The BEST RGB Fans - For Airflow, Radiators & More

Its finally here! These are the best RGB fans for cases, air coolers and water cooling radiators right now in 2023. But what about the best looking RGB fan? Well sometimes you'll need to sacrifice airflow to get that.
Buy these fans from Amazon at the links below:
Lian Li AL120 V2 - COMING SOON (beginning of April)
CM Mobius 120P ARGB - geni.us/MOBIUS...
Thermalright C12C-S - geni.us/TRC12CS
Phanteks M25 - geni.us/M25ARGB
EK LOOP FPT (from EKWB) - bit.ly/LOOPPFT
Arctic BioniX P120 A-RGB - geni.us/BIONIX...
Arctic P12 PWM PST A-RGB - geni.us/AP12ARGB
be quiet Light Wings PWM HS - geni.us/BQLIGHT
Enermax SQUA 120mm - geni.us/ENERMA...
Scythe Kaze ARGB - geni.us/KAZEARGB
Check out the Thermaltake Ceres - geni.us/TTCERE...
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - FINALLY RGB FANS!
0:31 - Meet the 120mm RGB Fans
3:08 - Sponsor Spot
3:38 - The RGB RANT!
5:06 - The Best LOOKING RGB Fans
7:18 - A Few Hiccups
8:30 - White Color Issues
8:54 - Cable Management Problems
9:45 - Warranty is IMPORTANT
10:27 - RPM Claims vs Reality
11:30 - Understanding the Results
12:44 - UNRESTRICTED CFM Performance
15:20 - 100% & Noise Normalized CFM - Unrestricted
16:39 - RESTRICTED (Radiator) CFM Performance
19:39 - 100% & Noise Normalized CFM - Restricted
20:40 - RGB Case Fans vs Performance
21:24 - AIO Temperatures
22:40 - Air Cooler Temperatures
23:28 - The Best OVERALL RGB Fans
24:49 - The Best Budget RGB Fan
25:40 - The Losers
Check out the Methodology here: bit.ly/HWCFANM...
GET MERCH ►hwcstore.com
SUBSCRIBE ►bit.ly/SubHWC
Review units purchased by Hardware Canucks. This video is sponsored by Thermaltake. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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#hardwarecanucks #bestrgbfans

[@starer2006]

could we have an update for 2024?

[@jaridbredemeier8729]

Agreed, no one buys EK anymore.

[@deuswulf6193]

Used the thermalright fans for my rig, totaling about 11 fans. They are great! It was $13 for a triple pack. $11 for the non rgb ones. By far one of the bets price to performance fans on the market right now.

[@assassinx-rated1440]

How is it when it come to noise? Are the fans really loud? Or quiet?

[@deuswulf6193]

@@assassinx-rated1440 Very quiet, especially when setting custom fan curve. I have them running at about 1100 rpm most of the time. Obviously it gets louder at full rpm. Keeps my 7950x3D with a 4090 quite cool.

[@Tojikuma]

@@deuswulf6193 Did you buy the TL-C12C-S or the TL-C12CW-S ?

[@zinyrtmiddle4008]

@@Tojikuma it same product . W mean white

[@user-wyosfr]

Don't your fans rattle? Just bought 3 of them, can't even use them at 300 RPM because they rattle that loud...

[@HardwareCanucks]

The following fans were tested but didn't make the "grade" for this video (ie their performance was worse than what you see here): Fractal Prisma RGB NZXT Aer RGB 2 NZXT F120 RGB Corsair QL series Thermaltake Pure 12 Montech AX120 ID Cooling Crystal 120 White DeepCool FC120

[@KellyWu04]

The FC120 is so bad? I thought they were decent when looking at LS720 performance.

[@Crystalblade564]

performace was worse? what does it mean? While Fractal Prisma AL-12 and AL-14 have alot higher CFM/Static pressure/airflow than some of the fans in the video? So those stats are not valid in real world?

[@xypod]

I did not expect the NZXT fans to be *that* bad. I have some AER 2's in my case. That said im glad this video exists for that!

[@KellyWu04]

@@Crystalblade564 each manufacturer tests the stats differently and at max speeds. They are not comparable.

[@mikas2934]

Was hoping you'd test the silverstone air blazer 120r. Pretty cheap here in Australia, ARGB, decent claimed stats, goes up to 2200 RPM. Also, I saw you tested the SL120s in another comment, but did you test the SL120 infinity by any chance?

[@violentnomadx2436]

First off, excellent video. The production quality, expansive product coverage and reliability of information really make this channel second to none. I’d love to see the Lian Li SL-Infinity in future content as they are the best looking fans in my opinion, however expensive they may be. It would be interesting to see how they compare, especially since they haven’t gotten much technical coverage. Once again though, really appreciate all the great work from the Hardware Canucks Team!

[@nycplayboy78]

Yes I agree with ALL OF THIS!!! I agree that the Lian Li Uni SL Infinity fans are the best looking fans out there :)

[@prashanthkrishanduth8521]

THIS is exactly what has been missing from fan reviews. Thank you. Suggestions to add the: Fractal Aspect RGB and Prisma ARGB, ID Cooling TF120 ARGB, Corsair SP120 RGB Elite, NZXT AER120 RGB 2, Deepcool FC120 ARGB, CM Sickleflow ARGB and InWin ARGB 120mm fans

[@HardwareCanucks]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[@Pro4TLZZ]

Also fractal design gp-12 X2 pwm if possible. Thanks

[@krazyfrog]

Another factor to cover with these fans is how they look from the back. A lot of the time with some of these O11D inspired cases you end up mounting your fans backwards and how the fan looks from the back becomes very important. It's especially the case with ARGB fans since they draw attention towards themselves and sometimes aren't that well designed from the back as you showed with the Squa. The only proper solution here seems to be reverse spinning fans or something like the Deepcool MF120 GT, which has a very unique inverse hub design.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Yeah I did cover it with the be quiet and enermax. The others are pretty plain Jane.

[@wrenchviking8527]

@@HardwareCanucks This is one area where I think the Thermaltake SWA-fan would have been an appropriate addition. But, since they sponsored the video, I can see why you may not want to have their fan included to avoid any percieved bias.

[@HardwareCanucks]

I agree about the SwaFan and I wish I could have some here....but for some reason Thermaltake has been really hesitant to send us samples. And after this video and another one that's coming up, our samples budget is getting pinched pretty tight right now.

For back illumination phanteks has some nice rgb frames. They have the advantage of working with non rgb fans too.

[@charnel8480]

@@HardwareCanucks There exists a reverse spinning version of the Thermalright C12S called the C12R-S, hope you guys would be able to obtain a sample of those as that would probably be the top budget choice for that niche.

[@frontwing67]

I have an Arctic P12 ARGB on my towercooler and a P14 ARGB in the back of my Lian Li Lancool 216. Airflow is steady as a rock, low temps and low noise for a fair price, couldnt be happier .

[@dylancnguyen]

I would LOVE to see how the Phanteks D30-120 fair in this comparison. I seems like they had a lowkey launch last week and almost immediately sold out, but they seem quite promising.

[@HardwareCanucks]

We asked and they only sent for a build to Dmitry. Not to our main lab....red flags right there...

[@Sterhaer]

Maybe in a later video when availability is better?

[@HardwareCanucks]

Absolutely.

[@MayonnaiseOreo]

@@HardwareCanucks That's too bad because I was really curious how they'd compare to the rest of the lineup. I have Lian Li SL120 Infinity fans so I don't need new ones but Phanteks has always been my favorite non-RGB fan.

[@yukisnoww]

looks kinda ugly tho, if i am paying that price, i go for lianli fans

[@Keeks33]

What a fantastic video! Thank you guys for taking the time to do this. I was having a hard time finding tangible results for an RGB fans setup, and you guys absolutely nailed it. This was incredibly helpful.

[@ICOLER-Amazon]

How about ICOLER UNI Fan JM-V2RS?

[@XxTheMetalistxX]

Thermalright is a goldmine. Hoping for reviews on whatever products you can get your hands on. Suggestions: The premium edition of these fans called TL-C12-Pro. The Peerless Asassin have multilpe upgraded versions: Phantom Spirit SE and Frost Tower.

[@Amfibios]

Holy shit Mike, that's a lot of numbers! Thanks for including the radiator results and real world performance, it would be half a review without them, but many reviewers don't bother. It would be great to see how the below fans compare to the ones you already tested: - Coolermaster MASTERFAN SF120M ARGB - Coolermaster MASTERFAN MF120 HALO² - LIAN LI UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120/RGB

[@danhfvcsd1]

Why does barely anyone review the MF Halos from Cooler Master? I'd love to know how they actually stack up against others out there...

[@GetWellSoonR.E.M.]

I was so overwhelmed with case fans and all the choices that exist out there. Thank you for making this WAY easier to understand and narrow my choices

[@TheJjjoj]

The thermalright tl-b12S are technically pre-release. Thermalright has a tendency to put their products on their website 2-3 months prior to their actual availability on the market. The non-rgb b12's(regular not the extreme) are absolutely fantastic. The B12S (RGB) should be within striking distance of the regulars if thermalright maintains their usual consistency. The c12s are just slightly worse than the c12 likely due to the less rigid plastic RGB fans have to use.

[@sijedevos2376]

Don’t buy Corsair fans unless you like horrible diffusion and the ability to count all individually leds

[@Pacheenee7]

And horrible price to performance and noise

[@swizzler8053]

And if you like lots of cables.

[@mrcrow_GG]

Too late, You should tell me this 2 years ago 😀

[@buenomini]

Fact

[@confusedcounsel5285]

Yes, but with some MX 2.54 or just standard Dupont 2.54 connectors you can connect any RGB to Corsair. The pin out is 5V DO DI GND. Yep same as on motherboard, but on Motherboards the data in pin is missing because motherboard does not want to hear back from the RGB. The date out pin on the fan is to pass the signal back to the hib so it can be passed to the next fan in the sequence.

[@wrenchviking8527]

I have been incredibly pleased with my Silverstone AB120r's. They perform really well as both case and radiator fans and the ARGB, while not particularly flashy, is very competently done with smooth transitions and very even diffusion. They're so quiet that you forget about them most of the time and when they do ramp up to audible levels, it's at a nice low hum with no whine. And that's with 12 fans in my system.

[@pascalkreilaus3626]

Lian Li SL120 V2 would have been interesting as well. Also the Phanteks D30-120.

[@HandsomeAlex25]

That was such a thorough analysis! I did not expect a video about RGB (fans) to be so engaging! This is a great reference video for lots of prospective buyers.

[@arieskyz]

I really like how thorough this video was to help me get a better view of which fans to pick for building a pc.

[@rgracon]

would love to see: Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo White

[@kymnyth]

I would like to see the results for theThermaltake SWAFAN EX12 RGB. These come with two sets of fan blades so you can get a consistent look whether you need to bring air into the case or evacuate air out.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Yeah they weren't available when we did this.

[@thatsl1ve183]

There are reviews online. I read one and the conclusion was that they are trash. If you swap the blade it performs worse and gets even louder.

[@des7royerz]

Love those cooling reviews! Another great one! Keep them coming! 😍

[@xerf7001]

Missing out the Cooler Master MF120 halo. Here in germany they cost around 12-16 euros which is something like 13-17 dollars

[@dennissmith1435]

Great content! Most thorough fan evaluation I've seen. In my most recent build, I chose non-RGB fans. Before seeing this, I had come to the conclusion RGB fans generally didn't perform as well as non-RGB fans, which you have shown. I've used plenty of RGB fans in builds, but decided to focus on performance and go light on the RGB (pun intended). The Silent Wing Pro 4 are good looking fans, just no ARGB. EK has also been one of my go to fans and I'm glad the new Loop fans perform so well. Thanks to the content I also have some new candidates to consider.

[@shredman59]

Can you update this for early 2024?

[@nexaner7]

I would love to see something on the Razer Chroma RGB Hub. It is really versatile and let's you layout all standard 3 PIN ARG to really incorporate great patterns. Not just duplicating the effect across them.

[@MHAAAAANZ]

Omg, the BEST review on the planet about fans!

[@FernandoJorgedaSilva]

From cooler master, theres the MF120 Halo and the second version of then. They look a little like the Rise Aurora, but with no adapter needed.

[@valtarg1299]

Thank you for testing fans Even thought they might not have the most impact on performance, it always interesting to have details and choose what is the best especially when on a budget and you care about airflow

[@Alexandra-Rex]

I wrote this in the beginning when you did not introduce the P12 PWM PST A-RGB, but I saw it in the test anyway 😄 Suggestions: - Arctic P12 PWM PST A-RGB - Arctic P14 PWM PST A-RGB These are PST fans, meaning _"PWM Sharing Technology"_ (not static pressure optimized, like I've seen some reviewers say), so I wonder if they can pass through light stuff too, or just what's needed to run the fan.

[@leftcoastfunk]

tbh the Arctic P12 argb is super decent at such quiet levels. Plenty enough to keep my 12700k (360mm aio) and 3080ti (240mm aio) both under 70 degrees at load. Could my temps be better? Sure, probably by 3-5 degrees - but these fans MAX out at 39db! I know in the low db radiator tests they were mid-pack, and I'm not surprised by that, but I still think they're a steal in the price:performance:noise level:looks race... As for the looks, one thing you failed to address on any fan here except the weird-ass SQUA, is that the overwhelming majority of argb fans just don't look good when viewed from the back - which most fans running as intakes would be. I honestly think this is super important, almost always overlooked by reviewers and manufacturers alike, and yet is one of the biggest deciding factors in my (and likely others') choice for argb fans. The P12 argb (like very few argb fans) has that continuous ring connecting the outer edges of the blades which I can tell you honestly reallllllly helps it look significantly better and more vibrant from the back - the light spreads all the way out the outer edge so well. Way more so than most typical and popular argb fans. I don't care how bright and diffused the hub lighting is, if the hub is mostly blocked by plastic on the backside.

[@gfei4059]

Thermal right! Im using their radiator Frozen Prime, 60$ 360mm . all i got to say is that you must try it.

[@robojimtv]

Please get us a 140mm version of this test? Feels like the choices are smaller there too.

[@RjxDare]

Thank you guys for the hard work on this video, 9 months later I still refer to this 😁

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

until the pc working again itll still the one for all to aim sad should be the 5800x2880 instead, it was noticeably different

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

oled owners know this

[@-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-8]

Can you do the same noise-to-CFM test for these? - Cooler Master MF120 Halo - NZXT F120 RGB Core (listed as having almost twice the CFM of the NZXT F120 RGB)?

[@christernordlander1354]

This was one of the best fan reviews, ever! Well done! 👌🏻

[@nighthawk9264]

Honestly, I come to a completely different conclusion. For you „best fan“ = highest CFM. However, I find it much more interesting to talk about how quiet a fan is while still providing most flow. Based on that metric, the P12 is the best, because it provides most flow per dBA, i.e. the slope is the steepest.

[@ronniekregar3482]

Because then you would have to compare fans that all have the same max rpm

[@nighthawk9264]

@@ronniekregar3482 That is false. RPM is irrelevant and is completely taken out of the picture. No one cares about RPM.

[@mrfawkes9110]

I would love to see the same kind of comparison for 140mm fans, both RGB and not. This and the comparison of the unlit 120s has been invaluable. I'm also a huge fan of Cooler Master's SickleFlow V2 in both 120 and 140, unfortunately the white is more of a green or purple, depending on ambient lighting.

[@James95Dark]

Been wanting to see a detailed video like this for years! Thanks! one side point, when presenting the line plots, if you're going to the trouble of animating it, could maybe update the legend at the same time with the data being highlighted, only showing the ones already on the figure, just to make the graph easier to read

[@jaspercools]

Please review the Cooler Master MF120 Halo Duo-Ring ARGB

[@michalsvihla1403]

And here I thought RGB fans were just regular fans with lights stuck to them! This is eye opening.

[@roberthelcher2884]

I would love to see you review Uphere T7SYC7 RGB. I have used them several time and wonder how they compare to the big names.

[@Vialli100.]

I have 7x Darkflash DR12 pro fans with the controller, they are connected to Aura sync. These are brilliant fans and keep everything very cool, inside Lian li o11 dynamic evo. They also cost only £40 for the complete set..

[@richthoven]

very good video, id like to see the Coolermaster Halo in the comparison

[@nighthawk9264]

Honestly, I come to a completely different conclusion. For you „best fan“ = highest CFM. However, I find it much more interesting to talk about how quiet a fan is while still providing most flow. Based on that metric, the P12 is the best, because it provides most flow per dBA, i.e. the slope is the steepest. Edit: pro Tip. When measuring, vary and control the RPM, while measuring CFM and dBA at once. Then, afterwards use your data to plot CFM (x) vs noise (y). Much more intuitive to read and much less work when measuring

[@dreamEnd]

I really like "ring" / border type RGB fans. So it's the BioniX, Light Wings, and Lian Li's older model: SL fans for me.

[@xypod]

Same here. Really wish there were more of those types available

[@See.You.Soon.027]

google Corsair QL140

[@See.You.Soon.027]

@@xypod google Corsair QL140

[@HuyV]

I used to do this RGB + hardline watercooling stuff. But am I happy to have switched to SFF anti RGB focus these days. So much less hassle, but still challenging and pretty in a different way

[@anastasy2]

​@@actualwafflesenjoyer Small Form Factor case 😊

[@bradhaines3142]

i personally love my unicorn vomit light show, and i have no interest in the hassle of a tiny box. tiny wires are offensive enough

[@dadjake]

This video is coming in clutch for me because I was about to go buy some RGB fans, thank you very much ❤

[@mattotto9949]

I'd like to see the Inwin Jupiters added to this test. I've been using them for a while now and haven't regretted them (mostly because of the good pricing). They also have what I call a "glass" look because they fanblades are transparent and not opaque, which really grew on me in the looks department. Great video, thorough testing as always!

[@curbyi76]

Thank you, you haved saved me so much time

[@LeKingCarnage]

Just got and installed the Thermalright fans and they perform great for the price.

[@spentcasing3990]

I'm using Asiahorse FS-9002. Bought two 5 packs for about $50 Cdn each. I don't have to worry about RGB software because they can use a remote to control the lighting. And the push a decent amount of air, up to 1800rpm. I've had them for almost a year now with only 1 fan causing an issue. The company sent me a 3 pack for free.

[@little_fluffy_clouds]

Be Quiet’s Light Wings fans are my favourite from this list. Gorgeous RGB from either side, whisper quiet and great airflow. They come in 120 and 140mm variants and their pricing is reasonable especially for the three packs they sell.

[@IIShana-chan]

One thing I really love about my Uni Fans is, that from each cluster, I get exactly *one* cable to the controller. And from there, I can decide wether I go with USB (L-Connect) or 5V ARGB (Motherboard). Just big props how much thought Lian Li puts in its products! I mean, they even added the little frame accents on the back of the fan, so you see them, when they are reversed (bottom of the case) I am also so happy about moving away from corsair in that regard. I loved their products, but the pricing really went out of hand... 40€ for fans that are mediocre in performance AND looks is just way too much. Oh, and my god is it a chaos to manage all those cables. My old case had 6 of those corsair ones. Equals 12 cables to be routed. My new one has 10. I can't imagine routing 20 of those small cables ... Only corsair products left are the H150i and the RAM ... But maybe this will soon be followed by an Galahad and some other RAM...

[@HardwareCanucks]

Absolutely 100% agreed on this. While their software isn't the greatest, its actually quite good AND they have fallback options which is super important

[@yelts24]

I've been debating between the Corsair QX fans and the Lian li infinity fans. The icue software being able to sync with everything is really cool to me and I do like the Dominator ram as well. But I really love the Lian li fans too, I just hope that L-connect 3 is just as good as the icue software when it comes to syncing etc. Maybe even add or customize your profiles. I am sure that they can do a lot of adding for their software too.

[@jbgwapoodellot33]

My Recommendation for RGB Fans are Silverstone Air Blazer 120R for Case Fans and Silverstone Shark Force 120 for Radiator Fans. Recently Changed my Case Fans from Lian Li Unifans Infinity 120 to Silverstone Air Blazer 120R and the Stock Fans (EK Loop FPT) of my EK Nucleus 360 to the Silverstone Shark Force 120. Satisfied with the Change.

[@forestR1]

Coolermaster MF120 HALO user here: ~$50 for 3 - 24x ARGB LEDs (8+16) - Daisey chain cables for fan control and argb (standard 5V ARGB connectors) - controller V1 is garbage, V2 is supposed to be much better; but Amazon sent me V1 (V2 was advertised) - currently controlled by splicing into Corsair node pro and using ICUE - They appear to have poor static pressure and there is a lot of blowback between the blade and the frame when fitted to radiator.

[@Nods.O]

140mm fan testing when?

[@HardwareCanucks]

At some point. The entire methodology would need to be changed and that takes a heck of a long time.

[@NeoGhk]

You should see the Noctua fans of all sizes. No RGBs, just pure air pressure power with low energy consumption and they are so silent you won't be able to hear the fans rotating even under load.

[@andrewdaley4894]

Here is Australia, the older SilverStone Blazer is great value compared to the mobius for a rad fan. The cam sicklemaster is worth adding as well.

[@thomaslayman9487]

one fan i hear is actually relatively good for an RGB fan is the corsair AF120 Elite RGB, which is their airflow version of the Elite design and supposedly performs much better than the MLs

[@mystic8b]

Brother, you did a great job, my respect! Thank you! But there is one big problem in all fan reviews - decibel noise is irrelevant. Much more important are the intermittent noises that the fans create, such as vibration going to the chassis or the noise of the bearing at different speeds and especially when increasing and decreasing the speed. Such things cannot be conveyed in numbers, only recorded on a good microphone and shown in a video. For example the p12 is actually a rival of noctua by any graphs, but it produces an annoying sound at around 1000rpm. Corsair and many others are generally impossible to use at speeds above 700-800. I was extremely disappointed with the be quiet light wings 140mm, at almost any speed it vibrated on the chassis even with noctua silicone nails. This is really the biggest problem. Noise as such is not a problem at all if it is air noise and it is constant and not whining above the ear. If someone ever decides to do such a test on youtube, it will literally save thousands and thousands of buyers from buying garbage, and 95% of what is on the market is garbage. Especially when it comes to PWM, they vibrate when changing speeds, etc.

[@Buzykil]

I agree. I asked this on the previous fan testing video too. There should be audio clips from couple rpm or decibel ranges so we could hear the tone ourselves. Maybe from noise floor or 36dB in this video, and then perhaps a 10-100 % PWM rampup. Even if the fan noise is at or under the noise floor, it is still producing audible noise. Optimum Tech has a really nice touch in their videos by including some mouse clicks before the clip to set the stage how loud the noise actually is, as we are familiar with how loud a typical mouse click is. I'm still waiting for an exhaustive fan testing video.

[@mystic8b]

@@Buzykil Yes Yes Yes! Optimum Tech is the only one who show this. Thanks to him, I realized that this is not something wrong with me, but there really is a problem and everyone except noctua (perhaps the new Arctics also do not have this problem, I'm not sure). In general, I have an assumption that this is only true for fans with pwm. All of my non-pwm be quiet fans run quietly.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Yes, this will absolutely be added to the upcoming individual fan videos. Having it in such a large review would make things untenable.

[@mystic8b]

@@HardwareCanucks Thank you!" You are all awesome!

[@Aurummorituri]

Historically when anyone asks me advice about a new PC build or getting new rgb fans I told them to stop being stupid over pretty lights and buy a proper “plain” fan. Not only are they cheaper with less wires there are often significant compromises for that rgb. The blade diameter on fans with rgb rings are always smaller than normal to accommodate them. A 120mm fan is almost always bigger than a “120mm” rgb ring fan. That’s lost CFM. Motor bearings are a bigger issue. Most cheaper rgb are sleeve bearings while the best ones are still only rifle bearings. Very few good rgb fans with amazing bearings, especially software agnostic ones. No one likes iCue.

[@djrollerx81]

Thanks for your hard work! I couldn't pass up the value versus performance of the Thermalright fans. They're a no-brainer at less than $30 for 6 fans. On top of that I grabbed the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 AIO for just $60! It's beautiful and comes with 3 more fans for the radiator! $100 to cool the entire case AND the CPU? Heck yes!

[@theallgamesfan]

It is a pity that the Phanteks D-30 (shown at CES) are not out yet, those look promising as well.

[@sentinite]

Curious about these as well

[@Er1cTheRad]

Yes, this video seems almost pointless without the fan that I expect will perform the best. Expected to ship in ~2 weeks, why not wait to include it in this comparison?

[@HardwareCanucks]

Because this video was started almost two months ago. ;)

[@HardwareCanucks]

They're promising but if you look at the true layout of the fan, I'd expect it to be in the bottom end of the charts since the fan blades actually have a smaller diameter.

[@Er1cTheRad]

Where can I find the specs? (Searched, but could not find) I thought the D30 was largely based on the T30.

[@chincemagnet]

I have a ton of Corsair fans, including a bunch of ML’s. I really like the ML140’s. But I’ll never buy another Corsair fan again based solely on the outrageous price. They used to be much more reasonably priced. The one thing I can say about Corsair is they will honor your warranty and replace a bad fan. Although I have at least 25 Corsair fans and not a single one has ever had an issue. I have had several other Corsair products require warranty replacement. I have ML120, ML140, AF140, SP120, HD120, and LL120’s. The ML140’s are good.

[@m_nogal_pc]

Man I love your content on this channel. Hands down the best entertainment here for me :) As a guy who builds a lot of high end computers the info here are priceless. Thank you and I hope to see more :]

[@HardwareCanucks]

Thanks!

[@HHX_H]

I tested the thermalright and yes they are amazing for the price!

[@bekatabidze516]

I am very interested in Deepcool FC120 fans, they are 50$ for 3 pack and cheaper in some countries. They are fans that come included with Deepcool LS series AIOs, I like getting matching fans to AIO, but I want to know how do they perform. Also Cooler Master Masterfan Halos as they look good.

[@4ujase]

APNX FP2 are amazing and also great value.Full metal 30mm case and comes as a spare, reversible fan. Costs about £($)23.

[@JiajuChen]

❤❤ REALLY loved this video. Please do more of these!

[@MadmanLink]

3 months ago I was looking to fill a new case with fans. I used your last video to make my decision on the Silent wings pro 4. They were almost impossible to find and weren't cheap on Amazon at the time. The new Light wings were out and on sale for a three pack. I like the looks, but it's so hard to compare actual performance which is what I really wanted. They are quiet, and my setup doesn't run that hot so I'm happy with what I got. BTW you guys made another great video I'll sending out to friends and family! This is another video I'll be coming back to in the future.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Thanks!

[@KellyWu04]

Oh my god I’ve been waiting for this for so long

[@Ereanion]

One of the best videos out there! Thank you :)

[@VetteTTV12]

I'm not sure if I missed the specific radiator used in the restriction test, but I'm assuming it's the A60. Would you please use a more standard 45mm thick 18FPI radiator for this? I believe it would make the results much more accurate since a fair amount of AIOs are now 45mm and the majority of custom loops use 45mm rads.

[@shadow105720]

Thermalright is the hands down winner. You can't just have one RGB fan. I just got my SO a Fractal Meshify Mini and she wanted the pretty fans. Filled all 6 fan slots for $24 and threw in a Phantom Spirit with 2 more ARGB fans for $36, with an 8 fan hub also from Thermalright for another $12. I paid almost that much for the RGB RAM 3600 C14. Put the controller under the PSU shroud where the hard drives would go and got all the fan cables routed neatly by the mobo and through the shroud. All 6 case fans and all 8 ARGB cables plugged into the hub and the 2 CPU fans plugged into the CPU fan header. No they dont have any fancy connections but they do all have splitters for PWM and ARGB but the mobo only has one case fan and one ARGB header and I didn't want to overload anything or have a rats nest sitting in the front of the case.

[@CBlakeMN]

One fan I don’t see on the list that I’d like to see tested next time (if you’re able to), is the Thermaltake ToughFan 12 RGB fan. On paper, it looks like a similar/better offering than Be Quiet’s LW HS fan. Seems like a fan that would do okay under noise normalized tests and I think would be interesting to see how the results stacked up. I think it could be a good fan for people who REALLY care about noise, but still want decent performance.

[@amineBoucherit]

just bought a pack of Thermalright TL-c12c-s x3 for 18€ thank you for the review Hoping they'll look good with my other fans the Cooler Master Sickleflow 120

[@ryogaming4771]

i snag 9 Lian Li AL120 V2 (3 boxes of 3 with controller) last week from a sales at computer canada, all for 234$ tax in (204$ CAD before tax) that a whooping 26$CAD per fan, so far it's destroying my ML120 RGB Elite, no competition even on a radiator!

[@nikushim6665]

You're not locked off with Icue/armoury/L-connect for controlling splitter boxes. signal (gag) and openRGB both support them without all the app juggling.

[@flyingpj]

I imagine the new Phanteks D30 fans will be right up there if not the best in performance

[@HardwareCanucks]

Likely not. Remember their fan blades are SMALLER in diameter so it's not a true 120mm dan and that'll cause a loss of performance, especially on radiators.

[@elleymiller2563]

Love your background lighting and use of colour across the screen

[@MKethael]

Awesome review, thanks for also including info about daisy connectivity, which is most often omitted. I was looking for RGB fans for radiators and I was hesitating between LL and EK Loop, but you've helped me to choose EK!

[@hyper8545]

Cool video idea

[@RobBCactive]

I was stress testing a data analysis PC today, I didn't want to use an AIO, gfx weren't important but the mobo & air tower cooler I chose has ARGB features. So just for adding a little fun to an unassuming Fractal Define compact case, I tried the thermalright as the exhaust fan. After 45mins of stress testing with NO fan tuning, still had 100% utilisation near the max boost on all cores and < 70C. The cheap Thermalright was shifting plenty of exhaust air but the box was really pleasantly quiet. I had non RGB, RGB cooler fan and then the Thermalright in series, yes my AIO offers lower temps, but using a case in solid configuration this was quieter as AIO are then constrained to either 120mm exhaust rad or an inherently non-optimal front mount. For an office or a study I'd take the Thermalright and just reduce the fan rpm a little

[@cyclechris6591]

Wow, what a great review. I had just bought the alphacool rise, it had the best specs. Now I picked up the mobius. So much quieter.

[@VincentAndre_HK]

Thanks for the review Mike, amazing work as usual. For the A-RGB daisy-chaining, did you notice that there are some doing a splitter while some have true daisy-chain? ARCTIC has daisy chain, allowing light effects to span to few fans. Not a splitter that will have all fans with same effect (well, except if they use LED gen2 though here again, ARCTIC is one of the few having it...) ;) For the CFM Vs dBA measurement, I am genuinely surprised by the P12 ARGB, it is the same impeller as the P12 Max, the Max even get ball bearing which is noisier than the sleeve bearings, so, they should be in around the same in teh bottom of the curve. did your P12 ARGB made any unusual noise? 🤔

[@HardwareCanucks]

It's a good point about the daisy chaining vs splitter. However I'd call what Arctic does individual common circuit control since daisy chaining implies the same signal is sent down the line so to speak. As for the P12 Max vs P12 ARGB we also have to remember there are additional fundamental changes between the two fans. While the Max appears to have the same impeller design, the tolerance between the outer ring and housing is much tighter and it's motor is completely different, not to mention the bearing difference. Personally I couldn't detect any issues with the P12 ARGB noise profile but subjectively it was louder than the Max at it's given decibel levels. The acoustic testing bore that out as well.

[@MikeKrasnenkov]

Do you know if any other fans in this video have true daisy-chain besides Arctic?

[@shinseitaizen]

I'm curious about the performance of all the Unifans over time with a comparison to something like the NH12x25 from Noctua. Are Lian Li getting better over time?

[@cpfb68]

Absolutely amazing video! Great analysis of the RGB fan pile and especially appreciate your review of the use of these with an AIO. I just purchased the Vetroo AIO and know the fans that come with it are trash. I’ve subscribed and appreciate your great vids. Keep up the great work!

[@alltheboost5363]

My first computer back in the day was an Alienware, and it had Rowdy fans. they would move a s*** ton of air, and you could also tune them to be silent. They were one amp 12-volt. I want that fan blade design and motor inside of like a lin li v2 Infiniti take that motor and that overall fan design put them together but in 140 mm and I think you have the perfect fan or if you also integrated the new LCD. I want a fan that'll tune all the way down to 100 RPM and max out at like 5 or 6,000 RPM and have RGB. Most of the time, it'll be tuned, and I won't hear them, but when I want to do some overclocking, I want to be able to crank it up and turn it into a jet.

[@Dj-sf7or]

I was waiting for this video for forever

[@MrStR1K3Rify]

Thank you for given me reliable point of view. Do 140 please. Planning to build all 140 fan built.

[@arsantiqua2483]

I love your fan review. Speaking of: I haven't thanked you for bringing the Arctic P12 Max to my attention yet. I ordered them a week ago. They should arrive tomorrow. Can't wait to pair them with the NF-A20PWM Noctuas. That will be some nice noise level and decent airflow. The problem with modding is the airflow. So let's see how well my new modd will do. But I am rather confident. And I like that I haven't had to rob a bank to get there. So thanks guys! Looking forward to the 14 run. So fare it has been rather surprising on who hold up and who didn't.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes!

[@arsantiqua2483]

@@HardwareCanucks Oh I am sure, you will love it. I am building the PC in a Greek hoplite armour and the monitor stand is a life size roman gladiator. The helmet is even a replica of an original one found in Pompeii. Hence the headache about how to cool the thing. So thanks there, you provided some great help! The only down side is that I have to wait for a steel beam that will take another 10 weeks to ship. Well at least time to think about the details of my water cooling. Let's see if I can pull it off. It isn't just a PC but a whole set up. Put I will gladly keep you posted once it's done.

[@riba2233]

another truly awesome and useful video, thank you so much Mike!

[@demianvnh]

Anyone asking about corsair : I have corsair fans in my latest build (3 QL 120mm and 2 SP 140mm). All fans started to have LED dies after 6months of running and they are far from good in performances.

[@TSUNAMI17]

Thank you! I'd be interested in this kind of testing for 92mm RGB fans.

[@linsetv]

I would like to see how the Alpenfoehn Wingboost RGB would keep up in this :)

[@SayeR88]

I bought last week two pack of Thermalright 120 RGB and are amazing , quiet and efficient. I paid 16€ for a pack , great deal .

[@takemebacktothen]

The Thermalright matching the NF-A12 is crazy

[@RotemMantsur]

Great review! Finally I understood all the graphs :) One thing you should have done was to review the regular Be Quiet! and not the High Speed version. I read the regular was designed as case fans whilst the HS was designed to be use on radiators and heat sinks. Also, it would have been nice to understand why when comparing the same fans, one without RGB and one without it, the one with added RGB perform worse....just wondering.

[@graelstream2353]

I just want to thank you and your team again. I ended up ordering the ek loop and the ek nucleus because of their current sale. I originally wanted to buy the lian li ones for my nzxt h6 flow but after watching this a couple of time. I think the ek loop would be a better choice. Thank you.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Wow great choice!

[@graelstream2353]

@@HardwareCanucks package arrived! Would it be fine if I use the included drgb 6 way splitter?

[@_Caddac]

One of my favourite budget RGB fans that I've been suggesting to people for case fans are the Deepcool RF120. You can often find the 5 pack of them for $40 CAD which is one hell of a deal and they've been running great for me since 2019. EDIT: and the best part is, with those fans you get a fan hub to plug all of the fans into a single header as well as daisy chain RGB.

[@RobBCactive]

As the video creator noted the DeepCool FC120 performed less well, so was excluded from the comparison review.

[@_Caddac]

@@RobBCactive just because they're the same brand doesn't make them similar. I know they said the FC wasn't very good but the RF is a different blade design.

[@RobBCactive]

@@_Caddac ahh, I missed the switch in letters. Review samples depend on the caprice of marketing departments, you'd hope they send their competitive options. I use DeepCool air towers myself so if DC had had a marching case fan reasonably priced to go with the cooler it would have been a no-brainer. But the Thermalright value is tough to beat.

[@polelix1023]

Wait, aren't they fixed RGB?