Best RGB Case Fans in 2020 ft. 120mm, 140mm & 200mm RGB Fans
When it comes to a gaming computer, it needs to be reliable and of course, nice and cool. OK sure, when we think of adequate airflow solutions RGB usually would take a back seat, but with everything these days featuring RGB and tempered glass cases being more and more affordable, it's easy to see why RGB has ramped up the priority list.
Airflow and max noise levels are crucial to any gamer's PC build, but with a wide selection of RGB fans available it is important we make the right choice for our build in 2019.
In this article, we have rounded up the best RGB fans currently available in 2019, with some offering excellent max noise levels and fantastic lighting options without compromising too much on airflow. We are going to break down what you should consider before buying and have selected fans that cover your 120mm, 140mm, and 200mm needs.
Let's jump in.
Things To Consider Before Buying RGB Fans
Before purchasing those flashing RGB fans there are a few things to consider. The last thing you want is to unpack your new product only to find it isn't compatible or exactly what you wanted!
Noise
Screaming loud fans are a thing of the past with a lot offering decent max noise levels. The fans on this list aren't particularly loud with some reaching max noise levels of just 25dBA.
Generally, fan noise levels range from 10dBA to 36dBA. Some gamers will want to keep these levels as low as possible, so here is a scale of how loud other noises compare to:
| Noise (dBA) | |
|---|---|
| Sound Level | Noise at that Sound Level |
| 10 dB | Pin Drop/Breathing |
| 20 dB | Rustling Leaves/Whisper |
| 30 dB | Bedroom at night |
| 40 dB | Babbling Brook |
| 50 dB | Normal conversation |
Placement
Placement of your fans is more important than most think, especially for the inexperienced. A popular way to configure fans is with positive air pressure. Setting them up this way will limit where dust is going to enter your system, which makes it easier to clean and maintain your PC.
Limiting the dust, or at least controlling where it enters your system, can only help keep your components healthy, but there are plenty of negative pressure examples that can work also.
It is worth noting if you plan to configure a negative pressure setup it will exploit any air holes in your case/system. This means dust can build up in most gaps of your case rather than gather in one area that may be covered by a dust filter. Dust is obviously the enemy of PC users in general, but that isn't to say negative pressure doesn't have an upside. With negative pressure, your configuration will be able to push that hot, stagnant air out more effectively, which can improve cooling.
Whichever you decide to go with, remember it is down to preference although I would recommend a positive air pressure for users with lots of gaps in their case or if you have dust filters where your intake fans would be.
Compatibility
There are a few sizes available for RGB case fans, so it is important to know which size your case will support. The RGB fans in this list are 120mm, 140mm, and 200mm. Lots of cases have support for all the fan sizes, but some can be limited, so make sure you check before buying.
Mixing and matching sizes isn't an issue; for example, you could have two 140mm fans on the front and a 120mm at the rear for a positive pressure setup. It is worth noting you can quickly check the pressure direction by adding up the CFM of each intake fan and exhaust fan.
A lot of these RGB fans come with controllers which will allow you to have multiple fans running through one unit which generally makes things easier and tidier. Some RGB fans may not come with such luxuries so RGB headers on your motherboard will be important to look for.
There are two types of RGB headers, 5v 3-pin RGB header for addressable RGB LED devices and 12v 4-pin for non-addressable. Do bear in mind you cannot plug the devices into the wrong header as it may damage your RGB fan or the lighting.
Function
Despite the fact we are looking into RGB fans the primary function isn't just "to look pretty," we also have to ensure there is sufficient airflow. You could be looking into fans for your new all in one cooler so you would need some static pressure fans to push that air through the radiator.
You may have a system that is mostly one brand and all links through their software to unify the lighting between your case, components, and peripherals. So if aesthetics are important, you may want to match your current RGB setup with similar fans.
The 5 Best RGB Fans 2019
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Thermaltake Riing
| Check Current Price | |
 | CORSAIR LL Series
| Check Current Price | |
 | Thermaltake Riing Plus 20
| Check Current Price | |
 | Corsair ML Series RGB
| Check Current Price | |
 | NZXT Aer RGB 2
| Check Current Price |
Thermaltake Riing
TECH SPECS
- Max Noise Level (dBa)25.2 dBA
- Max Rotational Speed (RPM):1500 RPM
- Airflow CFM (120mm):41.13 CFM
- Connector Type:1 x 9-pin USB Header
PROS
- Can be controlled via smartphone
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Syncs with Razer Chroma
- "Trio" of RGB loops
- Requires less cables than other brands
CONS
- Expensive
- Only come in a triple pack
The Thermaltake Riing Trio's are arguably the best RGB fans on the list, and by quite some way too. These fans offer a good level of airflow whilst also providing the best RGB lighting I have seen on a fan before. The intense illumination comes from not one, not two, but three RGB loops! If the extra RGB loop wasn't enough, Thermaltake has made these fans incredibly user-friendly with the introduction of the 9-pin USB connector. Even though the Corsair LL series are brilliant, they have two connectors for each fan to power the fan and the RGB, which can get a bit messy!
These fans have some interesting features around what Thermaltake calls the "RGB PLUS Ecosystem". You can actually sync these fans up with your phone and when you say 'Hello TT' you can control the light modes, brightness, fan speeds, and even switch them off entirely via commands. You can even set these fans to reflect the current weather condition in your area by syncing it up with Amazon Alexa!
Even though these fans feature a hydraulic bearing for friction reduction like the Corsair LL series, the TT fans offer a similar low max noise at just 25 dBA.
These fans only come in a pack of three so you will have to pay the top price for them but with an abundance of features and some of the best RGB lighting we have seen on a fan, they are worth it.
CORSAIR LL Series
TECH SPECS
- Max Noise Level (dBa)24.8 dBA
- Max Rotational Speed (RPM):1500 RPM
- Airflow CFM (120mm):43.25 CFM
- Connector Type:2 x 4-pin
PROS
- High quality
- Low noise despite speeds
- Great design
- Easy to install
CONS
- Pay extra for flashy lights
While these RGB fans from Corsair don't offer the highest of airflow CFM, they do a reasonable job and offer great static pressure. These are arguably some of the best RGB fans you can buy for your case and are perfect for blasting air through obstacles.
These from Corsair have two RGB loops, one on the outside creating a halo effect and the inner loop shining RGB light onto the fan blades. The RGB loops have eight individual lighting zones which can be personalized through Corsairs intuitive iCUE software. The software will allow you to match up your lighting effects with any other Corsair peripherals.
These RGB fans come in a multitude of options, you can buy them individually, as a dual, and a triple pack. You can also get the Corsair LL's in 120mm and 140mm, giving you a few different airflow options.
Ultimately these fans would make any case look fantastic and you can rest assured knowing they are of good build quality too.
Thermaltake Riing Plus 20
TECH SPECS
- Max Noise Level (dBa):29.2 dBA
- Max Rotational Speed (RPM):1000 RPM
- Airflow CFM:117.96 CFM
- Connector Type:1 x 9-pin USB Header
PROS
- Huge amounts of airflow
- Relatively quiet considering size
- Can be purchased with or without a fan controller
- Aesthetically pleasing
CONS
- Pricey
These 200mm fans are huge from Thermaltake and unsurprisingly pump cast amounts of air into your system. The TT Riing Plus 20 fan is perfect for the front of a case and offers a CFM of 117. This may not be the quietest with a max noise of under 30 dBA it is hardly loud plus you get the benefit of huge amounts of airflow and the fantastic RGB lighting from Thermaltake.
there is a bit of flexibility with this fan as Thermaltake has an option to include the fan controller just in case you didn't already have one. The friction is reduced with this thanks to its hydraulic bearing which self lubricates and actually increases thermal efficiency too.
The software is really easy to use from TT and it gives you countless options to tinker with in the RGB department and will even alert you to any issues with the operation of the fan.
Overall this beastly fan is top drawer and will give you all the airflow you could possibly want whilst also illuminating your system, a solid 200mm option!
Corsair ML Series RGB
TECH SPECS
- Max Noise Level (dBa)25.2 dBA
- Max Rotational Speed (RPM):1600 RPM
- Airflow CFM (120mm):47.3 CFM
- Connector Type:2 x 4-pin
PROS
- High-quality build
- Magnetic levitation fans
- Very quiet
- Translucent blades to diffuse lighting
- Triple pack(120mm) + dual pack(140mm) comes with Node Pro controller
CONS
- Requires 2 x 4-pin connectors per fan
- Not as vibrant as others
With the introduction of RGB into the Corsair ML series we now get quiet airflow delivered in style. No, it's not magic it's magnets. That's right, magnets power these fans which drastically cut down friction bringing you a quieter fan with a max noise of 25 dBA.
Annoyingly however with these fans, the RGB lighting isn't as vibrant as what we have seen from other Corsair fans but with the quieter operation we can forgive them for this (for now). Despite not being the best RGB fans they do have that flawless look to the effects which Corsair have mastered and make sure you buy the multi-packs to get your Node Pro. Another downside to these fans is the number of wires you seem to need to run Corsair RGB fans. The cables soon stack up if you are going for a fully RGB configured system so make sure you have space in your case.
The 120mm option can be purchased as an individual fan or in a pack of three and the 140mm as a single or dual. It is worth noting that you will get the Node controller with the dual pack also.
These may not be the best for airflow or RGB on the list but they do offer a good middle ground in all areas and are insanely quiet too which can only be a plus!
NZXT Aer RGB 2
TECH SPECS
- Max Noise Level (dBa)33 dBA
- Max Rotational Speed (RPM):1500 RPM
- Airflow CFM (120mm):52.44 CFM
- Connector Type:4-pin
PROS
- Very good airflow
- Great build quality
CONS
- Expensive
- Requires software to light up
NZXT is known for their cases and they are no stranger to fans or RGB lighting either. These Aer fans offer some of the highest CFM on the list and do a brilliant job of pumping air into your system whilst simultaneously illuminating it. The reason for the impressive CFM is because each Aer fan features a winglet-tip blade for optimal airflow. These fans work on fluid dynamic bearings for near-silent operation.
There is only one RGB loop on these though which is a bit disappointing but its uniquely designed squared off edges give it some great style points. The lighting on these fans only works if you have the controller or an NZXT "i" case which isn't the best for anyone who was looking to add just the one fan to their case. When using the HUE 2 lighting controller you can connect up to five fans and synchronize the effects for the ultimate RGB light show.
Just like Corsairs LL series you can buy these as an individual fan, a dual pack, and a triple pack with only the individual pack not including the HUE 2 controller. The NZXT also come available in 140mm however only as a single or twin pack.
You can rest assured that NZXT produces quality products and the value for money on these fans, make the Aer's a great option.
Which RGB Fans Should You Choose?
So which is it? Well, this is mostly down to your preference and set up, but we have outlined the five best that are currently available. Some of these will work as radiator fans but know you should get the highest CFM fans you can if you want to have an effectively cooled AIO.
The Thermaltake Riing's are fantastic looking fans with the trio of lighting loops adding so much extra RGB for your buck. These fans from TT also include some of the best features you can get for a fan too with an almost unlimited seeming variety of lighting configurations. The Riing trios offer decent airflow, and the max noise isn't too bad either however you do have to buy the pack of three.
For the best 200mm RGB fan the Thermaltake Riing Plus 20 offers some unreal airflow without getting too noisy, oh and enough LEDs to light up a room.
If you aren't too bothered about syncing up your RGB fans with the rest of your system, then it doesn't really matter what you pick as long as they are compatible with your system. If however you already have a Corsair controller for example then it may be beneficial to match the fans with that manufacturer.