Currently, the most common case fans on the market are 120 mm and 140 mm. However, fans pre-installed in cases are still predominantly 120 mm. What are the differences between these two sizes, and should you consider upgrading to a 140 mm fan?
| Differences Between 120 mm and 140 mm Fans |
The primary differences between 120 mm and 140 mm fans are airflow, cooling performance, noise levels, and case compatibility.
Airflow and Cooling Performance
When operating at the same speed, a 140 mm fan will generate higher airflow, resulting in better cooling performance compared to a 120 mm fan.
Speed and Noise Levels
At the same noise level, a 140 mm fan operates at a lower speed while providing stronger airflow. However, at the same fan speed, a 120 mm fan will produce less noise.
Case Compatibility
Since 140 mm fans require larger spaces and screw holes that specifically fit the 140 mm size, not all cases support 140 mm fans. It’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.
| Who Should Upgrade to 140 mm Case Fans? |
Users with Higher Cooling Needs:
140 mm fans offer higher airflow at full speed, lowering internal temperatures more effectively than 120 mm fans.
Users Less Concerned About Noise:
140 mm fans tend to be noisier than 120 mm fans. They are ideal for users who typically wear headphones while gaming or using their PC for extended periods.
| Why Aren’t 140 mm Case Fans the Mainstream Choice? |
While some cases come pre-installed with 140 mm fans, 120 mm fans are still the most common choice. This is due to several reasons:
Lower Cost-Effectiveness
140 mm fans tend to be slightly more expensive than their 120 mm counterparts. For example, the Owl NF-P12 and NF-P14 fans are priced at $20 and $23, respectively. The price difference of $3 per fan can add up to $9 for 3 to 4 fans. However, real-world testing shows that a 140 mm fan only reduces temperatures by about 1 degree compared to a 120 mm fan, which may not justify the higher cost.
Not Aligned with Market Demand
Most consumers do not run their PCs at full speed for extended periods. The airflow and cooling performance of 120 mm fans are sufficient for everyday use, so upgrading to 140 mm fans is often unnecessary.
