack size; the TL-C14 comes closest at 1 fan. Its 2000 RPM top speed is the highest here; the NF-P12 redux comes next at 1700 RPM. You get a fluid-dynamic bearing here, which sets it apart from the Pure Wings 3 and its a rifle bearing.
You also get a fan that stops below 5% PWM. 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. Only the NF-P14s redux came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 5 fans
- Max speed
- 2000 RPM
- Bearing
- Fluid-dynamic
- Stops at low PWM
- Yes
- Lighting
- None
Pros
- 5 fans in the box
- a Fluid-dynamic bearing
- Stops spinning at very low PWM for silent idle
- Low-noise tuning from 450 to 2000 RPM
Cons
- Costs more than the TL-C14 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Case Fans for Gaming PCs
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.
- What we compared
- We lined up five case fans on pack size, top speed, rated noise and bearing, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out top speed.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the TL-C14 to the P12 Pro LN 5-pack, state pack size and lighting.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Pure Wings 3 gives no top speed; the Pure Wings 3 and the P12 Pro LN 5-pack give no rated noise.
- Price range
- From the TL-C14 to the P12 Pro LN 5-pack, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Case Fan for Gaming PCs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pack size
Here pack size runs from 1 fan on the NF-P14s redux to 5 fans on the P12 Pro LN 5-pack, a 400% spread. Start with the P12 Pro LN 5-pack if pack size decides it.
How much top speed you need
The P12 Pro LN 5-pack tops top speed at 2000 RPM and the NF-P14s redux sits lowest at 1500 RPM. The NF-P12 redux comes second at 1700 RPM, in the same price tier as the P12 Pro LN 5-pack. The Pure Wings 3 gives no top speed figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them Bearing
The TL-C14 lists S-FDB; the Pure Wings 3 lists rifle; the P12 Pro LN 5-pack lists Fluid-dynamic. Sort out bearing before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 1, 1 and 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The Pure Wings 3: a very low minimum speed for quiet running. The NF-P12 redux: a rated life above 150,000 hours. The P12 Pro LN 5-pack: five fans in the box.
A tower air cooler with brown fans installed in a PC Budget
Price does little to separate these 5: the TL-C14 through the P12 Pro LN 5-pack all landed in the under $50 tier, which leaves pack size to decide it.
How to Choose a Case Fan for Gaming PCs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Pure Wings 3 | TL-C14 | The lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want a rifle bearing | Pure Wings 3 | A rifle bearing |
| Buyers who want pressure-optimised blade design | NF-P12 redux | A pressure-optimised blade design |
| Buyers who want square frame for radiators | NF-P14s redux | A square frame for radiators |
| Buyers who put pack size first | P12 Pro LN 5-pack | The largest pack size here (5 fans) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The P12 Pro LN 5-pack leads on pack size at 5 fans, ahead of the TL-C14 at 1 fan. "Not listed" marks top speed where the Pure Wings 3 leaves the figure out.
| Case Fan | Fans in box | Max speed | Rated noise | Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL-C14 | 1 fan | 1500 RPM | 26.6 dB(A) | S-FDB |
| Pure Wings 3 | 1 fan | Not listed | Not listed | Rifle |
| NF-P12 redux | 1 fan | 1700 RPM | 25.1 dB(A) | Not listed |
| NF-P14s redux | 1 fan | 1500 RPM | 25.8 dB(A) | Not listed |
| P12 Pro LN 5-pack | 5 fans | 2000 RPM | Not listed | Fluid-dynamic |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest pack size: the P12 Pro LN 5-pack or the TL-C14?
Between the top two, it is 5 fans on the P12 Pro LN 5-pack against 1 fan on the TL-C14, a 400% difference.
How does the NF-P12 redux compare with the P12 Pro LN 5-pack on top speed?
The P12 Pro LN 5-pack leads at 2000 RPM, with the NF-P12 redux at 1700 RPM. The NF-P14s redux is at the other end of this group with 1500 RPM. The Pure Wings 3 is left out of this ranking because its top speed isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the P12 Pro LN 5-pack worth paying more than the TL-C14?
What it brings is pack size (5 fans against 1 fan) and top speed (2000 RPM against 1500 RPM). Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so the gains in pack size and top speed cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Pure Wings 3 the Rifle Bearing?
The label rests on a rifle bearing. It is aimed at anyone who wants a rifle bearing.
Do the TL-C14 and the NF-P12 redux differ on rated noise?
The TL-C14 uses 26.6 dB(A); the NF-P12 redux uses 25.1 dB(A); the NF-P14s redux uses 25.8 dB(A). The makers of the Pure Wings 3 and the P12 Pro LN 5-pack don't state rated noise, so 3 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the TL-C14 and the Pure Wings 3 apart?
The TL-C14: 74.3 CFM of rated airflow. The Pure Wings 3: a frame outlet shaped for radiators. The NF-P12 redux: a pressure-optimised blade design.
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 Pure Wings 3 for a rifle bearing, the NF-P12 redux for a pressure-optimised blade design and the NF-P14s redux for a square frame for radiators if those matter more to you.
Set intake slightly above exhaust for positive pressure.
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 Budget 360mm AIOs for Gaming
- ExplainerPC Airflow Explained
- ExplainerHow Many Case Fans Do You Need?
- Check compatibility: processorsHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- Similar guideThe Best Tower Air Coolers for Gaming
- 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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