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Whoever considers gaming to be a child’s play or an insignificant leisure time activity has obviously never entered the serious arena of gaming. Those who play regularly know that it is more than just that; it’s a passion that not every mortal mind can comprehend. And to make your mark in this competitive world, you need more than just skill. Having the right equipment is imperative too, equipment that doesn’t just run smoothly, but also brings style to your game. This is why we bring you a complete guide of RGB Fans because we know that your cooling system doesn’t have to be cool just from the outside but from the inside too.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Rgb Case Fans
- OUR TOP PICK: Corsair LL120 RGB
- RUNNER-UP: Thermaltake Pure Plus CL-F063-PL12SW-A
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Thermaltake Riing CL-F042-PL12SW-B
Comparison of the Best RGB Case Fans
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What is an RGB Case Fan?
A PC fan is an added cooling mechanism to bring about a surge in the airflow and assist ventilation in maintaining optimum temperatures of various components inside your PC case. This prevents overheating of these parts, thus warranting smooth performance.
However, if you want to amp up your gaming PC, then you might want to invest in RGB case fans that definitely adds color and panache to your system. An RGB fan has LED lights attached to the blades and/or the ring around it, giving your PC a cool, vibrant look.
What Makes a Great RGB Case Fan
RGB Case Fans have quite a few specifications and features that might confuse a layman. Therefore, before reviewing our recommended products individually, we wanted to highlight what makes an RGB Case Fan a top of the line product.
Airflow
This is considered the most important factor and presumably the reason why you have decided to make a purchase. If a fan has high airflow, then that means it can thrust more air through your case. This, in turn, will keep your system cool. However, pushing air creates noise, which is why you have to find a product that has a balance between airflow and noise.
Antec Prizm 120 ARGB 5+C
Static Pressure
Another significant aspect that needs to be kept in mind is static pressure. It’s a measure of how strongly the fan blows air and is usually measured in mmH20. This comes more into play when you want to cool a radiator or a heatsink as a hindrance is created directly in the path of the airflow. For this purpose, the fan has to work harder to push the air; thus, negatively impacting the airflow. If that applies to you, then we recommend a fan that has high static pressure.
Noise
Up until recently, loud noise was something that came as an uninvited guest with cooling mechanisms. Gone are the days when your PC would scream loudly and be a constant annoyance. Most RGB Case Fans come with technology that makes them super quiet and comfortable.
Review of the Best RGB Case Fans
Now that we have covered features that separate top-quality fans from the mediocre ones, it is now time to look at some of the best products. We have carefully analyzed and reviewed each product so that you can make an informed decision.
Best Overall:
Corsair LL120 RGB
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers have thoroughly enjoyed using this product and have given it increasingly high ratings. Each fan has 16 independent LEDs that allow for a great range of customization, which users have enjoyed particularly. Moreover, its software runs smoothly and further adds to the visual effects by creating different patterns and swirls.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The commendable static pressure offered by this product made us fall in love with it. Furthermore, these are incredibly quiet, so they won't disturb the vibe you are trying to create. Another thing that makes this product stand out is the incredible extent of customization that Corsair has allowed in this series. This will truly turn your PC into a masterpiece.
Who Will Use This Most
Customers who want to create endless looks, colors, and patterns are absolutely going to love using this product. It is easy to install and set up with a fast running software that will leave you creating an unmatched yet truly aesthetic beast of a system in no time.
Bottom Line
Corsair is known for releasing products that stand out, and they did not fail with the LL120 series. It gives you good quality for the money you spend and will seriously turn up your gaming system. It is one of the few products on the market that don’t give out more than mere advertisement claims.
Runner-up:
Thermaltake Pure Plus CL-F063-PL12SW-A
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviewers have reported this product to work really well. They are satisfied with not only the cooling function but also the lighting effect. They have reported that it is difficult to install, but once you can work around that, it delivers on all its promises.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Perhaps, the most attractive feature of this fan is that it comes with a voice control system that allows the brightness, lighting, fan speed, and effects to be controlled via TT RGB Plus software or app. Once you have learned how to use it, it will give your PC the unique personalized look you want.
Who Will Use This Most
The easy control of these fans makes them a viable option for most customers. They do not produce a lot of noise either, which is another added advantage. It is fit to be used by newbies and beginners and will help you to transform your PC into an art piece.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a wonderful product with amazing features, and we believe you will have a great time using it. Its no-noise technology, voice control, airflow, and static air pressure features will give you a worry-less experience.
Best for the Money:
Thermaltake Riing CL-F042-PL12SW-B
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There have been mixed reviews about this product, but the majority has ruled in its favor. Customers report that its cooling function is really amazing, and the RGB lighting effect is spot on. However, there are also reported instances of faulty controllers or issues with the software that got fixed by the company through persistent emails and complaints.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The wide range of colors that this product offers at the price has made it a unique favorite. It has some really incredible features like smart fan controller or concentrated comparison blades that work with the wind blocker frame to give you an unparalleled experience.
Who Will Use This Most
This product comes with a 3-year warranty, so it really helps to build the trust of customers who are hesitant or reluctant to spend money on such equipment. Furthermore, this is also ideal for those who want the cooling system more so than the lighting as it has a lot of positive reviews in that regard.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is a fantastic product and gives its users a delightful experience. Some glitches in performance have been reported, but its outstanding reviews have easily transcended those. We recommend this product if you want an excellent RGB case fan.
4. DEEPCOOL RF120 3in1 V2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers generally have loved using this product and have given it high ratings. The vibrant yet aesthetic looks that are created by this have managed to please a large pool of buyers. However, one recurring complaint was that the screw holes are not threaded, therefore installing them right out of the box risks damage. You need to buy rubber rivets separately for this. Other than that, there are no other issues.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its high compatibility for most motherboards and systems and the ability to keep your equipment cool while sustaining the visually appealing effect has made this product deserve a spot on this exclusive list. DeepCool has paid attention to detail and manufactured a product that is cool inside out.
Who Will Use This Most
This is one of the very few RGB Case Fans that is compatible with the Asus Aura; therefore, it is very strongly recommended for its users. Moreover, if you don’t mind a little humming noise or usually have a headset on, then you would love using this product as the rest of the features are spot on.
Bottom Line
It is safe to say that DeepCool has succeeded in expanding its fanbase with this product as it has proved to be a big hit among gamers. We believe if the unboxing issue is resolved, this will be even more popular as there aren’t a lot of other complaints but many praises on the other hand.
5. Antec Prizm 120 ARGB 5+C
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many customers have absolutely loved using this product and have nothing but praise for it. Its low noise, great airflow, and solid design have made people give it positive reviews consistently. There have been compatibility issues, but other than that, users are really happy with their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We believe that this product has achieved an ideal ratio of performance and noise. Antec is known for manufacturing top of the line products, and this product did not disappoint. Its cooling function is truly commendable, and the aesthetic lighting made us fall in love with it instantly.
Who Will Use This Most
Gamers who cannot tolerate any excessive noise will really find this product to their liking. It is compatible with Asus Aura Sync along with other RGB software from Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock. Plus, it can be directly connected to the 3-pin ARGB header present on the motherboard.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, this is a remarkable fan that will keep your PC running smoothly and will look great while doing so. All of this is backed by innovative features. You will not regret buying this product, and we strongly recommend it.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying
If you have decided to buy an RGB Case Fan, then you would have discovered that they come with numerous features, software programs and have distinct installation processes. There are quite a few things that need to be kept in mind before making a purchase, and we are going to help you with just that.
Placement
This is probably one of the most important factors that need consideration. They need to be positioned in a way that you get the kind of cooling mechanism that suits your PC. There are two ways you can go about that: positive pressure and negative pressure. Which one you choose is a matter of preference.
Positive pressure is when there is a higher airflow at the intake rather than what is being exhausted. In this configuration, by adding a dust filter at the entrance, there is a better screening of the air entering the system, and dust particles can be filtered out. This keeps your components clean and cool.
Negative pressure is when more air is being exhausted than what was being pushed into the intake. In this scenario, air will find the shortest route, which means it will creep in other seams of the case and, along with it, the dust particles. However, this means that there isn’t a lot of stagnant air, which allows more efficient cooling provided the components are cleaned regularly.
Compatibility
RGB Case Fans come in various sizes; therefore, it is important to know which is compatible with your system. Many cases can adjust to all sizes, but it is always a good idea to check before purchasing. One thing that is noteworthy here is that the pressure direction of each fan can be tested by adding the CFM of the intake and exhaust fans.
Most RGB fans are complimented with controllers that can accommodate multiple fans on one unit. However, not every fan comes with this feature; hence it is important to check for RGB headers on your motherboard.
Function
One thing that you have to realize is that these lights, albeit pretty, are not the sole purpose of these fans; rather, their prime function is to create airflow. If you are looking to buy fans for your all-in-one cooler, then you’ll have to buy static pressure fans to direct that air through the radiator.
Moreover, the software used to run the RGB fans are significant too. If you have different brands of peripherals, each with its distinct application, then that can impact the final look as well. Homogeneity and consistency can greatly impact visual aesthetics.
Conclusion
RGB Case Fans are now all the rage in the gaming world and for the right reasons. Uninterrupted performance of your PC is of utmost importance, and a little glam and jazz never hurt anybody. We want you to have the most splendid gaming experience; therefore, we have recommended only the best of the best, along with a complete guide. Hopefully, it will be easier for you to make a decision now. Happy Gaming!
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