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A radiator fan is a vital part of any computer, but especially of a gaming PC. If you’re a keen and frequent gamer, then you need a great radiator fan for your rig.
To understand which that is, or indeed just the importance of a good fan, you should know at least a little bit, about the function that they perform.
When your operating system is running, your PC might not necessarily need a fan, because air circulates to its engine. But when it slows down, it requires a fan to cool the system. When enough air is circulated into the radiator, it will cool your computer. If your fan radiator isn’t efficient enough, then your engine could well overheat, and in turn, this could affect the smooth running of your machine. Therefore, using the best radiator fan that you can, will prolong your system’s lifespan, as well as optimize its performance.
140mm Radiator Fans Comparison Table
PRODUCTFEATURESLATEST PRICE
1. Phanteks PH-F140MP 
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2. Thermaltake Ring 14 High Static Pressure 
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3. Corsair ML140 
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4. Noctua NF-A14 FLX 
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5. Corsair Air Series SP 140 
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So, you know you need then, a great 140mm radiator fan that your budget will allow for in your PC build. But there are so many models available on the market, what are the main factors to consider?
It is important to understand the fan specifications, such as the maximum airflow to the fan, calculated in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). Also, static air pressure, determining the direct airflow, and how it’s focused on the radiator. The higher the static air pressure, the better the performance of the fan. You’ll also want a quieter fan, that won’t make a lot of distracting noise while you’re gaming or working. And of course, you don’t want to have to replace it any time soon
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With a lot of models in the market, to help in your decision, we’ve selected what we consider to be the top 140mm radiator fans currently available. We put them through the test by using them, as we consider the most important features, we’ll share our final verdict.
140mm Radiator Fans Buying Guide
1. Thermaltake Ring 14 High Static Pressure
Product Highlights
Thermaltake Ring 14 High Static Pressure is made especially for a PC radiator fan setup. It has an LED around its frame for 256 multi-colored options so you can complement its look with the rest of your build.
To maximize static pressure, its wind blocker frameworks with the Concentrated Compression Blade`s (CCB) pressure mechanism in directing airflow towards the middle section of the blade. This also reduces the noise and vibration, providing a good balance between power and sound.
Thermaltake Ring 14 High Static Pressure as its name tells you, is a high static pressure design fan, which will cool satisfactorily to your needs. It’s also available in different colors, is durable, and will keep dirt out of your system.
Visually attractive as well as reliable. But just in case, it comes with a best in class, and by some distance, three-year warranty.
Features
- Max Airflow: 51.1CFM
- Max Speed: 1400RPM
- Noise: 28.1 dBA
- Voltage: 12V
- Fan Height: 25mm
- Warranty 3 Years
What We Like About Thermaltake Ring 14 High Static Pressure
Its high static pressure LED is probably the best feature. The indicator will show whether
sufficient air is getting to the radiator for guaranteed perfect cooling.
Vibration, and so noise, is efficiently limited by the vibration mounting system built upon in-mold injection anti-vibration rubber pads.
To achieve maximum static pressure, the wind blocker frame will work in conjunction with the concentrated compression blade’s (CCB) pressure mechanism to produce a compression effect while blocking any pressure from escaping. This also reduces the blade’s noise and vibration and ensures that dirt does not find its way through the radiator or your PC.
For liquid cooling applications, we find the Thermaltake Ring 14 High Static Pressure is a great choice. It increases radiator cooling performance and brings a unique look to the system with patented LED Ring lighting.
What We Don’t Like About Thermaltake Ring 14 High Static Pressure
Unfortunately, at only around 50 CFM, the Thermaltake fans aren’t sufficient if you need a high flow radiator fan.
Also, we found that the LED display is compromised by being quite dim, with insufficient illumination to clearly read.
PROS
- Good quality fan; moves more air and is super quiet
- No vibration or rattling noise
- Good price for the combination of aesthetics and performance
- Badass looks and badass cooling!
CONS
- The blade flew off in about 30 seconds of operation
- The fans are louder than advertised and feel kind of cheap
- Good but dim. Cheap LEDs used
2. Corsair ML140
Product Highlights
The ‘ML’ of Corsair ML140 stands for Magnetic Levitation. This fan has actually been designed in conjunction with NASA, with innovation in mind. A Magnetic Bearing allows the device to make use of magnetic levitation technology for a higher airflow along with static pressure for a premium and superior performance.
It also comes with specially designed and custom engineered rotors to boost overall performance while lowering noise. It has a control range of about 1600 RPM so that you can take control to find your preferred balance between performance and extremely low noise output.
Corsair ML140 also provides a great balancing act between its high airflow and its high static pressure, no matter the conditions. Such precision means an increased life span.
For high performance, low noise, and durability, you’re hard-pressed to find a better 140mm radiator fan.
Features
- Max Airflow: 97CFM
- Max Speed: 1600RPM
- Noise: 35 dBA
- Voltage: 13.5V
- Fan Height: 25mm
What We Like About Corsair ML140
That NASA designed Magnetic Bearing, brilliantly harnesses magnetic levitation technology to give higher performance and lower noise, with a maximum airflow of 97 CFM at 35.0 decibels.
The flexibility of its Custom Rotor Design lets you choose between static pressure and high airflow, depending on conditions and environment, and your task and preference. Further flexibility and balance between performance and noise, provided by its longer control range of 1600 RPM.
Corsair ML140 comes with color customization. The replaceable corners mounted to anti-vibration rubber dampers, are separately available in red, white, and blue, for you to match your fan with the rest of your build.
What We Don’t Like About Corsair ML140
Yes, the noise level can be balanced and reduced, but the price you pay for the higher performance capabilities is a generally increased noise level. Peaking at a maximum of 35 dBA in matching its highest performance, it is noisier overall than much of the competition.
Installation, while not difficult, is nonetheless different from other fans, in it not employing a screwing system.
PROS
- The best of airflow and static pressure in one
- A great functional fan that you can customize to your build
- A loud but high-performance fan
- Soft flow and performs great!
CONS
- It made more noise and moved less air
- Quality control issues
- Humming sound with vibration
3. Noctua NF-A14 FLX
Product Highlights
Noctua NF-A14 FLX full extended name is Premium Quiet Fan, which tells you about its primary features
A premium quality and super quiet fan, it has the square frame of Noctua’s proprietary Advanced Acoustic Optimization standard. Its square shape and 140mm mounting openings at a spacing of 124.5mm, making it perfect for use on water-cooling radiators.
It also has in-built anti-vibration padding of extra-delicate silicone material, to decrease even the smallest vibrations.
Noctua NF-A14 FLX hardly makes any noise at all while it’s in operation. This is due to these innovative features as described. But all of this doesn’t come at a premium price; it’s extremely good value.
Features
- Max Airflow: 60CFM
- Max Speed: 1200RPM
- Noise: 19.2 dBA
- Voltage: 12V
- Fan Height: 25mm
What We Like About Noctua NF-A14 FLX
Probably the quietest radiator fan has a suction side flow, as well as an acceleration channel. This speeds the airflow to provide advanced cooling to your system, with high efficiency yet low noise. Noctua’s AAO, an anti-vibration pad, enhances this.
In fact, this anti-vibration pad makes it easier to install, as it’s fully compatible with the place where it’s to be mounted. Installation is quick and simple.
In terms of speed, you’ll enjoy a maximum of 1200 RPM, but it also has the flexibility of variable speeds of 1050 and 900. So, you can set the speed to find your preferred balance with noise emittance.
Noctua NF-A14 FLX guarantees extremely smooth running, removing all resistance. You’ll hardly perceive any noise, while still getting the required performance.
What We Don’t Like About Noctua NF-A14 FLX
For sure it’s not the most attractive option available. Without any LEDs, the standard color is brown. However, other colors are available, but at a higher price.
Previous owners have also noted in reviews that it has starting problems. Seemingly, it just doesn’t like to start.
PROS
- Reliable, quiet, and comparable to liquid cooling
- The quietest fan that you can get
- It even keeps your machine cool when running two games at once
CONS
- It failed to start on its own sometimes
- Worked great until it sprung a leak
- Bad warranty compared to others
4. Phanteks PH-F140MP
Product Highlights
Phanteks PH-F140MP is a high static pressure model, with a top-quality motor and with nine high-pressure MVB blades.
It has an inbuilt PWM which allows users to adjust the speed within a 500-1600 RPM range. Choose the higher speed for performance or lower for a more silent operation by its motherboard control.
Another unique feature is its UFB bearing to keep it more stable and prolong the lifespan.
This is aided by preinstalled rubber pads to minimize the vibration level.
In fact, Phanteks PH-F140MP has all the specs that make a strong case for it
Features
- Max Airflow: 68.1CFM
- Max Speed: 1600RPM
- Noise: 25.3 dBA
- Voltage: 12V
- Fan Height: 25mm
What We Like About Phanteks PH-F140MP
Its superior motor is designed in such a way as to minimize rotational stability and resonance effects. When combined with those nine MVB blades generate a silent and controlled airflow.
The high-pressure blades produce what is called a downdraft vortex. Angled lower to achieve higher air pressure for a greater amount of air passage through, simultaneously reducing the airflow turbulence across the blade surface.
As well as the blades having been redeveloped to perform optimally and minimize noise levels, Phanteks PH-F140MP has reduced dependence on cables, which further enhances its performance.
Silent functioning is achieved by UFB bearings’ hub-tip reducing air and vibration noise.
Also, the eight pre-installed rubber pads are now bigger and designed to also reduce vibration.
What We Don’t Like About Phanteks PH-F140MP
The fan is thicker in-depth than the average, with previous users noting that and this can affect the performance.
Phanteks PH-F140MP is unsuitable on certain CPU heatsinks, because of the unorthodox cylindrical-shaped mounting holes.
PROS
- It does a great job of radiator cooling at low noise levels
- An excellent fan for radiators, and makes plenty of airflow for case fans
- A very quiet yet powerful low RPM fan
- High quality, powerful, and at low RPMs, silent
CONS
- Bad for modding. Can’t be taken apart without the risk of it being destroyed
- Quiet, yes. Powerful, no
- There were connector problems
5. Corsair Air Series SP 140
Product Highlights
SP 140 is the latest in Corsair’s Air Series of fans specifically designed to deliver air in restricted spaces. It operates at high static pressure and because of that, it cools very well and fast.
It uses LED indicators when it is cooling, which is combined with clever use of translucent materials, for sci-fi like aesthetics. But it’s not just about its looks.
The device comes with a 3 pin connector and can manage amazing speeds of up to 1650 RPM. Although its airflow is less impressive at 57.24 CFM, it is set in such a way that you’re guaranteed airflow delivery direct to the radiator core. This ensures the optimal performance of the hard drive.
Corsair Air Series SP 140 comes with a two-year warranty – better than most of its rivals. This adds to making it a great choice if you don’t want to, or can’t, break the bank, yet want plenty of features, such as its amazing LED lights.
Features
- Max Airflow: 57.25CFM
- Max Speed: 1650RPM
- Noise: 29.3 dBA
- Voltage: 13.5V
- Fan Height: 50mm
- Warranty: 2 Years
What We Like About Corsair Air Series SP 140
The fan has translucent edges that make it stunning and visually appealing. It also gives you red, blue, white and Green LED options.
The efficient fan blades are translucently frosted, giving a dramatic effect when in operation. They are also designed differently from the norm, with a sleeved bearing system that reduces the noise level.
But of course, at the end of the day, performance is what it’s all about. And at a super-rapid 1650 RPM, Corsair Air Series SP 140 really delivers
What We Don’t Like About Corsair Air Series SP 140
It doesn’t come without its shortcomings, and the build quality has been questioned by some previous users.
While the sleeved bearing undoubtedly works in reducing noise, it’s not as good as a water-driven bearing model.
The four LEDs situated individually in each corner, aren’t the most impressive or powerful. Although that’s not to say that they’re dull.
Corsair Air Series SP 140 doesn’t come with any anti-vibration rubber pads on the corners. And be sure to importantly note, that at 50mm height, it’s twice as tall as the other fans on our list.
PROS
- It reduced the hard drive’s temperature by 5-7 degrees Celcius more than the original 140mm fan that came with the case
- Great function LED quality and air movement
- Amazing flow
- You can’t go wrong with anything Corsair
CONS
- It makes too much noise, and it’s not even that bright
- Stick with the stock fans or bite the bullet and jump straight to the more expensive magnetic fans
- Questionable customer service
Buying Guide
When shopping around for the best radiator fans on the market, the PC fan you choose has to fit several criteria. Radiator fans come in many shapes and sizes, so choosing an appropriate fan is crucial to its effectiveness.
The PC fans featured in this post are the best radiator fans on the market. The following buying guide is designed to help you stay focused on the important features and specifications that you are looking for in a fan.
Fan Blades
PC fans come with a number of fan blade options. Some have seven fan blades, while others have just three or four. The number of fan blades will determine how fast the airflow is and whether they are noisy or quiet fans.
Hardcore gamers or video editors that use demanding applications, will need a fan with enough fan blades to cool computer components sufficiently. The size, shape, and number of fan blades on the fans are important for how efficient the fan will be at cooling.
Noise Level
Where is the PC located? The noise level of a PC and fan can affect the dynamics in your home if the computer is situated in a central part of your home.
A great fan that makes minimal noise and has premium noise reduction features such as a rubberized fan frame is desired in family homes and offices. Quieter fans are less distracting for people sharing an office space with you because they make minimal noise while working hard to cool hot PC components.
Installing a low noise adapter will also reduce noise level if the fan makes a lot of noise and the PC components are particularly loud. This won’t affect the fan performance, making it a worthwhile investment.
Speed
Fan speed is another important feature; after all, if a fan doesn’t have enough rotational speed, it is not going to cool the PC components down properly. The maximum speed of a fast-spinning fan with a low noise level is roughly 400RPM.
The faster the fan speed the higher the noise level and the greater the power consumption of the fan. If power consumption is an important feature for you, then fans with a slower fan speed are more appropriate for your needs.
Motor
Motor quality is another important feature that the top fans on the market can not afford to lower their standards on. Great fans will have powerful motors that can move hot air away from the PC components with ease.
Most fans are fitted with brushless motors, but this highly depends on the fan size and strength. You won’t get the great performance that you desire by using a fan with a poor motor, so look out for fans with two-phase brushless motors or similar.
Connectivity
Great fans come with premium connectivity so that the fans can be used with multiple PC models and components. Radiator fans should have the option to add an extension cable, Y cable, four-pin connector options, and more.
Top Tip: Another feature to look out for that will affect the connectivity is whether the fan has sufficient mounting screws and similar features for keeping the fan in place.
Airflow
Does the fan you are looking for have sufficient airflow? Excellent airflow means that the fan is capable of cooling PC components quickly regardless of how hot they get. Good airflow requires speed and may be affected by the size of the fan blades too.
CPU coolers often need to fit into a PC case too, which can affect the airflow around the components. As long as the case and PC build allow the fan to cool the PC sufficiently, then you can be certain that the fan and case have great airflow.
Final Verdict
We tested and compared many different radiator fans currently available in the market.
We considered all factors to come up with what we believe to be the best all-round solution according to the important criteria, and a wide variety of needs.
After days of using, testing, and reviewing, our final verdict for the best 140mm radiator fan is Phanteks PH-F140MP.
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