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When you’re building a PC, whether it’s for basic work tasks or gaming, your goal will most likely be to achieve the highest level of performance with the least amount of heat and noise. As PC components get more powerful, they generate more heat, which necessitates efficient cooling methods.
Whether you choose to go with metal heat sinks or water-cooling radiators, you’re going to need fans to force air through your case and these coolers. This is where the majority of your noise will be generated, so you’re going to want to find PC fans that combine power and silence in just the right amounts.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect quiet fans for your build, join us as we review the 8 quietest PC fans in 2024.
Quietest PC Fans in 2024 Round-Up
The table below will give you a quick look at the eight quietest PC fans currently available on the market. To read a full review, simply click on ’review>>’ in the respective row.
Product | Image | Rating | |
1. Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN ''Quietest PC Fan in 2024'' |  | 9.9 | |
2. CoolerMaster Silencio FP120 ''Best Bang for Your Buck''' |  | 9.8 | |
3. be quiet! Silent Wings 4 ''Most Popular Quiet Fan On The Market'' |  | 9.8 | |
4. Noctua NF-A14 ULN ''Quietest 140mm Fan'' |  | 9.7 | |
5. Arctic P12 ''Quietest Budget Fan'' |  | 9.6 | |
6. Thermaltake ToughFan 12 ''Editor's Pick'' |  | 9.5 | |
7. AORUS 120 ARGB ''Quietest RGB Fan'' |  | 9.4 | |
8. Corsair AF120 Elite ''Honorable Mention'' |  | 9.3 |
1. Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Speed: 1200 RPM (900 RPM with the ULN adapter) | Airflow: 32.8 CFM | Static Pressure: 0.82 mm H₂O | Noise level: Up to 12.1 dBA | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Whisper-quiet even at 100% RPM
- Ultra-low-noise adapter included
- Excellent cooling performance
- Premium materials used
- Durable construction
- 6-year warranty
- Plug-and-play
REASONS TO AVOID
- Higher price
- No PWM
Our Rating: 9.9/10
Noctua is a highly trusted name when it comes to PC cooling components, and their fans are the default choice for many. Not only do they make extremely well-performing fans, but they also make some of the quietest fans on the market. Case in point: the all-purpose NF-A12x25.
This now legendary 120mm fan is built with a host of technologies and constructed with special materials, and it comes in three varieties that customize performance for specific use cases. For the purposes of this article, this review will cover the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN (Ultra Low Noise) version of the fan.
The Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN is aimed specifically at users who are willing to compromise on power in exchange for extreme silence. The standard Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM maxes out at 2,000 RPM, which creates a noise level of 22.6 dB(A) with 60 CFM (airflow rating), while the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN only goes up to 1,200 RPM and makes roughly half the noise at 12.1 dB(A) with just 32.8 CFM.
For reference, 22.6 dB(A) is about the level of noise produced by rustling leaves, while 12.1 dB(A) is slightly above normal breathing. On top of that, both fans come with pre-installed anti-vibration pads on each corner of the fan to prevent any excess noise between the fan and its mount.
The sound profile for the NF-A12 is advertised as “pleasant” by Noctua, and we’d have to agree. When the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN was audible (which wasn’t very often), it was an inoffensive whooshing that we had to be fairly close to the fan to hear.
This is mostly thanks to Noctua’s Advanced Acoustic Optimisation (AAO) frame, which is specially designed to dampen sound. In addition to that, the liquid-crystal polymer construction feels premium while further aiding sound nullification.
In actual testing with a base noise level of 34 dB(A), the sound produced by the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN at 100% power was indiscernible at 12.5 dB(A), well below that 34dB(A) threshold. Under the same conditions, the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM (the louder version of the fan) registered 24.3 dB(A), which is still extremely quiet for a 2000 RPM fan.
For its noise level, the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN is a great performer. It will be able to keep your case nice and cool, even if you’re using high-end components in your rig. Overclockers should probably opt for the PWM model, but the majority of users will be well served by it.
In terms of price, the Noctua NF-A12x25 isn’t cheap. Regardless of which NF-A12x25 you buy, it will fall on the higher end of the price spectrum for fans. But you definitely get the quality you pay for, plus one of the best warranties (along with Arctic) you can get on a PC fan, with 6 years of coverage.
Lastly, keep in mind the ULN (ultra-low noise) version of this fan doesn’t feature PWM, meaning it doesn’t offer manual or automatic RPM regulation. If that’s a dealbreaker, you can opt for the PWM version of this fan, which is the exact same fan, but it’s slightly more expensive.
All in all, when choosing from the quietest PC fans in 2024, the Noctua NF-A12x25 is easily our number one recommendation. It performs extremely well despite being whisper-quiet, plus it’s made to last. As we mentioned, this is not a budget fan, but you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
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2. CoolerMaster Silencio FP120
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Speed: 800 – 1400 RPM | Airflow: 44 CFM | Static Pressure: 1.7 mm H₂O | Noise level: Up to 14 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Extremely quiet even at 100% RPM
- Outstanding cooling performance relative to noise output
- Suitable for liquid cooling as well
- PWM-controlled
- Durable build
- 5-year warranty
REASONS TO AVOID
- Basic design with no RGB
- Still a bit pricey
Our Rating: 9.8/10
While Cooler Master isn’t as good as Noctua when it comes to case fans, their fans are among the most popular on the market. Their Cooler Master Silencio FP120 is, as its name suggests, focused on quiet operation.
As with all low-noise fans, the Cooler Master Silencio FP120 is more suited as a case fan for airflow but can also be used for liquid coolers for appropriate systems as long as expectations are held in check.
In terms of specifications, the Cooler Master Silencio FP120 is a 120mm fan that can operate at a max speed of 1400 RPM, provides up to 44 CFM (airflow), and a whisper-quiet sound rating of 14 dB(A). In addition, this is a PWM-controlled fan, meaning you can adjust the speed all the way down to 800 RPM for true silent operation (at less than 8 dB(A)).
So, by all accounts, this is a fine silent fan on paper. It is nowhere near as premium as any of the Noctua fans and lacks some of the niceties of those products, like the rubber anti-vibration feet, but the Cooler Master Silencio FP120 is also considerably cheaper (around 30%).
It is constructed of solid black plastic that looks and feels durable enough, and it really is quite silent in use. There were no extraneous creaks or buzzing sounds in our testing. At 100% power, the CoolerMaster Silencio FP120 registered just 16 dB(A) while pushing 52.3 CFM. This is slightly more audible than the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN but creates more airflow volume than the 32.8 CFM that the fan is rated for.
On top of that, the FP120 does a much better job compared to the NF-A12x25 when used as a radiator fan. It’s not an ideal option for liquid cooling, but with a static pressure of 1.7 mm H₂O, it punches way above its weight class, especially if you consider how quiet the fan is.
This could definitely be a consideration for you as the performance is better, the price is lower, and the difference in sound is negligible at best between the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN and the CoolerMaster Silencio FP120.
The CoolerMaster Silencio FP 120 is able to achieve this level of performance and silence through the use of its Silent Driver IC, which optimizes the electrical current going to the fan’s motor to prevent the “PWM switching sound” those types of fans are known for. The CoolerMaster Loop Dynamic Bearing at the center of the fan is also designed to nullify vibrations and noise.
The CoolerMaster Silencio FP120 is an easy recommendation for those looking for quiet, performant fans. This fan pushes a considerable amount of air while remaining just below the sound of a whisper. Considering the noise and airflow performance, the price is definitely right. It’s priced a decent amount below the top-of-the-line Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN, but not so much that you should be worried about it looking or feeling “cheap”, which it definitely doesn’t.
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3. be quiet! Silent Wings 4
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Speed: Up to 1600 RPM | Airflow: 48.7 CFM | Static Pressure: 1.8 mm H₂O | Noise level: Up to 18.9 dBA | Warranty: 5 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Extremely quiet, even at 100% RPM
- Excellent cooling performance
- Can be used both as a case fan and a radiator fan
- Sleek design
- PWM-controlled
- High-quality construction
- 5-year warranty
- Long cable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Slightly higher price (but worth it)
- Not the quietest fan out there (by a small margin)
Our Rating: 9.8/10
When you come across a company like be quiet!, you can kind of tell where their priorities lie just from their name. Recently, they updated their Silent Wings 3 line of fans with Silent Wings 4.
This new design brings with it a host of improvements, like fan blades that are shaped differently and have less clearance to the frame to increase airflow and static pressure. They do perform better than their predecessors, but is the be quiet! Silent Wings 4 right for your build?
The base be quiet! Silent Wings 4 is a 120mm PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fan, meaning you will be able to control the RPM of your fan. However, keep in mind there are multiple other variants in the line you can choose from–a non-PWM model, a standard PWM model, and a high-speed model for extra cooling performance.
We will be covering this standard PWM model for the review. It is rated for a maximum of 1600 RPM, 48.7 CFM in airflow, and a staggering 18.9 dB(A) at 100% power. For comparison, the AORUS 120 ARGB is rated as producing 28.6 dB(A) at 1,700 RPM, which is definitely more noticeable. 18.9 dB(A) is barely a whisper.
Aside from the optimized fan blade shape, the Silent Wings 4 also has a frame that can be customized with interchangeable corner mounts depending on your needs. By default, they come installed with anti-vibration mounts that are good for use as a case fan, but also included is a set of bare plastic mounts that are ideal when used as a radiator fan to ensure a flush fit.
In addition to that, the fluid-dynamic bearing and 6-pole fan motor also contribute to the silent operation–Nearly every part of the fan has been tinkered with to provide the best possible performance at the lowest possible noise volumes.
The mix of engineering and technology in the be quiet! Silent Wings 4 is certainly impressive, but how does it fare in actual use?
In testing, our Silent Wings 4 unit reached 1,588 RPM and produced 19.2 dB(A). This is slightly under the specified RPM and slightly over the stated decibel measurement but well within the margin of error and not something you would notice in normal use without special equipment.
As a result, the Silent Wings 4 offers good performance at extremely low noise levels. Plus, it can be used as both a system fan and a radiator fan.
High-quality, sleek, and versatile. These are some of the ways you could describe the be quiet! Silent Wings 4 in addition to silent and effective. They don’t have any flashy RGB lighting, but the price also reflects that. These are in line with what you should expect from a premium, high-quality fan and are not exorbitantly expensive by any means.
Considering its quality and extra features, we would even describe the Silent Wings 4 as affordable. These are definitely worth buying if you’re looking for extra quiet, high-performing fans.
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4. Noctua NF-A14 ULN
Dimensions: 140 x 140 x 25 mm | Speed: 800 RPM (650 RPM with the ULN adapter) | Airflow: 47 CFM | Static Pressure: 0.69 mm H₂O | Noise level: Up to 11.9 dBA | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Quietest 140mm fan on the market
- Super quiet even at 100% RPM
- Ultra-low-noise adapter included
- Great cooling performance
- Premium build quality
- 6-year warranty
- Plug-and-play
REASONS TO AVOID
- Basic design
- No PWM
- Poor performance as a radiator fan
Our Rating: 9.7/10
If you’ve had even a passing interest in PC hardware in the past 10 or so years, you’ve probably heard of Noctua. Their signature tan and brown colorway has been the subject of much debate, but what is undebatable is the quality of their products. You know you’re getting quality when you buy a Noctua product, and their NF-A14 ULN is no different.
It’s specially designed to satisfy those who want the lowest possible operating noise while compromising on cooling as little as possible. But does it pull that off?
The Noctua NF-A14 ULN is a 140mm fan that has had its maximum RPM cut down to minimize the amount of noise it produces. This is the same concept behind the NF-A12x25 ULN, but the NF-A14 is able to perform better with less noise due to its size.
In general, the larger the fan is, the quieter, as it has to move less to do the same amount of work a smaller, faster-spinning fan would.
The Noctua NF-A14 ULN is rated as having a max RPM of 800 (650 with the ULN adapter), producing 11.9 dB(A) and 47 CFM of airflow. Compared to the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN, which is capable of 1200 RPM at 12.1 dB(A) and 32.8 CFM, you can see that the NF-A14 is a much more capable fan–If you have the space for it.
Both fans produce noise that is barely above the sound of normal breathing, but the NF-A14 is rated to push considerably more air.
In our sound testing, the NF-A14 ULN was well below the ambient room noise, making it unnoticeable in regular use, even at the fan’s max RPM. Due to this low maximum RPM, we didn’t experience any turbulence noise when mounted to an appropriate radiator like you would with a higher-speed fan or the NF-A12x25 ULN mounted in the same position.
The dynamics of an air cooler are much simpler, and thus, the NF-A14 ULN performed excellently in that use case as well.
In terms of pricing, you do still pay a higher price, similar to some premium RGB fans, but we still think it’s a fair price, given how good and quiet the fan is. Plus, just like with any other Noctua fan, you get the best warranty in the industry with 6 years of coverage.
The obvious drawback of the NF-A14 ULN is the lack of PWM control. This may be a dealbreaker for many people, but users who want to plug the fan in and forget it will appreciate that. If this is a dealbreaker for you, the solution is easy: just buy the PWM version of this fan.
Overall, the Noctua NF-A14 ULN is a masterwork of engineering and is very easily recommended for anyone looking for a dead silent 140mm fan. Like all Noctua products, the NF-A14 ULN will trend towards the more expensive side when compared to similarly sized, non-RGB fans, but Noctua’s quality is well worth the price they demand.
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5. Arctic P12
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Speed: 200 – 1800 RPM | Airflow: 56.3 CFM | Static Pressure: 2.2 mm H₂O | Noise level: Up to 22.5 dBA | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Extremely affordable
- Similar performance to fans that costs twice as much
- Fantastic cooling performance
- Works great both as a system fan and a radiator fan
- 6-year warranty (best in the industry along with Noctua)
- PWM-controlled
- Sleek design
REASONS TO AVOID
- No anti-vibration pads
- Older model
- No extra features
Our Rating: 9.6/10
Building a PC is a pretty expensive proposition. Even if you’re shooting for a low-spec machine, you’re likely looking at several hundred dollars before you get something that is usable. If you’re building a budget-conscious PC, you’re probably looking to save some money somewhere.
If you’re looking for the quietest budget fan, many builders turn to the Arctic P12 in this situation for its surprisingly affordable price and great performance. But if you value noise over performance, will this fit your build? Let’s find out in this review.
The Arctic P12 is what we would classify as a “budget” PC fan due to its price, but its performance far outstrips that classification. This small wonder is a 120mm fan rated for up to 1800 RPM, 56.3 CFM in airflow, and 22.5 dB(A).
This is in line with the rating of more expensive fans like the Thermaltake ToughFan 12, but the Arctic P12 can be acquired for about half the price of that fan. It’s very impressive on paper, but as with anything that is this good of a deal, there are some things you should expect it to fall short on.
In our testing with the Arctic P12, delivering 100% power to the fan allowed it to reach a max RPM of 2,102 while creating 68 CFM of airflow. This was well above what the fan was rated for, which is great for a fan of this price, plus the noise levels were also fantastic at a maximum of 24.5 dB(A).
In addition to that, the P12 also features a zero RPM mode when demand drops below a certain threshold, which is helpful when you’re working or simply not pushing your PC to the limit.
This clearly makes it an excellent system fan, especially if you take a look at the price tag, but the P12 also does a good job when placed on a radiator. With 2.2 mm H₂O of static pressure, it can force air through radiators with ease, far better than some of the more expensive fans.
While all of this sounds good, there are a couple of drawbacks, which you should expect at this price. Unlike more premium fans, there is no anti-vibration padding.
Plus, due to this being an older fan, the motor is also outdated, and there have been reports of an unpleasant humming sound. We didn’t experience this with our samples, but keep in mind this can possibly occur.
On the brighter side, if you run into any problems with this fan, Arctic has you covered with a 6-year warranty–Six years is the longest coverage you can get on any fan, and it is only offered by Arctic and Noctua at the moment, which shows that these manufacturers really stand behind their products.
Overall, the Arctic P12 is a fantastic fan that checks all the boxes–It’s cheap, quiet, and performs incredibly well. What more can you really ask for in the sub-$10 category?
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6. Thermaltake ToughFan 12
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Speed: 500 – 2000 RPM | Airflow: 58.3 CFM | Static Pressure: 2.4 mm H₂O | Noise level: Up to 22.3 dBA | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent noise levels at high RPMs
- Fantastic cooling performance
- Quality construction with anti-vibration mounts
- Works well as both a case fan and a radiator fan
- Affordable in a 2-pack
- PWM-controlled
REASONS TO AVOID
- Blatant copy of the legendary Noctua A12x25
- Only a 2-year warranty
- Overall less performance than the A12x25
Our Rating: 9.5/10
Thermaltake as a company has been around since 1999. That’s quite a long time, and they have developed a solid reputation when it comes to cooling equipment. One of their more recent fans is the Thermaltake ToughFan 12, a fan that many called a blatant copy of the legendary A12x25 fan from Noctua.
If you were to glance quickly at the ToughFan 12, these two fans look identical. The shape of the frame, the fans, and even the performance are comparable to Noctua, as we and other reviewers have noted. This works in the Thermaltake ToughFan 12’s favor, though, as the quality plastic construction and anti-vibration mounts look and feel great.
Copied or not, it is a great fan for those looking for performance and acoustics in a fan. Let’s see how it performs and how it stacks up against the competition in this review.
The Thermaltake ToughFan 12 is a 120mm fan that is rated to spin as fast as 2,000 RPM to create 58.35 CFM of airflow and 2.4 mm H₂O static pressure while producing a max of 22.3 dB(A). Again, that’s not much louder than the rustling of leaves, and it’s actually quieter than the A12x25, even when used as a radiator fan.
This is particularly impressive because a fan such as the Corsair AF120 Elite, which only reaches 1,850 RPM, produces nearly 30 dB(A) at full power. On paper, the ToughFan 12 looks impressive but still gets outperformed by the A12x25 in nearly every category. That doesn’t mean this is a bad fan; it just doesn’t perform at the highest level.
Our tests with the Thermaltake ToughFan 12 show that what the marketing division of a Thermaltake says is what you can expect in real life. At 1000 RPM, you can expect around 11 dB(A), and at 2000 RPM, we measured 23.2 dB(A), which is in line with what Thermaltake advertises for this fan.
Overall, the fan produces slightly less noise than the A12x25 across the board, but it loses out in almost every other category, including airflow, static pressure, and even warranty. Speaking of which, you only get 2 years of coverage, which is the shortest warranty period out of any other fan manufacturer.
With all that being said, the Thermaltake ToughFan 12 is still an excellent fan and actually one of the quietest, well-performing ones out there. It’s got everything you need to cool high-end rigs and radiators; the only real drawback is the shorter warranty. If that, along with the fact that you’re buying a copy, doesn’t bother you, it’s a great overall pick.
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7. AORUS 120 ARGB
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Speed: 800 – 1700 RPM | Airflow: 41 CFM | Static Pressure: 1.5 mm H₂O | Noise level: Up to 28.6 dBA | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Great overall performance
- Can be used as a radiator fan
- Vibrant RGB lighting
- PWM-controlled
- Quality and durable construction
- Aesthetics
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only a 3-year warranty
- Gets slightly outperformed by the competition
- Louder at higher RPMs
Our Rating: 9.4/10
There are many ways to build a PC. Most people just want something that gets the job done and doesn’t draw too much attention, while others want a PC that is more of a statement piece. If you are in the latter camp, fans that are audibly quiet but visibly loud might be on your components list, and we have something that might just suit your needs.
It’s the AORUS 120 ARGB, and it’s here to add some visual flare to your desktop. RGB lights are always going to be pretty, but how does the AORUS 120 ARGB perform? Let’s find out in this review.
AORUS is the premium gaming arm of GIGABYTE. Products released under the AORUS branding tend to be of great quality, and the AORUS 120 ARGB upholds that reputation. It is a 120mm fan that is rated as achieving 1,700 RPM and 40.85 CFM of airflow with just 28.6 dB(A) at max RPM.
To put that in perspective, 30 dB(A) is about the level of sound produced by nearby whispers. So 28.6 dB(A) is pretty quiet, and you can thank the overall construction of the fan, which uses premium components to achieve high-end cooling and low noise levels. This includes the standard vibration pads and a high-quality bearing and motor.
This all sounds good on paper, but does it translate into a quiet and potent cooling? The actual testing revealed that the AORUS 120 ARGB is capable of even more than what it is rated for.
In our tests, the AORUS 120 ARGB reached 1819 RPM while producing just 23.6 dB(A), a noticeable less than it is supposed to reach at 1700 RPM. That’s about the level of sound you can expect from leaves rustling, and at up to 1200 RPM, the fan provides near-silent operation.
With that being said, the AORUS 120 ARGB’s sound profile is on the whinier side of the spectrum at higher RPMs. So if you plan on pushing your PC to the limit and need your fans to stay quiet at max RPMs, the AORUS 120 ARGB won’t offer the same silent operation as something like the Silent Wings 4 from be quiet!, for example.
Another obvious drawback when compared to the best in the industry is the warranty. While the fan definitely looks and feels high-quality, 3 years of coverage for a component with moving parts doesn’t feel right, especially when other manufacturers, such as Noctua or Arctic, provide double the length.
With all that being said, the AORUS 120 ARGB is a great fan and is currently one of the quietest RGB fans available on the market. It doesn’t really compete with the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN, as that fan has a much lower max RPM, but it does fall into roughly the same category as the CoolerMaster Silencio FP120.
The Silencio manages to outperform the AORUS 120 ARGB by creating slightly more airflow at a lower RPM (1,400 RPM and 44 CFM vs. 1,700 RPM and 40.85 CFM), but the AORUS 120 ARGB will always have one thing going for it: lighting. If you’re looking for a quiet RGB fan that also performs well, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better.
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8. Corsair AF120 Elite
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Speed: 400 – 1850 RPM | Airflow: 59.1 CFM | Static Pressure: 1.9 mm H₂O | Noise level: Up to 28.9 dBA | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
- One of the best air-moving fans
- Fairly quiet overall (especially at lower RPMs)
- PMW-controlled
- Premium build quality
- Can be used as a radiator fan as well
- Comes in two color options
REASONS TO AVOID
- Short warranty period
- Higher price
Our Rating: 9.3/10
Corsair has its hands all over the PC market, from cooling equipment and cases to entire systems like their ONE line of small form factor computers. Among their cooling equipment is the humble Corsair AF120 Elite, a performance PC fan that has looks as well as functionality. Let’s see how it stacks up to the competition in this review.
The Corsair AF120 Elite is a 120mm PWM fan with a fluid-dynamic bearing, just like the be quiet! Silent Wings 4. Unlike the Silent Wings 4, however, the Corsair AF120 Elite has some serious specs. It is rated for up to 1,850 RPM, 59.1 CFM of airflow, and 28.9 dB(A) at max RPM. That makes it the best air-moving fan on this list but also one of the loudest. Still, relative to the performance, this fan offers excellent noise levels.
Corsair is marketing this fan as “low-noise”, but as we mentioned, it is one of the louder fans we have tested, as options like the Noctua NF-A12x25 and CoolerMaster Silencio FP120 are both well below 20 dB(A) at full speed.
However, those fans also don’t reach the AF120 Elite’s level of RPM and airflow. 28.9 dB(A) is definitely audible (that’s about the same as people whispering around you), but that’s the tradeoff you get for higher performance.
In our tests with the Corsair AF120 Elite, the fan reached 1,834 RPM and produced 30.3 dB(A) at its loudest. This is right in line with what Corsair advertises, but what isn’t advertised in the AF120 Elite’s sound profile. As it approached max RPM, the low buzzing noise it made was definitely audible, and if you’re sensitive to noises like that, we could see this fan getting on your nerves if it is running on the higher end of its RPM for extended periods.
We suppose to make up for that, the Corsair AF120 Elite also has a “Zero RPM” mode, where the fan stops spinning completely and produces no sound at all. This feature is really only for low-demand builds or applications, but it is a nice thing that many fans don’t have unless the system is shut off.
Construction-wise, you get what you’d expect from Corsair, which is a premium construction with quality materials used–This fan is built to last. In addition, unlike some other fans on this list, the AF120 comes in two color variants (black and white), giving you the option to choose a color scheme that matches your rig.
In terms of pricing, these fans can generally be found at a somewhat decent price for a Corsair product. We wouldn’t say they’re overpriced, but you can definitely get quieter fans for a lower price. Besides that, the warranty period is only 3 years, which is simply not good enough when compared to other fan manufacturers.
If you’re building a low to mid-spec PC and want a quiet fan that performs well, specifically in the 120mm range, there are certainly better options than the Corsair AF120 Elite. We would recommend the Noctua NF-A12x25 ULN if money is no object and the CoolerMaster Silencio FP120 if you’re on a budget. But if you’re looking for the best performance with decent noise levels, the AF120 Elite moves air like no other.
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Final Words
There you have it; these are the 8 quietest PC fans currently available on the market. You may be able to find some quieter fans, but we focused on picking fans that also offer good quality and performance.
If you found this article helpful, make sure to share it with your friends on your favorite social media.
Lastly, if you have any additional questions or need help with picking the right fans for your rig, leave a comment down below, and we’ll be more than happy to help you out. We love hearing from you!
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