CORSAIR iCUE AR120 Digital RGB 120mm PWM Fan Review: A Stylish and Powerful Performer?

The CORSAIR iCUE AR120 Digital RGB 120mm PWM Fan promises a compelling blend of powerful airflow, eye-catching RGB illumination, and precise PWM control. But does it live up to the hype? I put this fan through its paces to see how it performs in real-world scenarios and if it’s worth its price tag.

Table of Contents

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

Introduction

The CORSAIR iCUE AR120 is a single-pack 120mm fan designed for both performance and aesthetics. It boasts a maximum speed of 1850 RPM, delivering impressive airflow, and features vibrant RGB lighting that can be customized using the iCUE software. I’ve been using this fan in my PC for several weeks, and I’m ready to share my experiences.

Features

The CORSAIR iCUE AR120 comes packed with features:

• High Airflow: The fan’s design optimizes airflow, ensuring efficient cooling for your components.
• PWM Control: Precise control over fan speed allows for quiet operation when idle and maximum performance when needed.
• Digital RGB Lighting: Stunning, customizable RGB lighting adds a touch of flair to your PC build.
• iCUE Software Integration: Control lighting effects, fan speeds, and other settings through the intuitive iCUE software.
• 3-Pin ARGB Adapter: Enables compatibility with a wide range of motherboards.

Performance

The CORSAIR iCUE AR120 consistently delivers impressive performance. I tested it in my mid-tower PC, replacing the stock fans with the AR120. I was pleasantly surprised by the difference in cooling performance, especially under load. My CPU and GPU temperatures stayed significantly lower, even during demanding gaming sessions. The fan’s airflow is powerful, effectively dissipating heat from the components.

The noise levels are another aspect worth highlighting. While the fan can get quite loud at maximum speed, it’s surprisingly quiet at lower RPMs. For daily use, I found that the fan’s noise levels were easily acceptable. The PWM control allows you to adjust the fan speed based on your preference and the system’s workload.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent airflow performance
• Customizable RGB lighting
• PWM control for quiet operation
• iCUE software integration for comprehensive control
• Solid build quality

Cons

• Can be a bit loud at maximum speed
• Price might be a bit high compared to other fans in its class

Final Verdict

The CORSAIR iCUE AR120 Digital RGB 120mm PWM Fan is a top-notch cooling solution that combines powerful airflow, vibrant RGB lighting, and precise PWM control. If you’re looking for a fan that can enhance your PC’s cooling capabilities while adding a touch of visual flair, the AR120 is an excellent choice. While the price may be a bit steep compared to some alternatives, the performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality, RGB-enabled fan.

Specifications