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Corsair iCUE Link RX120 vs EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB: Comparison
Corsair iCUE Link RX120 vs EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB: the static pressure difference
The gap that matters here is static pressure: Corsair iCUE Link RX120 4.38 mmH2O against EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB 2.75 mmH2O, which puts Corsair iCUE Link RX120 37% ahead. Add warranty to that, 5 years on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 2 years on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB, and the pattern holds. Lighting is not the same on both, No RGB on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus D-RGB on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB. They differ on fan thickness too, 25 mm on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 27.5 mm on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB.
Which should you buy, Corsair iCUE Link RX120 or EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB?
The Corsair iCUE Link RX120 is the one to take for iCUE Link fan and cooler builds and cable-management-focused builds, though it is not built for Non-iCUE-Link systems and RGB-focused builds. The EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB suits custom-loop radiators with lighting and high static pressure with RGB, though it is not the pick for silent builds and basic case airflow. Our rating of the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 (8/10): A clean, quiet workhorse fan that only really makes sense once you're bought into iCUE Link's single-cable wiring. 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, pack quantity, pwm control, daisy chain support and colorway included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 and EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 36 dBA on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 versus 34.2 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 120 mm
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Corsair
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- EKWB
Model
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- iCUE Link RX120
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
Lighting
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- No RGB
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- D-RGB
Fan Thickness
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 25 mm
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 27.5 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 1
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 4.38 mmH2OBest
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2.75 mmH2O-37%
Max Speed
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 2100 RPM-5%
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2200 RPMBest
Airflow
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 74.2 CFMBest
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 67 CFM-10%
Noise Level
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 36 dBA
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 34.2 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Yes
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
Min Speed
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 400 RPM
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 500 RPMBest
Connector Type
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Proprietary
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 4-Pin PWM
Daisy Chain Support
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Yes
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
Controller Required
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Yes
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- No
RGB Lighting
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- No
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
Lighting Type
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- None
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- ARGB 5V
Colorway
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Black
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Black
Warranty
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- 5 yearsBest
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2 years-60%
Positioning
- Corsair iCUE Link RX120
- Mainstream
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Performance
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair iCUE Link RX120 if you want the higher static pressure (4.38 mmH2O vs 2.75 mmH2O), the higher airflow (74.2 CFM vs 67 CFM) and the higher warranty (5 years vs 2 years).
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB if you want the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 2100 RPM) and the lower noise level (34.2 dBA vs 36 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair iCUE Link RX120 | EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Store | View on Corsair Store | |
| 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
Corsair iCUE Link RX120
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, quiet workhorse fan that only really makes sense once you're bought into iCUE Link's single-cable wiring.
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.