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Winner
The Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 RGB fans offer a good balance between cooling performance and quiet operation, making them suitable for users seeking effective yet low-noise PC fans. These 120mm fans feature a magnetic dome bearing that helps reduce friction and noise, especially at lower speeds. They operate between 480 and 2,400 RPM and can push up to 63.1 cubic feet of air per minute, providing strong cooling capability without always running at full speed. Noise levels reach about 37 decibels at maximum speed, which is noticeable but still relatively quiet compared to many standard fans. The included PWM control adjusts fan speed automatically based on your system's temperature, and a Zero RPM mode lets the fans stop completely when cooling demand is low, eliminating noise entirely in those moments.
Aesthetically, these fans come with bright RGB lighting and unique effects, controlled via Corsair's iCUE system, which also allows you to connect multiple fans neatly with a hub and bridge connectors. While the noise at peak performance is higher than ultra-quiet fans, the price reflects the premium features and lighting. These fans represent a solid choice for efficient cooling with customizable lighting and quieter operation in a well-coordinated setup.
The Fractal Design Aspect 12 RGB is a 120mm computer fan designed with a focus on quiet operation and efficient cooling. It operates between 500 and 2000 RPM, providing a good range to balance airflow and noise. At its maximum speed, it produces about 33 dB of noise, which is moderately quiet but might be noticeable in very silent environments. The fan includes rifle bearings, which generally offer longer life and smoother, quieter running compared to basic sleeve bearings. It also features aerodynamic stator struts and Trip Wire technology to improve blade efficiency and reduce turbulence, helping to keep noise levels down while maintaining airflow.
The fan supports PWM control, allowing your system to adjust fan speed based on temperature, which helps keep noise low when full cooling isn't needed. One of the fan’s standout features is the 6 individually addressable RGB LEDs, compatible with many popular lighting systems, making it a good choice if you want to add customizable lighting to your build. Cable management is simplified thanks to the ability to chain power and RGB cables.
On the downside, the fan uses a 3-pin connector instead of the more common 4-pin PWM header, which might limit precise speed control on some motherboards. Also, while 33 dB is relatively quiet, there are quieter fans available for those seeking near-silent operation. This fan suits users looking to combine decent airflow, moderate quietness, and attractive RGB lighting in a mid-range PC setup.
The Fractal Design Aspect 14 RGB fan is a solid choice if you're looking for a quiet and visually appealing fan for your desktop PC. With a 140mm size, it’s large enough to move a good amount of air, which helps keep your computer cool without spinning too fast or making too much noise. Its speed ranges from 500 to 1700 RPM, giving you flexibility to balance airflow and noise depending on your needs. The noise level maxes out around 35 dB, which is fairly quiet for a fan this size, making it suitable for most home or office environments where you want less distraction.
One of its strengths is the rifle bearing, which tends to last longer and run more efficiently than the common sleeve bearings, helping the fan stay quiet and reliable over time. It also features PWM control, meaning your computer can automatically adjust the fan speed based on temperature, so you only get more noise when necessary. The fan has aerodynamic stator struts and Trip Wire technology, which reduce turbulence and improve efficiency, contributing to quieter operation and better cooling.
On the aesthetic side, it has 6 addressable RGB LEDs compatible with popular lighting systems, making it a good pick if you want to add some colorful lighting effects inside your PC. Cable management is simplified thanks to its support for chaining power and RGB connections. The fan uses a 3-pin connector, which might limit some control options compared to 4-pin fans, but it still supports PWM for speed adjustments. The power consumption is low, which is typical for fans of this size. This fan is an excellent option if you want a quiet, efficient 140mm fan with customizable lighting and decent airflow. It’s especially suitable for users who value a quieter PC but still want some style with RGB lighting. For those needing absolutely silent operation or highest airflow for heavy gaming or overclocking builds, fans with even lower noise ratings or higher CFM values might be more appropriate.