120mm Fans vs. 140mm Fans - Are Bigger Fans Better?

[@EtaCarinaeSC]

The victory of Arctic's fan from the previous video blew me all the way up here!

[@leandrojason1387]

you all prolly dont give a damn but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly lost the account password. I appreciate any help you can give me!

[@reececameron4936]

@Leandro Jason Instablaster ;)

[@forbannitus]

I sincerely appreciate your series testing 120mm and 140mm fans and this current video tying those results together. I have exclusively built in SFF cases (Sliger SM580 and NCase M1). Finding the right balance between noise reduction and effective cooling can be a challenge, which is why I applaud your efforts in this regard. Thank you.

[@moaimachines8290]

I'm new to building PC myself, so your channel has really helped me out a lot. Thank you!

[@whydoihavetodothisannoying]

In my experience 2 X 140 on a 280 rad are about as good for sinking heat as 3 X 120 360 rad. Needles to say that a bigger, thicker radiator with horrific fans that are barley spinning will always perform much better than a small radiator with a better fans going at full blast.

[@WinterCharmVT]

I've found much the same with my testing.

[@MsSamdante]

3 fan 120 front, are better than 2 fan 140 front?

[@Grant_Herrmann]

No 2 140mm fans will work better as the middle 120mm fan kinda does not do anything and you should stick with 2 140mm fans

[@droolguy]

@@Grant_Herrmann That has basically no basis in physics, the middle 120 does the same amount of work as the outer 120s. Fan efficiency is only changed if there is a large amount of restriction on the exhaust (static pressure) or a large amount of velocity on the intake (relative angle of attack). Putting 2, 3, 10, any number of fans next to each other has no realistic degradation. 3x120s at the same rpm with the same profile as 2x140s will flow more air and so *should* result in better cooling but only barely. Case design will actually be a bigger contributor overall.

[@marcgallant5270]

3x120 = better GPU temps 2x140 = better cpu temps 3x140= best period

[@droolguy]

@@marcgallant5270 That is entirely dependent on the case, not the fan configuration. 3x120 vs. 2x140 cooling specific components better has everything to do with interior shape and fan placement. CPU and GPU have their own dedicated fans, the only purpose of case fans is to male sure there is fresh ambient air for the components dedicated coolers to work with.

[@marcgallant5270]

@@droolguy pretty much every"good" airflow optimized case GN has tested 3x120 vs 2x140 the 3x120 always edges out the 2x140 for GPU temps, his sample size is rather large.

[@holyjellyx7758]

I miss this guy's video, very sad to let him go.

[@JayzBeerz]

what happen to him?

[@coldfront.]

@@JayzBeerz he exploded

[@A-4723u]

@@coldfront. what

[@coldfront.]

@@A-4723u yeah

[@Dexx1s]

The real comparison should be 2 140s vs 3 120s.

[@yohanes2034]

I think the real purpose of this exercise is for people who can mount either 120 mm or 140 mm fan (same amount of fans not 2 140 mm vs 3 120 mm). If they can mount 3 120mm fans vs 2 140mm I think most of them will choose 3 fans (if budget allows). Because many cases nowadays can let you either mount 2 120/140 mm fans on top and 1 120/140 mm fan on the rear. So this video really helps those people to make decision.

[@philippconrad5988]

I absolutely agree. I have 2 140mm front intakes and i am wondering whether 3 good 120 would actually outperform them in terms of either noise or cooling capacity.@hardware scientist: given that you already established such a great review setup, is this something you could potentially test? I am thinking 2 14mm Arctic P14 PWM vs 3 Noctua NF-A 12x25?

[@treefiddy727]

Which would really depend on the case. If I were to have 3 120mm fans in my case the bottom most fan's airflow would be split blowing half it's air into the PSU shroud.

[@ImZeDoctah]

@@treefiddy727 same with my case (meshify c). I also would’ve needed the bottom fan to be a thin one so it could fit between the front panel and hard drive cage. So instead I went with 2 140s for intake and 3 120s for exhaust (2 on top, 1 on the back)

[@Slickman2006]

I know with aio comparisons 360 rads outperform 280 rads but they are very close.

[@Crustee0]

The thing is, most pc case front panel can mount 3x120 or 2x140. Sure, the 140 might perform better 1:1 against 120, but how do we know for sure with 2:3 against 120? Also there is the argument that with 3 fans you potentially could run the fans at lower rpm for the same airflow, potential noise reduction.

[@4000marcdman]

I had this same question lol

[@Justifiers]

​@@4000marcdman There's more to it than that for sure. I mean sure, provided cash isn't an issue, just fill the whole thing with Noctua NF-A12x25s. But what if you have, say $60-70? Noctua NF-A12x25s are currently $32(USD) Noctua NF-A14s are currently running $24(USD) (Amazon) Which cools more? 2x A12x25s, or 3x A14s?

[@4000marcdman]

@@Justifiers right. That's the question.

[@Autotrope]

I wish everyone else made charts the way you make yours. So many bar charts where you have to compare one with another in your mind. This is so much clearer.

[@mrle0719]

this temperature to noise graph per fan comparison definitely shows who's best. I prefer it a lot over bar graphs, much more readable. Keep the good content coming !

[@reishakyu3553]

One of the best tech channel, you dont promote/use social media so we'll never know where you're gone to but i really hope you're okay, and i want you to know that you helped me alot with all the benchmarks and reviews thank you so much.

[@HardwareScientist]

Thanks buddy. I'm still around, just very busy working on other stuff. Hopefully someday I'll have time to make videos again!

[@reishakyu3553]

@@HardwareScientist oh thank goodness i was worried, im glad you're well and busy apparently, thats a good thing. Take your time man and comeback strong!💪 all the best for you and your channel

[@MultiPets.]

@@HardwareScientist Good to see you're doing well, looking forward to more videos

[@LadyEmilyNyx]

In a lot of cases, you can have either 2 140's, or 3 120's. Which makes a 1:1 comparison between them not so useful.

[@calibula95]

It would be really good see a comparison between different fan configurations in a case. Ie, my case allows 2 140mm or 3 120mm in the front, 2 of any of the two at the top, and 1 120mm at the rear, and i'm wondering what's the best configuration i could (before buying the fans)... really interesting.

[@Soutar3DG]

Was about to say this, in that circumstance what would be better? Both as just case fans, or as a lot of radiators can be installed at the front of a case, what's better in that circumstance, a 360 aio with 3 120 fans, or a 280 aio with 2 140 fans if you take price/performance into consideration, 360 aio is probably better, but will cost a good chunk more than the 280 etc.

[@DTG4844]

definitely a good argument, I'd rather have 3 120mm fans in most situations because you get more airflow, but in areas where good single fan performance is necessary (like a heatsink) I'd use 140mm

[@satyam5241]

No but my case only supports either 2×120 or 2×140 (top of the case...)

[@DTG4844]

@@satyam5241 then use 140mm since it would provide more airflow

[@Kassplaylist]

Just found your channel. No uploads for 3 months. :( Hope you're doing okay and that we'll see you back soon :)

[@THE3GAME3R]

I would love a NF-A12x25 chromax black.

[@enzonenation]

Same I'm just waiting for this fam

[@Lead_Foot]

It keeps getting delayed.

[@PermanentNightfall]

According to the "Roadmap of upcoming products" by Noctua, they plan to release a black version of the NF-A12x25 in Q1 2021. Fingers crossed this won't get delayed.

[@ryuuseiboi950]

So just a more expensive Arctic P12?

[@czaja995]

@@ryuuseiboi950 arctic has anoing motor wine in some RPM range

[@PatJamesRicketts]

I Went with 8 140mm 3000RPM Noctua Industrial fans for my custom loop about 7 years ago and they are still running great. I keep them paired with coolant temps and at about half the rated RPM. Great airflow, low noise, water/dustproof, only complaint was the price. You definitely get what you pay for if you shop around for quality.

[@SuvinRK]

Great round up video. Your videos are some of the best on KZbin for fans and air cooling. I'm glad to have come across your channel in my search for a CPU cooler and case fans. Keep up the great work!

[@mungojerrie86]

That's helpful! One comparison I'd love to see is case fan test of 2x140mm versus 3x120mm as the front intake since this exact configuration is extremely common in mid tower cases.

[@xmxlyyy]

Ooh good idea! I personally want to see a comparison of all the popular 200mm fans (Noctua NF-A20, CM MF200R, Thermaltake Riing Plus 20, Aerocool Duo 20, and any others)

[@mungojerrie86]

@@xmxlyyy I remember Gamers Nexus doing something like that: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3nUd4qknZ2ko7M

[@TeamBlooD]

So, what do you recommend? 3x120mm fan or 2x140mm fan?

[@mungojerrie86]

Difference isn't massive, really. I would go for 2X140mm. Or get a case that supports 3X140mm as intake.

[@MuhammadFirdaus-wo6mz]

Bruv your videos are hidden gem ngl. No other youtuber do those kinds of comparison of noise vs temps, even Gamers Nexus only selected one particular noise level and normalised test based on it. Would be super cool if you could upload more because your comparisons are simply the best.

[@hughw.]

Where did you go? I was hoping you made a best 92mm fan CPU coolers for small builds. I hope you get back into it. Your channel was doing well. You helped a lot of people. I hope you are well.👍

[@Si1ent1]

I'm glad I just purchased a atx case that support lots of 140mm fans. cant wait to install everything and here how quiet it is

[@GodotHun]

The only channel I subscribed to during my COVID-PC building quest. I like how you evolve your videos and the 2D charts are much usefull than usual bar graph list at other places.

[@mariusgmail670]

I wish you made more videos. U have some of if not the best comparisons and tests here. Underrated

[@phenomanII]

Great video as always, but 0:22 almost gave me an aneurysm. The whole point of that frame is that to use a 120mm fan on a 140mm radiator you need to seal the difference in size so that you don't lose static pressure around the edges. What would help the frame achieve that is mounting it correctly, with the flat part closer to the radiator, not the other way around. I have no doubts that you mounted it correctly while testing though.

[@Aleksandar6ix]

What would be great is a discussion on fan design - learning about dynamic / static pressure; learning about how to identify based on blade design and count, etc...It'll give context to all this data.

[@rodolfoboimarinho6504]

The most important stat you didn´t say: Noise. a 140mm fan will need less rotations to move the same air so it will have reduced noise.

[@Hyzendargk]

FREAKING LOVING THIS VIDEO! EASY SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE! Thanks a lot!!!

[@Smalls989]

Appreciate the content, hope you're well and thanks for sharing

[@kainbell2738]

Ty for being to the point and adding time stamps. Instant subscribe from me!

[@Zrinko_Maloseja]

What a lovely video. To the point without any bs. So rare. You have a sub.

[@kesamek8537]

Great video, subscribed.

[@TransHerring]

I just found your channel a few days ago. Love the content and the way it's presented. Are you going to make more videos in the future?

[@radumirceabunica7492]

I wish to see more content from this channel too..

[@ArsenicShooter]

It depends on the need. In general 120mm fans have more pressure than 140mm fans. If you have a very restricting radiator or thin mesh (generally in the front), I prefere to use 120mm’s. For non restrictive air flow, like in the back and top of the case, where there’s no radiator or thin mesh, I use 140mm’s, because they have the same air flow at lower speed (more quiet).

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

Did you even watch the video, at all? 140mm fans are better at everything. The only time a 120mm fan is better at anything is when you are choosing a premium high end 120mm over a basic low end 140mm (like the video shows). But if you are choosing a premium high end 140mm fan, no 120mm fan can beat it at anything.

[@ArsenicShooter]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior I checked all stats and static pressure is higher with smaller fans. Of course there’s a minimum size but hey, there’s a good reason why we have 120mm high static pressure fans in our server rooms. 140mm is better for high airflow as long as there’s no high airflow restriction. ^^

[@lostinspace2899]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior this.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

@@ArsenicShooter So that's a yes then, you did NOT even watch the video. And no, the reason your server rooms have 120mm fans is not because its the best for static. Its because its cheaper to have smaller fans. There is a reason why 280mm AIO can compete with 360mm AIO while a 240mm AIO gets outclassed by even air coolers.

[@ArsenicShooter]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior ok, but then could you explain why the static pressure is higher on 120mm fans? Just being curious 🧐 just type in Google highest static pressure computer fans and you’ll get tons of tests showing 120mm fans are better. I’m talking about high restrictive systems, like the servers we have. Money is the last problem in a bank when it comes to efficiency in hpc systems with availability, believe me. For most gaming pc 140 are better as airflow is higher at same rpm, but as soon as you add just on very restrictive radiator, the 120mm wind hands down to push the air through. There are other tests taking that in consideration elsewhere. We use Noctua NF-F12 industrialPPC-3000 PWM with a static pressure of 7.63 mmH2O. If you find one 140mm with the same static pressure or more for the same price and industry norm, let me know I’ll check it out, for sure.

[@klipk7296]

Will be interesting to see how fans compare when Noctua releases their next 140mm. Would also be interesting if phanteks released a thick 140mm fan, I feel like that would basically destroy everything in the current market

[@tender.branson]

This is the best video from useful content per minute perspective. Thank you very much!

[@jhonnyxyz]

Thank's man for your really nice work. It's easy to understand for everyone. I hope that you will be able to test even more fans to get the best of the best and the best price performance product.

[@thedeltaflyer666]

Been looking for a data driven "fan deathmatch" for a while now, Excellent series so far will definitely be staying tuned for more episodes. Would especially like to see if the Arctic P12 PWM can take all categories like it's big brother. At 1/5th the price of the Noctua (at least in the UK) - it would be incredible if the Arctic P12 could take the "blow-out" crown as well. Keep up the good work.

[@craigcasper6689]

So, I have 3 x 200 mm fans in my case. I have been mocked that they aren't as good as the 140s would be. I like the lower RPM quietude they have. Any chance you can add some 200s to the chart?

[@zz_01001]

woah what kinda case supports 3 200mm fans im curious 0.0

[@AlmightyGTR]

Why dont you have more subscribers? Such good content, and no subjective comments like other channels. You are BBC to their CNN and Fox.

[@Grievous-]

I just watched several of your video's and they are packed with so much useful information. I would subscribe if you uploaded more.

[@augustocanosa785]

Great vid. Thanks, dude!

[@KitsuneSama]

Your videos are so complete, just subbed

[@lucasscheps-brown9218]

Hey man I watch a lot of tech YT videos and j wanna say I rly like u channel, and keep pumping out the content

[@jross985]

So with a mesh front case would you pick 3 x 120 or 2 x 140. The 3 x 120 may fill the front the 2 x 140 will leave a gap.

[@juanderbar]

Depends on the case. I have a Define 7 with 3 NF-A14s in the front.

[@HardwareScientist]

Good question! Would depend a lot on the fans used. I'd go for some good 140 fans and make sure they're pointed at your CPU and GPU. 3x120s are probably not as good because you get diminishing returns with more fans, but I'd have to do a new test for that to be sure.

[@eskyja]

Will 2 120 fans as intake and 2 140 fans as an exhaust be good enough?

[@zini4GRUNT]

Thank you for your tests and measures.

[@shuerk2]

3 x 140mm front are better than 3x120mm front ?

[@izhan22]

Absolutely right , 2x185mm are more better

[@Soundsaboutright42]

Also, I'd love to see if AIO temps with different fans to see if there is ever a noticable change.

[@loucipher7782]

*i use the cheapest china made brandless 140mm fan in all my pc case, they all worked surprisingly good and last even longer than some silly "gaming" brand fans*

[@spacecy]

Another very useful video. Thank you!

[@sbin02387]

Hey, can you get your hands on an Arctic P12 PWM fan? They are a fraction of the Noctua A12 fan in price but great performance. Would love to see how they perform, especially against the 140mm P14

[@smamas114]

The real question is that 2x140mm are better than 3x120mm ??? Because most atx cases fit only 2x 140mm an not 3

[@AT-ck1tl]

3 kaze flex (120mm) or 2 Deepcool RF140 (140mm) ?

[@gary1213]

A pretty cool idea for a video would be the cheapest 120mm fans you can buy against each other :)

[@SnapRasta]

I have 3 140s up front and 1 140 on the back plus a 240 radiator up top with a 120 fan next to it.

[@ChrisGeden]

Nice video with a breakdown of the data. Thanks

[@Sugalime3D_FPV]

The problem is that the cases are made for 140 AND 120 mounting. But that's often bad because the holes or cutout are usually only for 120 fans. Holes snf mounting for only 140 mm fans would be better. And if you want to use your 120 mm fans, you should just use cheap adapter...

[@MrMuBot]

Even though I suspected these results, going through another elaborate test study never harmed anyone. :)

[@hadoukenocx4746]

Hello, Hardware Scientist can you do a new 2020 best 120mm Fans and include the Arctic P12 PWM ?

[@Th3EpitapH]

ah yes. i, too, hope noctua's a14x25 will come out within the next year

[@blogJM]

Test arctic p12 and p14 please. Thanks!

[@l0ve131]

Very informative video as always. Maybe can you test Phanteks PH-F140K fan ?

[@ashryver3605]

So if you run a 140mm at the same RPM you were running a 120mm at, ie. say 120mm was 1000 RPM - and then you ran the 140mm at 1000 RPM, the 140 will then cool MORE at that RPM - but will it be louder? The motor engine for example?

[@MartinRonky]

Unexpected combined conclusion. Thanks!

[@ScrattleGG]

Hi there, big fan of your reviews. You seem calm, unbiased and collected. A thing that is sorely missed when reviewing products. I was on the verge of starting my own bloody review channel to fix the gap but found you and optimum tech to fill my void. Glad to have stumbled upon you! Now a question -- You're extremely objective in your reviews which is perfect but I'm interested in your personal opinion about the pitch of the fans and overall feel to them. Do you think the two fans noctua 12x25 trading blows with the p12/14 has a better pitch to it? better feel and build quality? While I see a few of the reviewers I trust review the arctic better performing especially as case fans I see far more complaining about whine/noise over the course of time with arctic (the warrenty should take care of that though) and better pitch of the noctua. Do you agree with some of those statements or was the arctic to your ear the most pleasent? And a final question. What is your rig. What components do you use? What hardware? I absolutely hate AIOs which most use and most care about --- it is just many moving parts, high failure rate, similar performance to quality air coolers and often pricier. The current plan is to build in the new CM nr200 with arctic p14 and or nf a12x25s the 3700x or 3800xt depending on price, some gigabyte or msi ITX board b550 or 450, my old gtx 1070 ftw and my old dark rock pro 4 modded so it'll fit. Despise how all cases are designed for full custom loops with several resevoirs etc. You just get builds with a 75% empty case instead of making cases that are significantly smaller, targeted at people who will only install nvme ssd and an air cooler. Love to hear your opinion on current cases, aio vs air and what gear you use love denmark

[@goose93000]

u should have showed what the 140 fans were in the graphs as well

[@Ed-bj5eq]

thanks for this clear great video, really helpful

[@PaLaDinDen]

Great video, but I haven't found the exact answer to my question. I have a front panel that can fit either x3 120mm fans or x2 140mm fans If the fans performance is relatively identical, which setup would be more benefitial? Since you can only fit two of 140mm, would 120mm extra fan overpower 140mm setup?

[@Jarrito27]

Hi, I'm doing so diving and came across this. Figured I'd ask you incase you might know or could point me towards a solution. Assuming identical fans what setup is expected to move more air, 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm? Comparing the area of the circles 120 = 11309.73, 140 = 15393.8. 3x120 = 33929.19, 2x140 = 30787.6. Of course this involves alot of assumption regarding fan speed. where a configuration with larger fans could operate at lower speeds and for a small sacrifice of airflow might be much quieter.

[@VillaMasterSF]

i have a F140 arctic Bionix its pressure through dustfilters is amazing

[@robantsin]

I don't know why you didn't just compare the top 3 brands for performance between the consumer-grade 120 vs 140 from within the same brand.

[@bratwurstler2647]

Would you recommend the Artic Bionix P140 or the Artic P14?

[@HardwareScientist]

P14 should be slightly better in performance, but P140 does look nice.

[@DevilinGame]

Aaaaa I just found this channel and it's not active at all :( Shame because finally I see someone with scientist approach on pc components.

[@Airis4605]

What better for upper fans, three 120mm or two 140mm?

[@pawelpablo898]

Great video as always. Glad to be subscribed to Your channel. Now i am wondering is there a difference in radiators for liquid cooling, same size radiators are they the same performance? full copper.

[@Soundsaboutright42]

I want this channel to blow up. I immediately click on new videos

[@GianMaaark00]

Bro please make more videos

[@reishakyu3553]

Missed the guy..

[@salvatorealleva2227]

hello sorry in my case I can mount 3x120mm on the front but if I make a small change I can also mount 3x140mm what do you think is it worth making this small change? will I buy more performance and less noise? yes and yes what do you think of the:(hush! Light Wings 140mm PWM High Speed Fan 3 Pack ARGB Lighting Silent Case Fan 4 Pin BL077)?

[@4000marcdman]

What about the use of 2 140mm vs 3 120mm?

[@joeofcourse]

Where's that liquid cooling video you were taking about in the air cool cpu round up?

[@CknSalad]

One thing to note is the whine noise around 1100-1300 rpm for the Arctic p12 can be pretty irritating depending on how sensitive your hearing is.

[@tymon5349]

can you also do a video about fan position and creating optimal flow

[@microsoft1665]

bro can u do Silent Wings 4 also?

[@resnajoulkusuma6408]

3x 120mm arctic bionix or 2x 140mm arctic bionix, better ?

[@gewinnste]

Are these tests done under idle CPU load?

[@TheSkepticSkwerl]

I want to really really trust your videos. But you don't measure temperature delta. So I could run the same test on two different fans. But if I just tell you their temps and my room changed 4 degrees. The fans are gonna perform different no matter what.

[@HardwareScientist]

All tests are measured with temperature delta. Temps are normalized to 24C ambient.

[@Macieyerk]

Are those anti-static gloves you are using?

[@toxictophat711]

I'm curious 120 vs 140 vs 200 I'm looking at 200 but have little info on them unfortunately

[@dimmacommunication]

I have Arcitc p14 fans and they move quiet a bit of air compared to 120mm

[@iza1021]

4 years later here i am because i never used 140mm fans in my life

[@shack6498]

2x120 or 2x140 superior?

[@victordossantos97]

keep that good work

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

Nice results.

[@glodusmuspell9069]

In my case I have only 80mm fans. Should I get 120mm fans and bigger case?

[@Skungalunga]

Thank you sir!

[@mamagalebi]

I'm more concerned with GPU temps; so would 3x120's in a mesh front case outperform 2x140's? Since the GPU get's more direct airflow? Or would well-placed 140's win in that scenario?

[@xmxlyyy]

3x120s would probably win, but not by a huge margin.

[@Pandemonium088]

How about doing a best 120mm a slim fan?

[@SUSHI4lyf]

Hello Hardware Scientist. Thanks for clarifying that all things equal, 140mm fans are generally better. My question is, what then is better between 3x120mm and 2x140mm for front intake? Thanks.

[@josemartincobosortega1295]

The difference is about a 9 % in favour of the360 because is bigger but the 280 is quieter

[@Savioaryt]

Are you gonna make a video about the arctic freezer 50?

[@mxthunder2]

wonder how some gentle typhoon AP-15's would compare to the noctuas

[@philippconrad5988]

Amazing video! I took your advice and replaced my 14mm silentwings 3 with Arctic P14 PWM and did not regret that decision. Amazing how much more quiet the Arctic are! Would you, by any chance, consider a comparison of intake fan setups? I am thinking of 2 14mm Arctic P14 PWM vs 3 Noctua NF-A 12x25? Keep up the good work!

[@sgxbot]

uff 14mm is pretty small do you even get air into your pc with a fan thats 1.4cm big?