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EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB vs Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB: Comparison
EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB vs Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB: the static pressure difference
On static pressure the spread is 35%, EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB 2.75 mmH2O against Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB 1.8 mmH2O, so EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB takes it. EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB also leads on airflow, 67 CFM on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB versus 55.0 CFM on the Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB. Add max speed to that, 2200 RPM on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB versus 1800 RPM on the Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB, and the pattern holds. There is a split on lighting as well, D-RGB on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB versus ARGB on the Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB. There is a split on positioning as well, Performance on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB versus Budget on the Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB.
Who each one is for
The EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB suits custom-loop radiators with lighting and high static pressure with RGB, though it is the wrong buy for silent builds and basic case airflow. Buy the Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB for budget SFF and mid-tower builds and multi-fan ARGB fill-ins, though it is not built for high static pressure radiator duty and premium quiet builds. Our rating of the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB (8/10): A strong balance of high static pressure and RGB lighting for custom-loop builders who don't want the EVO's noise. Our rating of the Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB (6/10): A budget ARGB fan that looks good for the price, a reasonable choice for filling out a case on a tight budget.
Frequently asked questions
Do the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB and Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 34.2 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB versus 26.0 dBA on the Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB.
Is the Fan Size the same on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB and Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB?
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 X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 120 mm
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- 120 mm
Brand
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- EKWB
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- Jonsbo
Model
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- FR-131
Bearing Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Ball
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- Hydraulic
Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- D-RGB
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- ARGB
Static Pressure
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2.75 mmH2OBest
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- 1.8 mmH2O-35%
Max Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2200 RPMBest
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- 1800 RPM-18%
Airflow
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 67 CFMBest
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- 55.0 CFM-18%
Noise Level
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 34.2 dBA
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- 26.0 dBABest
PWM Control
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- Yes
Positioning
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Performance
- Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
- Budget
Which one should you pick?
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB if you want the higher static pressure (2.75 mmH2O vs 1.8 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 1800 RPM) and the higher airflow (67 CFM vs 55.0 CFM).
Choose Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB if you want the lower noise level (26.0 dBA vs 34.2 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB | Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB |
|---|---|---|
| EKWB | View on EKWB | |
| Jonsbo | View on Jonsbo |
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 X3M 120ER D-RGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong balance of high static pressure and RGB lighting for custom-loop builders who don't want the EVO's noise.
Jonsbo FR-131 ARGB
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget ARGB fan that looks good for the price, a reasonable choice for filling out a case on a tight budget.