Be Quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM-high-speed aRGB Case Fan (BL073) Review – Powerful Airflow & Silent Operation

Be Quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM-high-speed aRGB Case Fan (BL073) Review

Table of Contents:

Introduction

In the world of PC cooling, finding a balance between powerful airflow and whisper-quiet operation is a constant pursuit. Be Quiet!, a renowned manufacturer in the PC hardware space, claims to have achieved that balance with their Light Wings 120mm PWM-high-speed aRGB Case Fans. This review takes a deep dive into the BL073 model, putting it through its paces to assess its real-world performance and see if it lives up to the hype.

Features

The Be Quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM-high-speed aRGB Case Fan boasts an array of features designed to enhance your PC’s cooling and aesthetic appeal. Let’s break down the key elements:

  • 9 Silence Optimized Fan Blades: These blades are designed to move air efficiently while minimizing noise levels.
  • Up to 88.86 CFM Airflow & 2500 RPM Fan Speed: This fan packs a punch when it comes to airflow, ensuring your components stay cool even under heavy loads.
  • Rifle Bearing Technology: Designed for long-lasting performance and smooth operation.
  • ARGB LED: Adds a touch of customization and visual flair to your PC build.
  • PWM Control: Enables precise fan speed adjustments for optimal cooling and noise balance.

Performance

I installed the Light Wings fan in my PC’s rear exhaust position and put it through a series of tests to gauge its performance. Here’s what I observed:

  • Airflow: The fan delivered on its promise of powerful airflow. During benchmark tests, my CPU temperatures dropped significantly compared to the stock fan. I could feel the cool air being expelled out the back of the case.
  • Noise Levels: One of the most impressive aspects of the Light Wings is its quiet operation. Even at full speed, the fan was barely audible, making it ideal for quiet environments.
  • ARGB Lighting: The ARGB lighting is vibrant and customizable, allowing you to create unique lighting effects to match your PC’s aesthetic.

Pros & Cons

Every product has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Be Quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM-high-speed aRGB Case Fan (BL073):

Pros

  • Powerful airflow for efficient cooling.
  • Extremely quiet operation, even at high RPM.
  • High-quality construction and materials.
  • Vibrant and customizable ARGB lighting.
  • PWM control for precise speed adjustments.

Cons

  • Price is slightly higher than some other 120mm fans on the market.
  • Might be overkill for low-power systems that don’t generate much heat.

Final Verdict

The Be Quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM-high-speed aRGB Case Fan (BL073) is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their PC’s cooling performance while maintaining a quiet operating environment. It delivers powerful airflow, impressive silence, and vibrant customization options. While the price might be a slight deterrent for some, the overall quality and performance make it a solid investment for serious PC builders and enthusiasts. I highly recommend the Light Wings to anyone looking for a top-tier case fan.

Specifications

Specification Value
Model Light Wings 120mm PWM-high-speed
Dimensions (mm) 120
Color option Black
Lighting ARGB LED
Fan speed @ 100% PWM / 12V 2500
Noise level @ 100% PWM / 12V (dB(A)) 31
Air Flow @ 100% PWM / 12V (CFM / m3/h) 52.3 / 88.86
Air Pressure @ 100% PWM / 12V (mm H2O) 2.6