Best Budget 120mm Case Cooling Fans For CPU Cases with LED Options

After a long gaming session when relaxing, have you ever thought that your CPU also needs to be adequately chilled. The intense gaming sessions can even heat your computer to an alarming stage if you don’t use the right parts.

One such necessary component is case cooling fans, which are often neglected. So, we have compiled a list of the best budget 120mm case cooling fans that should serve the purpose.

Chassis fans play an essential role in the proper functioning of the other components in the PC. They prevent your computer from overheating by expelling the hot air out.

Seeing how vital these fans are, it is an excellent practice to get the best one possible that suits your budget. But the market is cluttered with hundreds of case cooling fans claiming to be the best. How to choose? See below:

Best Budget 120mm Case Cooling Fans

So we decided to make a list based on our team experience and research. We have pointed down all the pros and cons and then filtered only the best ones worth every penny. Let’s jump on to the best budget 120mm case cooling fans list.

1. Arctic F12 PWM Rev.2 120mm CPU Case Fan

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This post is budget-oriented, so we are starting with the most affordable case cooling fan Arctic F12 PWM 120 mm fan. There are nothing fancy or extra features, in this case, fan. But it does its work pretty well. Its innovative design improves airflow and facilitates a highly efficient ventilation system. The noise level has also been minimized, yet delivering the same airflow and pressure.

The PWM feature allows the motherboard to operate the fan precisely at the necessary speed. It can be used to blow air or draw cold air in; you get two ways of installation. The fluid dynamic bearing possesses a long service life. At such a low price, this is the best 120mm CPU case fan that we could find.

2. Rosewill Computer Case Fan 120mm

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Just raise the budget by a few more dollars, and you get the Rosewell’s 120mm computer case fan. Looks are just average. Nothing fancy, but still looks decent. But while picking this one for this list of best 120 mm CPU case fans, we give priority to the durability and performance that it offers. You will not regret your money being spent on this one.

Its motor can rotate up to 2000 RPM with a max airflow of 74.48 CFM. Plus, you won’t have to hear that loud noise from cheap CPU case fans. The noise level when it is working is 29.28dBA.

3. Thermaltake Riing 12 Series High Static Pressure 120mm Circular

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Thermaltake Riing 12 series 120mm case fan looks better than the chassis fans mentioned above. It has a concentrated compression blade for high static pressure for demanding applications like games. The hydraulic bearing helps in keeping the noise level. The hydraulic bearing also ensures that vibrations are as low as possible.

The anti-vibration rubber pads cut down further vibration at all four corners. Moreover, you can choose from the four LED lighting effects. So you are getting custom LED styles, a three-year warranty, and brilliant warm airflow out of the case.

4. AsiaHorse Solar Eclipse 120mm Computer Case Fan

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AsiaHorse Solar Eclipse 120mm, two-pack CPU case fans might be the perfect set if you are looking for a pair of stylish yet powerful case fans. This is a set of 120mm that is compatible with various types of chassis. It works in the speed range of 800- 1800 RPM. The LED lights, aerodynamic inlet design fan, and cool operation make it even better than its competitors.

Its standard 12 cm size makes it compatible with all types of chassis. On both sides of the fan frame, silicone pads are used to reduce the vibrations and noise of the motor—also, as the variety of colors that meet different users’ needs.

5. NZXT Technologies RF-FZ120-W1

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If you build a budget-oriented gaming PC, this CPU case fan from NZXT Technologies will match your requirements. The RF-FZ120-W1 features a powerful LED fan that operates at a low noise level of just 27dBA with exceptional airflow at 59.1 CFM. It is designed to operate at minimal speeds of 1200 RPM. It comes with two years warranty.

The bearing is one of the most critical parts of the CPU fans. The long-life bearings being used in this case fan have been tested for over 40000 hours of operation. You have to choose from the 5 LED vibrant colors, which are white, blue, orange, green, and red. It offers the right combination of durability, efficiency, and style.

However, do note its compatibility, as NZXT is known to only work with owning branded cases.

6. Cooler Master JetFlo 120mm Computer Case Fan

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Cooler Master JetFlo 120mm case fan will also cost you the same to fans. But it looks more premium, sturdy, and appealing to the eyes. The ultra-thin yet mighty blades operate in 800 to 2000 RPM (PWM). It provides an exceptional airflow of 95 CFM.

Inside the fan comes with long-lasting, durable self-lubricating bearings that stay for around 160000 hours. Available in three LED color options and one non-LED black color option. The performance is not an issue with this case fan. But the noise level is slightly higher than other fans of its range, with a maximum of 36 dBA. So if you have no problem with somewhat higher noise levels, JetFlo 120 mm fan is an excellent option.

7. Corsair Air Series AF120 Performance Edition Single Fan

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Corsair Air Series Computer CPU fans are very famous among desktop PC gaming enthusiasts. Corsair has released a lot of fans under the Air Series. This post is budget-friendly, so the one we have mentioned here is the AF120 Performance edition 120 mm single fan. The noise level is not too high nor significantly less, just average with a maximum value of 30dBA.

It is ideal for mounting on your CPU case’s rear or top side as an exhaust fan for your motherboard. It operates at 12V with a maximum speed of 1650RPM and a maximum airflow of 63.47 CFM, which is decent.

But it is not just the one paper specs that make a product worth the price. But it is the actual problems and workloads where the product has to sustain itself. That’s Corsair AF120 performance edition fan is on our list of best budget 120 mm CPU case fans. We almost forget you will also get two years warranty on this product from Corsair.

8. Noctua 120mm NF-S12A

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The NF-S12A is the third generation of Noctua’s famous S12 series fans that are not only powerful but also quiet. The blades have been more refined in the third generation to achieve even better results and low noise operations. Due to anti-stall knobs, the new NF-S12A has become even more refined and versatile for airflow.

The AAO frame used in this PC case fan features integrated anti-vibration pads and a proprietary inlet to reduce noise and hike the performance by a significant margin compared to the regular PC case fans.

The low-noise adapter reduces the fan speed from 1200 RPM to 900 RPM to reduce the noise levels when not under heavy workloads. SSO2 bearings with a rear magnet setup also provide even better stabilization and durability.

If you are still not sure, let me change your mind. Noctua NF-S12A comes with six years manufacturer warranty and an MTTF rating of more than 150000 hours.

9. Rocksoul Cool Killer 120mm fan

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Rocksoul Cool Killer 120 mm CPU Case fan has a transparent design with RED LED lights and nine blades that separates it from the other PC case fans. Due to its nine blades design, it operates quietly with just 25dBA noise and high airflow of 64.6 CFM. The long-life bearings will provide good reliability and smooth operation.

It is ideal for achieving high airflow with minimal speeds of 1800 RPM. If your PC demands extreme airflow, Rocksoul Cool Killer is the most unique and affordable solution for you. Rocksoul offers one year warranty on this case fan.

10. Corsair ML120 Pro LED Computer Case Fan

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If you could raise your budget to around $30, we have a great option to keep your PC cool. Corsair ML120 Pro LED computer case fan is the best-looking and most powerful PC case fan among all the other fans here. The magnetic levitation technology used in the bearings and custom engineered rotors helps this fan to achieve unrivaled performance and quieter operation.

Its innovative design delivers high static pressure, thereby high airflow to keep your gaming PC cool and thermal levels in check. Its 2000 RPM control range provides the user with better control over the performance and low-noise operations.

Your PC must also look fabulous. So The ML120 Pro comes with color customizations, available in Red, White, and Blue. The ultra-bright LED mounted in the center gives a vivid blast of light and color that looks stunning. Corsair offers two years warranty on this one also for complete peace of mind.

Cooler Master SickleFlow 120

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Cooler Master has been one of the prominent brands for cooling systems for gaming PCs. The SickleFlow 120 from the brand is one of the most excellent options ever. The high performance and blue LED light are the two features that would make it one of the best and most formidable choices you would want to go with.

The fan can produce speeds up to 2000 rpm and yet provide you access to quieter performance. The long-lasting case fan claims to offer you up to 50000 hours of gaming life. The sleeve bearings ensure a longer life expectancy. You can expect a stronger airflow.

Thermaltake Luna

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The Thermaltake Luna provides you access to one of the stylish looking designs ever. It has access to an anti-vibration mounting system. This can go a long way in eliminating vibrations and other noise issues. It can also improve the longevity of some components that can get damaged due to vibration.

The hydraulic bearing provides you access to silent operation. It also offers you quite good looks and is available in different color options. The 15 mm thickness makes it suitable to work with most PC cases.

This can be a convenient option when you have space constraints. You can have access to enhanced airflow with speeds up to 1400 rpm. Three years warranty is yet another plus point.

Noctua NF-F12

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While the color and appearance of the product may not be up to the mark, but it handles all the tasks it has been designed for. The speed can go up to 2000 rpm, offering an excellently powerful airflow. The Silicone anti-Vibration pad AAO frame ensures a powerful noise reduction and vibration-free performance.

The flow acceleration channel ensures a higher value for money option. The 120x25mm A-series design can provide you with a unique design with cooling performance.

This can be an excellent option for use with CPU coolers and water cooling radiators. You can further be assured of a world-class construction with Sterrox LCP material, metal-reinforced hub, and metal-bearing shell. A whopping six-year warranty is the icing on the cake.

Antec TrueQuiet 120

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If you are looking for easier control over the fan performance, the Antec TrueQuiet 120 should be an excellent choice. You would not be able to expect the higher speeds as with the other options in this price range as it can go up to a maximum of 1000 rpm. The fan comes with thinner blades and a silicone option to control noise and vibration.

A two-way switch to handle fan speed is thoughtful innovation. Tool-less mounting screws provide you access to an easier installation.

APEVIA White LED Ultra Silent Case Fan (CO1012L-WH) 120mm – 10 Pack

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The Apevia Cosmos 120mm LED fan offers to enhance the cooling and airflow of your case/system chassis. Thick, high-quality anti-vibration rubber pads keep the fan super silent on every four corners. It dramatically improves the durability and endurance of the system and parts, so you never have to worry about heating issues; meanwhile, it adds glamour and character to your PC.

Quick Specs are as follows:

• 9x fan blades design
• 16x LED lights contained around the fan motor
• 8x quality anti-vibration pads

The 120 mm fans have been one of the ideal options for chassis cooling on desktop PCs. Suppose you are looking to access a considerable degree of performance for your new PC build.

Choosing the best options for the perfect fan can be quite a tough choice. If you are lost in choice, we will help you select the right option and understand its benefits.

With a considerable number of options available at your disposal, it may be a little challenging to pick the right ones, and that is where we would want to be of little help to you.

Why do you need a good PC fan?

The PC fan can be one of the essential options for most of your requirements. A PC is never good enough without the proper cooling performance.

Irrespective of whether other components are good enough, they will not perform at their best if the cooling performance is not up to the mark.

Other essential components such as CPU, GPU, RAM, and other options will keep working at their optimum capacity when the proper cooling is ensured.

Whether you are a gamer or content creator, you would nevertheless need to find an optimal cooling performance to keep thermal levels under control.

In the case of gaming devices, the case fans can be pretty essential components to the core. With the correct type of cooling efficiency, you will be assured that you do not need to suffer from annoying issues such as FPS drops, lower performance, and other annoying problems.

The Best 120 mm Fans :

Let us explore a few good options for 120 mm fans without much ado. Let us check out a few of the worthy options that you would find much impressive.

Noctua High-Performance Cooling Fan NF-S12B redux-1200

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Coming from one of the most promising brands, the Noctua High-Performance Cooling Fan NF-S12B redux-1200 should be a great option in the category. The NF-S12B can be one of the unique options for practically every need you may have.

The durability offered by the fan is one of the excellent choices. The fan can provide you with controlled thermal levels under pressure. The quieter operation can be one of the ideal choices for delivering you with silent operations.

You would find the fan providing you with genuinely advanced performance characteristics from aesthetics to performance. There is no extra and often unnecessary lighting.

Even when that may appear a little bland to some of you, this can help avoid the unwanted overwhelming when using your PC. Even the color is in tune with what Noctua has stood for a long time.

The tar and brown options should be what would make it a fascinating choice. That would efficiently fit well with the build of your device.

The fan can be your best bet for ensuring one of the excellent choices with a great combination of CFM and moderate RPM values. You would be able to get access to a solid airflow performance and a quieter performance.

You would also find access to a host of advanced options in the form of innovative functioning. The SSO bearing and a hydrodynamic bearing with an extra magnet. That would ensure you a more comprehensive performance with long-term stability.

The chromax-line anti-vibration pads can be what would add more value to your routine. You will also be able to get access to a dual job of dampening vibrations.

This would provide you with a vast degree of experience with a layer of customization.

Pros

• An excellent cost to performance ratio
• An easier option for installation
• Durable construction
• Anesthetic design

Cons

• It may get slightly noisy over time.
  

Corsair Magnetic Levitation Lighting (ML120)

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With the RGB builds taking a considerable lead over the other options, you would find it the most excellent design. Irrespective of whether you are looking for a full-on RGB rainbow of colors or a single color setup, this fan would be what would make you go gaga over it. You can choose between the different color setting options.

The fans are designed to provide you access to one of the unique experiences of an effective and efficient quality of materials and significantly quieter performance.

The fan does offer you access to a magnetic levitation bearing. This will efficiently reduce the friction. The task is achieved by magnetically levitating the fan blade. This goes a long way in ensuring that you have low noise and a higher degree of output.

The airflow offered by the fan stands at 47.3 CFM combined with adjustable 400 to 1,600 RPM. You would find the performance enhanced with the Corsair Lighting Node PRO controller.

You will be able to lower and higher the RPM value so that the temperature can be effectively controlled.

But wait..! The fan is not budget-friendly in any way whatsoever. If you are in love with the RGB build, go for it.

Pros

• Accurate and powerful RGB color options
• A great build quality
• Quieter operation

Cons

• It would be best if you had a proprietary software
  

Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 V2

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If you are looking ahead to finding an affordable option for your PC builds, the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 V2 should be one of the budget choices.

The fan does come with almost all the advanced features that you would be looking forward to getting access to as one of the most amazing fans ever. It should be one of the most unique and perfect performances with the best in class cost to performance ratio.

In terms of design, you would find it provides you well-stripped design. There is no RGB, and you would get a primarily black design. The cooling, however, is one of the best options that you would find quite interesting and unique.

You will be able to get access to a genuinely subtle cooling performance. You can be assured of 62 CFM at a maximum RPM of 1800. The fans may be a little noisier at 27dB.

This one is a sleeve-bearing fan, and you would find that even the fan’s life expectancy is quite good enough. You can be assured of 50,000 hours of usage under normal temperature conditions.

One of the significant concerns with the fan lies in the fact that it may be a little challenging to install. But, even then, this one is your great choice for being extremely cost-effective.

Pros

• Best performance in a static fan
• An excellent blade design
• A better cooling efficiency.
• A great lifespan

Cons

• You will need to have a slight greasing for your attached screws

Corsair Air AF120

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Are you looking for an excellent option for a pure gaming build? Then you would find the Corsair Air AF120 one of the most effective alternatives. The efficient, quieter performance would make the fan one of the fantastic options in almost every count.

The fan features dark red LED that should ideally look quite great and unique in almost every right. The color you get is static and does not change whatsoever.

The maximum noise level is limited to 25.2 dB, which should offer you a quieter experience. Ideally, that would make it an excellent choice for providing you with a considerable degree of performance with a more subdued performance.

The options such as CFM of 52.19 and RPM of a maximum of 1500 would make it ideal for a quieter build. You can expect a truly higher airflow without much noise. And all that without the need for much turbulence.

The fan should be a great option with the choices of an excellent cooling performance at very affordable pricing.

Pros

• A bright Red LED
• Minimal fan noise
• An excellent airflow without being turbulent.

Cons

• No option for changing the color

NZXT Aer RGB 2 (HF-28120-B1)

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This should be yet another choicest option if you are not thinking much about the budget. The fan features a full dynamic build quality. That should go a long way in providing you with an enhanced degree of performance.

Like most other RGB fans, you would fall in love with the design. The fan’s good eye schemes should prove to be much handy. The LED lighting may not be bright, but still, you would find it quite vibrant.

The significant degree of customization offered by the fan should further make it the great choice ever. You can pick the best coloring scheme that best meets your individual preferences.

The fan does provide you access to an enhanced degree of experience through the NZXT’s software. It may be a good option, but having control through the motherboard controls should be what would make it a truly enhanced choice ever.

The fan features fluid dynamic bearings. That would make the fan offer you a great life expectancy of up to 300,000 hours. The fan belongs to the high-end fans category for effectively cooling your build.

Pros

• A massive degree of customization options
  
• A great RGB aesthetics
• A powerful cooling
• A hushed performance

Cons

• Works only with the NZXT software

The Fan bearings – How important are they?

The bearing on the fan would assume a lot of essence and importance when picking a fan for your PC build. The bearing will significantly impact how the fan would perform and what sort of life expectancy it can offer you.

The type of bearing will also have a significant say in the noise levels produced by the fan. The sleeve bearings have been known to come at a budget price but may not have the kind of longevity that you would expect from a fluid dynamic bearing.

Sleeve Bearings

The sleeve bearings are offered on both budget and mid-range fans. They do not need much maintenance and can be self-lubricating. They are typically mounted vertically if you need better performance.

Ideally, they would work better under average temperatures but can fail at higher temperatures—the chances of failure increase with age. You can expect a life span of about 35,000-45,000 hours at around 50 degrees Celsius.

Ball bearings

They have been a slightly better option than the sleeve bearings. You would get access to better longevity, lower noise, and better durability. They can be fitted in any orientation, which should ideally be an added advantage.

Ball beatings are known to perform well at high temperatures. If you have a temperature of around 50 degrees C, you will be able to experience a life expectancy of about 60,000 hours or more.

Rifle Bearings

The rifle bearings are pretty similar to the sleeve bearings once again. They come with a spiral groove, and fluid is pumped through a reservoir. They can be mounted both vertically or horizontally.

The bearings are known to offer a considerable reduction in friction and noise. The life span and the noise levels are at par with the ball bearings.

Fluid dynamic bearings (FDB) and hydrodynamic bearings (HDB)

These types of bearings are the most expensive options. But they would tend to be one of the top choices for most PC builds.

The bearings can be fitted in any direction – whether vertically or horizontally. The lifespan offered by the bearings is one of the best among all the different types currently available. You can be assured of a life expectancy of 300,000 hours of good performance.

So, what type of bearings for the fans should you go with –

• Sleeve Bearings – They are cheaper and considerably quiet. But they have a short lifespan and can be mounted vertically alone.
  
• Ball Bearings – Quite silent in operation and offer a medium level of life expectancy. It can be mounted in any direction.
  
• Rifle Bearings – Offer the same functionality as the ball bearings.
  
• Fluid bearings (FDB and HDB)- Top-notch bearings. They provide you with a better life expectancy, quietest operations, and more excellent performance.
  

What should you look for when choosing a Fan for your PC?

The buying guide for choosing the right type of fan for your PC build should be essential. Let us explore a few factors that you need to give serious thought to.

Compatibility

The type of motherboard and the pins for the cooling system should be one of the prime factors that you may need to focus on. Fans are made available with different types of pins, and choosing the one that is compatible with your motherboard is one of the prime prerequisites.

Cooling performance

The cooling capacity and the RPM offered by the fan should be yet another critical factor that would determine the functional level of your fan. The details are listed as CFM and RPM.

CFM refers to the amount of air delivered per unit time, and RPM refers to the number of rotations that the fan makes per minute. It is advisable to go with a high CFM and a moderate RPM. Higher RPM can offer a robust build but may be noisy.

Noise levels

The noise levels should be one of the most critical parameters you may need to consider when buying a fan for your PC. It may be good to go with a fan with a noise level of around 15 to 30 dB.

Lifespan

You would want to get a better life expectancy concerning any of the items you buy, and the fan for your PC build should not be an exception either. With fans coming with different life span options, you may expect 30,000 and 300,000 hours. Remember that a higher life span can translate into an expensive fan.

To Summerize

Picking one of the best 120 mm fans can be a daunting task because of the many options available at your disposal. We would assume that the list of the top 5 best 120 mm fans outlined here should ideally be helpful for you in getting access to a great degree of experience and buying power.

Almost all the fans outlined in this compilation cum concise reviews have proved their essence in actual use case scenarios. Check out the best among them and get your PC build run fiercely powerful in temperature conditions.

Conclusion

We hope you like our compilation of the Best Budget 120mm Case Cooling Fans available on the market. As we mentioned in certain cases, check the dimensions and compatibility with your case before buying.

Questions and suggestions are always welcome in the comment section below.