Side-by-Side Comparison
Noctua NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM vs Cooler Master MasterFan A120
Standardized 5-pillar engineering audit, thermal telemetry, verified longevity metrics, and complete technical specification diff.
★ Recommended Winner
● HIGHLY RATED
Composite Score:
4.6
/ 5.0
A precision-engineered 92 mm PWM cooling fan pairing a fiberglass-reinforced PBT assembly and custom NE-FD1 motor driver with an ultra-quiet 17.6 dBA acoustic profile and 150,000-hour SSO bearing.
● HIGHLY RATED
Composite Score:
4.5
/ 5.0
An industrial-grade 30 mm cooling fan pairing an all-aluminum chassis and double ball bearings with formidable 6.1 mmH2O static pressure for demanding radiator applications.
⚖️
Mizex Comparative Audit Verdict
The Noctua NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM earns the higher Mizex Composite Score (4.6 vs 4.5), leading across 3 of 5 engineering pillars. With superior ratings in Engineering & Architecture, Thermal, Power & Acoustics, Buyer Value & Upgrades, it represents the superior reliability choice.
5-Pillar Engineering Telemetry
Detailed comparison across standardized normalized 1.0 – 5.0 engineering pillars.
Noctua NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM
Cooler Master MasterFan A120
Engineering & Architecture
(30%)
Winner: Noctua NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM (+0.1)
4.6
4.5
Build Quality & Materials
(20%)
Winner: Cooler Master MasterFan A120 (+0.1)
4.6
4.7
Thermal, Power & Acoustics
(20%)
Winner: Noctua NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM (+0.3)
4.5
4.2
Real-World Reliability
(20%)
Tie
4.8
4.8
Buyer Value & Upgrades
(10%)
Winner: Noctua NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM (+0.4)
4.7
4.3
Noctua NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM: Strengths & Caveats
✔ Advantages
- Proprietary NE-FD1 PWM IC enables smooth speed modulation down to a complete 0 RPM fan stop at 0% PWM duty cycle
- Acoustically optimized impeller with Vortex-Control Notches caps maximum sound output at an ultra-quiet 17.6 dBA
- High static pressure of 1.61 mm H₂O and 37.85 CFM airflow balanced effectively for 92 mm heatsinks and chassis ventilation
- Industrial-grade SSO-Bearing and PBT GF30 construction provide over 150,000 hours MTTF backed by a 6-year warranty
✖ Documented Caveats
- Redux packaging excludes silicone anti-vibration corner pads and low-noise adapters included with standard-line Noctua fans
- Volumetric airflow of 37.85 CFM is physically constrained by the 92 mm form factor compared to standard 120 mm options
Cooler Master MasterFan A120: Strengths & Caveats
✔ Advantages
- Rigid all-aluminum frame eliminates chassis flex and vibration during mounting
- High static pressure of 6.1 mmH2O and 76.9 CFM airflow optimized for dense radiator fin stacks
- Industrial-grade double ball bearings rated for 200,000 hours MTTF
- Integrated daisy-chain connectivity simplifies multi-fan cable routing
✖ Documented Caveats
- Extended 30 mm thickness creates clearance constraints in compact chassis and tight radiator configurations
- Non-LED construction lacks RGB lighting integration for aesthetics-focused builds
Technical Specification Comparison
Side-by-side spec alignment. Rows highlighted with subtle shading denote differing specifications.
| Specification | Noctua NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM | Cooler Master MasterFan A120 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand DIFF | Noctua | Cooler Master |
| Model DIFF | NF-B9 redux-1600 PWM | MasterFan A120 |
| Dimensions DIFF | 3.62 x 3.62 x 0.98 in (92 x 92 x 25 mm) | 4.72 x 4.72 x 1.18 in (120 x 120 x 30 mm) |
| Mounting Hole Spacing DIFF | 3.25 x 3.25 in (82.5 x 82.5 mm) | — |
| Weight DIFF | 2.82 oz (80 g) | — |
| Frame Shape DIFF | Square | — |
| Frame Material DIFF | PBT GF30 (30% Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polybutylene Terephthalate) | All-aluminum |
| Impeller Material DIFF | PBT GF30 (30% Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polybutylene Terephthalate) | — |
| Bearing Type DIFF | SSO (Self-Stabilising Oil-Pressure Bearing) | Double ball bearing |
| Rotational Direction DIFF | Counter-clockwise | — |
| Frame Color DIFF | Light Grey | — |
| Impeller Color DIFF | Dark Grey | — |
| Connector Type DIFF | 4-pin PWM (A2543-4PIN) | — |
| Cable Length DIFF | 15.75 in (400 mm) | — |
| Wire Gauge DIFF | 26 AWG | — |
| Cable Sleeving DIFF | Fibreglass silicone mesh | — |
| Rotational Speed (Max) DIFF | 1600 RPM | — |
| Rotational Speed (20% PWM) DIFF | 400 RPM | — |
| Rotational Speed (0% PWM) DIFF | 0 RPM (Fan Stop) | — |
| Airflow (Max) DIFF | 37.85 CFM (64.3 m³/h) | — |
| Static Pressure (Max) DIFF | 1.61 mm H₂O (0.063 in H₂O) | — |
| Acoustical Noise (Max) DIFF | 17.6 dBA | — |
| Motor Architecture DIFF | Single phase, 4-pole, 4-slot | — |
| Motor Driver IC DIFF | Noctua NE-FD1 | — |
| Rated Voltage DIFF | 12 V | — |
| Starting Voltage DIFF | 7 V | — |
| Max Operating Voltage DIFF | 13.2 V | — |
| Input Power (Typical / Max) DIFF | 0.91 W / 0.96 W | — |
| Input Current (Typical / Max) DIFF | 0.08 A / 0.08 A | — |
| Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) DIFF | > 150,000 hours | 200,000 hours |
| Safety Standards DIFF | EN 62368-1 | — |
| Warranty DIFF | 6 years | — |
| Model Number DIFF | — | MFZ-P2NA-25NPK-R1 |
| Motor Type DIFF | — | Three-phase motor |
| Rotational Speed DIFF | — | Up to 2,500 RPM |
| Maximum Airflow DIFF | — | 76.9 CFM |
| Maximum Static Pressure DIFF | — | 6.1 mmH2O |
| Control Interface DIFF | — | 4-pin PWM |
| Cable Configuration DIFF | — | Daisy-chain supported |
| Illumination DIFF | — | Non-LED |
Need to evaluate a different configuration?
🔍 Compare Other Hardware