Buying Guide
The Best Reverse Blade Fans
From the TL-M12QR-S X3 to the TUF TR120 reverse: five reverse-blade fans ranked on pack size and top speed, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Reverse-blade fans move air toward the back of the fan, so the lit side can face the glass panel while the fan still works as an intake. Every pick here is sold as a reverse-blade or reverse-airflow 120mm fan.
We sorted these picks by fans in box, max speed and rated airflow, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips max speed, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright TL-M12QR-S X3 Reverse (3 Pack)
The lowest price among these reverse-blade fans at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MUSETEX reverse.
Our take Check price for Thermalright TL-M12QR-S X3 Reverse (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
ARGB Lighting
MUSETEX 120mm PWM ARGB Reverse Blade (3 Pack)
An ARGB lighting.
Best for: Buyers who want an ARGB lighting.
Our take Check price for MUSETEX 120mm PWM ARGB Reverse Blade (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Rifle Bearing
be quiet! Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack)
A rifle bearing.
Best for: Buyers who want a rifle bearing.
Our take Check price for be quiet! Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack)
A reverse rotor so the lit side faces into the case when used as intake.
Best for: Buyers who want reverse rotor so the lit side faces into the case when used as intake.
Our take Check price for Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Highest Rated Airflow
ASUS TUF Gaming TR120 ARGB Reverse (3 Pack)
The highest rated airflow here (76.3 CFM).
Best for: Intake fans in a mesh-front case.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming TR120 ARGB Reverse (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Thermalright TL-M12QR-S X3 Reverse (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the TL-M12QR-S X3 brings to the table is a daisy-chain for PWM and ARGB cables, plus a reverse layout for side or bottom intake.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MUSETEX reverse.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated airflow matters most to you; the TUF TR120 reverse offers 76.3 CFM.
Why we like it
It also comes as 3 fans and offers a 1500 RPM top speed. Its 47.6 CFM rated airflow is the lowest in this group; the TUF TR120 reverse leads at 76.3 CFM. It is the only pick here with ARGB with infinity mirror lighting; the MUSETEX reverse has ARGB lighting instead.
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 the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MUSETEX reverse was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 3 fans
- Max speed: 1500 RPM
- Rated airflow: 47.6 CFM
- Lighting: ARGB with infinity mirror
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- 47.6 CFM rated airflow
- ARGB with infinity mirror lighting
- Daisy-chain for PWM and ARGB cables
Cons
- Rated airflow trails the TUF TR120 reverse (76.3 CFM)
ARGB Lighting2 of 5
MUSETEX 120mm PWM ARGB Reverse Blade (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MUSETEX reverse stands out for a 3-pack of black reverse-blade fans, and it adds adjustable speed.
Best for
- Buyers who want an ARGB lighting.
Skip if
- Pass if a published rated airflow matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It also comes as 3 fans. ARGB lighting is unique to it among these picks, while the TL-M12QR-S X3 uses ARGB with infinity mirror lighting. It also comes with customisable lighting.
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 TL-M12QR-S X3 and below the Pure Wings 3 Reverse at the time of writing. There is no published top speed figure, whereas the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack offers 2100 RPM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 3 fans
- Lighting: ARGB
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- ARGB lighting
- 3-pack of black reverse-blade fans
- Adjustable speed
Cons
- No published rated airflow
- Costs more than the TL-M12QR-S X3 at the time of writing
Rifle Bearing3 of 5
be quiet! Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Pure Wings 3 Reverse stands out for seven airflow-optimised blades, and it adds an 80,000 hour average lifespan, by the maker.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rifle bearing.
Skip if
- Its rated airflow is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It also comes as 3 fans. It also comes with a design for side or bottom intake in showcase cases. 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper MUSETEX reverse and the pricier RS120-R ARGB 3-pack, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its top speed; if that figure matters, the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack offers 2100 RPM.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 3 fans
- Bearing: Rifle
- Lighting: None
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- a Rifle bearing
- Seven airflow-optimised blades
- 80,000 hour average lifespan, by the maker
Cons
- No published rated airflow
- Costs more than the TL-M12QR-S X3 at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Corsair RS120-R ARGB 120mm PWM Reverse (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Buyers who want reverse rotor so the lit side faces into the case when used as intake.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TL-M12QR-S X3, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also adds a zero-RPM mode at low PWM. On rated airflow it sits mid-pack at 65.8 CFM: the TUF TR120 reverse offers 76.3 CFM, and the TL-M12QR-S X3 comes in at 47.6 CFM. 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. 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 Pure Wings 3 Reverse and below the TUF TR120 reverse at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 TL-M12QR-S X3 at the time of writing
Highest Rated Airflow5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming TR120 ARGB Reverse (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the TUF TR120 reverse brings to the table is an extra-thick 28mm frame, plus a double-layer LED matrix.
Best for
- Intake fans in a mesh-front case.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the TL-M12QR-S X3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also comes as 3 fans and offers a 76.3 CFM rated airflow. On rated airflow it leads this guide at 76.3 CFM, ahead of the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack (65.8 CFM). It also offers Aura Sync compatibility.
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.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack the nearest cheaper option. Pack size is its weakest area, and the TL-M12QR-S X3 covers it better at 3 fans.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans in box: 3 fans
- Rated airflow: 76.3 CFM
- Static pressure: 2.75 mmH2O
- Lighting: ARGB, 16 addressable LEDs per fan
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- 76.3 CFM rated airflow
- 2.75 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
- ARGB, 16 addressable LEDs per fan lighting
Cons
- Costs more than the TL-M12QR-S X3 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Reverse Blade Fans
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five 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 5, from the TL-M12QR-S X3 to the TUF TR120 reverse, state pack size and lighting.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MUSETEX reverse, the Pure Wings 3 Reverse and the TUF TR120 reverse give no top speed; the MUSETEX reverse and the Pure Wings 3 Reverse give no rated airflow.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the TL-M12QR-S X3 (under $50) to the TUF TR120 reverse ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Reverse Blade Fan
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much rated airflow you need
Here rated airflow runs from 47.6 CFM on the TL-M12QR-S X3 to 76.3 CFM on the TUF TR120 reverse, a 60% spread. For less, the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack is the runner-up at 65.8 CFM. The MUSETEX reverse and the Pure Wings 3 Reverse give no rated airflow figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Top speed across these picks
The RS120-R ARGB 3-pack tops top speed at 2100 RPM and the TL-M12QR-S X3 sits lowest at 1500 RPM. Start with the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack if top speed decides it. The MUSETEX reverse, the Pure Wings 3 Reverse and the TUF TR120 reverse give no top speed figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Static pressure
The RS120-R ARGB 3-pack tops static pressure at 2.81 mmH2O and the TUF TR120 reverse sits lowest at 2.75 mmH2O. The RS120-R ARGB 3-pack is the pick for static pressure. The TL-M12QR-S X3, the MUSETEX reverse and the Pure Wings 3 Reverse give no static pressure figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Pure Wings 3 Reverse: an 80,000 hour average lifespan, by the maker. The RS120-R ARGB 3-pack: daisy-chain connections. The TUF TR120 reverse: a double-layer LED matrix.
Budget
Under $50 buys the TL-M12QR-S X3, the MUSETEX reverse and the Pure Wings 3 Reverse; $50 to $100 buys the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack and the TUF TR120 reverse at our last check.
How to Choose a Reverse Blade Fan
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MUSETEX reverse | TL-M12QR-S X3 | The lowest price among these reverse-blade fans at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want an ARGB lighting | MUSETEX reverse | An ARGB lighting |
| Buyers who want a rifle bearing | Pure Wings 3 Reverse | A rifle bearing |
| Buyers who want reverse rotor so the lit side faces into the case when used as intake | RS120-R ARGB 3-pack | A reverse rotor so the lit side faces into the case when used as intake |
| Intake fans in a mesh-front case | TUF TR120 reverse | The highest rated airflow here (76.3 CFM) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The TUF TR120 reverse leads on rated airflow at 76.3 CFM, ahead of the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack at 65.8 CFM. "Not listed" marks top speed where the MUSETEX reverse, the Pure Wings 3 Reverse and the TUF TR120 reverse leave the figure out.
| Case Fan | Fans in box | Max speed | Rated airflow | Static pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL-M12QR-S X3 | 3 fans | 1500 RPM | 47.6 CFM | Not listed |
| MUSETEX reverse | 3 fans | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Pure Wings 3 Reverse | 3 fans | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| RS120-R ARGB 3-pack | 3 fans | 2100 RPM | 65.8 CFM | 2.81 mmH2O |
| TUF TR120 reverse | 3 fans | Not listed | 76.3 CFM | 2.75 mmH2O |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the TL-M12QR-S X3, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the TUF TR120 reverse at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Case Fans |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | TL-M12QR-S X3, MUSETEX reverse, Pure Wings 3 Reverse |
| About $50 to $100 | RS120-R ARGB 3-pack, TUF TR120 reverse |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TUF TR120 reverse ahead of the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack on rated airflow?
The TUF TR120 reverse tops rated airflow at 76.3 CFM; the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack follows at 65.8 CFM, 16% apart. The TL-M12QR-S X3 is at the other end of this group with 47.6 CFM. The MUSETEX reverse and the Pure Wings 3 Reverse don't state a rated airflow figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the highest top speed: the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack or the TL-M12QR-S X3?
Between the top two, it is 2100 RPM on the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack against 1500 RPM on the TL-M12QR-S X3, a 40% difference. No top speed figure is published for the MUSETEX reverse, the Pure Wings 3 Reverse and the TUF TR120 reverse, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Which has the highest static pressure: the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack or the TUF TR120 reverse?
Between the top two, it is 2.81 mmH2O on the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack against 2.75 mmH2O on the TUF TR120 reverse, a 2% difference. No static pressure figure is published for the TL-M12QR-S X3, the MUSETEX reverse and the Pure Wings 3 Reverse, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the TUF TR120 reverse worth paying more than the TL-M12QR-S X3?
What it brings is rated airflow (76.3 CFM against 47.6 CFM). The TL-M12QR-S X3 sat in the under $50 tier and the TUF TR120 reverse in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated airflow decides your purchase.
What makes the Pure Wings 3 Reverse the Rifle Bearing?
The label rests on a rifle bearing. It is aimed at anyone who wants a rifle bearing.
Do the Pure Wings 3 Reverse and the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack differ on bearing?
The Pure Wings 3 Reverse uses rifle; the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack uses Magnetic dome. The makers of the TL-M12QR-S X3, the MUSETEX reverse and the TUF TR120 reverse don't state bearing, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the TL-M12QR-S X3, chosen for the lowest price among these reverse-blade fans at the time of writing. Look at the MUSETEX reverse for an ARGB lighting, the Pure Wings 3 Reverse for a rifle bearing and the RS120-R ARGB 3-pack for a reverse rotor so the lit side faces into the case when used as intake if those matter more to you.
Count how many reverse fans your intake positions need; side and bottom intakes are where the reverse design pays off.