I'm preparing to order new PC parts and want to replace the ten Corsair 120mm iCUE RGB fans in my Lian Li O11 case, including three mounted to a top radiator. I'm looking for the best balance of cooling performance and low noise, preferably without RGB. I'll need around seven fans for the case and would like a daisy-chainable setup or a fan hub so I don't have to use a large number of motherboard headers. I'm currently considering the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM, Phanteks T30, and Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM, but I'm open to other recommendations.
1 Answer
The older Arctic P12 PWM fans are worth considering, especially when you need seven to ten of them. They run quietly at lower RPMs, provide solid static pressure, and the quantity helps make up for their lower per-fan airflow. They’re also much cheaper than the premium options. If cost isn’t a concern, the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 is a strong choice. The Phanteks T30 is also generally better than the first-generation NF-A12x25 for about the same price.
I noticed the second-generation Noctua model, but the original seemed to have better reviews, which confused me. Do you think the G2 is actually the better fan?