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Head-to-head · Best PC Case Fans

Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB White vs Phanteks T30 R PST

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB White comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about RGB enthusiasts with compatible motherboards — read the strengths below before deciding.

Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB White
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best PC Case Fans
Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB White
5 sources2 derived

TweakTown reviewed the Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB Triple Fan Kit and called it 'well worth the investment' despite its premium pricing. The reviewers praised its airflow performance at 4.8 CFM and 1.55 mmH2O pressure, along with its impressive 34-LED RGB lighting system. The included Lighting Node CORE enables software control of lighting patterns. However, the product's complexity and high cost were noted as drawbacks. The fans feature anti-vibration measures and semi-transparent blades designed for low noise operation.

Strengths
  • — Delivers 4.8 CFM airflow with 1.55 mmH2O pressure
  • — Features 34 individually controlled RGB LEDs for extensive lighting customization
  • — Includes Lighting Node CORE for centralized RGB control and software integration
Watch-outs
  • — High price point
  • — Proprietary connections make installation difficult
Buy at adarccomputer.comFull review →
Phanteks T30 R PST
Ranked #7 in Best PC Case Fans
Phanteks T30 R PST
5 sources2 derived$99.99as of Oct 1

The Phanteks T30 R PST is a 120mm fan that outperforms the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM in airflow and static pressure, thanks to its 7-blade design with a larger rotor and LCP material for reduced vibration. HWCooling.net noted its unique architecture with a deeper rotor and fewer blades that compensate with wider blade width for higher airflow and static pressure. The fan's three-stage PWM switch limits noise at high speeds, though its increased thickness of 30mm may cause compatibility issues. While it delivers superior performance, the design lacks the smooth finish of premium competitors.

Strengths
  • — Outperforms Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM in airflow and static pressure
  • — Uses 7-blade design with larger rotor for improved efficiency
  • — Features LCP material for reduced vibration and better balance
Watch-outs
  • — Cosmetic design lacks the smoothness of competitors like Noctua
  • — The 30mm thickness may lead to compatibility problems.
$99.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB White

The Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB White excels in RGB lighting with 34 individually controlled LEDs. However, its proprietary connections and high price point make it less appealing compared to the more affordable and versatile Arctic P14 PST PWM or the simpler Lian Li Uni Fan SL120 V2 Standard.

Phanteks T30 R PST

The Phanteks T30 R PST outperforms the Noctua NF-A12x25 chromax.black.swap in airflow and static pressure, making it superior to the Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB White and Thermaltake Riing Quad 12 RGB Radiator Fan TT Premium Edition in performance. However, it lacks the aesthetic customization options of the Noctua fan and the RGB lighting of the Corsair model, and its thicker design may cause compatibility issues.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCorsair iCUE QL120 RGB WhitePhanteks T30 R PST
Fan Size120mm120x120x30mm
Airflow4.8 CFM100.9 CFM
Static Pressure1.55 mmH2O7.37 mm H₂O
Noise Level26 dB39.7 dBA
Bearing TypeHydraulicVAPO bearing system
Connector4 PinThree-stage switch
Thickness25mm30 mm
Max RPM1500 RPM3000 RPM
Wattage0.30 A4.92 watts
Dimensions—4.72"L x 1.18"W x 4.72"H
Voltage—12 volts
Material—Glass Fiber, LCP
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