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EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB vs Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB: Comparison
What is the difference between EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB and Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB?
Start with airflow, because it is the widest measured gap between them: EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB 67 CFM against Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB 104.62 CFM, 36% in favour of Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB. Warranty runs the same way, 2 years on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB versus 5 years on the Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB, another win for Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB. Add max speed to that, 2200 RPM on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB versus 1800 RPM on the Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB, and the pattern holds.
Which should you buy, EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB or Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB?
The EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB is the one to take for 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 Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB for Phanteks case builds with 140mm mounts and mixed 120/140mm D-RGB fan walls, though it is not the pick for radiator duty needing maximum static pressure and builds without a case window. 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 Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB (7/10): A solid, well-matched 140mm companion to the M25-120, best suited to Phanteks-branded builds wanting mixed fan sizes.
What EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB and Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: connector type, lighting, pwm control, min speed and daisy chain support are identical here. They match on 1 further specification as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB and Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 34.2 dBA on the EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB versus 36.57 dBA on the Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 120 mm
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 140 mm
Brand
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- EKWB
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- Phanteks
Model
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- M25-140 D-RGB
Bearing Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Ball
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- Hydraulic
Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- D-RGB
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- D-RGB
Fan Thickness
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 27.5 mm
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2.75 mmH2O-2%
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 2.8 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2200 RPMBest
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 1800 RPM-18%
Airflow
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 67 CFM-36%
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 104.62 CFMBest
Noise Level
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 34.2 dBABest
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 36.57 dBA
PWM Control
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- Yes
Min Speed
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 500 RPM
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 500 RPM
Rated Life
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 50000 hours
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 30000 hours
Max Power Draw
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2.16 WBest
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 2.4 W
Connector Type
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 4-Pin PWM
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 4-Pin PWM
Daisy Chain Support
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- Yes
RGB Lighting
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Yes
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- Yes
LED Count
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 9
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 12
Cable Length
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 500 mm
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 140 mm
Warranty
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- 2 years-60%
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- 5 yearsBest
Positioning
- EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB
- Performance
- Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
- Mainstream D-RGB
Which one should you pick?
Choose EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB if you want the higher max speed (2200 RPM vs 1800 RPM) and the lower noise level (34.2 dBA vs 36.57 dBA).
Choose Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB if you want the higher static pressure (2.8 mmH2O vs 2.75 mmH2O), the higher airflow (104.62 CFM vs 67 CFM) and the higher warranty (5 years vs 2 years).
Price comparison
| Retailer | EKWB EK-Vardar X3M 120ER D-RGB | Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
Phanteks M25-140 D-RGB
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid, well-matched 140mm companion to the M25-120, best suited to Phanteks-branded builds wanting mixed fan sizes.