There is much debate about the 120mm fan versus the 140mm fan. It might be difficult to decide between the two if you are just starting out in PC gaming. PC case fans are an essential part of any gaming PC. We can’t ignore their importance. This guide will tell you which type of fan to choose and why.
120mm PC Case Fans
These are the most common type of fans you will find on the market for PC cases. Pre-built gaming laptops and PCs come with 120mm fans. A 120mm fan is the best option if you’re trying to build a gaming computer on a tight budget.
A 120mm fan is approximately 120x120mm in size and 25mm thick. A 120mm fan with RGB lighting might be slightly thicker. A 120mm fan spins at a speed of up to 1200 RPM.
140mm PC Case Fans
The best 140mm case fans are a significant improvement on the 120mm fans. The 140mm fan has a faster spinning speed and promotes airflow more than the 120mm fan. These fans are what you will find in laptops and high-end gaming computers.
A 140mm fan is a larger size and is a great choice for full-ATX cases. A typical 140mm fan measures 140x140x25mm.
120mm vs 140mm Fan Comparison
These are the top factors to consider:
Airflow
Cubic Feet per Minute (or CFM) is the measurement of airflow through a computer case fan. The CFM of a fan is a measure of how much airflow the fan needs to cool your computer. CFM of 120mm fans is lower than that of 140mm fans.
A 140mm case fan has a higher CFM rating than a 120mm fan. This is the rule of science. A fan with a larger size will draw more heat from your computer case. A 140mm fan will provide more airflow and prevent heat buildup.
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Spinning Speed
To draw heat from your computer’s case, the fan must spin at a certain speed. RPM is the speed at which a fan spins. A 120mm fan can spin at speeds up to 1200 RPM.
This is the ideal RPM to cool down a low-budget gaming system that doesn’t have any power-hungry parts. A case fan running at 800 RPM should be sufficient to cool a mid-range gaming computer.
The 140mm fan, on the other hand, can achieve RMPs of up to 1000. These numbers are quite low compared to the 1200mm fan. The 140mm dimensions give it an edge in heat dissipation compared to the 120mm fan.
Noise Level (dB)
Case fans that operate quietly are favored by PC gamers. The difference in dB ratings of 140mm and 120mm case fans is negligible.
Even though they have higher RPMs, the 1200mm fans are still quieter. The 140mm fan is slightly louder than the 120mm fans. In noise level comparison, 120mm case fans are louder than 140mm fans. However, the noise 140mm makes under heavy workloads is not too noticeable.
There are also 140mm fans made by trusted brands such as Cooler Master and Noctua that remain silent even during peak workloads.
Keep in mind, however, that case fans with higher RPMs will last less time. It is possible for a 120mm fan that is quieter to start making noises after a few months. A 140mm fan, which spins at a slower speed but is more durable and will last for a longer time, would be an alternative.
Price
A 120mm fan is the best option if you have a tight budget. The 120mm fans are more affordable than the 140mm fans.
Even though they are expensive, 140mm fans can be a great deal for high-end gaming computers. A 140mm fan promotes airflow and lasts longer than a 120mm fan. This is because it costs a little more.
140mm case fans for PCs are the future, that’s one thing. A 140mm case fan is the best way to cool down your PC for gamers who are serious.
The 120mm fans are more affordable than their 140mm counterparts, it is clear. The 140mm fans offer the best price-performance ratio when we consider durability and performance.
Final Verdict – The Winner
Both the 140mm and 120mm fans offer the best cooling options for your computer. We found that 140mm fans are more reliable than 120mm fans in this comparison. However, this does not mean that 120mm fans are inferior. If you are looking for a quieter and cheaper case fan, the 120mm fans will be your best choice. The 140mm fans have better airflow and are quieter than the 120mm fans. They also last longer.
