Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 RGB in review – Can extremely expensive also be extremely good?

1 - Introduction and technical data 2 - Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 RGB: Measurement results in detail 3 - Comparison with the Corsair AF120 RGB Elite 4 - Comparison with the Lian Li Uni Fan AL V2 120 5 - Comparison with the Razer Kunai Chroma 6 - Summary and conclusion

Finally in the database and also online as a single review on igor’sLAB – with the Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 RGB, Corsair has raised the bar quite a bit, primarily in connectivity and unfortunately also in price. And if you want to get into the world of iCUE LINK, then you usually need a three-pack with the system hub right away, if you don’t already own this control part. And yet, this is all something special, which is why I’m also writing some text in the form of a review about it and not just silently adding the parts to the fan database.

First, the marketing: the Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 RGB case fan uses the innovative iCUE LINK transmission standard, which allows for easy handling and connection of the fans to other system components. This facilitates cable management and helps avoid cable chaos. Included in the starter kit are three fans that offer exclusive lighting modes such as Time Warp. PWM control allows users to precisely adjust fan speed up to 2,400 rpm, while a magnetic levitation bearing ensures less friction, longer life and minimal noise.

With powerful PWM-controlled fan speeds ranging from 480 to 2,400 RPM, the fans provide efficient cooling without unnecessary noise. Overall, the Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 RGB case fans are a solid option for users looking for efficient cooling, easy installation, and impressive RGB lighting options, with iCUE LINK technology providing additional benefits in terms of cable management and synchronization with other system components.

What is Corsair iCUE LINK? The short version will do:

Corsair iCUE Link simplifies the management of cables and connectors in PC systems with intelligent single-cable connectivity. With a central system hub, users can sync and manage cooling and RGB lighting across all compatible devices, linking up to 14 devices to reduce cabling overhead. This technology provides a single-cable RGB ecosystem for coolers and fans, where components can be connected together via a single cable to a central hub or motherboard, rather than individually.

By using Corsair iCUE Link, users can achieve improved and simplified management of their PC components, especially in the area of RGB lighting and cooling.

And what about the fans?

So, now let’s get down to the details. The Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 RGB represent an extended series of 120mm fans that feature the special iCUE LINK technology to allow seamless integration and management within the PC system. The unit price of a fan is currently around $42, but it should be noted that it cannot be used without the optional system hub. As an alternative, Corsair offers a three-pack of the QX120 RGB fans including the system hub for just over 140 euros, which is also called a starter kit. In contrast, the single fan is marketed as an Expansion Pack. For those who prefer a larger fan, the 140mm diameter iCUE LINK QX140 RGB model is also available.

The Starter Kit is a comprehensive solution that includes the three fans as well as the essential System Hub. Additionally, the kit includes double-sided tape, a 60cm iCUE LINK cable, a PCIe power adapter, a USB cable, and fan screws to allow for versatile installation and connectivity to the system. In contrast, the Expansion Kit includes only fan screws and connectors in addition to the fan, making it easier to add complementary expansion to the system. It should be noted that both the Starter Kit and Expansion Kit include safety and warranty information, but no physical manual is included. The manual is only available online, so the homepage is the digital resource for installation and management.

Each fan features an outer ARGB light ring, as well as ARGB in the hub, which just about creates a visual RGB area fire. You have to like that, but those who need it will certainly be overjoyed here. The impeller has 9 relatively steeply pitched rotor blades and sits on a magnetic levitation bearing (Magnetic Dome), which according to the manufacturer should contribute to durability and noise reduction. Another gimmick is the resistor installed in each fan for temperature measurement, which governs reasonably nimbly.

The build quality is okay and appropriate for the price. The gap dimensions are also okay, but there are now fans with gaps of less than 1 mm on the market. The rotor blades are practically without burrs, which should positively influence the tear-off noise.

Before we get to the measurements, let’s quickly review the table with the manufacturer’s key data: