Choosing an RGB fan over a non-RGB fan offers a lot of benefits.
There are many reasons why streamers and gaming enthusiasts give so much hype to gaming PCs that use RGB lighting.
AT A GLANCE: Our Top 5 Picks for RGB Fans
- Winner: Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fans
- upHere RGB Series Case Fan
- GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans
- Cooler Master SickleFlow V2 RGB Square Frame Fan
- Corsair QL Series iCUE QL120 White RGB Fan
Nowadays, RGB fans have become an element that defines the identity of a gaming machine. When they are coupled with the right accessories, RGB fans can provide the best gaming environment for every enthusiast, especially if one is into streaming.
However, this does not mean you can overlook the actual purpose of these nifty things: cooling your gaming PC. Therefore, you should ensure the right blend of looks and features when choosing an RGB fan for your gaming machine build.
While you may have unique ideas and concepts in terms of design, you have to consider several factors that you should consider. For instance, depending on your requirement, you can choose between fans with static pressure and airflow fans.
You should also consider compatibility, performance, noise, and the advanced options for RGB control. You also do not want to buy an RGB fan that does not work well alongside the hardware you already have, such as the PC case and the water-cooling system.
Last but not least, you would have to consider how much these RGB fans cost as well. Here is a small problem, though. Even when you consider these fundamental criteria, you will have a massive list of products to pick from. We have been there, and we thought we could help a little.
We have prepared a list of the five best RGB fans for PCs in 2021. Though most of these are designed for gaming machines, you won’t have trouble using them with a productivity-based PC build.
Best RGB Fans For 2021
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | Â |
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best |
Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fans |
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VIEW ON AMAZON → |
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upHere RGB Series Case Fan |
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VIEW ON AMAZON → |
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GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans |
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VIEW ON AMAZON → |
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Cooler Master SickleFlow V2 RGB Square Frame Fan |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
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Corsair QL Series iCUE QL120 White RGB Fan |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Winner: Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fans
- Number of fans: 3
- Size: 120mm
- Noise level: 26dB
- Top Speed: 1500 RPM
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches
Corsair is one of the pioneer companies that started the RGB LED fan revolution as we know it. Even after a few years into the journey, RGB fans from the company are the best in the market.
Therefore, if you need a triple-fan package that can address all your cooling and RGB lighting needs, you should consider the Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fan package.
Even though the product is a little expensive, the aesthetic finish and the top-class performance from the brand are a worth-having addition to every gaming PC setup.
Benefits
The Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fan package has been optimized for maximum customization, for one. It offers four lighting zones and 34 individual RGB LEDs on each fan. Therefore, the variety of lights and gradients you can create from this set is virtually endless.
Thanks to its expertise in the field, Corsair has designed the RGB fans for maximum ease of use. You can use the in-package iCUE Lightning Node to control which colors these RGB fans display at a given time. Compared to USB/SATA connections, this process is straightforward and clutter-free.
Each fan in the package can boost its performance up to 1500 RPM while in operation. In addition, the Corsair dashboard makes it easy to choose between maximum airflow and lower noise levels by controlling the speed.
Corsair has also used a semi-transparent 120mm blade on these fans. While providing one of the best speeds and RPM, as we said earlier, these blades do not block the light from the individual LEDs. That is, even when the fans are at full speed, your lighting setup stays visible.
Since the product comes from Corsair, you do not have to worry about compatibility while using the Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fans. The iCUE dashboard makes it easy to sync all your Corsair accessories perfectly well, regardless of how many fans you have equipped on the system.
We should also appreciate the aesthetic precision of the Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fans. In addition to the metallic coverage, the manufacturer has included anti-vibration dampers as well. Similarly, the iCUE Lighting Node that is included in the package fits right into your PC setup.
Drawbacks
Even though Corsair says that the built-in Lighting Node can handle up to 6 QL120 RGB Fans, several users have reported problems with this setup. In some cases, some fans or parts of the fans seem to stop working after a while. The noise levels are also comparatively high.
The Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fan package is very expensive when compared to competitors. Of course, you get to enjoy the additional benefits from Corsair products and controllers. Even then, we cannot recommend these fans unless you have a dedicated budget for RGB lighting of your PC setup.
Extra Features
The option to manage the individual lighting on each fan via the iCUE Dashboard is an exciting feature. Even if you are new to RGB fans and lighting management, you can use the dashboard to achieve a uniform design across the PC setup.
You also get to choose from the different colors and combinations of the Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fans. You can, for instance, choose between White and Black fans. Depending on the budget you have, you can choose between single and triple packages as well.
Buying Advice
As you can see, the Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fans are not the perfect RGB lighting solution out there.
Having said that, it is the best overall product from this category, especially considering how compatible and easy-to-use the fans are. We will surely recommend this product if you already have a few Corsair products as a part of your PC setup.
Runner-Up: upHere RGB Series Case Fan
- Number of fans: 3
- Size: 120mm
- Noise level: 17.6dB
- Top Speed: 1100 RPM
- Dimensions: 5.98 x 5.75 x 3.43 inches
If our top pick was the ideal choice for those who already have a premium gaming PC setup, the upHere RGB Series Case Fan sits on the other side of the spectrum. Thanks to its affordable pricing and easy installation procedure, this triple-fan package is a great pick for almost everyone.
The best part? Despite the inexpensive price tag, the manufacturer has not compromised the number of features in the package.
Therefore, you get an effective way to bring constant airflow to your gaming PC case without spending a fortune. These fans do come with competitive performance as well.
Benefits
Compared to our top pick product, the upHere RGB Series Case Fan does not cost much. You can get this triple-fan package by spending less than what an individual premium RGB LED fan may cost. The product does this without compromising quality or features.
The noise level of the fan is capped at 17.6dB, which is a solace for those who need a quiet gaming setup. Even when these fans are spinning at their maximum speed — 1100 RPM —, you can stay away from distracting noise from the case.
upHere uses a 6-pin interface to ensure a stable power supply to the fans. This method works better than many modern systems. The installation is also combined with rubber pads and hydraulic bearing to reduce the impact on noise generation.
The upHere RGB Series Case Fan package comes with a built-in remote controller. Once you connect the fans to the controller and the SATA connector, you can use the remote controller to select various colors and lighting modes.
The installation of these fans is a relatively simpler affair, but you have extra control over how the fans work. For instance, the double-side installation makes it easy to draw cool air to the gaming PC case or follow the traditional airflow design.
Although not the highest speeds in the category, each fan in the upHere RGB Series Case Fan package offers a maximum speed of 1100 RPM. When installed, the fans can cool down a relatively heavy-duty PC without any fancy accessories.
Drawbacks
Since it uses an external remote control, you cannot change the lighting of the RGB LEDs from your computer. For instance, if you want to sync the lighting options of all your RGB-enabled accessories, you will have to keep the upHere RGB Series Case Fan aside.
Some users have reported that the upHere RGB Series Case Fans are not as silent as they advertise. Once you have installed the three fans and all of them are working, they produce a noticeable amount of noise.
Extra Features
Even though you do not have any option to control the RGB lighting from the computer, its remote controller is a decent option. You can explore more than 100 color options using the different modes and buttons on the easy-to-use controller.
It is impressive that you can install the upHere RGB Series Case Fan in a way that suits your system. You can set up the fans to push air out or pull cool air, depending on your requirements. This is an excellent option for those who build custom-designed PCs.
Buying Advice
When you spend only a fraction of what premium RGB LED fans cost, you miss some advanced features in the package.
Nevertheless, thanks to the simple installation process and low-noise functioning, these fans provide one of the best RGB lighting systems for an entry-level gaming PC. You also benefit from the stable power delivery system and customizable installation options.
Alternative: GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans
- Number of fans: 3
- Size: 120mm
- Noise level: 15dB
- Top Speed: 1300 RPM
- Dimensions: 6.57 x 5.04 x 3.98 inches
If you are looking for an alternative set of RGB case fans on the affordable side of things, you should consider getting the GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans.
We can recommend this product if you are looking for a notable boost in performance without spending too much or tolerating a lot of noise from the system. At the same time, the fans offer a few innovative features we could not find in other affordable products.
Benefits
The GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans comes with an easy-to-use remote controller that makes RGB lighting easier than ever. You can choose one of the music modes or a static color from the panel. You get to control the speed of the fans from the same remote controller.
Unlike most of the affordable RGB LED fans in the market, these fans from GIM come with an option to sync the lights according to the motherboard. The best part is that it works fine with motherboards from popular makers like Gigabyte, MSI, and ASUS.
Thanks to the inventive blade design, the GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans can offer an improved speed of up to 1300 RPM without making much noise. The noise levels of the fans are measured at just 15dB, which is extremely low by any standards.
We also loved that GIM has not compromised the quality of construction even when the product has a lower price tag. The hydraulic bearing and the speed control mechanisms used in the fan are high-quality stuff.
Drawbacks
Although the GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans can sync the lights according to the inputs from your system’s motherboard, you cannot access the controls from a software-based dashboard. This must have been a nice feature to see.
Some customers have reported that they had issues with installing these fans. Mostly, the problems were due to the screws the package came with. It would be nice if the manufacturer can ship the LED set with a better group of installation screws.
Extra Features
The LED system also comes with smart music modes that you can enable as you wish. The sensitive sound sensor on the RGB system helps it to recognize even the slightest changes in the rhythm and alter the lights accordingly.
Buying Advice
If you do not mind spending some more time installing the RGB fans, the GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans seem to be an excellent option.
Considering that you pay significantly little for this triple-fan package, the few QC issues found with the product seem negligible. Therefore, you can consider the GIM KB-23 RGB Case Fans as an upgrade that does not cost too much.
Alternative: Cooler Master SickleFlow V2 RGB Square Frame Fan
- Number of fans: 1
- Size: 120mm
- Noise level: 27dB
- Top Speed: 1800 RPM
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches
All the products we have mentioned are triple-fan packages that take a considerable amount of space from your system.
However, the Cooler Master SickleFlow V2 RGB Square Frame Fan is different in that the pack gives you a single fan with better performance and cooling capacity. Secure installation and advanced control are also some noteworthy features in the package.
Benefits
The Cooler Master SickleFlow V2 RGB Square Frame Fan has a widely adjustable performance range of 650 RPM and 1800 RPM. It means you get to choose between off-the-charts performance or ultra-silent functioning.
Cooler Master has used several technologies to improve the speed and longevity of the fans. It has, for instance, used an enhanced fan frame and sealed-bearing structure. These factors work hand in hand to provide maximum cooling performance.
Compared to the other RGB fan kits we have explored, these fans use a secure connection system. Even if you have an already messy set of wires, the secure-clip design can increase the confidence of using this Cooler Master fan.
Last but not least, you can expect an improved experience when you hook up the fan to a PC setup based on Cooler Master products. You can feel the difference when it comes to using the ARGB part with Cooler Master builds.
Drawbacks
Some customers have reported that the Cooler Master SickleFlow V2 RGB Square Frame Fan seems to have problems working with motherboards from manufacturers like ASUS. It happens even as Cooler Master claims that the fan works with other systems.
As you can see from the feature-set, the single-fan system focuses more on performance than an LED system itself. On the bright side, you get to enjoy excellent cooling. However, this could be a problem if you need top-notch lighting options.
Extra Features
There are not many useful additional features in this package.
Buying Advice
We believe the Cooler Master SickleFlow V2 RGB Square Frame Fan is an excellent choice if you value best-in-class performance rather than RGB LED systems.
Of course, the fan does a decent job of RGB lighting, but there is definite room for improvement. If you can live without these advanced options, you should consider buying a unit or two.
Alternative: Corsair QL Series iCUE QL120 White RGB Fan
- Number of fans: 1
- Size: 120mm
- Noise level: 21dB
- Top Speed: 1500 RPM
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches
The Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fan is the single-fan variant of the top pick in this collection. If you thought the top pick was a little expensive but wanted the features anyway, you could get this one.
This way, you get the same great features from Corsair without breaking your bank. It seems the company has made a few changes in noise management as well.
Benefits
Thanks to Corsair's innovative design, this fan has an improved noise limit of 21dB. It means you can ramp up the overall speed of the fan without making a mess. On the bright side, the fan can reach up to 1500 RPM of speed.
Despite the lower pricing, the Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fan works with almost every compatible system on the list. Besides, you can count on the iCUE dashboard to control every aspect of the lighting and cooling system.
We believe you should specifically consider this single-fan package if you are building a smaller-sized gaming rig. In this way, you do not have to worry about the fan taking up too much space even while it provides impressive RPM.
Drawbacks
We cannot forget that the Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fan is expensive, nevertheless. So, you should be ready to spend the extra bucks for features like an iCUE-based controller and sync system. If the part does not matter to you much, you may need something else.
Corsair does not ship the RGB Lighting controller with this package. You have to get it separately if you want to customize the lighting according to the games you play. This is a let-down that Corsair could have avoided.
Extra Features
The Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fan comes with the same extra features as our top pick.
Buying Advice
If you want the best combination of cooling performance and lighting options on your gaming PC, the Corsair QL120 RGB LED Fan is an excellent option, indeed.
You need to understand that you are paying for the brand value and the iCUE-based lighting control options. Otherwise, you might regret choosing this specific alternative.
RGB Fans FAQ
Are RGB fans worth it?
When used properly, RGB fans can improve the gaming experience and performance of the gaming system you have built.
However, to do this, you need to choose an RGB fan with the right set of lighting options and the sufficient capacity of RPM and ventilation-friendly design.
What do RGB fans plug into?
Depending on the model of the RGB fan, they may plug into a SATA cable or the motherboard.
While some models require only a power supply and use a dedicated remote controller, some work with motherboards to sync lighting-based information.
Can RGB fans be turned off?
Yes, you can always turn off an RGB fan. Again, how you can do it depends on the RGB fan system you have bought.
If the RGB fans come with a dedicated remote controller, you can turn off the fans without opening the case. In other cases, you can turn them off from your computer or by pulling the plug.
Can I use RGB fans without an RGB header?
It may be possible, but the specific answer depends on the PC you built. It has been noted that some RGB fans do not work well when you remove the RGB header from the equation. You should check the documentation to confirm this aspect.
Conclusion
Even though RGB fans are designed to provide a unique identity and visual impact for your gaming rig, you have multiple options to choose from.
As you saw, some fans focus on effective cooling while others provide you better options for lighting control. Given that you have now seen the best products from the market, you can now choose an RGB LED case fan that suits your requirements.
However, you should also see if the particular fan works well with the other components you have used for the PC build.
