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Corsair ML120 PRO RGB vs EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB: Comparison
Corsair ML120 PRO RGB vs EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB: the airflow difference
Start with airflow, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Corsair ML120 PRO RGB 47.3 CFM against EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB 67 CFM, 29% in favour of EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB. Add static pressure to that, 1.78 mmH2O on the Corsair ML120 PRO RGB versus 2.75 mmH2O on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB, and the pattern holds. Corsair ML120 PRO RGB also leads on warranty, 5 years on the Corsair ML120 PRO RGB versus 2 years on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB. Max speed runs the same way, 1600 RPM on the Corsair ML120 PRO RGB 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 Corsair ML120 PRO RGB is the one to take for AIO or custom-loop radiator mounting and RGB-themed builds wanting maglev durability, though it is not built for silent-first builds (cap RPM low or look elsewhere) and budget upgrades. Buy the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB for custom-loop radiators with lighting and high static pressure with RGB, though it is the wrong buy for silent builds and basic case airflow. Our rating of the Corsair ML120 PRO RGB (8/10): A proven radiator fan for RGB loops that need real static pressure, if you're willing to tune the PWM curve down from its noisy top end.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair ML120 PRO RGB and EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 25 dBA on the Corsair ML120 PRO RGB versus 34.2 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Corsair ML120 PRO RGB and EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB?
It is. Both are listed at 120 mm, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 120 mm
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- Corsair
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- EKWB
Model
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- ML120 PRO RGB
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
Bearing Type
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- Magnetic Levitation
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Ball
Lighting
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- RGB
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- D-RGB
Fan Thickness
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 25 mm
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 27.5 mm
Pack Quantity
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 1
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 1
Static Pressure
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 1.78 mmH2O-35%
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2.75 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 1600 RPM-27%
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2200 RPMBest
Airflow
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 47.3 CFM-29%
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 67 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 25 dBABest
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 34.2 dBA
PWM Control
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- Yes
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
Min Speed
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 400 RPM
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 500 RPMBest
Rated Life
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 60000 hours
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 50000 hours
Connector Type
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 4-Pin PWM
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 4-Pin PWM
Controller Required
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- Yes
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- No
RGB Lighting
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- Yes
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
Colorway
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- Black
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Black
Warranty
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- 5 yearsBest
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2 years-60%
Positioning
- Corsair ML120 PRO RGB
- Premium
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Performance
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair ML120 PRO RGB if you want the lower noise level (25 dBA vs 34.2 dBA) and the higher warranty (5 years vs 2 years).
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB if you want the higher static pressure (2.75 mmH2O vs 1.78 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 1600 RPM) and the higher airflow (67 CFM vs 47.3 CFM).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair ML120 PRO RGB | EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| 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 ML120 PRO RGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A proven radiator fan for RGB loops that need real static pressure, if you're willing to tune the PWM curve down from its noisy top end.
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.