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Arctic F12 PWM vs EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB: Comparison
Arctic F12 PWM vs EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB static pressure compared
On static pressure the spread is 64%, Arctic F12 PWM 1.0 mmH2O against EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB 2.75 mmH2O, so EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB takes it. EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB also leads on airflow, 53.0 CFM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 67 CFM on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB. Add warranty to that, 6 years on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 2 years on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB, and the pattern holds. Max speed runs the same way, 1350 RPM on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 2200 RPM on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB, another win for EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB.
Who each one is for
The Arctic F12 PWM suits budget case intake/exhaust replacements and unobstructed airflow positions, though it is the wrong buy for radiator or filtered-intake duty (choose the P-series instead) and RGB builds. Buy the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB for custom-loop radiators with lighting and high static pressure with RGB, though it is not built for silent builds and basic case airflow. Our rating of the Arctic F12 PWM (7/10): the no-frills budget fan pick when a build just needs more quiet case airflow. Our rating of the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB (8/10): A strong balance of high static pressure and RGB lighting for custom-loop builders who don't want the EVO's noise.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, fan size, connector type, pwm control and colorway included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Arctic F12 PWM and EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 22.5 dBA on the Arctic F12 PWM versus 34.2 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 120 mm
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 120 mm
Brand
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Arctic
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- EKWB
Model
- Arctic F12 PWM
- F12 PWM
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
Bearing Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Ball
Lighting
- Arctic F12 PWM
- No RGB
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- D-RGB
Fan Thickness
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 25 mm
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 27.5 mm
Static Pressure
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1.0 mmH2O-64%
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2.75 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1350 RPM-39%
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2200 RPMBest
Airflow
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 53.0 CFM-21%
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 67 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 22.5 dBABest
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 34.2 dBA
PWM Control
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Yes
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
Min Speed
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 230 RPM
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 500 RPMBest
Max Power Draw
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 1.44 WBest
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2.16 W
PWM Duty Floor
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 5 percent
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 25 percent
Connector Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- Arctic F12 PWM
- None
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 3-Pin 5V ARGB
Daisy Chain Support
- Arctic F12 PWM
- No
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
RGB Lighting
- Arctic F12 PWM
- No
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
Lighting Type
- Arctic F12 PWM
- None
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- ARGB 5V
Colorway
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Black
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Black
Cable Length
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 400 mm
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 500 mm
Warranty
- Arctic F12 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2 years-67%
Positioning
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Budget
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Performance
Intended Use
- Arctic F12 PWM
- Case Airflow
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Radiator And Heatsink
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic F12 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.5 dBA vs 34.2 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 2 years).
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB if you want the higher static pressure (2.75 mmH2O vs 1.0 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 1350 RPM) and the higher airflow (67 CFM vs 53.0 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic F12 PWM | EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB |
|---|---|---|
| EKWB | View on EKWB |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Arctic F12 PWM
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The no-frills budget fan pick when a build just needs more quiet case airflow.
EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong balance of high static pressure and RGB lighting for custom-loop builders who don't want the EVO's noise.