There are several facts to discuss on the comparison between case fan 120mm vs 140mm. In some points, 120 mm is better. On the other hand, 140 mm is better considering some other points. You have to nurture all the points to choose the best option for you.
Here in this article, I will discuss the comparison in detail. Hopefully, you will take the appropriate decision about which casing fan is better for you after exploring the entire article. So, let’s explore it.
Basic Differences Between ‘Case Fan 120mm VS 140mm’
Size is obviously the basic difference between a 120 mm case fan and a 140 mm case fan.
A 120 mm case fan has the dimension of 120 mm x 120 mm x 25 mm.
On the other hand, a 140 mm case fan has the dimension of 140 mm x 140 mm x 25 mm.
Another thing, it can be a comparison fact that a case has fewer slots of 140 mm case fans than the 120 mm case fans.
Head to Head, When 120 mm Fans Win
Let’s disclose the facts when a 120 mm fan is better than a 140 mm fan.
Compatibility
120 mm casing fan has a wide range of compatibility. In almost all types of cases, it can be set up.
Rarely you may find any case without the 120 mm casing fan slot. From Mini ITX case to Extended Tower case has one to plenty of slots for 120 mm fan.
On the other hand, you will not get 140 mm casing fan slots in every kind of case.
So here the winner is the 120 mm casing fan.
Cost-Effective
120 mm fan is comparatively more cost-effective than the 140 mm fan. You can save money by setting up a 120 mm fan into 140 mm slots. Here is a fact also that a 140 mm fan consumes more power than a 120 mm fan.
It’s kind of recommendation to choose 120 mm instead of 140 mm fan. But it is a factor of head-to-head comparison where the winner is a 120 mm fan in the context of cost-effectiveness.
Head to Head, When 140 mm Fans Win
Let’s disclose the facts when a 140 mm fan is better than a 120 mm fan.
Quieter
In general, a small case fan produces more sound than the large one. Here the condition is the same.
A 140 mm fan comparatively generates less sound than a 120 mm fan. This means a 140 mm fan is quieter than a 120 mm fan.
So, when noise is a matter of fact, you have to choose the quieter one. This means here the winner is a 140 mm fan.
Cooling Power
The main perspective of a casing fan is to supply cooling power. In this consideration, a 140 mm fan generates more cooling power than a 120 mm fan.
So, when your top priority is to ensure more cooling power, you have to choose a 140 mm fan instead of a 120 mm fan.
For surely, here the winner is the 140 mm casing fan.
When to Choose 120 mm Casing Fan
- Building CPU (Central Processing Unit) with a smaller case
- Want to expend less money
- Looking for high static pressure
When to choose 140 mm Casing Fan
- Building CPU with a larger case
- Want a comparatively quieter CPU machine
- Looking for high cooling power
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 140mm fan better than 120mm?
This is the most common asking question. The answer depends on your desired perspective to get a casing fan. That’s why you need to focus on the point of view instead of which is the best and which is not. Because both the fan has pros and cons.
Does fan size matter?
Yes, it is a matter indeed. Fan size is important too. Just not only because of mounting a casing fan into the CPU casing but also for supplying proficient cooling air.
Is it better to have 3 120mm fans or 2 140mm fans?
According to the mathematical calculation, 3 120 mm fans give you better air output than 2 140 mm fans. But overall the fact is not always the same. In some points of view, 3 120 mm fans are better whereas 2 140 mm fans are better from some other points of view.
Final Words
In the end, I assume you will understand the point of comparison between case fan 120mm vs 140mm. For a recap, 120 mm will be the best option whenever to think about compatibility and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, 140 mm will be the best option whenever to think about cooling power and quietness.
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