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EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM: Comparison
EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM static pressure compared
The gap that matters here is static pressure: EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER 3.16 mmH2O against Noctua NF-S12A PWM 1.19 mmH2O, which puts EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER 62% ahead. EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER also leads on airflow, 77 CFM on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 63.27 CFM on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM. Noctua NF-S12A PWM also leads on warranty, 2 years on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM. Add max speed to that, 2200 RPM on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 1200 RPM on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM, and the pattern holds.
Which should you buy, EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER or Noctua NF-S12A PWM?
The EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER suits dense custom-loop radiators and extreme overclocking rigs, though it is the wrong buy for quiet or daily-use builds and case intake/exhaust duty. Buy the Noctua NF-S12A PWM for mesh-front cases with unobstructed airflow paths and builds where near-silent operation matters more than raw CFM, though it is not built for radiator or filtered-intake use where pressure matters more and budget multi-fan builds needing 6+ fans. 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.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: fan size, connector type, lighting connector, fan thickness and pack quantity are identical here. They match on 4 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Noctua NF-S12A PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 33.5 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 17.8 dBA on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM.
Is the PWM Control the same on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Noctua NF-S12A 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-S12A PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- EKWB
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Noctua
Model
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Vardar EVO 120ER
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- NF-S12A PWM
Bearing Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Ball
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- No RGB
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- None
Fan Thickness
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 25 mm
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 25 mm
Pack Quantity
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 1
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 1
Static Pressure
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 3.16 mmH2OBest
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 1.19 mmH2O-62%
Max Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2200 RPMBest
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 1200 RPM-45%
Airflow
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 77 CFMBest
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 63.27 CFM-18%
Noise Level
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 33.5 dBA
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 17.8 dBABest
PWM Control
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Yes
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Yes
Zero RPM Capable
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Yes
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Dual-Ball
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- SSO2
Rated Life
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 50000 hours
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 150000 hours
Max Power Draw
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2.16 W
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 1.44 WBest
Connector Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 4-Pin PWM
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- None
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- None
RGB Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- No
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- No
Lighting Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- None
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- None
Colorway
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Black
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Brown And Beige
Cable Length
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 300 mm
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 200 mm
Warranty
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2 years-67%
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- 6 yearsBest
Positioning
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Performance
- Noctua NF-S12A PWM
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER if you want the higher static pressure (3.16 mmH2O vs 1.19 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 1200 RPM) and the higher airflow (77 CFM vs 63.27 CFM).
Choose Noctua NF-S12A PWM if you want the lower noise level (17.8 dBA vs 33.5 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 2 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER | Noctua NF-S12A PWM |
|---|---|---|
| EKWB | View on EKWB | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
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-S12A PWM
8 / 10 Expert Rating
An excellent quiet airflow fan for open cases, but expensive per-fan for how little static pressure it offers.