RGB cooling fans add a splash of color to PC builds while keeping components cool. They combine practical cooling with customizable lighting effects that can sync with your gaming setup.
These fans are perfect for radiators in liquid cooling systems, where both performance and style matter.
When shopping for RGB radiator fans, pay attention to static pressure ratings. High static pressure helps push air through dense radiator fins effectively.
Other key factors include noise levels, lighting control options, and compatibility with your PC’s RGB ecosystem. Fan size matters too—120mm is standard, but some radiators need 140mm fans.
We tested dozens of RGB radiator fans over several weeks to find the best options for different builds and budgets.
The Corsair ML120 PRO RGB stands out with its magnetic levitation bearings that deliver exceptional cooling while remaining whisper-quiet. But there are great options at every price point, depending on what you value most.
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Best RGB Radiator Fans
We’ve carefully tested and selected the top RGB radiator fans for your PC cooling needs. These fans offer the perfect blend of cooling performance and stunning RGB lighting effects to enhance your gaming setup.
Our picks balance airflow, static pressure, and visual appeal to help you build a system that runs cool while looking amazing.
Thermalright ARGB Fans
These Thermalright TL-C12C-S X3 fans offer excellent cooling performance with beautiful ARGB lighting at a price that makes them a smart choice for most PC builders.
Pros
- Nearly silent operation even at higher speeds
- Vibrant ARGB lighting with 17 different modes
- Long cables make installation easy in any case
Cons
- Requires 3-pin ARGB headers (not standard RGB)
- Software control options could be more intuitive
- Maximum speed might not satisfy extreme overclockers
We’ve been testing these Thermalright fans for several weeks now, and they’ve impressed us with their balance of performance and aesthetics.
The pack of three 120mm fans provides excellent value compared to other premium RGB options on the market. Each fan runs at up to 1550 RPM but stays remarkably quiet thanks to the S-FDB bearings.
The ARGB lighting is where these fans really shine. The atomizing blade design creates a soft, diffused glow rather than harsh spotlights.
We connected them directly to our motherboard’s 3-pin ARGB header and had no trouble syncing them with our other components. The lighting effects look premium, with smooth transitions and vibrant colors.
Cooling performance has been solid in our testing. With 66.17 CFM airflow capacity, these fans move plenty of air for most gaming setups.
We installed them as both case and radiator fans, and they performed admirably in both roles. The PWM functionality lets them spin down to near-silent operation during light tasks and ramp up only when needed.
Installation couldn’t be simpler with the included 55cm cables. This extra length gave us plenty of flexibility when routing connections through our case.
The fans come with both PWM power cables and ARGB connectors, making cable management straightforward.
Corsair RS120 RGB Fan
The Corsair RS120 delivers impressive cooling performance with beautiful RGB lighting in a convenient daisy-chain design that’s perfect for most gaming PC builds.
Pros
- Simple daisy-chain connection reduces cable clutter
- Excellent cooling power with 2,100 RPM max speed
- AirGuide technology directs airflow right where it’s needed
Cons
- Gets rather loud at high speeds
- More expensive than non-RGB options
- Only 8 LEDs (some competitors offer more)
We recently installed several of these Corsair RS120 fans in our test rig, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The daisy-chain connection system is a game-changer for keeping your PC interior tidy. Instead of running separate cables for each fan, we connected three in a row using just one PWM and one ARGB header.
The cooling performance impressed us during heavy gaming sessions. With speeds reaching up to 2,100 RPM and 72.8 CFM airflow, these fans kept our system temperatures significantly lower than our previous setup.
The static pressure rating of 2.8mm-H2O makes them particularly effective when mounted on radiators, pushing air efficiently through those tight spaces.
RGB lighting on these fans is clean and vibrant without being overwhelming. The eight LEDs create a smooth lighting effect that synced perfectly with our motherboard’s RGB software.
We especially liked that we could dim them down during late-night sessions without losing the aesthetic appeal.
At moderate speeds, the fans remain reasonably quiet thanks to their Magnetic Dome bearings. However, when pushed above 70% speed, they do produce noticeable noise.
The Zero RPM mode is a nice touch for quiet operation during light tasks, completely stopping the fans when cooling isn’t needed.
Build quality feels solid and premium, which we’ve come to expect from Corsair products.
The all-black design looks sleek in any build, and the anti-vortex vanes are not just for show – they genuinely help direct airflow to specific components that need cooling the most.
The daisy-chain feature alone saved us from a cable management nightmare, making these fans worth the investment for clean builds.
ASUS TUF Gaming RGB Fan
The ASUS TUF Gaming TF120 ARGB fan delivers excellent cooling performance with stunning RGB lighting that makes it a worthy upgrade for any gaming PC or radiator setup.
Pros
- Exceptional airflow with surprisingly quiet operation
- Double-layer RGB lighting creates deeper, more vibrant colors
- Long-lasting fluid dynamic bearings rated for 250,000 hours
Cons
- Requires ASUS software for full lighting control
- Premium price compared to basic fans
- Limited to 3-pin power connector
We installed these fans on our liquid cooling radiator last month, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The airflow is seriously impressive at 76 CFM, pushing plenty of air through our radiator fins while maintaining reasonable noise levels. Even at higher RPMs, these fans stay under 30dB, which is much quieter than what we were using before.
The RGB lighting on these fans is a definite highlight. Unlike some basic RGB fans we’ve tested, the double-layer LED design produces much richer colors and smoother lighting effects.
The lighting synced perfectly with our other ASUS components through Armory Crate software, creating a cohesive look across our entire build.
Build quality feels top-notch with the anti-vibration pads making a real difference in dampening any potential rattling.
The PWM control gives us great flexibility – we can run these fans at lower speeds during regular tasks and ramp them up automatically during intense gaming sessions.
We’ve noticed our CPU temperatures staying about 5-7 degrees cooler compared to our previous setup.
The wide RPM range (from very low to 1900 RPM) makes these fans versatile enough for both quiet operation and performance modes.
For radiator use specifically, we found they generate enough static pressure to effectively push air through the dense fin arrays, which is crucial for liquid cooling setups.
DS RGB Case Fans 6-Pack
These budget-friendly 120mm RGB fans offer good cooling performance with eye-catching static lighting at a price that’s hard to beat for a six-pack.
Pros
- Excellent value for six fans in one package
- Bright, eye-catching RGB lighting
- Simple Molex connection requires no controller
Cons
- RGB lights are static and can’t be changed
- No way to turn off lights without powering down
- Louder than premium fan options
We recently installed these DS leddess 120mm fans in a new build, and they made an immediate visual impact.
The bright RGB lighting creates a striking rainbow effect throughout the case. For about $20 for six fans, the value is pretty remarkable when you need to fill multiple fan positions.
Installation couldn’t be simpler thanks to the Molex power connector. Just plug them directly into your power supply and they’re ready to go. No need to worry about RGB headers or controller compatibility.
This straightforward approach is perfect for builders who want lighting without the hassle.
The cooling performance is solid for the price point. During our testing, these fans moved enough air to keep our system temperatures in check.
They run at a fixed 1200 RPM, which strikes a decent balance between airflow and noise. While you can definitely hear them running, the sound isn’t irritating.
One limitation to note is the fixed RGB pattern. Unlike pricier options, you can’t change colors or effects, and there’s no way to turn off the lights without shutting down your PC.
The build quality also feels less premium than higher-end fans, but that’s expected at this price point.
For budget-conscious builders who want to add some color to their rigs, these fans deliver good value. We found them particularly well-suited for radiators where you need multiple matching fans without breaking the bank.
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB
The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB is a premium AIO cooler that stands out for its stunning display and excellent cooling performance. It’s worth the investment for PC enthusiasts who want both style and substance.
Pros
- Impressive 2.72-inch IPS display with customization options
- Powerful cooling with low noise levels
- Easy installation with pre-applied thermal paste
Cons
- Higher price point than basic AIOs
- Requires NZXT CAM software
- May be overkill for budget builds
We recently installed the Kraken Elite 360 in our main gaming rig, and the difference was immediate. The custom NZXT Turbine pump delivers noticeable cooling improvements compared to our previous cooler.
During intense gaming sessions, our CPU stayed about 10-15 degrees cooler, even with an overclock running.
The standout feature has to be that gorgeous 2.72-inch IPS display. We’ve been cycling between system stats, custom GIFs, and even synced it with our Spotify playlist. The 640×640 resolution makes everything look crisp and vibrant. It’s especially impressive when guests see our PC for the first time – definitely a conversation starter!
Installation went smoother than expected. The single breakout cable design reduced clutter, and the pre-applied thermal paste saved us a step.
The tool-free mounting brackets fit perfectly with our AM5 motherboard, and we were up and running in about 30 minutes.
The RGB Core fans on the radiator balance airflow and aesthetics perfectly. They push plenty of air through the 360mm radiator while creating a stunning lighting effect that we synchronized with our other RGB components.
Even at high speeds, the noise level stays surprisingly low – we can barely hear it over our case fans.
For cooling performance, we’ve seen idle temperatures around 30°C and under load they rarely exceed 65°C, even during stress tests. That’s impressive cooling headroom that gives us confidence for future CPU upgrades.
The pump and fan curves are easily adjustable through NZXT’s software, letting us fine-tune for either maximum cooling or whisper-quiet operation.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best RGB radiator fans can be tricky. We’ll help you figure out what to look for when shopping for these colorful cooling components.
Size Matters
Fan size affects both cooling performance and fit. Most radiator fans come in standard sizes:
| Size | Common Use | Compatibility |
| 120mm | Most common | Works with most radiators |
| 140mm | Larger cases | Needs 140mm radiator support |
| 240mm/360mm | Multiple fan setups | Requires proper case clearance |
Always measure your case and radiator before buying fans.
RGB Features
RGB lighting is why we’re here! Look for fans with:
- LED count: More LEDs mean smoother, more vibrant lighting effects
- Sync compatibility: Make sure fans work with your motherboard’s RGB ecosystem
- Control options: Software control offers more customization than simple remote controls
Performance Specs
Don’t forget the actual cooling performance:
Key performance metrics to check:
- Airflow (measured in CFM)
- Static pressure (measured in mmH₂O)
- Noise level (measured in dB)
Higher static pressure is better for radiators since the air needs to push through the tight fins.
Connection Types
Check what connections your fans need. Some use standard RGB headers while others need proprietary connections or controllers.
We recommend looking for PWM (4-pin) connections for the best speed control.