Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB: Comparison
EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER vs Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB static pressure compared
On static pressure the spread is 16%, EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER 3.16 mmH2O against Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB 2.67 mmH2O, so EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER takes it. Warranty runs the same way, 2 years on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 5 years on the Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB, another win for Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB. They differ on lighting connector too, None on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 3-Pin 5V ARGB on the Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB. There is a split on lighting as well, No RGB on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus D-RGB on the Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB. There is a split on rated life as well, 50000 hours on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 30000 hours on the Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB.
Which should you buy, EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER or Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB?
The EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER suits dense custom-loop radiators and extreme overclocking rigs, though it is not built for quiet or daily-use builds and case intake/exhaust duty. Buy the Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB for AIO and custom-loop radiator duty and high-airflow case intake needing daisy-chain cabling, though it is not the pick for extreme-restriction radiators (see T30-120 instead) and ultra-quiet-first builds. 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 M25-120 D-RGB (8/10): A strong all-purpose high-airflow radiator fan that sits comfortably below Phanteks' flagship T30-120.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: fan size, connector type, fan thickness, pwm control and min speed are identical here.
Frequently asked questions
Do the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER and Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 33.5 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER versus 35.7 dBA on the Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 120 mm
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 120 mm
Brand
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- EKWB
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- Phanteks
Model
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Vardar EVO 120ER
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- M25-120 D-RGB
Bearing Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Ball
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- Hydraulic
Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- No RGB
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- D-RGB
Fan Thickness
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 25 mm
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 3.16 mmH2OBest
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 2.67 mmH2O-16%
Max Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2200 RPMBest
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 2000 RPM-9%
Airflow
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 77 CFM-9%
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 84.26 CFMBest
Noise Level
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 33.5 dBABest
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 35.7 dBA
PWM Control
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Yes
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- Yes
Min Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 500 RPM
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 500 RPM
Rated Life
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 50000 hours
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 30000 hours
Max Power Draw
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2.16 WBest
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 2.4 W
Connector Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 4-Pin PWM
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 4-Pin PWM
Lighting Connector
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- None
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 3-Pin 5V ARGB
RGB Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- No
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- Yes
Lighting Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- None
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- ARGB 5V
Cable Length
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 300 mm
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 120 mm
Warranty
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- 2 years-60%
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- 5 yearsBest
Positioning
- EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER
- Performance
- Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB
- Mainstream
Which one should you pick?
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER if you want the higher static pressure (3.16 mmH2O vs 2.67 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 2000 RPM) and the lower noise level (33.5 dBA vs 35.7 dBA).
Choose Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB if you want the higher airflow (84.26 CFM vs 77 CFM) and the higher warranty (5 years vs 2 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Vardar EVO 120ER | Phanteks M25-120 D-RGB |
|---|---|---|
| EKWB | View on EKWB |
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 M25-120 D-RGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong all-purpose high-airflow radiator fan that sits comfortably below Phanteks' flagship T30-120.