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Corsair QX120 RGB vs Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome: Comparison
Corsair QX120 RGB vs Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome: the airflow difference
The gap that matters here is airflow: Corsair QX120 RGB 63.1 CFM against Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome 76.0 CFM, which puts Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome 17% ahead. On static pressure there is little in it, 3.8 mmH2O on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 3.57 mmH2O on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. On noise level there is little in it, 37 dBA on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 33.7 dBA on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. Bearing type is not the same on both, Magnetic Dome on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus Hydraulic on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. Max speed is closer, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 2200 RPM on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. Lighting is not the same on both, RGB on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus D-RGB on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome.
Who each one is for
The Corsair QX120 RGB suits builds already using iCUE LINK hubs or coolers and high static-pressure radiator duty, though it is not built for builders without other iCUE LINK hardware and budget multi-fan purchases. Buy the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome for thick AIO and custom-loop radiators and showcase builds with visible fans, though it is not the pick for silent builds and budget multi-fan kits. Our rating of the Corsair QX120 RGB (8/10): excellent performance and the cleanest cabling in the catalog, but only worth it inside Corsair's LINK ecosystem. Our rating of the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome (8/10): A genuinely high-pressure fan wrapped in a metal-frame showpiece look, loud at full tilt but effective on thick radiators.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Fan size, pwm control and positioning read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 120 mm
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Phanteks
Model
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- D30-120 Metal Chrome
Bearing Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Hydraulic
Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- D-RGB
Static Pressure
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 3.57 mmH2O-6%
Max Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 2200 RPM-8%
Airflow
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFM-17%
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 76.0 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 37 dBA
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 33.7 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Yes
Positioning
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Premium
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 3.57 mmH2O) and the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 2200 RPM).
Choose Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome if you want the higher airflow (76.0 CFM vs 63.1 CFM) and the lower noise level (33.7 dBA vs 37 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair QX120 RGB | Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Phanteks | View on Phanteks |
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 QX120 RGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent performance and the cleanest cabling in the catalog, but only worth it inside Corsair's LINK ecosystem.
Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely high-pressure fan wrapped in a metal-frame showpiece look, loud at full tilt but effective on thick radiators.