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EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Noctua NF-A9 PWM: Comparison
What is the difference between EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Noctua NF-A9 PWM?
Start with airflow, because it is the widest measured gap between them: EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER 77 CFM against Noctua NF-A9 PWM 46.44 CFM, 40% in favour of EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER. Static pressure runs the same way, 3.16 mmH2O on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 2.28 mmH2O on the Noctua NF-A9 PWM, another win for EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER. Warranty runs the same way, 2 years on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-A9 PWM, another win for Noctua NF-A9 PWM.
EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Noctua NF-A9 PWM: which one fits your build
The EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER is the one to take for dense custom-loop radiators and extreme overclocking rigs, though it is not the pick for quiet or daily-use builds and case intake/exhaust duty. Buy the Noctua NF-A9 PWM for SFF cases with 92mm-only mounts and coolers with 92mm fan slots, though it is not built for standard mid-tower intake/exhaust (use a 120mm or 140mm instead) and buyers chasing maximum total airflow. 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 Noctua NF-A9 PWM (8/10): the go-to premium option whenever a build genuinely needs a 92mm fan instead of 120mm.
What EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Noctua NF-A9 PWM have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, connector type, lighting connector, fan thickness, pack quantity and pwm control included, so the decision does not turn on any of those. They match on 3 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Noctua NF-A9 PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 33.5 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 22.8 dBA on the Noctua NF-A9 PWM.
Is the Zero RPM Capable the same on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Noctua NF-A9 PWM?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 120 mm
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 92 mm
Brand
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- EKWB
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Noctua
Model
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Vardar EVO 120ER
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- NF-A9 PWM
Bearing Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Ball
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- No RGB
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 1
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 3.16 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 2.28 mmH2O-28%
Max Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2200 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 2000 RPM-9%
Airflow
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 77 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 46.44 CFM-40%
Noise Level
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 33.5 dBA
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 22.8 dBABest
PWM Control
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Yes
Min Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 500 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 400 RPM
Zero RPM Capable
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Yes
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Dual-Ball
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- SSO2
Rated Life
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 50000 hours
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 150000 hours
Max Power Draw
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2.16 W
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 1.2 WBest
Connector Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 4-Pin PWM
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- None
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- None
RGB Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- No
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- None
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- None
Colorway
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Black
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Brown And Beige
Cable Length
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 300 mm
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 200 mm
Warranty
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2 years-67%
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Performance
- Noctua NF-A9 PWM
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER if you want the higher static pressure (3.16 mmH2O vs 2.28 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 2000 RPM) and the higher airflow (77 CFM vs 46.44 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-A9 PWM if you want the lower noise level (22.8 dBA vs 33.5 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 2 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER | Noctua NF-A9 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| EKWB | View on EKWB | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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.
Noctua NF-A9 PWM
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The go-to premium option whenever a build genuinely needs a 92mm fan instead of 120mm.