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EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade: Comparison

EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade: the static pressure difference

Start with static pressure, because it is the widest measured gap between them: EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER 3.16 mmH2O against Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade 2.1 mmH2O, 34% in favour of EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER. Add airflow to that, 77 CFM on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 59.0 CFM on the Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade, and the pattern holds. EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER also leads on max speed, 2200 RPM on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 1900 RPM on the Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade. There is a split on positioning as well, Performance on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus Premium on the Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade.

Who each one is for

Buy the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER for dense custom-loop radiators and extreme overclocking rigs, though it is not built for quiet or daily-use builds and case intake/exhaust duty. The Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade suits mixed intake/exhaust UNI FAN chains and Lian Li case fan walls, though it is the wrong buy for Non-Lian-Li fan controllers and budget single-fan upgrades. Our rating of the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER (8/10): an extreme, loud, purpose-built radiator fan for the densest custom loops, overkill for anything less. Our rating of the Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade (8/10): A clever niche addition to the UNI FAN lineup for builders who want reversed airflow without breaking the daisy-chain.

Frequently asked questions

Do the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade differ on noise level?

Yes. Noise Level reads 33.5 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 25.5 dBA on the Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade.

Is the Fan Size the same on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade?

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

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    120 mm
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    120 mm
  • Brand

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    EKWB
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    Lian Li
  • Model

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    Vardar EVO 120ER
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    UNI FAN X120
  • Bearing Type

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    Ball
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    Fluid Dynamic
  • Lighting

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    No RGB
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    ARGB
  • Static Pressure

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    3.16 mmH2OBest
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    2.1 mmH2O-34%
  • Max Speed

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    2200 RPMBest
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    1900 RPM-14%
  • Airflow

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    77 CFMBest
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    59.0 CFM-23%
  • Noise Level

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    33.5 dBA
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    25.5 dBABest
  • PWM Control

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    Yes
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    Yes
  • Positioning

    EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
    Performance
    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    Premium

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER if you want the higher static pressure (3.16 mmH2O vs 2.1 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 1900 RPM) and the higher airflow (77 CFM vs 59.0 CFM).

    Choose Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade if you want the lower noise level (25.5 dBA vs 33.5 dBA).

    Price comparison

    RetailerEKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ERLian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade
    EKWBView on EKWB
    Lian Li StoreView on Lian Li Store

    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-Vardar EVO 120ER

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    An extreme, loud, purpose-built radiator fan for the densest custom loops, overkill for anything less.

    Lian Li UNI FAN X120 Reverse Blade

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    A clever niche addition to the UNI FAN lineup for builders who want reversed airflow without breaking the daisy-chain.

    More comparisons in Case Fans