The larger fans usually move at a slower speed but produce the same amount of air as smaller fans. It’s therefore a difficult question to answer.
We are going to share some interesting facts that will help you gain a better understanding of the subject. We will be discussing the 140 mm fan and 120 mm fan and the differences that distinguish them.
You’ll also see how they compare to help you decide your priorities.
Let’s not lose any time and get right into the discussion.
These are the five things you need to consider when choosing between 120 mm or 140 mm fans.
- Improved Airflow
No matter what you do to your CPU, heat is bound to be produced. It doesn’t matter if you are gaming or doing everyday tasks, it will produce something. It is a common phenomenon.
A fan that has superior airflow is desirable. However, not all fans offer the same amount of airflow. There are clearly differences.
The 120 mm fans have a low CFM rating. They do a good job of keeping the CPU cool. They provide good air circulation which makes them a great option to overpower heat snags. The best thing is that they have a low CFM which ensures high static pressure. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
The CFM rating for the best 140 mm case fans is very high. This allows for better airflow and reduces overheating. The 140 mm fans are more efficient than the 120 mm fans for heavy workloads.
The 140 mm is the winner for more airflow than 120 mm. This is mainly due to its higher exhaust pressure and superior cooling potential.
- Spinning Ability
RPM is the speed at which a CPU fan spins. This is something you should consider when choosing the right fan.
When we are talking about fans with 120 mm or 140 mm fan diameters, there are some important differences that eventually determine which spins better.
The 120 mm fans spin at speeds of over 1200 RPM which makes the PC work faster. This speed is essential for heavy tasks, as it allows for faster responses.
This fan also removes any dust or debris that settles faster than the 140 mm model.
The 140 mm fans are the counterpart. They run at 1000 RPM, or slightly less. Any speed above 800 RPM is acceptable, to be fair. However, you must ensure that this speed is maintained at all times.
The 120 mm fans are the clear winners because they have a higher spin speed. They are faster than the 140 mm fans in both output and speed.
- Noise Level
It really does matter what the noise level is. It is unlikely that you will choose something that makes it difficult to do tasks or gaming.
The 120 mm fans have a low dBA. The fans spin using small spins which make the rotation speed faster and produce less noise. You won’t hear any noises and the sound is almost inaudible on rare occasions. The main reason is that 120mm fans don’t spin at all, creating a low level of noise.
The dBA level is very high for 140mm fans. There are very few models that produce a tolerable level of sound. The 140mm fans can be loud at maximum RPM. They have larger spins than the 120 mm fans. This is especially noticeable when multitasking.
The 120 mm fans are the clear winner for lower noise levels.
These are the best budget CPU coolers for overclocking your CPU.
- Size
The fans in your CPU take up a lot of space. This aspect is worth at least some attention.
The 120 mm fans take up less space and are lighter than the larger models. They can be installed in your system and take up a lot of space.
Accurate Heat-Air Services, Inc. truly understands the critical importance of proper airflow in any system. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures an optimal setup where the space between screws is carefully calibrated. By strategically placing these screws at ideal distances, they facilitate excellent airflow, preventing the accumulation of heat around the fans.
This thoughtful design not only enhances the efficiency of the system but also contributes to its longevity by mitigating potential overheating issues. Accurate Heat-Air Services, Inc. prides itself on these meticulous practices that prioritize airflow management for optimal performance.
The 140 mm fans have a smaller space between the screw holes, which is not ideal. The 140 mm fans don’t have a constant airflow, so it’s not as good as the 120 mm fan. The fan is heavier than the 120mm fan, and takes up more space.
You can also check out our recommended low-profile CPU cooler to your chassis.
- Budget
It is obvious that you want the best bangfor your buck. It’s stupid to spend money on something not reasonable.
Let me tell you. The 120 mm fans are more expensive than the 140 mm fans. The difference is not that large. A 140mm fan might seem expensive. The price tag for a 140 mm fan is reasonable considering the amount of leverage it will provide to your system. It is slightly cheaper than 140 mm for 120 mm due to its lower output. This fan is primarily for budget builds, while the 140mm fans are for all builds.
Are 140 mm fans more efficient than 120 mm fans?
My honest opinion is that 140mm fans are superior to 120mm fans in this case. When you have multiple slots, it is wise to choose 140 mm fans instead of 120 mm.
It’s quite simple.
If you have to choose between dual 140mm or dual 120mm fans, go with the 140mm fans. This is because of what I said above. A 140mm fan has more benefits than a 120mm fan. Consider the benefits you’ll receive from each fan to help you decide which one is best.
Do you think it is better to have two 140-mm fans than three 120-mm fans?
The difference in output between these two types of fans is negligible. The air is pushed at a lower speed with larger fans. These speeds create less noise than fans spinning at a higher speed.
The smaller fans will still produce static pressure better than the larger ones. The 120 mm fans pull more pressure than the smaller fans. The problem with 120 mm fans is their loudness.
Overall, 2×140 mm fans are better than 2×120 mm fans if you need top-notch cooling. However, 3x 120mm fans are a better option than 2×140 mm.
Do you want the best option? Don’t waste your time. You don’t need an air cooler for your rig. Our experts reviewed and tested the best RGB CPU/AIO cooler.
Are 140mm fans more efficient at moving air?
Most users believe that if the fan is large enough, it will eventually release more air. Although this belief is generally true, there are some things to be aware of.
The 140mm fans have a wider radius. Their CFM is usually higher and they move a lot of air. However, it’s unlikely that you will feel this way.
It is quite simple. 140mm fans blow air at a lower velocity than 120mm fans. You will be able to see the difference in fan speeds between the 120 mm and 140 mm fans. A fan 120mm in diameter moves at a higher RPM than one 140mm in diameter. This will cause you to feel like these fans are pushing more air at a higher speed than a 140mm fan.
However, it is the exact opposite. In every case, the CFM of a 140mm fan will be higher than that of a 120mm fan. Air pressure is less, but the air volume being moved out is greater.
What size fan is 120mm?
Fans are used in PC cases to remove hot air as efficiently as possible. There are many sizes of fans, but the 120mm fan is the most popular.
Fans measuring 120mm are the most popular of all fans. This fan size is suitable for all builds, RGB or not. The question now is how big they are. What size are they?
They are usually 120 x 120mm in size and 25 mm thick. Fans have a significant advantage over regular case fans in that they have larger blades. Fans can produce good air even though they don’t spin very fast.
Last Thoughts
After comparing the 140 mm and 120 mm fans, I can say that both are suitable for different purposes.
To make it easier, I made a comparison of these types. To clarify any confusion, I recommend that you read the article again before making any decisions. If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in the comments section.
Read Also: Advantages of Managed IT Services for Toronto Businesses
