ARCTIC S12038-4K 120mm 4000 RPM PWM Server Fan
ARCTIC
ARCTIC S12038-4K 120mm 4000 RPM PWM Server Fan
The ARCTIC S12038-4K 120mm 4000 RPM PWM Server Fan is designed for server, industrial and high-density cooling applications where precise temperature control and long service life matter. Its dual ball bearings, actively cooled motor hub and high static pressure make it suitable for tight enclosures, heatsinks and radiators where airflow obstruction is common.
Why this product
Speed range 600–4000 rpm
PWM or voltage control lets you adjust fan speed to match cooling demand, reducing noise and power draw during low-load periods.
12% lower power consumption
Motor optimisation by ARCTIC engineers cuts energy use compared to competitors delivering the same cooling performance.
11.45 mmH₂O static pressure
High pressure pushes air through dense heatsink fins and radiator cores, ideal for tight server cases from 3U upwards.
Actively cooled motor hub
An impeller inside the hub keeps the motor temperature down, doubling service life for every 10 °C reduction.
6-year manufacturer warranty
Backed by testing at 70 °C ambient, high dust and variable humidity; some test units have run for over 15 years.
- Size120 × 120 × 38 mm
- Speed range600–4000 rpm (PWM controlled)
- Maximum airflow180 m³/h
- Static pressure11.45 mmH₂O
- Power consumption (max)3.96 W
- Warranty6 years
- SKUARC-3547
- EAN4895213704694
- Server cases 3U and larger; also works as CPU fan, radiator fan or system ventilation upgrade or replacement.
- Connects via standard 4-pin header; also compatible with 2-pin and 3-pin headers for legacy systems.
- Dual ball bearings and brass housing tolerate operating temperatures from −10 °C to 70 °C and high dust environments.
- Sticker included to cover the fan hub impeller in particularly dusty environments; optional but recommended for extended life.
Best for
- Server and data-centre cooling where power efficiency and long uptime are critical.
- Dense enclosures and heatsinks requiring high static pressure to overcome airflow restriction.
- Industrial and machine-control systems where reliability and minimal downtime are non-negotiable.
- Environments where dust accumulation and temperature swings are routine.
Trade-offs
- Low-speed, silent cooling setups: minimum speed is 600 rpm and airflow tops out at 180 m³/h, suitable for high-density rather than high-volume needs.
- Chassis smaller than 3U: the fan is built for compact server cases and may not fit consumer towers.
For the same performance, the S12038 consumes 12 % less than the next best competitor, improving the energy efficiency of your server. The reduction of the power consumption is the result of months of motor optimization by ARCTIC engineers with the aim to increase the IT equipment efficiency.
The S12038-4K features a wide range of speeds from 600 to 4000 rpm, which can be controlled either via PWM or voltage regulation. This wide range enables precise adjustment of the fan to the specific requirements of the server, ensuring efficient cooling performance under different operating conditions.
The fan is equipped with a standard 4-pin connector, which also allows connection to 2-pin or 3-pin headers.
A 10 °C lower motor temperature roughly doubles the service life. The motor of the S12038-4K is not only particularly efficient, but is also actively cooled by an additional impeller in the fan hub. To ensure a long service life in particularly dusty environments, a sticker to cover the fan hub impeller is included in the packaging.
Heat sinks and radiators benefit from fans with high static pressure. The S12038-4K has a static pressure of 11,45 mmH₂O, which enables it to push air, even through narrow cooling fins. At the same time, it achieves a maximum airflow of 180 m³/h allowing it to quickly dissipate heat from enclosures. These properties make it the ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
Especially in server environments, fans with a high pressure are required to enable sufficient air circulation in the often tightly packed enclosures. The S12038-4K fits into server cases from 3U and serves as an upgrade or replacement for a CPU fan, radiator fan or for system ventilation.
In addition to server cooling, it is also used in industrial systems and plays an important role in machine control and automation systems. Reliable and robust, it guarantees performance in various hardware environments and ensures efficient cooling and minimised downtimes.
The impeller of the S12038-4K is held by two high-quality Japanese ball bearings in a sturdy brass housing. This design increases the stability, strength and perpendicularity of the fan and minimises sensitivity to influences such as heat and dust. In addition, the brass housing helps to reduce wear on high-speed fans.
70 °C ambient temperature, high dust exposure and changing humidity - we carry out our long-term tests under these extreme conditions to ensure the service life of our products. Some of these test fans have been running for over 15 years. This not only allows us to continuously improve our products, but the excellent test results also confirm our high manufacturing quality. We are happy to pass this assurance on to our customers and offer a 6-year manufacturer's warranty.
Fan
| Brand | ARCTIC |
|---|---|
| Size | 120 mm |
| Speed range | 600–4000 rpm |
| Maximum airflow | 180 m³/h (106 CFM) |
| Static pressure | 11.45 mmH₂O |
| Bearing type | Dual ball bearing with brass housing |
Performance
| Control method | PWM or voltage regulation |
|---|---|
| Connector | 4-pin (compatible with 2-pin and 3-pin headers) |
Acoustics & power
| Voltage | 12 V DC |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (max) | 3.96 W |
| Cable length | 30 cm |
| Weight | 320 g |
Reliability
| Operating temperature | −10 °C to 70 °C |
|---|---|
| Flammability rating | UL 94 V-0 |
| Warranty | 6 years |
| Part number | ACFAN00296A |
Shipping
All our products are shipped from the United Kingdom within 24 to 48 hours of purchase. See our Shipping and Returns page for full details.
Returns
- Tech Syndicate offers a full money-back guarantee on all purchases made in our store. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we will provide a full refund, no questions asked.
- Refunds are available within 45 days of delivery.
- After the 45-day period you are no longer eligible for a refund, so we encourage you to try the product within the first few weeks to make sure it fits your needs.