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Buying Guide

The Best ARGB Case Fans

Six three-packs of ARGB 120mm fans, compared on rated airflow, pressure and how they wire together.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

PC components laid out on a workbench ready for a build
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

ARGB fans light up a build, but they also add cables. The packs here daisy-chain or use a hub, and most list airflow and pressure so you can compare cooling as well as looks.

Figures come from each listing; we did not test these fans. Ratings are the makers' own and are not measured the same way.

Quick Picks

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best ARGB Fan Pack

    Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack)

    2.8mmH2O rated pressure with daisy-chained wiring.

    Best for: Most RGB builds.

    Check price for Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Highest Rated Airflow

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack)

    The highest rated airflow here (83.4 CFM).

    Best for: Intake fans in a mesh-front case.

    Check price for Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best Reverse Intake Pack

    Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack)

    A reverse rotor with a zero-RPM mode.

    Best for: Front intakes with the lit side facing in.

    Check price for Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best for Radiators

    be quiet! Light Wings LX 120mm PWM High-Speed ARGB (3 Pack)

    2.51mmH2O with a closed-loop motor.

    Best for: Radiator and filter positions.

    Check price for be quiet! Light Wings LX 120mm PWM High-Speed ARGB (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Most Flexible Airflow

    Thermaltake SWAFAN EX 12 ARGB (3 Pack)

    Swappable blades for standard or reverse airflow.

    Best for: Mixed intake and exhaust.

    Check price for Thermaltake SWAFAN EX 12 ARGB (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  6. Best Two-Sided Lighting

    be quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM ARGB (3 Pack)

    ARGB on the front and rear of each fan.

    Best for: Builds where both sides show.

    Check price for be quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM ARGB (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best ARGB Fan Pack1 of 6

Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack)

Corsair's RS120 ARGB pack daisy-chains three fans so they run from one PWM and one ARGB header.

Best for

Most RGB builds.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the Light Wings LX 3-pack cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack)

Why we like it

The maker rates each fan at 72.8 CFM and 2.8mmH2O at up to 2,100 RPM. It matches the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack on top speed (2100 RPM). On rated airflow it sits mid-pack at 72.8 CFM: the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 83.4 CFM, and the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack comes in at 57 CFM.

Its 2.8 mmH2O static pressure ranks second of 4 here, behind the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack (2.81 mmH2O) and ahead of the Light Wings LX 3-pack (2.51 mmH2O). It shares a magnetic dome bearing with the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack goes with an FDB bearing. It also offers anti-vortex vanes that direct airflow.

Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. With 3 fans, use a splitter or hub rather than several headers, and check the header's current rating; each fan's draw is on the label.

Key specs

Fans in box
3 fans
Max speed
2100 RPM
Rated airflow
72.8 CFM
Static pressure
2.8 mmH2O
Bearing
Magnetic dome
Lighting
ARGB, 8 LEDs per fan

Pros

  • 3 fans in the box
  • 72.8 CFM rated airflow
  • 2.8 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
  • a Magnetic dome bearing

Cons

  • Costs more than the Light Wings LX 3-pack at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)

Highest Rated Airflow2 of 6

Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack)

Lian Li's UNI FAN TL Flex pack offers 83.4 CFM and 2.66mmH2O per fan, with LCP blades set 0.6mm from the frame.

Best for

Intake fans in a mesh-front case.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Light Wings LX 3-pack, which cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack)

Why we like it

These are reverse-blade fans, so check the airflow direction before ordering. Its 2300 RPM top speed is the highest here; the RS120 ARGB 3-pack comes next at 2100 RPM. Nothing else here matches its 83.4 CFM rated airflow; the RS120 ARGB 3-pack comes closest at 72.8 CFM.

Its 2.66 mmH2O static pressure ranks third of 4 here, behind the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack (2.81 mmH2O) and ahead of the Light Wings LX 3-pack (2.51 mmH2O). You get an FDB bearing here, which sets it apart from the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack and its a magnetic dome bearing. You also get a controller in the box.

Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. Only the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.

Key specs

Fans in box
3 fans
Max speed
2300 RPM
Rated airflow
83.4 CFM
Static pressure
2.66 mmH2O
Bearing
FDB
Lighting
ARGB

Pros

  • 3 fans in the box
  • 83.4 CFM rated airflow
  • 2.66 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
  • a FDB bearing

Cons

  • Costs more than the Light Wings LX 3-pack at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)

Best Reverse Intake Pack3 of 6

Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack)

The RS120-R is the reverse-rotor version of the RS120, so the lit side faces into the case when the fans are used as front intakes.

Best for

Front intakes with the lit side facing in.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Light Wings LX 3-pack, which cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack)

Why we like it

It also adds a zero-RPM mode at low PWM. It matches the RS120 ARGB 3-pack on top speed (2100 RPM). On rated airflow it sits mid-pack at 65.8 CFM: the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 83.4 CFM, and the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack comes in at 57 CFM.

Its 2.81 mmH2O static pressure is the highest here; the RS120 ARGB 3-pack comes next at 2.8 mmH2O. It shares a magnetic dome bearing with the RS120 ARGB 3-pack; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack goes with an FDB bearing. You also get daisy-chain connections.

Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. It was priced above the Light Wings 3-pack and below the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack at the time of writing.

Key specs

Fans in box
3 fans
Max speed
2100 RPM
Rated airflow
65.8 CFM
Static pressure
2.81 mmH2O
Bearing
Magnetic dome
Stops at low PWM
Yes
Lighting
ARGB, 8 LEDs per fan

Pros

  • 3 fans in the box
  • 65.8 CFM rated airflow
  • 2.81 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
  • a Magnetic dome bearing

Cons

  • Costs more than the Light Wings LX 3-pack at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)

Best for Radiators4 of 6

be quiet! Light Wings LX 120mm PWM High-Speed ARGB (3 Pack)

The Light Wings LX is the high-speed version, with a closed-loop motor that holds its speed against radiators and grilles.

Best for

Radiator and filter positions.

Skip if

Pass if a published top speed matters; this one has none.
Check price on Amazon for be quiet! Light Wings LX 120mm PWM High-Speed ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
be quiet! Light Wings LX 120mm PWM High-Speed ARGB (3 Pack)

Why we like it

The maker quotes 2.51mmH2O of static pressure and ARGB plugs for daisy-chaining. Its 2.51 mmH2O static pressure is the lowest in this group; the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack leads at 2.81 mmH2O. It also offers nine blades.

Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. With 3 fans, use a splitter or hub rather than several headers, and check the header's current rating; each fan's draw is on the label. ARGB lighting needs a 5V 3-pin ARGB header or the included controller; do not connect it to a 12V RGB header. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the RS120 ARGB 3-pack the next step up.

Key specs

Fans in box
3 fans
Static pressure
2.51 mmH2O
Lighting
ARGB, 16 LEDs in the hub

Pros

  • 3 fans in the box
  • 2.51 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
  • ARGB, 16 LEDs in the hub lighting
  • Closed-loop motor that holds speed against radiators and grilles

Cons

  • No published top speed
  • No published rated airflow
  • Static pressure trails the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack (2.81 mmH2O)

The catch

There is no published top speed figure, whereas the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 2300 RPM.

Check price on Amazon for be quiet! Light Wings LX 120mm PWM High-Speed ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)

Most Flexible Airflow5 of 6

Thermaltake SWAFAN EX 12 ARGB (3 Pack)

Thermaltake's SWAFAN EX 12 has swappable blades, so each fan can run standard or reverse airflow.

Best for

Mixed intake and exhaust.

Skip if

Skip it if top speed matters most to you; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 2300 RPM.
Check price on Amazon for Thermaltake SWAFAN EX 12 ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Thermaltake SWAFAN EX 12 ARGB (3 Pack)

Why we like it

Magnetic connections link the three fans with one cable. On top speed it trails the group at 2000 RPM, while the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 2300 RPM. Its 57 CFM rated airflow is the lowest in this group; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack leads at 83.4 CFM.

Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. With 3 fans, use a splitter or hub rather than several headers, and check the header's current rating; each fan's draw is on the label. ARGB lighting needs a 5V 3-pin ARGB header or the included controller; do not connect it to a 12V RGB header. Its price falls between the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack and the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack, based on our last check.

Key specs

Fans in box
3 fans
Max speed
2000 RPM
Rated airflow
57 CFM
Lighting
ARGB

Pros

  • 3 fans in the box
  • 57 CFM rated airflow
  • ARGB lighting
  • Swappable blades for standard or reverse airflow

Cons

  • Top speed trails the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (2300 RPM)
  • Rated airflow trails the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (83.4 CFM)
  • No published static pressure

The catch

If top speed is your priority, the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (2300 RPM) is the stronger choice.

Check price on Amazon for Thermaltake SWAFAN EX 12 ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)

Best Two-Sided Lighting6 of 6

be quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM ARGB (3 Pack)

be quiet!'s Light Wings three-pack lights both the front and rear of each fan, with 18 LEDs per fan and a hub that syncs up to six components.

Best for

Builds where both sides show.

Skip if

Pass if a published top speed matters; this one has none.
Check price on Amazon for be quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
be quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM ARGB (3 Pack)

Why we like it

The maker doesn't give airflow or pressure figures. You also get seven blades shaped for low turbulence. Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers.

With 3 fans, use a splitter or hub rather than several headers, and check the header's current rating; each fan's draw is on the label. ARGB lighting needs a 5V 3-pin ARGB header or the included controller; do not connect it to a 12V RGB header. It was priced above the RS120 ARGB 3-pack and below the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack at the time of writing.

Key specs

Fans in box
3 fans
Lighting
ARGB, front and rear

Pros

  • 3 fans in the box
  • ARGB, front and rear lighting
  • ARGB hub that syncs up to six components
  • 18 LEDs per fan

Cons

  • No published top speed
  • No published rated airflow
  • No published static pressure

The catch

It gives ground on pack size, where the RS120 ARGB 3-pack comes in at 3 fans.

Check price on Amazon for be quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These ARGB Case Fans

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A tower air cooler with brown fans installed in a PC
A tower air cooler with brown fans installed in a PC
The figures behind the order
We set side by side six case fans on pack size, top speed, rated airflow and static pressure from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and top speed and rated airflow are missing for at least one pick.
The shared baseline
All 6, from the RS120 ARGB 3-pack to the Light Wings 3-pack, state pack size and lighting.
Where the specs have gaps
The Light Wings LX 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack give no top speed; the Light Wings LX 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack give no rated airflow.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Light Wings LX 3-pack (under $50) to the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack ($50 to $100).

What to Look for in an ARGB Case Fan

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Top speed across these picks

    The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack tops top speed at 2300 RPM and the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack sits lowest at 2000 RPM. For less, the RS120 ARGB 3-pack is the runner-up at 2100 RPM (under $50 tier). The Light Wings LX 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack give no top speed figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.

  2. Rated airflow

    Across these 4 picks rated airflow spans 57 CFM (the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack) to 83.4 CFM (the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack). The RS120 ARGB 3-pack comes second at 72.8 CFM, in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 for the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack. The Light Wings LX 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack give no rated airflow figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.

    A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans
    A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans

  3. How much static pressure you need

    Across these 4 picks static pressure spans 2.51 mmH2O (the Light Wings LX 3-pack) to 2.81 mmH2O (the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack). For less, the RS120 ARGB 3-pack is the runner-up at 2.8 mmH2O (under $50 tier). The SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack give no static pressure figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.

  4. Features beyond the spec table

    The Light Wings LX 3-pack: ARGB input and output plugs for daisy-chaining. The SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack: magnetic connections that link fans with one cable. The Light Wings 3-pack: 18 LEDs per fan.

    An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card
    An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card

  5. How much to spend

    Under $50 buys the Light Wings LX 3-pack, the RS120 ARGB 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack; $50 to $100 buys the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack, the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack and the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack at our last check.

How to Choose an ARGB Case Fan

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Most RGB buildsRS120 ARGB 3-pack2.8mmH2O rated pressure with daisy-chained wiring
Intake fans in a mesh-front caseUNI FAN TL Flex 3-packThe highest rated airflow here (83.4 CFM)
Front intakes with the lit side facing inRS120-R ARGB 3-packA reverse rotor with a zero-RPM mode
Radiator and filter positionsLight Wings LX 3-pack2.51mmH2O with a closed-loop motor
Mixed intake and exhaustSWAFAN EX 12 3-packSwappable blades for standard or reverse airflow
Builds where both sides showLight Wings 3-packARGB on the front and rear of each fan

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them
A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them

Key specs side by side

The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack leads on top speed at 2300 RPM, ahead of the RS120 ARGB 3-pack at 2100 RPM. "Not listed" marks top speed where the Light Wings LX 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack leave the figure out.

Case FanFans in boxMax speedRated airflowStatic pressure
RS120 ARGB 3-pack3 fans2100 RPM72.8 CFM2.8 mmH2O
UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack3 fans2300 RPM83.4 CFM2.66 mmH2O
RS120-R ARGB 3-pack3 fans2100 RPM65.8 CFM2.81 mmH2O
Light Wings LX 3-pack3 fansNot listedNot listed2.51 mmH2O
SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack3 fans2000 RPM57 CFMNot listed
Light Wings 3-pack3 fansNot listedNot listedNot listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the Light Wings LX 3-pack, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierCase Fans
Under $50Light Wings LX 3-pack, RS120 ARGB 3-pack, Light Wings 3-pack
About $50 to $100RS120-R ARGB 3-pack, SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack, UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack ahead of the RS120 ARGB 3-pack on top speed?

The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack leads at 2300 RPM, with the RS120 ARGB 3-pack at 2100 RPM. The SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack is at the other end of this group with 2000 RPM. The Light Wings LX 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack are left out of this ranking because their top speed isn't stated; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.

Which has the highest rated airflow: the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack or the RS120 ARGB 3-pack?

The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack tops rated airflow at 83.4 CFM; the RS120 ARGB 3-pack follows at 72.8 CFM, 15% apart. The SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack closes the ranking at 57 CFM. The Light Wings LX 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack don't state a rated airflow figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.

Which has the highest static pressure: the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack or the RS120 ARGB 3-pack?

The RS120-R ARGB 3-pack tops static pressure at 2.81 mmH2O; the RS120 ARGB 3-pack follows at 2.8 mmH2O. The spread runs down to the Light Wings LX 3-pack at 2.51 mmH2O. The SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack don't state a static pressure figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.

Is the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack worth paying more than the Light Wings LX 3-pack?

On paper it adds static pressure (2.66 mmH2O against 2.51 mmH2O). The Light Wings LX 3-pack sat in the under $50 tier and the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if static pressure decides your purchase.

What makes the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack the Most Flexible Airflow?

It carries the badge for swappable blades for standard or reverse airflow. The Light Wings LX 3-pack, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for mixed intake and exhaust.

Do the RS120 ARGB 3-pack and the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack differ on bearing?

The RS120 ARGB 3-pack and the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack use Magnetic dome; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack uses FDB. The makers of the Light Wings LX 3-pack, the SWAFAN EX 12 3-pack and the Light Wings 3-pack don't state bearing, so 3 of 6 picks are covered here.

Bottom Line

The Corsair RS120 ARGB pack is the best all-round ARGB set, and the Lian Li TL Flex lists the most airflow. The RS120-R suits front intakes, the Light Wings LX suits radiators, the SWAFAN EX 12 swaps airflow direction, and the Light Wings lights both sides.

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About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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