PC builders typically use 120mm and 140mm fans for cooling and air circulation purposes.
These fans do a great job of keeping the system free from overheating.
But the question remains, are bigger fans better?
Therefore, its a tricky question to answer.
For getting a better view of this subject, we are about to discuss something interesting.
This article will discuss the 140mm and 120mm fans and the significant differences that set them apart.
Well also be comparing them to give you a better idea of getting your priorities right.
Therefore, lets not forget any moment and jump right into the discussion.
Better AirFlow
Whatever you do with your CPU, heat will inevitably generate.
Be it gaming or everyday tasks, at least something will produce.
Its a regular phenomenon.
That is why a fan with superior airflow is desired.
But not all fans can give you the same level of airflow.
There are obviously some discrepancies.
Here, if I talk about the 120mm fans, they come with a low CFM rating.
But usually, they do a decent job of keeping the CPU cool.
They produce proper air circulation, which eventually makes them an excellent option for overpowering heat snags.
And the best part is, such low CFM ensures tremendous static pressure.
Eventually, this trait makes it perfect for handling heavy tasks.
Now, for the 140mm fans, the CFM rating is high.
It ensures better airflow and quickly tames down overheating.
In fact, for handling heavy workloads, the 140mm fans are better than 120mm.
A better airflow ensures better heat dissipation, making the CPU temperature go lower.
Weve tested average 140mm and 120mm fans and measured theirair coolingcapacity.
The average 140mm fan does a better job of cooling the CPU than the average 120mm fan.
The 140mm fan kept a consistent gap with the 120mm fan, proving superiority over the 120.
The 120mm fans generally spin at a speed of more than 1200 RPM, making the PC process faster.
Such speedy functioning is necessary for carrying out heavy tasks, as it ensures faster responses.
To be honest, any speed over 800 RPM is okay-ish.
But you’re gonna wanna double-check that such speed remains constant all the time.
So, here the clearwinner is the 120mm fans as they have a greater spin speed.
They outperform the 140mm ones both in terms of output and speed.
Noise Level
The noise level really matters.
You wont definitely choose something that causes you an irritating experience while gaming or doing tasks.
That said, the 120mm fans come with a very low dBA.
They run using small spins, which makes the rotation faster without making any significant noise.
For the 140mm fans, I would say that the level of dBA is high.
Though, you would find few models out there that produce tolerable sound.
But in a general sense, at max RPM, the 140mm fans can get loud.
The reason is the larger spins they have compared to the 120mm ones.
Especially during multitasking, this thing is very noticeable.
Lets see the temperature and noise level chart again to clear up things.
But as the fans are getting worked out, the 140mm and 120mm fan makes a similar noise.
In most cases, the 140mm produces a lower noise at the same temperature.
For the lower noise levels, I would pick and suggest a140mm fanover the 120mm in most parts.
In a normal job, you wont find any differences.
So, check out some of thebest CPU coolers for overclockingto keep the noise level in control.
Size
Well, the fans inside your CPU do take up considerable space.
So, this aspect deserves at least some consideration.
If I talk about the 120mm fans, they take up less space and are light in weight.
Even if you install them in your system, there is a considerable amount of space for use.
What I like about them is there is a decent space between the screw holes.
The distance between the holes makes airflow easy so that heat doesnt settle down around the fans.
However, for the 140mm fans, the space between the screw holes isnt that well adapted.
This fan is also heavier than the 120mm, not to mention its bigger size consuming space.
So, for the most compact and easy-to-install size,120mm fans win in the size category.
Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, nothing comes close to the 120mm fans.
Thanks to its compact size and wide range of choices, it can fit in any PC case.
The versatility makes it very popular and perfect for any future upgrade.
On the other hand, the 140mm fans are larger and dont fit properly in all PC cases.
Its mostly suitable for the ATX and E-ATX PC cases, and sometimes in micro ATX cases.
So, in the compatibility category, the120mm fan is a clear winner.
Budget
You would obviously want the best bang for the buck.
As its utter stupidity to waste money on something that isnt reasonable.
Let me get this thing straight to you.
The 140mm fans are expensive compared to the 120mm fans.
But the difference isnt that big.
You might think that the price of a 140mm fan is high.
But the tag it bears is justified considering the leverage it is going to give to your system.
In the case of 120mm, it is cheaper than 140mm because of its slightly lower output level.
Its mainly for budget builds, whereas the 140mm fans are for all builds, especially for high-end.
140mm Vs 120mm Fans: Which is Right for You?
Now, its decision time!
And it feels hard, right?
The 140mm is the second most popular in the market, right after the 120mm fan.
Its bigger, more powerful, and useful for its capabilities.
It can easily fit in most PC cases and can be used as a casing fan and CPU cooler.
The quietness and better airflow system make it the best and ideal to keep your PC cool.
The best 140mm fans can outperform the top-of-the-line 120mm fans pretty easily.
And even sometimes, the average 140mm can give a similar performance to the best 120mm fan.
Now, lets see the real-world scenario of when you should buy the 140mm for your PC.
It has decent cooling performance at this pricenot much behind a 140mm fan.
The 120mm fans are cheaper and provide less performance compared to the 140mm fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 140mm fans cool better than 120mm?
Is it better to have 2x 140mm fans or 3x 120mm fans?
What is the best size fan for a PC?
There are various sizes of fans for a PC such as 80mm, 92mm, 140mm, and 200mm.
But among all of them, 120mm is the most popular for its affordable price and versatility.
