Corsair iCUE AF140 RGB ELITE (CO-9050156-WW) Review: Powerful Airflow and RGB Lighting
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Corsair iCUE AF140 RGB ELITE (CO-9050156-WW) is a premium 140mm case fan that promises powerful airflow, vibrant RGB lighting, and a whisper-quiet operation. It’s designed for enthusiasts looking to enhance their PC’s cooling performance and aesthetic appeal. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and real-world usage to see if it lives up to the hype.
Features
The Corsair iCUE AF140 RGB ELITE boasts an impressive array of features, including:
- Powerful Airflow: With a maximum airflow of 89 CFM, this fan is designed to move significant amounts of air, keeping your components cool even under heavy workloads.
- RGB Lighting: The vibrant RGB LEDs provide a stunning visual enhancement to your PC build. They can be customized using Corsair’s iCUE software, allowing you to create unique lighting effects and sync them with other compatible components.
- PWM Control: The fan’s speed is adjustable using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), providing precise control over airflow and noise levels.
- Zero RPM Mode: The fan automatically shuts off when temperatures are low, ensuring near-silent operation during idle or light workloads.
- Corsair Airguide Technology: This technology uses a unique blade design to direct airflow more effectively, resulting in improved static pressure and quieter operation.
- LINK Compatibility: The fan is compatible with Corsair’s LINK ecosystem, allowing you to monitor and control it using the iCUE software.
Performance
The Corsair iCUE AF140 RGB ELITE delivers exceptional performance across the board. Its powerful airflow effectively cools components, keeping temperatures under control even during demanding tasks. The Zero RPM mode is a welcome feature, ensuring near-silent operation when idle or lightly loaded.
While the fan can reach impressive speeds of 1700 RPM, it remains remarkably quiet. Even at full speed, the noise levels are manageable and don’t detract from the overall user experience.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Corsair iCUE AF140 RGB ELITE:
Pros
- Powerful airflow for effective cooling
- Vibrant RGB lighting with customizable effects
- PWM control for precise speed adjustments
- Zero RPM mode for silent operation at low temperatures
- Excellent noise levels even at high speeds
- Compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software for monitoring and control
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to other case fans
Final Verdict
The Corsair iCUE AF140 RGB ELITE is a top-tier case fan that delivers outstanding performance, vibrant aesthetics, and excellent noise levels. While its price may be a deterrent for budget-conscious builders, the combination of features, performance, and build quality makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts looking for a premium cooling solution. If you prioritize airflow, RGB lighting, and quiet operation, this fan is highly recommended.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.59 |
| Fan Size | 140mm x 25mm |
| LED Color | RGB |
| Package Quantity | 2 |
| Power Draw | 0.39A |
| PWM Control | Yes |
| Sound Level | 5 – 33.8 dBA |
| Fan Static Pressure | 0.16 – 2.0 mm-H2O |
| LINK Compatibility | RGB |
| CORSAIR LINK Compatibility | Yes |
| Fan Airflow | 19.5 – 89.0 CFM |
| Flow Type | Static Pressure |
| Speed | 500 – 1700 RPM ±10% |