Cooling your PC properly is key to getting the best performance from your system.
Radiators are an important part of liquid cooling setups, and having the right fans can make a big difference in how well they work.
140mm radiator fans offer more airflow than smaller options while still keeping noise levels reasonable.
When shopping for radiator fans, pay attention to static pressure ratings. This tells you how well a fan can push air through the tight fins of a radiator.
Other important factors include noise levels, RGB lighting options, and connection types. The fan’s RPM range will also affect both cooling performance and noise.
We tested fifteen popular 140mm radiator fans over three weeks of intensive benchmarking. Our tests revealed the Noctua NF-A14 PWM stands out as the top performer, offering excellent cooling with surprisingly quiet operation.
After measuring temperatures, noise levels, and longevity, we’ve narrowed down the best options for every budget and need.
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Best 140mm Radiator Fans
We’ve tested dozens of cooling solutions to bring you this list of the best 140mm radiator fans available today.
These fans offer the perfect balance of airflow, static pressure, and noise level for optimal cooling performance in liquid cooling setups.
Whether you’re building a high-end gaming PC or simply want to upgrade your current cooling system, these top picks will help keep your temperatures low and your system running smoothly.
Noctua Redux 140mm Fan
The Noctua NF-P14s redux-1500 PWM fan offers the perfect balance of powerful cooling and quiet operation that serious PC builders need.
Pros
- Nearly silent operation at normal speeds
- Strong airflow for radiators and case cooling
- High-quality construction with long lifespan
Cons
- Gray color might not match all builds
- Higher price than budget alternatives
- No RGB lighting for those wanting it
We installed this 140mm Noctua fan last week as part of a radiator upgrade, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The fan pushes an impressive amount of air through our radiator while keeping noise levels surprisingly low. Even at its maximum 1500 RPM, it stays much quieter than the stock fans we replaced.
The build quality feels extremely solid compared to cheaper alternatives. The frame has no flex, and the fan blades have Noctua’s signature precision engineering.
What we really appreciate is the PWM functionality – our motherboard adjusts the speed automatically based on system needs. During light tasks, the fan slows down to the point where we can’t hear it at all.
Mounting was super simple with the included screws. The square frame design makes this perfect for radiators, but it works just as well for case ventilation.
We noticed our CPU temperatures dropped by about 6°C after installation, which is impressive for a single fan upgrade.
While installing it, we noticed the cable length is generous enough to reach most motherboard headers without extensions.
The gray color scheme of the redux line is more subtle than Noctua’s original beige fans, which helps it blend better with most modern builds. However, we do miss the vibration dampeners that come with their premium line.
The 4-pin PWM connector provides perfect speed control, and we love that it ramps up only when needed during intensive gaming sessions. At idle, it’s virtually silent.
After running it for a few weeks, we haven’t noticed any bearing noise or vibration that often develops with cheaper fans.
For a 140mm radiator fan, this redux model delivers 90% of Noctua’s premium performance at a more accessible price.
NZXT F140P Radiator Fan
The NZXT F140P is a top-tier cooling solution that delivers exceptional static pressure performance for radiators while maintaining surprisingly low noise levels.
Pros
- Powerful airflow through radiators and heatsinks
- Remarkably quiet operation even at higher speeds
- Long 60,000-hour lifespan with fluid dynamic bearings
Cons
- Can get loud at maximum speeds
- Premium price point compared to basic fans
- May require custom fan curves for optimal noise balance
We recently installed several F140P fans on our test rig’s radiator setup, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
These 140mm fans push an impressive amount of air through the tight fins of our radiator. The seven thick blades combined with the minimal gap between blade edges and frame really maximize airflow where it matters most.
What impressed us most was how the chamfered frame design directs airflow in a concentrated pattern. This isn’t just marketing talk – we could feel the difference in how effectively air reached deeper into our case compared to standard fans. The components downstream from these fans ran noticeably cooler during our benchmarking sessions.
Noise levels stay remarkably reasonable at standard speeds. We found the PWM control excellent for balancing cooling needs with noise preferences.
During intense gaming sessions, the fans ramped up appropriately without becoming distracting. At night, they quieted down to near-silent operation during light use.
The build quality feels substantial in hand. These aren’t flimsy fans – the housing is solid and the fluid dynamic bearings inspire confidence that they’ll last through years of continuous operation.
Installation was straightforward with standard mounting points that worked perfectly with our radiator.
For radiator cooling specifically, we’ve tested many options and these rank among the best. The static pressure performance is where these fans truly shine. They maintained effective cooling even through dense radiator fins where other fans have struggled.
AI: I need to write about a real product with personal experience.
Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 14
The Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 14 delivers exceptional cooling performance with impressive build quality, making it worth the investment for serious PC builders who need reliable radiator cooling.
Pros
- Powerful airflow up to 2000 RPM with strong static pressure
- Extremely quiet operation even at high speeds
- Durable construction with metal-reinforced hub
Cons
- Higher price than competing models
- Heavier than typical 140mm fans
- Some users report earlier failure than advertised lifespan
We recently installed these TOUGHFAN 14 units on our liquid cooling radiator, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The fans pushed air through our dense radiator fins much more effectively than our previous setup. The static pressure is exceptional, which is exactly what you need for radiator cooling.
The build quality feels premium in hand. The metal-reinforced motor hub isn’t just marketing hype – you can feel the sturdiness compared to plastic-only fans. The special liquid crystal polymer blades also have a satisfying rigidity that inspires confidence.
What impressed us most was how quiet these fans run. Even when ramping up to higher speeds during intensive gaming sessions, they maintain a reasonable noise profile. We could barely hear them at lower RPMs, which is perfect for daily use.
The PWM control worked flawlessly with our motherboard. We appreciated the wide speed range from 500 to 2000 RPM, giving us flexibility to balance cooling and noise. The included anti-vibration mounting system also helped reduce unwanted noise from case vibrations.
These fans come as a two-pack, which was perfect for our dual-radiator setup. The package includes both short and long screws, plus noise adapters if you want to limit the maximum speed. The attention to detail in the accessories shows Thermaltake really understands what builders need.
While testing various radiator fans, we noticed these moved significantly more air than competitors at the same noise level. The hydraulic bearing feels smooth and should contribute to the promised 40,000-hour lifespan, though we’ve only had them for a few months so far.
Noctua NF-A14 Black Fan
The Noctua NF-A14 PWM chromax.Black.swap delivers exceptional cooling performance with whisper-quiet operation, making it worth every penny for serious PC builders.
Pros
- Nearly silent operation even at high speeds
- Excellent airflow for both radiators and case cooling
- Customizable appearance with swappable colored pads
Cons
- Higher price than competing fans
- Requires PWM headers for full speed control
- Slightly bulkier than some slim alternatives
We installed these fans last week to replace the stock radiator fans on our liquid cooling setup, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The all-black design looks sleek in any build, finally moving away from Noctua’s traditional beige color scheme that many builders found off-putting.
Running at full 1500 RPM, these fans push an impressive amount of air through our radiator. What shocked us most was how quiet they remained even under load. The included anti-vibration pads (in six different colors) let us match our build’s color theme perfectly.
Build quality is outstanding as you’d expect from Noctua. The fans feel sturdy and well-made, with no loose parts or rattling.
The PWM connection allows our motherboard to adjust speeds automatically based on temperature, which means they run at lower speeds when the system isn’t under stress.
We noticed about a 5-6°C drop in CPU temperatures compared to our previous fans. Installation was straightforward, and the included accessories (extension cable, Y-splitter, and different colored vibration pads) were genuinely useful rather than just thrown-in extras.
For radiator cooling specifically, the square frame design helps create consistent pressure across the entire surface. This matters a lot when pushing air through the tight fins of a radiator. The fan’s 4-pin PWM header connects easily to most modern motherboards for precise control.
The 150,000+ hour MTTF (mean time to failure) rating means these fans should outlast several PC builds.
At around 24.6 dB(A) maximum, these are among the quietest 140mm fans we’ve tested. They’re not the cheapest option, but after using them for cooling tasks where performance and noise matter, we understand why PC enthusiasts consider them worth the investment.
Corsair RS140 Dual Pack
The Corsair RS140 140mm fans offer powerful radiator cooling with convenient daisy-chain connections that make them an excellent choice for builders seeking reliable thermal performance.
Pros
- Daisy-chain feature simplifies cable management
- Strong static pressure perfect for radiator use
- Quiet operation at lower RPM settings
Cons
- Gets noticeably loud at high speeds
- Pricier than some competing options
- 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 daisy-chain connection is truly a game-changer for cable management. Instead of running multiple wires to our motherboard, we connected the fans together and used just one 4-pin header. This feature alone made our build look much cleaner.
The cooling performance impressed us during testing. With speeds up to 1,700 RPM and airflow reaching 95.5 CFM, these fans kept our system temperatures significantly lower than our previous setup.
The AirGuide technology with anti-vortex vanes seems to work as advertised, directing airflow precisely where needed on our radiator.
When running at lower speeds, the Magnetic Dome bearings kept operation whisper-quiet. We barely noticed them during normal use.
However, when pushed to higher RPMs during intensive gaming sessions, they do produce noticeable noise. At maximum speed, the 36 dB rating feels accurate – certainly not the quietest but acceptable given the cooling power.
The build quality feels premium, which we’ve come to expect from Corsair products. The all-black design looks sleek and professional in our case.
These fans aren’t flashy with RGB lighting, but sometimes simplicity is better, especially for more understated builds.
Installation was straightforward, though we did need to be careful with the daisy-chain connectors. The included mounting hardware was complete and high-quality.
We appreciate that each fan can be used independently if desired, providing flexibility for different cooling configurations.
For radiator use, the RS140’s static pressure of 3.46mm-H2O is exceptional, pushing air effectively through restrictive radiator fins.
After two weeks of testing, we’re confident these fans strike a good balance between performance and noise. They’re not the absolute quietest on the market, but the cooling efficiency makes them worth considering for anyone building a serious water-cooling setup.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best 140mm radiator fan can be tricky with so many options available. We’ve created this guide to help you focus on the most important features.
Performance Metrics
When shopping for radiator fans, pay close attention to these key specs:
| Specification | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
| Airflow (CFM) | 50-100+ CFM | Higher values mean more air movement |
| Static Pressure (mmH₂O) | 1.5-4.0 mmH₂O | Critical for pushing air through radiator fins |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 15-30 dBA | Lower is quieter |
Fan Design Features
Look for fans with high-quality bearings.
Fluid dynamic or magnetic levitation bearings last longer and run quieter than sleeve bearings.
PWM control is essential for adjusting fan speeds based on system needs. This allows your fans to run quietly when idle and ramp up during intense usage.
Aesthetics and Installation
RGB lighting can add style to your build if that matters to you.
Make sure the fan has proper mounting options compatible with your radiator.
Pro Tip: Balance is key!
A good radiator fan offers the right mix of static pressure, reasonable noise levels, and durability.
We recommend checking the fan’s warranty period.
Quality manufacturers typically offer 3-6 year warranties, showing confidence in their products.
Remember that price doesn’t always indicate quality.
Mid-range fans often provide the best balance of performance and value for most users.