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Best 120mm Fans?
Review Summary
The Deepcool MF120S fans are an improved version of the award-winning MF120 fans, with the addition of PC connectivity and control. They feature a frameless design made of aluminum alloy, double-layered blades, and RGB lighting. The fans come with a range of accessories, including a fan hub and PWM extension cables. The fans have good thermal performance but produce high noise levels, which can be controlled using the included Low Noise Adapter cable. A pack of 3 MF120S fans is priced at $89.99 on Amazon
Hours Tested: 2-3 hours
Overall
-
Performance - 9/10
9/10
-
Build Quality - 9/10
9/10
-
Looks - 9/10
9/10
-
Value - 9/10
9/10
Pros
- Good Performance
- Solid Build Quality
- Looks and RGB
- Accessories
Cons
- High Noise
- Limited Control Options
Dive into the world of cutting-edge PC cooling with our review of the DeepCool MF120S 3-Fans Pack. Born from Deepcool’s commitment to innovation, these fans seamlessly marry style and performance. Building on the success of its predecessor, the MF120S introduces motherboard control, addressing user feedback for a more personalized experience.
With a frameless design crafted from 100% aluminum alloy, vibrant 16.7M true-colour RGB lighting, and impressive thermal performance, these fans redefine the enthusiast’s choice. Join us as we explore the features, specifications, and real-world testing that make the MF120S a standout in the world of PC cooling solutions.
Key Takeaways
- The DeepCool MF120S 3-Fans Pack is a cutting-edge PC cooling solution featuring a frameless design, crafted from 100% aluminum alloy.
- You should get the DeepCool MF120S 3-Fans Pack if you prioritize style and performance, want motherboard control for a personalized experience, and need a versatile cooling solution suitable for both case and radiator cooling.
- You should not get the DeepCool MF120S 3-Fans Pack if you are sensitive to noise or don’t need advanced RGB lighting.
- Why you can trust Tech4Gamers: We understand the importance of making informed decisions. That’s why our team spends significant time testing every product we review. Find out more about how we test.
| Fan Dimensions | 120×120×26 mm |
| Net Weight | 478 g |
| Fan Speed | 500~2000 RPM±10% |
| Fan Airflow | 45.4 CFM |
| Fan Air Pressure | 1.67 mmAq |
| Fan Noise | ≤33.4 dB(A) |
| Fan Speed (with LSP) | 400~1500 RPM±10% |
| Fan Airflow (with LSP) | 37.1 CFM |
| Fan Air Pressure (with LSP) | 0.79 mmAq |
| Fan Noise (with LSP) | ≤26 dB(A) |
| Fan Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| Bearing Type | Hydro Bearing |
Packaging And Unboxing
Accessories
The following are included in the box:
- 3x LED Fans
- 1x 4-port Fan Hub
- 1x 5-port LED Hub
- 1x ARGB Extension Cable A
- 1x ARGB Extension Cable B
- 1x ARGB Controller
- 3x 4-pin Low Noise Adapters
- 12x Rubber Buckles
- 12x Radiator Screws
Closer Look
The MF120S is an award-winning frameless RGB PC Case Fan with a unique design featuring a seamless all-aluminum frame. Key features include:
- Frameless design with a 100% Aluminum alloy skeleton frame.
- Two-layer blower blades for maximum efficiency and suspended fan mounting for better airflow.
- 16.7M true color LEDs with 36 interchangeable lighting modes.
- RGB effects are controllable through the included controller and specified motherboards.
- PWM control ready with LSP function, suitable for both case and radiator use.
- WS2812B ADD-RGB LED and compatible with 5V/D/G and 5V/D/NC/G headers on mainstream motherboards.
With a dimension of 120x120x26mm, the MF120S stands out with its innovative design and versatile RGB lighting options. This fan is the second from Deepcool with a 26mm height, distinguishing it in the market. Here are the specifications:
| Dimension | 120x120x26mm |
| Speed | 500~2000± RPM |
| Sound Level | ≤33.4 dBA |
| Air Pressure | 1.67mmAq* |
| Airflow | 45.4 CFM |
| Speed with LSP** | 400~1500± RPM |
| Sound Level | ≤26 dBA |
| Air Pressure | 0.79 mmAq |
| Bearing Type | Hydro Bearings |
| Voltage | 12VDC |
| Current | 0.17A |
| Power Consumption | 2 W |
LSP here means Low Noise Adapter. Deepcool has provided three LSP cables, each having a length of approximately 80 mm. The user is advised to connect each LSP cable directly to the fan’s 4-pin PWM cable before using any fan hub or splitter cable.
Examining the fan’s front, note the frameless, all-aluminum alloy structure for unrestricted airflow. The two-arm design, 113mm each, in silver, holds diffusers with RGB LEDs. The top edges have a hexogen-patterned black cover with a GamerStorm logo and 26mm depth.
The double-layered blades, akin to the TF120 series, enhance efficiency in the 9-blade setup. Robust build quality is evident, with no blade flex during the suspended implementation.
Each mounting hole is covered with anti-vibration black pads, and a GamerStorm logo is on the motor hub. Diffusers are attached to the aluminum body with a black cover underneath for smooth color diffusion. The front side, with aluminum arms, intakes air; the backside, with blades and a white GamerStorm logo, expels air.
Deepcool provides 12 screws for radiator installation and rubber buckles for chassis mounting. Secure fans in the chassis so the frame is between rubber buckles and fans.
The MF120 has a micro-USB port, connecting to the controller. The MF120S has two flat cables from one arm: a 3-pin LED cable (437mm) and a 4-pin PWM cable (337mm) with a stable connection to the fan, unlike the MF120s.
The standing fan has a sleek design with top-notch finishing and an angular surface for a pleasing look. Deepcool includes a slim 4-port fan hub in the package, featuring numbered ports and a GamerStorm engraving.
The hub’s other side has 3M adhesive tape for easy chassis installation, and it comes with a 392mm 4-pin PWM cable. They also provide a 400mm 4-pin PWM extension cable. The hub is useful for a push/pull setup, ensuring all four fans run at the same speed. Port one, marked in white, regulates all connected fans with its PWM signal.
RGB Lighting
Deepcool’s RGB hardware includes a 16.7M true color system with 5 effects and 36 modes. Addressable RGB LEDs use a 3-pin cable with a SATA-powered controller. Cable lengths: 400mm for power, 370mm for RGB.
The controller has three buttons (+ for modes, middle for brightness, and – to switch modes). Mounting may be an issue – accessible outside for convenience, or inside, requiring opening the side panel.
Deepcool bundles an RGB hub for syncing up to 5 ARGB devices, connectable to either a dedicated controller or the motherboard’s lighting header. The hub’s user-friendly design includes magnets and 3M adhesive.
The package also includes an RGB Sync cable for modern motherboards like AURA, Mystic Lighting, and RGB Fusion, along with two RGB LED extension cables supporting +5V/D//G and +5V/D/G for versatile motherboard lighting solutions.
Deepcool is using WS2812B ADD-RGB LEDs on the CF120 and the block of this cooler. Deepcool has left no corner uncovered. Here are some technical data on the LEDs:
| LED Type | Addressable |
| Rated Voltage | 5V |
| Rated Current | 0.76A |
| Rated Power | 3.8W |
| LED Connector | 3pin (+5V-D-G) |
| LED Control | Motherboard with addressable RGB header/ADD-RGB Controller |
Here are some RGB lighting pictures for your eye pleasure:
Testing And Results
I am only testing the thermal performance of these fans for which the following configuration is used:
- Asus Rampage V Edition 10
- Intel i7 6850k
- Corsair Vengeance RED LED 16GB @ 2666MHz
- Deepcool Captain 240 Pro
- Asus ROG Strix GeForce RTX 2080 O8G
- Samsung 840 EVO 250GB SSD
- WD Black 6TB
- Corsair AX1200i
The following software was used for testing and monitoring.
- Asus Real Bench v 2.44 [Intel]
- Real Temp GT v 3.70 [Intel]
I used Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste on my test bench for standardization and to eliminate performance variations. Currently testing coolers with bundled thermal paste too. Here is the voltage and clock information:
| Intel Platform | |
| Clock (MHz) | Voltage (V) |
| 3600 | 1.130 |
| 4300 | 1.350 |
I ran Asus RealBench for a minimum of 30 minutes to stress the CPU. RealTemp monitored thermals. Average temperature was calculated from individual core temps divided by 6, minus ambient temperature for delta temperature.
Tests ran with stock fans on Deepcool Captain 240 Pro, followed by stress tests with MF120S. Fans and pump set to full speed. MF120S reported 1980 RPM in BIOS, and 1502 RPM using LSP cable, validating rated speeds.
Here are the results:
Sound
I could not measure the sound level of the unit due to uncontrollable environmental noises. Based on my experience with the fans and coolers testing, the fans on the cooler are very loud and are teasing.
There was a humming noise coming from them when mounted on the radiator. A custom fan curve can be helpful in case you are sitting too close to the PC or are a sound-conscious person like me or better use an LSP cable.
Should You Buy It or Not?
After a thorough examination of the DeepCool MF120S 3-Fans Pack, I’ve concluded that:
Buy It If:
✅You prioritize style and performance: The DeepCool MF120S 3-Fans Pack seamlessly marries a frameless design crafted from 100% aluminum alloy with vibrant 16.7M true-color RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing and high-performance cooling solution.
✅You want motherboard control: The inclusion of motherboard control addresses user feedback, providing a more personalized experience for enthusiasts who want greater control over their PC setup.
✅Versatility is key: The MF120S is versatile, catering to both case and radiator cooling, making it an ideal choice for users who need flexibility in their cooling solutions.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You are sensitive to noise: The reviewer notes that the fans can be loud, especially when mounted on a radiator. If you prioritize a quiet computing environment, this might be a drawback.
❌You don’t need advanced RGB lighting: If RGB lighting is not a priority for you or if you prefer a more straightforward and minimalistic design, the extensive RGB features of the MF120S may not be necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diving into the world of cutting-edge PC cooling with the DeepCool MF120S 3-Fans Pack has been an enlightening experience. The frameless design, crafted from 100% aluminum alloy, coupled with a vibrant 16.7M true-color RGB lighting system offering 36 interchangeable modes, truly allows users to personalize their PC setup.
Through real-world testing, the MF120S has demonstrated impressive thermal performance, making it a standout choice for PC cooling. Its versatility, catering to both case and radiator cooling, adds to its appeal, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of users.
If you prioritize style, performance, and the ability to personalize your PC setup, the MF120S is a compelling choice. On the other hand, if you are sensitive to noise or don’t require advanced RGB lighting, it’s worth weighing these factors in your decision.
In my evaluation, the MF120S is a logical outcome of Deepcool’s commitment to excellence and if you’re looking for a top-notch PC cooling solution that combines innovation, style, and performance, the Deepcool MF120S 3-Fans Pack is certainly worth considering.
Recent Updates
- December 16, 2023: A few text changes to improve readability.
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[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]
Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.
As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.
- 15+ years of PC Building Experience
- 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
- 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
- A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
- I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
- Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
- Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech
Get In Touch: nauman@old.tech4gamers.com
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