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ARCTIC P12 - PC Fan, 120 mm Fan, PC Case Fan, Pressure-optimised
ARCTIC

ARCTIC P12 - PC Fan, 120 mm Fan, PC Case Fan, Pressure-optimised

Bottom line: The ARCTIC P12 - PC Fan, 120 mm Fan, PC Case Fan, Pressure-optimised ($7.35 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 16:16 UTC): Pressure-optimised blade design rated 2.2 mmH2O for radiators and dense heatsinks; main trade-off: 3-pin connector only, so no PWM duty-cycle control from the motherboard.

$7.35

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Buy on Amazon — $7.35 Compare to similar cooling & fans

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Pressure-optimised blade design rated 2.2 mmH2O for radiators and dense heatsinks
  • ✓ Quiet 0.3 sone rating at its full 1800 rpm speed
  • ✓ Fluid dynamic bearing with sealed oil capsule resists lubricant leakage
  • ✓ 56.3 cfm / 95.7 m3/h airflow from a standard 120 mm frame

Cons

  • ✗ 3-pin connector only, so no PWM duty-cycle control from the motherboard
  • ✗ Voltage control means fewer low-rpm steps than 4-pin fans
  • ✗ 1800 rpm ceiling is audible when run at full speed
  • ✗ No RGB or ARGB lighting on this model

Manufacturer description

The ARCTIC P12 is a 120 mm case fan built specifically for pressure-limited mounting positions, which is why it has become a default pick for radiators, CPU tower heatsinks, and restrictive front intakes with dust filters. Its impeller is tuned for static pressure rather than raw open-air throughput, so it keeps moving air when the path in front of it fights back. The published numbers are unusually transparent for this price bracket: 1800 rpm, 56.3 cfm (95.7 cubic meters per hour) of airflow, 2.2 mmH2O of static pressure, and a 0.3 sone noise rating. Behind the hub sits a fluid dynamic…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored ARCTIC P12 - PC Fan, 120 mm Fan, PC Case Fan, Pressure-optimised using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cooling & fans category. ARCTIC's cooling & fans lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for cooling & fans of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ARCTIC P12 good for radiators?

Yes. It is pressure-optimised at 2.2 mmH2O static pressure, which ARCTIC specifically recommends for heatsinks and radiators where air resistance is high.

Is the ARCTIC P12 a PWM fan?

No. This version uses a 3-pin connector, so the motherboard controls speed by varying voltage. Choose the P12 PWM variant if you need 4-pin duty-cycle control.

How loud is the ARCTIC P12?

ARCTIC rates it at 0.3 sone at its 1800 rpm maximum. The fluid dynamic bearing is described as running about as quietly as a sleeve bearing.

How much air does the ARCTIC P12 move?

56.3 cfm, or 95.7 cubic meters per hour, at 1800 rpm in the standard 120 mm size.

How long will the ARCTIC P12 last?

The fluid dynamic bearing uses a sealed oil capsule to prevent lubricant leakage, which ARCTIC cites for longer service life than a sleeve bearing. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.

Key Features

  • OPTIMISED FOR STATIC PRESSURE: The fan guarantees extremely efficient cooling, even with increased air resistance, therefore, the P12 is particularly suitable for use on heatsinks and radiators
  • HIGH QUALITY BEARING: Thanks to an alloy/lubricant combination developed in Germany, friction within the bearing is reduced and greater efficiency is achieved
  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN: The innovative design of the fan blades improves the air flow and facilitates a highly efficient ventilation, the impeller was designed with a focus on minimzing the noise level
  • LONG SERVICE LIFE: The Fluid Dynamic Bearing comes with an oil capsule that avoids lubricant leakage, thus this bearing is as quiet as a sleeve bearing but comes with a higher service life
  • TECHNICAL DATA: Fan speed: 1800 rpm, Airflow: 56.3 cfm | 95.7 m³/h, Noise Level: 0.3 Sone, Static pressure: 2.2 mmH₂O, Pin: 3-pin

Full Specifications

BrandARCTIC
ModelACFAN00118A
Voltage12 volts
Wattage3.24 watts
MaterialPlastic
Unit Count1 Count
Noise Level0.3 sones
Part NumberACFAN00118A
CompatibilityPC
Material TypePlastic
Cooling MethodFan
TECHNICAL DATAFan speed: 1800 rpm, Airflow: 56.3 cfm | 95.7 m³/h, Noise Level: 0.3 Sone, Static pressure: 2.2 mmH₂O, Pin: 3-pin
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity56.3 cfm
Compatible DevicesRadiator, Desktop, Graphic Cards
Included ComponentsP12
HIGH QUALITY BEARINGThanks to an alloy/lubricant combination developed in Germany, friction within the bearing is reduced and greater efficiency is achieved
Power Connector Type3-Pin
Warranty Description6 years
Maximum Rotational Speed1800 rpm

Ready to buy?

ARCTIC P12 - PC Fan, 120 mm Fan, PC Case Fan, Pressure-optimised is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $7.35

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

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ARCTIC P12 - PC Fan, 120 mm Fan, PC Case Fan, Pressure-optimised
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