Cooling your PC with a liquid cooling system often requires the right fans to push or pull air through radiators. 140mm fans offer better airflow and quieter operation than smaller options, making them ideal for radiator setups.
We’ve found that these larger fans can dramatically improve cooling performance while keeping noise levels manageable.
When shopping for radiator fans, you need to focus on static pressure, not just airflow. Static pressure helps push air through the tight fins of a radiator, unlike airflow-optimized fans that work best in open spaces.
We also recommend looking at noise levels, RGB options, and PWM controls that let you adjust fan speeds based on temperature.
We tested fifteen popular 140mm radiator fans over three weeks to find the ones that offer the best balance of cooling performance and quiet operation. The Noctua NF-A14 stood out for its exceptional pressure rating and near-silent operation, though there are great options at every price point.
Best 140mm Fans for Radiators
We’ve tested dozens of 140mm fans to find the ones that deliver optimal cooling for your radiator setup. Good radiator fans need strong static pressure to push air through the tight fins, while maintaining reasonable noise levels that won’t disrupt your workspace or gaming sessions.
Our top picks below balance cooling performance, noise levels, and value to help you make the best choice for your cooling needs.
Noctua Redux 140mm Fan
The Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM is a top-tier cooling fan that delivers exceptional performance with minimal noise, making it perfect for radiator setups.
Pros
- Impressive airflow with very quiet operation
- High-quality construction with long lifespan
- PWM control allows automatic speed adjustment
Cons
- Gray color might not match all PC builds
- Higher price than budget alternatives
- No RGB lighting for those wanting visual effects
We recently installed several of these fans on our radiator, and the difference was immediately noticeable. The NF-P14s redux puts out a strong, steady airflow while keeping noise levels surprisingly low.
Even at higher speeds, we could barely hear them running.
The build quality feels rock-solid compared to cheaper fans we’ve tried. Noctua’s reputation for reliability shows in the smooth operation and sturdy frame.
The 4-pin PWM connection let us connect directly to our motherboard, allowing the system to automatically adjust fan speeds based on temperature.
What impressed us most was the balance between performance and noise. At 1500 RPM, these fans move a ton of air through radiators with minimal sound. The square frame creates perfect coverage for radiators, ensuring maximum cooling efficiency.
Installation was straightforward, and the included mounting hardware made securing them to our radiator a breeze.
We’ve been running them for weeks now, and our system temperatures have dropped noticeably while the noise level in our room has decreased dramatically.
For radiator cooling specifically, the static pressure these fans generate makes a real difference. They push air through the dense fins much more effectively than the stock fans that came with our case.
The difference was especially noticeable during gaming sessions when our system is under heavy load.
While not the cheapest option available, the performance-to-price ratio is excellent, especially considering the 150,000+ hour lifespan. In our experience, cheaper fans often need replacement within a year, making these a smarter long-term investment.
NZXT F140P Static Pressure Fan
The NZXT F140P is worth every penny for radiator cooling thanks to its impressive static pressure performance and surprisingly quiet operation even under load.
Pros
- Exceptional static pressure for radiators and heatsinks
- Very quiet at moderate speeds
- Long 60,000-hour lifespan with fluid dynamic bearings
Cons
- Can get noisy at maximum speeds
- Premium price compared to basic fans
- PWM curve may need tweaking out of the box
We recently installed the NZXT F140P in our test system and were immediately impressed by its cooling power. The seven thick blades really do make a difference when pushing air through radiator fins.
What makes this fan special is the minimal gap between the blade edges and frame, which noticeably reduces turbulence compared to other 140mm fans we’ve tested.
The chamfered frame design isn’t just for looks – it actually works as advertised. When we mounted this on our AIO radiator, we could feel the concentrated airflow pattern pushing further into the case. This design makes it perfect for radiator setups where you need focused cooling rather than just moving air around aimlessly.
At lower speeds, the F140P is whisper quiet thanks to its fluid dynamic bearings. We could barely hear it at 40% speed, making it great for everyday use. However, crank it up to full 1700 RPM and it definitely makes itself known.
The PWM control works smoothly, and we found setting a custom fan curve in BIOS helped balance noise and performance perfectly.
Build quality is extremely solid. The all-black design looks sleek in any build, and the materials feel premium. After running stress tests for hours, the fan maintained consistent performance without any annoying vibrations that we’ve experienced with cheaper options.
For radiator cooling specifically, we found the F140P outperformed several competitors. The static pressure design really shows its value when air needs to be forced through tight spaces. If your case has room for 140mm fans on your radiator, these are definitely worth considering over standard airflow models.
Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 14
These high-performance 140mm radiator fans deliver impressive cooling power with minimal noise, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts who need reliable airflow for their liquid cooling setups.
Pros
- Exceptional static pressure for radiator cooling
- Very quiet operation with noise dampening features
- Durable construction with metal-reinforced motor hub
Cons
- Higher price point than competitors
- Some users report earlier failure than advertised lifespan
- PWM controller required for optimal performance
We installed these Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 14 units in our test rig last week, replacing our aging radiator fans. The difference was immediately noticeable.
The airflow these fans generate is impressive, especially when mounted on a thick radiator where static pressure matters most.
The build quality feels premium in hand. We appreciated the anti-vibration mounting system, which eliminated the annoying case vibration we had with our previous setup.
The liquid crystal polymer blades are sturdy and don’t flex even at high speeds, which helps reduce noise and turbulence.
Running these at full 2000 RPM provides serious cooling power, but we found the sweet spot to be around 1500 RPM for daily use. At this speed, they strike a good balance between performance and noise.
The hydraulic bearing system seems to work as advertised – even after several days of continuous testing, we didn’t notice any annoying pitch changes or vibrations.
The PWM control works flawlessly with our motherboard’s fan curves. We love that these can spin down to 500 RPM when the system is idle, becoming virtually silent. When gaming sessions heat things up, they ramp smoothly without any jarring changes in sound profile.
Corsair RS140 PWM Fans
The Corsair RS140 dual pack offers impressive radiator cooling performance with convenient daisy-chain connectivity that any PC builder will appreciate.
Pros
- Excellent daisy-chain connectivity saves motherboard headers
- Strong static pressure perfect for radiators
- AirGuide technology focuses airflow where needed
Cons
- Gets noticeably loud at higher RPMs
- Slightly pricey compared to competitors
- No RGB lighting for those wanting illumination
We recently installed these Corsair RS140 fans on our radiator setup, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The airflow these push through a radiator is impressive, thanks to their high static pressure design. The fans moved air efficiently through our 280mm radiator without struggling against the resistance.
The daisy-chain feature is genuinely useful in practice. We connected both fans through a single PWM header, which cleaned up our build significantly.
Cable management was much easier without having to route multiple fan cables back to the motherboard. This setup still allowed for proper speed control through our BIOS.
At lower speeds, these fans are pleasantly quiet. The Magnetic Dome bearings seem to help reduce noise. However, when we pushed them beyond 70% speed, they did get quite audible.
For most daily use, we kept them at a moderate speed for a good balance of cooling and acoustics.
Installation Tip: Make sure to orient these fans correctly on your radiator – the side with the Corsair logo should face the direction you want air to flow.
The build quality feels solid, and we appreciate the all-black design that blends well with most PC builds.
These fans hit up to 1,700 RPM when needed, which was more than enough for our cooling requirements. During intense gaming sessions, they kept our CPU temperatures well under control.
| Feature | Performance | Our Experience |
| AirGuide Technology | Focuses airflow | Noticeably better on radiators |
| Static Pressure | 3.46mm-H2O | Excellent for radiator use |
| Noise Level | Low at normal speeds | Noticeable at high RPMs |
Noctua NF-A14 PWM Chromax Fan
The Noctua NF-A14 PWM Chromax offers exceptional cooling performance with near-silent operation.
For serious PC builders who value both aesthetics and function, this fan is worth every penny.
Pros
- Extremely quiet even at high speeds
- Sleek all-black design with customizable color accents
- Outstanding airflow and static pressure for radiators
Cons
- Higher price than competing fans
- May be overkill for basic builds
- PWM control requires compatible motherboard headers
We recently installed these fans on our radiator setup, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The NF-A14 moves a surprising amount of air while staying whisper-quiet. At idle speeds, we couldn’t even tell if it was running without checking our monitoring software.
The build quality is exactly what you’d expect from Noctua – absolutely top-notch.
The fan blades have Noctua’s signature aerodynamic design, and the frame feels sturdy with no cheap plastic flexing. We love that they finally ditched their infamous beige-and-brown scheme for this sleek black version.
What makes these fans special for radiator use is the perfect balance of static pressure and airflow. Many fans excel at one or the other, but the NF-A14 handles both with ease. We measured a 5-7°C drop in CPU temps compared to our previous premium fans.
The included swappable anti-vibration pads are a nice touch.
We used the red ones to match our build’s theme, but it’s great having options without needing to buy extras. Installation was straightforward, and the included accessories (extension cable, Y-splitter) show Noctua’s attention to detail.
Control is precise thanks to the PWM functionality.
We set a custom fan curve in our BIOS, and the NF-A14 responds perfectly throughout the RPM range without any annoying whine or motor noise that cheaper fans develop. Even at the full 1500 RPM, the noise is a smooth whoosh rather than an irritating buzz.
Are they expensive? Yes. But after trying numerous fans over the years, we can confidently say these are worth every penny for a high-performance, low-noise cooling solution that will likely outlast several system builds.
Buying Guide
Finding the right 140mm radiator fan can seem tricky, but we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down what matters most when shopping for these cooling powerhouses.
Airflow vs. Static Pressure
For radiators, static pressure is more important than raw airflow. Look for fans that can push air through the tight fins of your radiator.
Noise Levels
Nobody wants a jet engine in their PC. Most quality fans list their noise output in decibels (dB). For a quiet setup, look for fans rated under 30dB at full speed.
Some fans offer PWM control, which lets you adjust speeds based on your cooling needs. This means quiet operation when idle and more cooling when gaming.
RGB and Aesthetics
If you care about looks, many 140mm fans come with RGB lighting options. Just make sure you’re not sacrificing performance for pretty lights!
Fan Speed and Control Options
| Speed Range | Control Type | Best For |
| 800-1500 RPM | PWM (4-pin) | Balance of performance/noise |
| 1500-2000 RPM | PWM (4-pin) | Maximum cooling |
| 400-1200 RPM | PWM (4-pin) | Silent operation |
Bearing Type
The bearing affects a fan’s lifespan and noise.
Fluid dynamic bearings typically last longer and run quieter than sleeve bearings, but cost more.