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Head-to-head · Best PC Case Fans

Lian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 Standard vs Noctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Noctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about builders who want premium aesthetics and customization — read the strengths below before deciding.

Lian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 Standard
Ranked #3 in Best PC Case Fans
Lian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 Standard
4 sourcesall derived$58.5as of Oct 1

Lian Li Uni SL120 V2 fans deliver excellent build quality and installation methods, with a clean RGB implementation and improved cable management. STS Tutorial noted these fans offer best-in-class construction and a daisy-chaining capability that supports up to six fans per cable. However, the performance metrics were slightly behind Lian Li's AL120 V2 models, and they didn't outperform the Uni SL Infinities. The fans feature a proprietary controller system with 4-pin PWM, 3-pin ARGB, and USB 2.0 header connections, allowing for flexible mounting and control options.

Strengths
  • — Best-in-class build quality with sturdy black frame and fan wing
  • — 2x RGB lines across fan frame with clean, no-visible-LED implementation
  • — Daisy chainable up to 6 fans with single cable control
Watch-outs
  • — Max performance could be better than competitors
  • — Did not outperform the Uni SL Infinities
$58.5 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Noctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best PC Case Fans
Noctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap
4 sources1 derived

Quiet PC called the NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap 'the best 120mm fan on the market' with over 100 awards and recommendations. BuildPC praised its 'superb quietness even at high speeds' and 'exceptional airflow and static pressure balance.' The fan's swappable anti-vibration pads allow for customization, though reviewers noted it comes at a premium price. While widely acclaimed for performance and aesthetics, some users may find the noise level at maximum RPM still noticeable depending on case acoustics. This fan is ideal for enthusiasts seeking top-tier quiet cooling with build customization options.

Strengths
  • — Award-winning design with over 100 awards and recommendations from international press
  • — Exceptional airflow and static pressure balance for versatile use in case cooling and watercooling
  • — Swappable anti-vibration pads in 7 colors (red, white, blue, green, grey, yellow, black) for customization
Watch-outs
  • — Premium materials and engineering result in a higher price point compared to basic fans
  • — May still produce noticeable noise at maximum RPM depending on case acoustics
Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Lian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 Standard

The Lian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 Standard leads in daisy-chaining capability with support for up to 6 fans per cable, a feature not available in the Phanteks T30 R PST or Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB Radiator Fan TT Premium Edition. While it offers excellent build quality and clean RGB implementation, it doesn't match the airflow performance of the Noctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap or the Phanteks T30 R PST.

Noctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap

The Noctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap stands out with its award-winning design and swappable anti-vibration pads in 7 colors, a feature not found in competitors like the Phanteks T30 R PST or Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB White. While it delivers exceptional airflow and static pressure balance, it's priced higher than budget options like the Arctic P14 PST PWM and lacks the daisy-chaining capability of the Lian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 Standard.

Specs side-by-side

SpecLian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 StandardNoctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap
Fan Size120x120x28mm120mm
Airflow64.5CFM102.1 m³/h (60.09 CFM)
Static Pressure2.59mm/H2O2.34 mm H₂O
Noise Level<29.2dbA22.6 dB(A)
Max RPM2000RPM2000
Bearing TypeFluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB)SS02
ConnectorProprietary until controller - 4-Pin PWM after4-pin PWM
Thickness28mm25 mm
Dimensions6"L x 2"W x 6"H4.72"L x 4.72"W x 0.98"H
Voltage12 volts12 volts
Wattage2.04 watts1.68 watts
MaterialironFibre-glass reinforced PBT
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