Skip to main content
ARCTIC S12038-8K, Electronic Component Fan, Compatible with Desktop and Servers, 4.7" Length, Black
ARCTIC

ARCTIC S12038-8K, Electronic Component Fan, Compatible with Desktop and Servers, 4.7" Length, Black

Bottom line: The ARCTIC S12038-8K: Dual ball bearings in a brass housing resist heat and dust; main trade-off: 120x38mm thickness will not fit standard 25mm fan mounts.

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

Check price on Amazon → Compare to similar retro cpu coolers & fans

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

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Dual ball bearings in a brass housing resist heat and dust
  • ✓ 37 mmH2O static pressure pushes air through dense radiator fins
  • ✓ 370 m3/h max airflow rated for heatsink, radiator, or rack duty
  • ✓ 4-pin PWM plus voltage control works on 2-pin and 3-pin headers
  • ✓ Overvoltage, reverse-polarity, and overcurrent protection built in

Cons

  • ✗ 120x38mm thickness will not fit standard 25mm fan mounts
  • ✗ 4U server chassis sizing rules out most small-form-factor cases
  • ✗ High static pressure fans run louder than airflow-optimized 25mm models
  • ✗ Ball bearings typically clatter more at idle than fluid dynamic bearings

Related Products

Other products in this category you may like:

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored ARCTIC S12038-8K using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro cpu coolers & fans category. ARCTIC's retro cpu coolers & 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 retro cpu coolers & 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.

Key Features

  • The impeller of the S12038-8K is held in a brass housing by two ball bearings, which makes it particularly durable and resistant to external influences such as heat and dust.
  • The S12038-8K has a wide speed range that can be regulated via PWM and voltage.
  • With a static pressure of 37 mmH2O and a maximum airflow of 370 m³/h, the S12038-8K is a true all-rounder and is suitable for use on heatsinks, as a radiator fan or as a rack fan.
  • The S12038-8K fits into 4U server housings and serves as an upgrade or replacement for a CPU fan, radiator fan or for system ventilation.
  • The fan has a standard 4-pin connector and can also be connected and controlled on 2-pin and 3-pin headers, while the 30 cm cable allows flexibility in positioning.
  • The S12038-8K guarantees comprehensive protection: overvoltage, reverse polarity and overcurrent protection save the device from damage and contribute significantly to its longevity and reliability.

Full Specifications

BrandARCTIC
ModelACFAN00294A
Voltage12 Volts
Wattage26.4 watts
MaterialPolycarbonate
Unit Count1.0 Count
Noise Level28.5 Decibels
Part NumberACFAN00294A
Material TypePolycarbonate
Cooling MethodAir
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity370 Cubic Meters Per Hour
Compatible DevicesDesktop, Server
Included ComponentsARCTIC S12038-8K
Power Connector Type4-Pin
Warranty Description6 years
Maximum Rotational Speed8000 RPM
Item Dimensions L x W x H4.7"L x 4.7"W x 1.5"H
Global Trade Identification Number04895213704762

Ready to buy?

ARCTIC S12038-8K, Electronic Component Fan, Compatible with Desktop and Servers, 4.7" Length, Black 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.

Check price on Amazon →

Related Retro CPU Coolers & Fans

Keep exploring SpecPicks

Other buying guides

Browse the catalog

Editorial

More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all articles & guides →

More reviews from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all reviews →

Earliest SpecPicks reviews

Browse full archive →
ARCTIC S12038-8K, Electronic Component Fan, Compatible with Desktop and Servers, 4.7" Length, Black
View on Amazon →