Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome: Comparison
EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome static pressure compared
Static pressure is where these two genuinely part company, EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER 3.16 mmH2O against Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome 3.57 mmH2O, a 11% lead for Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. Airflow is closer, 77 CFM on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 76.0 CFM on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. On noise level there is little in it, 33.5 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 33.7 dBA on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. Bearing type is not the same on both, Ball on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus Hydraulic on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. They differ on lighting too, No RGB on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus D-RGB on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome. Positioning is not the same on both, Performance on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus Premium on the Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome.
Who each one is for
Buy the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER for 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. The Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome suits 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 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 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.
What EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome have in common
Everything else lines up. Fan size, max speed and pwm control read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 120 mm
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 120 mm
Brand
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- EKWB
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Phanteks
Model
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Vardar EVO 120ER
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- D30-120 Metal Chrome
Bearing Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Ball
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Hydraulic
Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- No RGB
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- D-RGB
Static Pressure
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 3.16 mmH2O-11%
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 3.57 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2200 RPM
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 2200 RPM
Airflow
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 77 CFMBest
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 76.0 CFM-1%
Noise Level
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 33.5 dBABest
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- 33.7 dBA
PWM Control
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Yes
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Yes
Positioning
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Performance
- Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome
- Premium
Which one should you pick?
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER if you want the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 2200 RPM), the higher airflow (77 CFM vs 76.0 CFM) and the lower noise level (33.5 dBA vs 33.7 dBA).
Choose Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome if you want the higher static pressure (3.57 mmH2O vs 3.16 mmH2O).
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER | Phanteks D30-120 Metal Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| EKWB | View on EKWB | |
| 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-Vardar EVO 120ER
8 / 10 Expert Rating
An extreme, loud, purpose-built radiator fan for the densest custom loops, overkill for anything less.
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.