Corsair iCUE LINK RX120 RGB 120mm Fan Review

Epilogue

The most vital asset of the Corsair iCUE LINK RX120 RGB is the ecosystem, which minimizes cables, so installing many fans is a piece of cake. The only problem is the increased price you must pay to buy them. Performance-wise, the RX120 is focused on static pressure and not airflow, so it is ideal for cooling solutions and not for chassis use, where high airflow is desired.

The build quality is good, and the cable-free design, since the fans are fully modular, is a nice touch. Nonetheless, these fans only operate with the iCUE software and the compatible hub/controller, not leaving an option to be controlled through an external PWM controller, which is a shame. This option is available in the Lian Li UNI FAN TL products, which also come with propriety cables and controllers. Corsair should include this capability in its iCUE Link fan products.

At 25 dBA normalized noise output, low enough not to annoy most users but still provides high speeds to offer decent performance, The RX120 achieves decent static pressure, but its airflow is low. The Phanteks T30-120 is among the best performers, combining high airflow and static pressure. Besides the high price, its only downside is the increased thickness at 30mm, which can create compatibility issues when the available space is restricted. The Arctic P12 Max is also an excellent choice for high static pressure, and you will save lots of money since it is highly affordable. The XPG Nidec Vento Pro 120 PWM and the Thermaltake Toughfan 12 Pro are also good options, combining high airflow and static pressure at this noise level.

 

To check all alternative fan offerings, read my Best Cooling Fans article before investing in new cooling solutions. You help me a lot by using my affiliate links, which don’t increase the product’s price. I get a commission from Amazon every time you do it, which can make a difference for me, especially now that I am on my own, working exclusively for my media and not for someone else.

Pros:
  • iCUE Link ecosystem allows for minimized cable use
  • Good static pressure performance
  • Wide RPM operation (303 – 2112 RPM)
  • Not noisy
  • Daisy chain option
  • Magnetic dome bearing for increased lifetime
  • PWM control
  • 5-year warranty
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Relatively low airflow
  • Not noise-effective design

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3 thoughts on “Corsair iCUE LINK RX120 RGB 120mm Fan Review

  1. 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.

    1. 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).

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