Page 2 - A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
Examining the party of fans Corsair sent us, one can spot the similarities between the three iCUE Link RX fans. The non-illuminated model, the RX120, has an all-black design with a black frame and impeller. Crafted from glass fiber-reinforced liquid crystal polymer, this impeller is made to not bend or buckle under pressure. On the other hand, the RX120 RGB and RX140 RGB have a translucent impeller and side panels on the frame, allowing for the lighting effects to subtly bleed through. These side panels are also removable, providing flexibility according to preference. It is worth mentioning that the RGB versions of the RX line are available in black or white, while the non-RGB variants are exclusively black. In the middle of each fan, Corsair's sails logo is placed on both sides in an understated gray against the black backdrop. In each corner, there is a circular rubber pad around the mounting hole. This provides dampening for the fan by reducing vibration and the resultant noise that the fan may make when affixed to something less flexible. Overall, the fans are pretty typical in terms of appearances.
Internally, all Corsair iCUE Link RX fans utilize magnetic dome bearings. According to Corsair, these bearings enable the fans to rotate without making direct contact through the suspension of the rotor within the fan casing. Consequently, this will minimize friction and wear. Furthermore, the magnetic dome bearings should result in a reduced sound output and a longer life span compared to traditional or hydraulic bearings. Corsair has not provided any expected numbers for their iCUE Link RX fans, but they have provided a 5-year warranty for some peace-of-mind.
When inspecting the blades on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 and RX120 RGB fans, they share similar characteristics, differing mainly in materials. Likewise, the RX140 RGB fan differs only in size. However, all three of these fan models have seven blades on their impellers. Each blade has a wider profile, particularly as it extends towards the tip. There are distinct gaps between each fin with no overlap. The angle each blade is positioned in relation to the rotating middle varies from approximately 60 degrees near the output side to 30 degrees near the input. This change comes from the convex curve of the fin, resulting in a different angle between each side. The blades hook out to create further curvature at the ends, with the tips forming a sickle-like bend. Otherwise, the blades are smooth, lacking any dimples or markings.
On the flip side, nine thin arms support the middle area, which only minimally obstructs flow. Initially, I was surprised there were more arms than usual, as it could impede airflow more than fans with fewer supports. However, these act as stator vanes to direct the air more effectively out the back. In addition, the increased number of arms reduces the likelihood of catching fingers on a moving impeller. Regarding sound, airflow, and static pressure, the following insights have been borrowed from my colleague Jonathan Kwan's review of the Noctua NF-F12 PWM and NF-P12 PWM fans.
Noise and CFM, or cubic feet per minute, are closely related challenges when designing fans, as designers intend to achieve the best airflow-to-noise ratio. One would want the best amount of airflow while keeping it as quiet as possible. Even with the best ratio, it is quite difficult to measure objectively at all times. The most common unit of objective measurement is CFM for airflow and dB for noise. We will go over how application and CFM is related with regards to its standard measurements, but let us discuss perceived noise first.
dB, or Decibels, is a logarithmic unit of sound intensity. While it provides what appears to be an objective measurement for the most part, it should be noted that perceived noise levels to the human ear and actual sound intensity could result in very different perceptions. Human ears are more sensitive to particular frequencies, and when those particular frequencies are emitted from their source, it may appear louder than its numerical value suggests. The same can be said vice-versa -- frequencies that human ears are less sensitive to can actually have higher dB measurements from a sound meter, yet the human ears do not perceive it to be as loud as the numbers suggest. Other factors such as turbulence noise are often not measured correctly, therefore, while it usually provides a good reference, it does not necessarily reflect real life performance all the time. As such, a scaled unit of dBA, or Decibels A-weighted, is used to measure sound scaled to the human hearing threshold.
With considering the application and CFM of a fan, it is generally optimal to prioritize a high air volume flow rate. However, pure CFM values have limitations in indicating fan performance. It is not solely about how much air in can move per minute quantitatively, but equally important is how effectively it performs in real-world scenarios. The airflow-to-noise ratio plays a crucial role, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, static pressure is a key consideration depending on the application. High-resistance scenarios, such as dense fins on a large heatsink, require high static pressure, whereas case fans need less static pressure and faster airflow. There are instances where case fans may also benefit from higher static pressure, such as the front intake fans behind a mesh grille. Some fans are simply designed for different purposes, so choose one appropriate for your needs.
As for the Corsair iCUE Link RX lineup, each model has its own set of specifications. This discrepancy in numbers is expected, considering the different materials used for the blades in the RGB and non-RGB variants. Starting with the RX120, this fan operates at a maximum speed of 2100RPM and produces up to 74.2CFM airflow, 36dBA noise, and 4.38mmH2O air pressure. Next, the RX120 RGB also operates at a maximum of 2100RPM, but yields slightly lower airflow and air pressure, with figures of 73.5CFM and 4.33mmH2O, respectively. However, it maintains the same noise level of 36dbA. Finally, the RX140 RGB, spinning at a maximum 1700RPM, produces up to 97.5CFM airflow, 36dbA noise, and 3.75mmH2O air pressure. These specifications indicate all of these fans are suitable for use in both free-flowing or more restrictive environments. Moreover, this lineup of fans supports a zero RPM mode, enabling you to completely stop fans' movement while they remain connected, if you so desire.
One notable aspect of these Corsair iCUE Link RX fans is their ability to be daisy-chained together via a proprietary connector, allowing for a single connection to control multiple fans. Unlike some other fans, such as the Thermaltake SWAFAN EX14 ARGB Sync, which use magnets and pogo pins for connecting, the iCUE Link RX fans rely on physical connections. Each fan has two slots on the side. One slot houses an exposed PCB with metal contact points. The other slot is an empty space. With plastic connectors, you can connect the same slots to each other. These connectors are distinct from each other, preventing accidental mixing.
Compared to a magnetic solution, this physical connection ensures the fans stay attached at all times. Additionally, Corsair included extension cables, allowing users to connect the fans on different sides if needed. According to the manufacturer, you can connect up to twelve fans on each channel. Given the hub has two channels, this allows for up to twenty-four iCUE devices per hub.
Included with every multi-fan pack of the Corsair iCUE Link fans are essential accessories. While single fans are also available separately, it is important to note that at least one hub and connection are required. At the top, we have two cables with the proprietary Corsair headers. These are used to connect the fans to the hub or between devices. One cable is longer, measuring 60cm, while the other is shorter at 15cm. Next, we have a cable to power the hub, which connects to a 6-pin PCIe power connection. In the middle of the accessories, we have the hub itself with the Corsair logo in the center. Each of the two sides of the hub have exposed PCB headers with one for each channel. Meanwhile, the bottom of the hub houses more connectors to power and connect the hub to your system. The hub communicates via a Micro USB-to-internal USB 2.0 header cable, which is 50cm in length.
At the bottom of the image, we have the contents of the two paper bags. On the left are the plastic headers to connect between the fans. The three-set kits come with two pairs of these headers, while the two-set kits only come with one. On the right, we find the screws to mount the fans. Although this might seem mundane, these screws are notably different. The feature only a single thread going up the stem. Corsair calls this their QuikTurn screws, as it only requires a single turn to keep the fan mounted. This feature is especially helpful for reducing installation time, especially with multiple fans. Additionally, these screws offer more durability compared to rubber pegs, which may stiffen and break over time.
The lighting on the Corsair iCUE Link RX120 RGB and RX140 RGB offers an overall impressive visual experience. Each fan holds a total of eight LEDs inside the impeller, emitting light from the center. While this configuration results in some gaps between each light, it still produces a captivating effect. Both the 120mm and 140mm fans boast vibrant lighting and illuminate the entire impeller, extending from the center to the tips of the blades. The translucent side frames further enhance the lighting by creating a diffused effect for a noted touch of elegance.
As expected from Corsair's products, the iCUE Link RX lineup seamlessly integrates with their iCUE software, a versatile utility used for managing various Corsair devices. The current version, iCUE 5, is readily available for download from the manufacturer's website, with the executable file being 3.2MB in size. Once the hub is connected, iCUE automatically installs the necessary modules to work with the fans. For the iCUE Link RX series of fans, there is one module for the hub and another for the fans.
The module for the fans consists of three main pages. The first tab, Lighting Playback, allows you to customize the lighting effects on the fans. Here, you have access to a wide range of lighting effects and colors, including multiple static and dynamic modes. Additionally, you can assign colors to indicate different system statuses, such as temperatures. The Lighting Effects tab is used to set lights while iCUE is active, while the Hardware Lighting tab is used for saving effects to the hub itself for use when iCUE is not running. Under the Cooling tab, you can choose from different cooling presets and fan curves. There are default presets like Quiet, Balanced, and Extreme, but you also have the option to create your own presets and fan curves according to your preferences. Each channel can be set to its own preset. The Device Settings section offers additional fan-specific settings that can be adjusted.
The module for the Link System Hub is straightforward and displays all connected fans or devices. It allows you to identify each fan, making it easier to set up the lighting correctly. Additionally, you can use this module to update firmware. Overall, the iCUE app offers a polished and user-friendly interface, although it is a bit resource-intensive when running.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
