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EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB vs Noctua NF-A9 PWM: Comparison
EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB and Noctua NF-A9 PWM separate most on warranty: EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB at 2 years, Noctua NF-A9 PWM at 6 years, 67% in favour of Noctua NF-A9 PWM. Airflow splits them by another 31%, this time favouring EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB. They match on 4 other specifications, including pack quantity, pwm control and anti vibration pads.
Specs
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120 mm | 92 mm |
| Brand | EKWB | Noctua |
| Model | Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB | NF-A9 PWM |
| Bearing Type | Ball | Fluid Dynamic |
| Lighting | D-RGB | None |
| Fan Thickness | 27.5 mm | 25 mm |
| Static Pressure | 2.75 mmH2O | 2.28 mmH2O-17% |
| Pack Quantity | 1 | 1 |
| Max Speed | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM-9% |
| Noise Level | 34.2 dBA+11.4 dBA | 22.8 dBA |
| Airflow | 67 CFM | 46.44 CFM-31% |
| PWM Control | Yes | Yes |
| Min Speed | 500 RPM | 400 RPM |
| Bearing Marketing Name | Dual-Ball Bearing | SSO2 |
| Rated Life | 50000 hours | 150000 hours |
| Anti Vibration Pads | Yes | Yes |
| Max Power Draw | 2.16 W | 1.2 W |
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM | 4-Pin PWM |
| Lighting Connector | 3-Pin 5V ARGB | None |
| RGB Lighting | Yes | No |
| Lighting Type | ARGB 5V | None |
| Colorway | Black | Brown And Beige |
| Cable Length | 500 mm | 200 mm |
| Warranty | 2 years-67% | 6 years |
| Positioning | Performance | Premium |
| Source URL | https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-vardar-x3m-120er-d-rgb-500-2200rpm-black | https://cdn.noctua.at/media/noctua_nf_a9_pwm_infosheet_en_web.pdf |
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB | Noctua NF-A9 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
Noctua NF-A9 PWM
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The go-to premium option whenever a build genuinely needs a 92mm fan instead of 120mm.