Introduction
For the better part of 2023, Corsair’s iCUE LINK QX series fans were the sole iCUE LINK options for the brand and anyone that wanted fans for that ecosystem would need to reach really deep into their pockets as the QX fans were very premium models at PHP8000+ for a starter kit of 3 QX120. Corsair’s well aware of this and has been hard at work at creating a new line of fans to fit into the iCUE LINK ecosystem. Today we have just that as we take a quick look at the iCUE LINK RX-series fans from Corsair specifically the RX120.
I personally use the QX120 on the iCUE LINK H150 and one thing I noticed on those things is the lack of the air guide grills that I felt was a good feature of the SP Elites before them. With the Corsair iCUE LINK RX120, those are coming back with these fans along with reduced pricing versus the QX series fans. What users get is an option to expand their iCUE LINK setup with functional static pressure fans if they prefer performance over aesthetics. These fans come in both RGB and non-RGB version with the non-RGB being made with LCP for enhanced stability.
Read on to find out more about the Corsair iCUE LINK RX-series fans.
Specification
| Specification | RX120 | QX120 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.69 | 0.984 |
| Fan Size | 120mm x 25mm | 120mm x 25mm |
| LED Color | RGB | RGB |
| Package Quantity | 3 | 3 |
| Power Draw | 0.66A | 1.02A |
| PWM Control | Yes | Yes |
| Sound Level | 10 – 36 dBA | 10 – 37 dBA |
| Fan Static Pressure | 0.12 – 4.33 mm-H2O | 0.17 – 3.8 mm-H2O |
| LINK Compatibility | RGB | RGB |
| Fan Airflow | 10.4 – 73.5 CFM | 16.44 – 63.1 CFM |
| Flow Type | STATIC PRESSURE | STATIC PRESSURE |
| Speed | 2100 RPM | 400 – 2400 RPM |
Official product page – Corsair iCUE LINK RX120 Starter Kit
If you want to learn more about the iCUE LINK system you can check out my video below in our first dip into upgrading an iCUE system to an iCUE LINK setup.
Closer Look
Corsair sent us the iCUE LINK RX120 RGB starter kit alongside the Corsair 2500X chassis for review. Corsair iCUE LINK starter kits comprise of a bundle of fans, the system hub and set of cables plus the mounting screws. I have to highlight the screws for this but we’ll do that later.
As mentioned, the kit comprises of the fans, the system hub, connector pieces and plugs, cables and some screws.
If you’re looking for a manual, Corsair has been dropping paper manuals for a while now and you get this QR code which brings you to their help site for the RX series fans.
The RX series fans differentiate from the QX fans in a few ways, but primarily it all boils down to some cost reduction. In order to maintain similar performance but at lower cost, Corsair design the RX series to compete with the QX fans. It also brings back the AirGuide vanes from the Elite fans from Corsair which were a really good technology.
For the RGB version, the main cost reduction is done thru the reduction in RGB lights. The RX series fans won’t have the same aesthetic vibrance as the QX series fans but will feature RGB nonetheless. It also loses the thermal probe that allows direct monitoring of the air temperature flowing thru the QX fans. The RX series fans does have a slightly higher static pressure rating at higher fan speeds.
Here is the QX120 side-by-side with the RX120. Notice the LED ring on the QX120 versus the RX120 which has longer blades. Also another thing worth pointing out is the brand plate on the side of the RX series fans sligthly protrude with a minor bump. This can cause mounting issues in exact dimension placements but is thankfully removable if you need it removed or don’t want branding.
Perhaps the MVP of Corsair’s recent product launches: the humble QuikTurn screw. A quick twist of the wrist and these screws will lock down your fans to your case mount with ease. Its literally a 1-spin screw. That is just amazing.
As with all iCUE LINK fans, you’ll need to connect it to the fan hub. You have a few cable options and lengths to by with the starter kit. With a 3-pack, the most common placement would be all 3 of the fans together or in a 2+1 setup in smaller cases. These can be done from one system hub link and with all the cables provided but more intricate and expanded loops will need some extra cables which are sold separately.
Testing & Conclusion
The chart above shows our testing for the fans. The important bit to note here is performance and temps on both fans are very tightly the same on 50% and 100% with the Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 just showing a bit better temps thanks to the higher fan speed. Not tested here is noise, though but I can say that its best to keep this below 80%. Clock speeds were close at 50% but at max speed, the QX fans pull further maintaining a 5Ghz P-core clock across all cores versus the 4.8Ghz on the RX fans.
Quantifying the advantage of the Corsair iCUE LINK RX series fans doesn’t just sit with outright performance as it is part of the iCUE LINK system which in itself does have an appeal to some. As part of the an entire setup with other fans, its definitely a good option versus its pricier sibling. Individually though, that’s just a matter of value as the system hub and cables are separate purchases.
Ultimately, I doubt anyone dipping into the iCUE LINK system would want a single fan. I do feel Corsair should really make non-iCUE LINK versions or at least have a passive connector for iCUE LINK fans so they can work with standard fan headers. The non-RGB variants of the RX-series fans offer great value versus a lot of the other high-performance fans on the market right now especially daisy chain types.
If you’re starting a new build and want reduced cable clutterr but want to stick to a single ecosystem, Corsair offers a compelling option for those that want a premium option that has high-compatibility and fine control. As an option, the Corsair iCUE LINK RX series fans offers a performance-first option for those that don’t mind the more pedestrian RGB of the RX series.
All in all, its a solid option if you will be getting the starter kit. The Corsair iCUE LINK RX-series fans will work on most applications and scales well with the entire build if you’re just after aesthetics.
