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Back to the world of fans with, this time, Corsair who sends the latest AF120 Elite. Fans that, as we will see, play the sobriety card. Indeed, we do not use any form of RGB lighting, something quite surprising from the brand. In short, let’s see what we have to do.
Presentation:
Overall, everyone knows Corsair since the brand is present on almost all fronts of the PC hardware world. This time, we’re dealing with fans and, overall, the company offers a catalog filled with numerous references. However, with these AF120 Elite, the brand is taking on the name of a series that has been renewed many times.
On the program, we will have to deal with a 120 mm fan with a sober look. We should also face a quiet and efficient model according to the brand. It remains to be seen how it behaves on a small water cooling radiator, as we usually do.
TheAF120 Elite:
Clearly, with its AF120 Elite, Corsair is betting on sobriety since its fan is completely black. Here, no color as on the Toughfan 12 Racing Green from Thermaltake. And even under power, it will not shine by any lighting.
Regarding the dimensions, we are dealing with a model of the most classic since in 120 mm. The thickness also remains standard with its 25 mm, exit the slim format as the NF-A12x15 of Noctua for example. Similarly, it will not be excessively thick either, unlike the FrostBlade 120 from Acer.
As we can see, the brand is surfing on the current trend of fans with thin and strongly curved blades. And that’s exactly what the nine units in this model offer. Moreover, the central hub is also quite imposing, more or less the same size as the ToughFan 120 from Thermaltake and the NF-A12x25 from Noctua.
The frame, on the other hand, remains quite simple and offers a design similar to that of the ML120 RGB Elite of the brand. We will find a Corsair logo on the edge of the latter as well as a small reminder ” //AF ELITE” on one of the four silent blocks that it embeds. Finally, at the back, there are nine blades used to channel and concentrate the air flow. The famous AirGuide of the brand.
Before talking about the characteristics, a word about the available connectivity which is very simple and basic. Here, we will only find a single flat PWM cable with four pins and a length of 60 cm, which is ideal in our opinion. We now move on to the technical characteristics:
- Without L.N.C :
- Rotation range: 450 RPM to 1850 RPM
- Air flow : 59,1 CFM
- Static pressure: 1.93 mmH2O
Bundle
The accessory part of this AF120 Elite is basic since it includes :
- One safety guide
- Four screws for case mounting
Small disappointment on the accessory part which turns out to be reduced to the maximum. We will see via our tests on a voltage reducer would have been appreciated or not. As it is, we only have what we need to mount it on the case and that’s all!
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Tests
For the fan tests, we follow roughly the same basis as our CPU cooling tests. So, we test everything on our Ryzen 7 1700X with a consumption of 95W only on a Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black. The goal is to be dependent on the fan in order to highlight the differences in performance from one fan to another.
Rotational speed:
The AIO was used as a basis for the test of fans that have died, so we start again on a sound basis. To compare our Corsair fans, we find the ToughFan 12 from Thermaltake and the BioniX 120 from Arctic.
As we can see, from a speed point of view, the AF120 Elite from Corsair is the slowest fan in our selection. At full speed, we measure less than 2000 rpm against 800 rpm at low speed. At medium speed, it reaches 1300 rpm. In fact, it offers a similar profile to the Thermaltake fan, but with a slightly lower maximum speed.
Noise
The noise measurements are made at 40 cm from the sound source in the direction of suction of the fans. The interest is twofold: this way we can measure as many differences as possible from one model to another, and we are not disturbed by air movements.
Regarding noise, unfortunately, the Corsair fan is the loudest. In push, it tickles our sound meter more than a duo of ToughFan 12 from Thermaltake. In duo, it is even worse, at low rpm, it does not go below 31 dB. In absolute terms, the noise won’t make you deaf, that’s for sure, but in the face of the competition, it’s a pity.
Temperatures
We attack with the temperature readings with our 125W profile. Here the heat release is important, let’s see how our fans do! This is the most interesting test to highlight the performance of the fans.
In terms of temperature, our reference of the day is doing pretty well since it is the one that manages to cool our NH-U12A chromax.black better… Especially on its highest speeds. Nevertheless, at low rpm, theArctic BioniX 120 does slightly better, helped by its 200 rpm more.
In push, the same observation: a willing fan on its highest speeds, but which is on a par with the Arctic at low rpm.
Temperature to noise ratio
On this performance/noise ratio graph, we remind you that it is best to be placed as far to the bottom left of the graph as possible. For the reading, the leftmost point symbolizes the ventilation in 12V, the one in the center the ventilation in 8V and the rightmost in 5V.
On its own, our AF120 Elite is in the middle of the pack, but is a bit more capable at high speeds. At medium speed, our three fans are fighting each other, while the Thermaltake runs out of steam at low speed.
Otherwise, in push/push , we note a good score at high speed, nevertheless, it is in the lowest speeds that it fails. The noise generated is a penalty, especially since reducing the speed of the fans will be problematic from a thermal point of view.
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Conclusion:
It is now time to conclude about the Corsair AF120 Elite fan. So, does it have what it takes to find its place in your PC? We tell you all about it!
A sober fan!
The least we can say is that with Corsair fans, we find something very sober. The mill displays a simple design, all in black and without RGB lighting. The detractors of lights in all directions, will be delighted, especially since there will be no additional cable to manage.
However, the accessory part is perhaps a bit sparse, out of the instructions and screws, there is nothing … Perhaps that siliconized nipples to Noctua or a resistor would have been welcome.
Honorable performance !
In terms of performance, the Corsair fan does not do too badly compared to its two competitors. We will remember a good holding of the temperatures on its low speeds. On the other hand, although not catastrophic, this model proved to be noisier than its opponents.
A rather steep price !
Regarding the selling price, Corsair positions its mill at 23.90 €. A pricing that can be tricky if we consider the offer of Arctic with its BioniX sold 13 € / unit. The Swiss fans hold their own against Corsair‘s model at low speeds, but lose the advantage at high speeds.
Corsair AF120 Elite
We like:
- The sober and uncluttered design
- The limited connectivity
- Temperatures that do not soar too high at low rpm
- Quiet at low rpm in solo mode
We liked less:
- The poor accessory part
- The noise is generally higher than the competition
- The price can be tricky
At the end of the race, we choose to award the silver to this AF120 Elite from Corsair. Certainly the performances are globally good, especially in front of Thermaltake‘s offer, however, we will note a rather high price and a noise slightly more pronounced than the fans of the comparison… Especially since it will have to deal with a poor accessory part. Otherwise, you will have the right to sober fans, well built and, in absolute, rather quiet at low speed.
A big thank you to Corsair!
