ARCTIC
ARCTIC S12038-4K, Electronic Component Fan, Compatible with Servers, 4.7" Length, Balck Colored
Bottom line: The ARCTIC S12038-4K ($11.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Dual ball bearings in a brass housing resist heat and dust buildup; main trade-off: 38 mm thick 120 mm frame will not fit slim 25 mm fan mounts.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Dual ball bearings in a brass housing resist heat and dust buildup
- ✓ 11.45 mmH2O static pressure pushes air through dense heatsink fins and radiators
- ✓ 180 m3/h max airflow handles heatsink, radiator, and rack-fan duty
- ✓ Wide PWM and voltage speed range for fine-grained fan curves
- ✓ 30 cm cable plus 4-pin plug that also runs on 2-pin and 3-pin headers
Cons
- ✗ 38 mm thick 120 mm frame will not fit slim 25 mm fan mounts
- ✗ Sized for 4U server chassis, so 1U to 3U builds are out
- ✗ High static pressure designs run louder than low-RPM case fans
- ✗ No RGB or aRGB lighting for show builds
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ARCTIC S12038-4K 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 S12038-4K 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 S12038-4K has a wide speed range that can be regulated via PWM and voltage.
- With a static pressure of 11,45 mmH2O and a maximum airflow of 180 m³/h, the S12038-4K is a true all-rounder and is suitable for use on heatsinks, as a radiator fan or as a rack fan.
- The S12038-4K 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 S12038-4K guarantees comprehensive protection: overvoltage, reverse polarity and overcurrent protection save the device from damage and contribute significantly to its longevity and reliability.
Full Specifications
| Brand | ARCTIC |
|---|---|
| Model | ACFAN00296A |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.96 watts |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Part Number | ACFAN00296A |
| Material Type | Polycarbonate |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 180 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Compatible Devices | Server |
| Included Components | ARCTIC S12038-4K |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Warranty Description | 6 years |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 4000 RPM |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 4.7"L x 4.7"W x 1.5"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04895213704694 |
Ready to buy?
ARCTIC S12038-4K, Electronic Component Fan, Compatible with Servers, 4.7" Length, Balck Colored 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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