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EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 vs Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome: Comparison
What is the difference between EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 and Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome?
The gap that matters here is static pressure: EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 2.7 mmH2O against Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome 3.57 mmH2O, which puts Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome 24% ahead. Bearing type is not the same on both, Fluid Dynamic on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 versus Hydraulic on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. There is a split on connector as well, 4-pin PWM + 3-pin D-RGB on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 versus 4-pin PWM + D-RGB on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. They differ on colors too, Black on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 versus Metal Chrome on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome.
Which should you buy, EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 or Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome?
Buy the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 for custom water-cooling loop radiators and thick, high-FPI radiator duty, though it is not the pick for general case intake or exhaust duty and quiet-first builds. The Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome is the one to take for thick AIO and custom-loop radiators and showcase builds with visible fans, though it is the wrong buy for silent builds and budget multi-fan kits. Our rating of the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 (8/10): A strong purpose-built fan for custom loop radiators, less relevant outside that use case. 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
The common ground is wider than the gap: fan size, lighting and pwm control are identical here.
Frequently asked questions
Do the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 and Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome differ on airflow?
Yes. Airflow reads 77 CFM on the EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 versus 76.0 CFM on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 120 mm
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 120 mm
Brand
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- EK
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Phanteks
Model
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- D30-120 Metal Chrome
Bearing Type
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Fluid Dynamic
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Hydraulic
Lighting
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- D-RGB
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- D-RGB
Static Pressure
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 2.7 mmH2O-24%
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 3.57 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 2300 RPMBest
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 2200 RPM-4%
Airflow
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 77 CFMBest
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 76.0 CFM-1%
Noise Level
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 36 dBA
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 33.7 dBABest
PWM Control
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Yes
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Yes
Connector
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- 4-pin PWM + 3-pin D-RGB
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 4-pin PWM + D-RGB
Colors
- EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
- Black
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Metal Chrome
Which one should you pick?
Choose EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 if you want the higher max speed (2300 RPM vs 2200 RPM) and the higher airflow (77 CFM vs 76.0 CFM).
Choose Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome if you want the higher static pressure (3.57 mmH2O vs 2.7 mmH2O) and the lower noise level (33.7 dBA vs 36 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 | Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| 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
EKWB EK-Loop Fan FPT 120
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong purpose-built fan for custom loop radiators, less relevant outside that use case.
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.