The Corsair iCUE LINK RX120 RGB 120mm is a high-end, thus expensive, fan requiring an iCUE LINK system hub to operate, since it uses proprierty cables.
What if a connection system, like the GPIB protocol for laboratory instruments, would allow the networking of all peripheral devices and parts, simultaneously passing the required power to operate? This is how Corsair thought with the iCUE Link Smart Component Ecosystem, which I have already presented. In a snap, the CUE Link Smart component ecosystem allows you to daisy-chain Corsair’s cooling components, ending the need for power and ARGB cables. While GPIB provides for up to 15 devices on one bus, with a total bus length of up to 20 meters and a distance between devices of up to 2 meters, Corsair’s iCUE Link allows up to seven devices per bus, with shorter lengths than GPIB, since chassis are much smaller than the lab environment where the protocol mentioned above is used.
Corsair makes excellent product presentation videos, and in the one above, you will find all the essential aspects of the RX120 RGB 120mm fan. The fact that the RX120 can only be controlled through the iCUE hub/controller made my life difficult during testing on the Longwin machine. From the moment the Longwin could not interact directly with the fan and control its speeds, I had to run all tests manually. It would be nice if Corsair left an option for external speed control through a 4-pin header as Lian-Li does in its UNI FAN TL models. This would also be ideal for users with their PWM controllers since they could handle all fans installed in their systems, Corsair or from other brands, without any hassle.
Specifications
- Model Number: iCUE LINK RX120 RGB
- Fan Speed Max: 2100 RPM
- Fan Airflow Max: 73.5 CFM
- Static Pressure: 4.33 mm-H2O
- Fan Noise Level: 36 dBA
- Fan Bearing Type: Magnetic Dome
- Bearing durability: no info
- Operating Ambient Temperature: 0—40 °C
- Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
- Fan Input Current: 0.66 A
- Fan Rated Wattage: 7.92W
- Daisy-Chain Capable: Yes
- Cable Length: 140mm and 600mm extension
- Fan Connector: iCUE Link
- Fan Weight: 168 gr
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 120 x 120 x 25mm
- Price for the 3-pack (excluding VAT): $100
- Price single fan (excluding VAT): $35
- Warranty: 5-years
Cybenetics Fans Database
Proprietary connections with need of a special SW (this fan), proprietary fan connections (BQ DR Elite) with special adjusted form factor of the fans (BQ DR Elite, CM MA824 Stealth & Assassin IV) that you cannot even buy from the manufacturer, and you have to look for it on AliExpress… And people think… what an “exclusive solution” …exclusive doesn’t mean something is “cool”, but the exclusion of other options, solutions, and replacements … and people are even willing to pay more for such an “exclusivity” … when the Apple can profit on it, why wouldn’t others try the same recipe.
…sorry for grumbling, but I can help myself 😊, …by the way great review as usual.
I hope that other manufacturer will not “applemimic” themselves and will not jump on the “great ship of exclusivity” and proprietary environment.
True, exclusive parts or connectors are not always good, especially when we are talking about fans. Corsair’s idea on the Link is good, but other brands won’t follow it, so it is only for Corsair products, which are expensive (but of good quality at least).
I think you have an error in your data for the Lian Li TL fan. CFM at 25dBA should be 44.6CFM and not the 57.2 you state and mmAQ should be 1.4 and not 1.62. I checked with the data from here: https://www.cybenetics.com/index.php?option=fans&manfID=79
HTH