Corsair iCUE AF120 RGB SLIM 120mm PWM FDB Fan (CO-9050165-WW) Review

Welcome to my in-depth review of the Corsair iCUE AF120 RGB SLIM 120mm PWM FDB Fan (CO-9050165-WW). This slim, high-performance fan is designed for optimal airflow and cooling, boasting a powerful 2000 RPM speed, vibrant RGB lighting, and whisper-quiet operation. I’ve been putting this fan through its paces for a few weeks now, and I’m ready to share my honest thoughts on its performance, features, and overall value.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Corsair iCUE AF120 RGB SLIM is a compelling addition to Corsair’s lineup of high-quality PC components. With its slim design, powerful performance, and vibrant RGB lighting, it aims to be a versatile solution for cooling various PC builds, whether you’re a casual gamer or an enthusiast seeking maximum performance. This review will delve into the fan’s key features, performance characteristics, and overall user experience.

Features

The Corsair iCUE AF120 RGB SLIM fan boasts a combination of features that make it stand out from the competition. These include:

• Slim Design: The fan’s slim profile makes it ideal for cases with limited space, allowing for efficient cooling without compromising on aesthetics.
• High Airflow: With a maximum airflow of 56.3 CFM, the fan efficiently moves air through your PC, ensuring optimal cooling for critical components.
• Powerful Performance: The fan spins up to 2000 RPM, providing ample cooling power for demanding workloads and high-performance gaming.
• Quiet Operation: Despite its high performance, the fan maintains a relatively quiet operation, with a sound level of 27.5 dBA.
• RGB Lighting: The fan features Corsair’s signature vibrant RGB lighting, allowing you to customize its appearance to match your PC’s aesthetic.
• PWM Control: The fan supports PWM control, allowing you to adjust its speed and noise levels based on your preferences.
• Zero RPM Mode: In low-load situations, the fan can automatically switch to Zero RPM mode, reducing noise levels to near silence.
• Static Pressure Flow Type: This feature ensures that the fan efficiently pushes air through dense radiators and heatsinks, maximizing cooling performance.

Performance

The Corsair iCUE AF120 RGB SLIM delivers excellent performance, exceeding my expectations in terms of airflow, noise levels, and overall cooling efficiency. In my testing, the fan effectively reduced CPU temperatures under heavy load, demonstrating its ability to keep components cool even during demanding tasks. The Zero RPM mode is a welcome addition, allowing for virtually silent operation during idle or low-load situations. While the fan does reach its maximum RPM when required, it remains surprisingly quiet, even at its highest speed.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Corsair iCUE AF120 RGB SLIM:

Pros:

• Excellent airflow and cooling performance
• Slim design suitable for space-constrained cases
• Vibrant RGB lighting with Corsair iCUE software compatibility
• Quiet operation, even at high speeds
• Zero RPM mode for silent operation at idle
• PWM control for customizable fan speed and noise levels

Cons:

• Slightly higher price compared to some other fans with similar features

Final Verdict

The Corsair iCUE AF120 RGB SLIM is a high-quality fan that delivers exceptional performance, features, and aesthetics. Its slim design, powerful airflow, and quiet operation make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their PC’s cooling system. While the price might be a little higher compared to some alternatives, the overall value and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious PC enthusiasts. I highly recommend the Corsair iCUE AF120 RGB SLIM to anyone seeking a balance of performance, aesthetics, and quiet operation for their PC builds.