---
product_id: 419918944
title: "Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm 5300rpm High Airflow 12V 4pin FG PWM DC Brushless Cooling Fan"
brand: "wathai"
price: "R1719"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
category: "Wathai"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/419918944-wathai-12038-120mm-x-38mm-5300rpm-high-airflow-12v-4pin
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 5300 RPM turbo spin 230 CFM max airflow 58 dBA noise level Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm 5300rpm High Airflow 12V 4pin FG PWM DC Brushless Cooling Fan

**Brand:** wathai
**Price:** R1719
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ❄️ Cool your tech like a pro — don’t let heat slow your hustle!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm 5300rpm High Airflow 12V 4pin FG PWM DC Brushless Cooling Fan by wathai
- **How much does it cost?** R1719 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/419918944-wathai-12038-120mm-x-38mm-5300rpm-high-airflow-12v-4pin)

## Best For

- wathai enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted wathai brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Smart PWM Control:** 4-pin PWM connector enables intelligent speed regulation for optimized cooling and noise.
- • **Max Airflow Mastery:** Pushes a powerful 230 CFM to keep your rig ice-cold under pressure.
- • **Durability Meets Design:** Dual ball bearings rated for 67,000 hours ensure marathon reliability.
- • **Whisper-Quiet Performance:** Operates at a modest 58 dBA, balancing power with peace.
- • **Turbocharged Cooling Power:** Unleash a blistering 5300 RPM for rapid heat dissipation.

## Overview

The Wathai 12038 is a high-performance 120mm brushless cooling fan designed for gaming PCs, mining rigs, and server chassis. Operating at 5300 RPM with a powerful 230 CFM airflow and a noise level of 58 dBA, it features dual ball bearings for extended 67,000-hour lifespan and a 4-pin PWM connector for smart speed control. Ideal for professionals demanding efficient, reliable cooling with customizable performance.

## Description

Package include: 1 Piece fan include fan grill and mounting screws & nuts Size:120x120x38mm Rated Voltage:12V Rated Current: 2.0A Connecter: 4Pin Speed: 5300RPM Air flow:213CFM Noise:58dBA Bearing type:Dual Ball Bearing Cable Length: 25cm Or 9.85 inches Life: 50000 hours Weight:294g/pcs or 10.4oz extreme cooling Gaming PC and Mining machine Fan, Hi-Speed 5300RPM with Airflow of 230 CFM, 2 ball bearing designed for extended life and high performance, 4 wire

Review: Update: I've now had 3 of these fans fail in the same way only a few hundred hours after being put into service. They will fail to reach full speed and start making a noise. Eventually they will jam completely. After dissecting all 3 I found a failed capacitor can jammed between the rotor and the stator coils. Removing the can and reassembling (without replacing the capacitor) the fans will work at partial speed but not the full 5300 RPM. I'm reducing my rating to 1 star as these fans are NOT reliable and will fail prematurely regardless of the operating conditions. Whether it's a bad batch of capacitors or a bad design, I can't say, but a failed capacitor causing mechanical failure of the fan after only a few hours in service is unacceptable. Original review: I have a small single room ventilation system which was previously using Noctua industrial 3000 RPM fans. I bought two of these to try as upgrades, one for intake and one for exhaust in an HRV type setup. The exhaust fan seems OK after 2 weeks, but the intake (installed in a bottom to top airflow configuration taking outside air in via a filter) started making awful noises after about 48 hours and seized altogether after 3 days. I removed it and got it spinning again on its edge, reinstalled it, and within 2 hours it seized again. It’s seen air temperatures between about -2C and 10C, and would see a range from -35C to about 40C in that installed position, which the Noctua Industrial fan has handled just fine for over 2 years. So I’m rather disappointed, to say the least. I tried replacing the lubricant with some multigrade oil to see if this will help. As I said, the performance is exciting, but I can’t really stomach the prospect reliability issues in this system.
Review: Amazing air output and noise level! I found operating it at a low 3-6 watts, it is moving as much air as most of my other 120mm fans. Crank it up to full power of 20+ watts and it's like facing a 30+ mph headwind. Thankfully I purchased a speed control to go with this. Unless you are mounting this fan inside a sound proof chamber you'll definitely need one to restrain the noise. I purchased this fan for cooling under my tractor canopy so the noise isn't that bad compared with the tractor diesel engine spinning 2500rpm. Most of the time I'm using the speed control at about 1/2 of maximum. But it's wonderful to crank it up when the outside temps are getting high. Size is correct match for 120mm mounting. The speed control I used is 4 pin version so fan connected right up. I haven't had any problems with operation. Get a speed control that permits setting a minimum speed also helps. Overall I am very, very pleased. I've bought several other Wathai fans and this one is just as well built as the others. I will definitely to buy Wathai fans.

## Features

- Dimensions: 120x120x38 mm ( 4.72x4.72x1.5 in ) | Rated Voltage :12V 2.0 A| Noise: 60 dBA(Max) | Airflow: 230 CFM | Power: 22.8W | Speed: 5300 RPM | Air Pressure (In H2O): 1.17 ; 1 Piece fan include fan grill and mounting screws nuts
- Dual-ball bearings have a lifespan of 67,000 hours and allows the fans to be laid flat or stand upright. 120 mm Case fan is designed to maximize airflow and can be too loud at full speed for some applications
- High Speed: High static pressure 120mm fan designed for projects that requires cooling or ventilation; or as a replacement fan for various products such as antminer case , gaming PCs and mining rig, computer case
- Connector: 4PIN; (+): Red Wire ; (-): Black Wire. FG function：Yellow Wire; PWM: Blue Wire; 120mm Fan high cfm designed for miners, compatible with antminer chassis and server GPU chassis
- High CFM Computer Fan: 120mm PWM fan support intelligent speed regulation, that is, when a certain temperature is reached, the speed will be increased. You can enter the BIOS to set the trigger temperature. Fan percentage operation can be set

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07SGWNV5J |
| Air Flow Capacity | 213 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Are batteries included? | No |
| Best Sellers Rank | #205,283 in Computers & Accessories ( See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories ) #1,005 in Case Fans |
| Brand | Wathai |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Inverter, Server, computer case |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (433) |
| Date First Available | 9 January 2020 |
| Item Weight | 390 g |
| Item model number | 12038B12V4P2A |
| Manufacturer | Wathai |
| Material | Lead |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 5300 RPM |
| Model number | 12038B12V4P2A |
| Net Quantity | 1.0 Count |
| Noise Level | 58 Decibels |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Product Dimensions | 38L x 120W x 120H Millimeters |
| UPC | 702334356784 |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Wattage | 22.8 Watts |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Wathai
- **Power Connector Type:** 4-Pin
- **Product Dimensions:** 38L x 120W x 120H Millimeters
- **Voltage:** 12 Volts (DC)
- **Wattage:** 22.8 Watts

## Images

![Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm 5300rpm High Airflow 12V 4pin FG PWM DC Brushless Cooling Fan - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61e+-o11W1S.jpg)
![Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm 5300rpm High Airflow 12V 4pin FG PWM DC Brushless Cooling Fan - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61mOlB+0FhL.jpg)
![Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm 5300rpm High Airflow 12V 4pin FG PWM DC Brushless Cooling Fan - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71w0Rk4PLvS.jpg)
![Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm 5300rpm High Airflow 12V 4pin FG PWM DC Brushless Cooling Fan - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IUsILXJtS.jpg)
![Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm 5300rpm High Airflow 12V 4pin FG PWM DC Brushless Cooling Fan - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61cBcEDHzoS.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Is this unit ul tested, if yes, to what standard. if not, what standards has it been tested?**
A: UL 507 is the relevant standard for electric fans, however this fan was not tested by UL. 

Also important to note that UL Listed products are tested while UL Recognized products are not tested. Both levels require a direct marking on the part which means this fan has neither level. To be honest most fans at this price level are not going to be agency tested just because the target market is PC case fans, and the things UL tests for are not relevant to PC builders. 

The fan has CE certification which is just saying it won't burn your house down. CE doesn't check fans for performance; you're better off reading reviews than looking for agency approvals if this is a PC fan.

**Q: will this fan work with just pos & neg hooked up? do I need all for wires hooked up to work ? thanks**
A: Will work with just pos and neg.

**Q: If I plan to use more than 50% capacity of the 5300rpm model, would I  need to connect it to a controller/hub rated for more than 1amp per lane?**
A: I would make sure that which ever Fan Port you connect this High Airflow Fan that it will support the amperage stated in the specs of the fan.

**Q: Any water or dust resistance rating?  ip52, ip67?**
A: I do not see any water/dust proof rating printed, however, I use this fan as a range-top exhaust fan in suction mode, so all cooking steam & grease-laden fumes are drawn across/through the fan... daily.  Thus far, it has performed flawlessly, despite the harsh environment.  I recommend this fan.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐ Review
*by A***Y on 1 December 2025*

Update: I've now had 3 of these fans fail in the same way only a few hundred hours after being put into service. They will fail to reach full speed and start making a noise. Eventually they will jam completely. After dissecting all 3 I found a failed capacitor can jammed between the rotor and the stator coils. Removing the can and reassembling (without replacing the capacitor) the fans will work at partial speed but not the full 5300 RPM. I'm reducing my rating to 1 star as these fans are NOT reliable and will fail prematurely regardless of the operating conditions. Whether it's a bad batch of capacitors or a bad design, I can't say, but a failed capacitor causing mechanical failure of the fan after only a few hours in service is unacceptable. Original review: I have a small single room ventilation system which was previously using Noctua industrial 3000 RPM fans. I bought two of these to try as upgrades, one for intake and one for exhaust in an HRV type setup. The exhaust fan seems OK after 2 weeks, but the intake (installed in a bottom to top airflow configuration taking outside air in via a filter) started making awful noises after about 48 hours and seized altogether after 3 days. I removed it and got it spinning again on its edge, reinstalled it, and within 2 hours it seized again. It’s seen air temperatures between about -2C and 10C, and would see a range from -35C to about 40C in that installed position, which the Noctua Industrial fan has handled just fine for over 2 years. So I’m rather disappointed, to say the least. I tried replacing the lubricant with some multigrade oil to see if this will help. As I said, the performance is exciting, but I can’t really stomach the prospect reliability issues in this system.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by A***N on 1 October 2025*

Amazing air output and noise level! I found operating it at a low 3-6 watts, it is moving as much air as most of my other 120mm fans. Crank it up to full power of 20+ watts and it's like facing a 30+ mph headwind. Thankfully I purchased a speed control to go with this. Unless you are mounting this fan inside a sound proof chamber you'll definitely need one to restrain the noise. I purchased this fan for cooling under my tractor canopy so the noise isn't that bad compared with the tractor diesel engine spinning 2500rpm. Most of the time I'm using the speed control at about 1/2 of maximum. But it's wonderful to crank it up when the outside temps are getting high. Size is correct match for 120mm mounting. The speed control I used is 4 pin version so fan connected right up. I haven't had any problems with operation. Get a speed control that permits setting a minimum speed also helps. Overall I am very, very pleased. I've bought several other Wathai fans and this one is just as well built as the others. I will definitely to buy Wathai fans.

### ⭐ Review
*by K***N on 16 August 2025*

In accurate size - it’s actually 92-93mm not 120

## Frequently Bought Together

- Wathai 12038 120mm x 38mm PWM Computer PC Case Fan 12V 4pin 5300rpm 230 CFM High Airflow Duall Ball CFM FG DC Brushless Cooling Fan
- Taidacent 2510-4P 3P Manual 4 Wires 0-5V 12V Fan Speed Controller PWM Speed Control On Off Switch for PC CPU Case Fan with Knob (Solder Connector with Plastic Black Knob)
- Noctua NF-F12 iPPC 3000 PWM, Heavy Duty Cooling Fan, 4-Pin, 3000 RPM (120mm, Black)

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-03-08*