ID-COOLING 120mm Slim ARGB Fan vs ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR 120mm Case Fan: Spec Comparison
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When choosing between the id cooling no 12015 xt argb 120mm slim pwm vs as 120 argb wr 120mm, you need to match the fan to your build space. Both are 120mm ARGB fans from ID-COOLING that sync with 5V 3-pin motherboards. The main difference is thickness. The NO-12015-XT is a slim 15mm fan for tight spaces. The AS-120-ARGB-WR is a standard 25mm fan with reverse airflow for better airflow and lighting visibility.
Key differences
| Aspect | ID-COOLING 120mm Slim ARGB Fan | ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR Reverse Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 15mm | 25mm |
| Max Airflow | 54.6 CFM | 53 CFM |
| Blade Design | Standard | Reverse |
| Static Pressure | Not listed | 1.67 mmH₂O |
| Noise Level | 13.8~31.2 dB(A) | 28.3 dB(A) max |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ID-COOLING 120mm Slim ARGB Fan if
- You are building in a tight space like an ITX case or low-profile HTPC.
- You need a fan that fits under slim CPU coolers or radiator mounts.
- You want slightly higher maximum airflow for general case ventilation.
Choose ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR Reverse Fan if
- You want reverse airflow to keep the RGB side visible and reduce intake whistling.
- You need static pressure for mounting on radiators or dense mesh grills.
- You prefer a standard 25mm thickness for wider compatibility with most cases.
Verdict: Choose the NO-12015-XT if your build has strict height limits or uses low-profile cooling. Pick the AS-120-ARGB-WR if you want reverse airflow for cleaner aesthetics and better performance on radiators.
Slim Profile vs Standard Build
Physical Thickness
The ID-COOLING NO-12015-XT-ARGB measures just 15mm thick, making it the clear choice for tight spaces. Its 0.63-inch height allows installation on low-profile CPU coolers, HTPCs, and ITX builds where standard fans do not fit. In contrast, the ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR is a standard 25mm thick fan with a 0.98-inch height. This larger profile fits most PC cases and radiators but requires more vertical clearance. If your case or cooler has limited space, the slim design of Product A is essential. Product B is better for standard mid-tower or full-tower cases with ample room.
Airflow Performance
When comparing raw air movement, the ID-COOLING NO-12015-XT-ARGB moves 54.6 CFM of air at its maximum speed. The ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR provides 53 CFM. Both fans reach a maximum speed of 2,000 RPM, but the slim fan pushes slightly more air volume. However, the AS-120-ARGB-WR lists a static pressure of 1.67 mmH₂O, which helps push air through dense radiators or dust filters. The slim fan does not list static pressure in the provided data. For general case ventilation, the NO-12015-XT-ARGB has a slight edge in airflow. For radiator cooling, the AS-120-ARGB-WR’s static pressure specification is more relevant.
Noise Levels
Noise output varies by speed for both fans. The ID-COOLING NO-12015-XT-ARGB operates between 13.8 and 31.2 dB(A). The ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR lists a maximum noise level of 28.3 dB(A). At lower speeds, the slim fan can be quieter, starting at 13.8 dB(A). At maximum speed, the standard fan is quieter, staying below 28.3 dB(A) while the slim fan reaches 31.2 dB(A). If you prioritize silence at low speeds, Product A is better. If you need quiet operation at high performance, Product B maintains a lower maximum decibel rating. Both are PWM controlled for dynamic adjustment.
Airflow Direction
The ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR features a reverse blade design. This allows the RGB side to face outward while the airflow direction is reversed. This is useful for intake fans where you want to see the lights through the side panel. The ID-COOLING NO-12015-XT-ARGB does not specify reverse airflow in the data. It follows standard airflow direction. If you need reverse airflow for a specific case layout or aesthetic, Product B is the only option. For standard exhaust or intake configurations, Product A works normally. The reverse design also helps reduce intake whistling from case grills.
Compatibility Scenarios
The ID-COOLING NO-12015-XT-ARGB is designed for space-restricted applications. It fits low-profile coolers and ITX builds where a 25mm fan would not fit. The ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR is designed for standard compatibility. It fits most PC cases, CPU air coolers, and radiators. It is ideal for side intake, bottom intake, and rear fan positions. If you are building a small form factor PC, Product A is necessary. If you are building a standard ATX or larger case, Product B offers more versatile mounting options and standard dimensions.
Which case fan fits your build
ITX or HTPC builders with tight space
You need the slim 15mm profile to fit low-profile coolers or small form factor cases. This fan measures only 0.63 inches tall, allowing installation where standard 25mm fans cannot fit. It delivers 54.6 CFM of airflow in restricted spaces while maintaining ARGB sync via a 5V 3-pin connector.
Standard ATX builders wanting reverse airflow
You want clean RGB lighting on the intake side without frame struts blocking the view. The reverse blade design keeps the ARGB side outward while pushing air efficiently. It offers 53 CFM airflow and 1.67 mmH2O static pressure, making it suitable for side or bottom intake positions in standard cases.
Users prioritizing quiet operation at low speeds
You prefer minimal noise during light tasks. This fan starts at 500 RPM, providing a quieter baseline compared to the competitor which starts at 300 RPM but maxes out at 28.3 dB. Its 13.8 dB minimum noise level ensures silent operation when system demands are low, while still reaching 2,000 RPM.
The products compared
ID-COOLING 120mm Slim ARGB Fan
Best for: tight ITX and low-profile builds
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2, 000 rpm
- Max Airflow
- 54.6CFM
- Noise Level
- 13.8~31.2dB(A)
- Connector Type
- PWM
- Lighting Type
- 5V 3PIN ARGB
View on Amazon: ID-COOLING 120mm Slim ARGB Fan Affiliate link
This 120mm fan measures just 15mm thick, making it ideal for tight spaces like ITX builds or low-profile coolers. It uses PWM control to adjust speed from 500 to 2,000 rpm. You get 54.6 CFM of airflow with noise levels between 13.8 and 31.2 dB(A). The 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting syncs with motherboards. It fits well when space is limited.
Pros
- 15mm slim profile saves space
- PWM speed control from 500 to 2,000 rpm
- 54.6 CFM max airflow
- 5V 3-pin ARGB sync
Cons
- Thinner build may limit max static pressure
- Requires 5V 3-pin ARGB header
- No included speed controller
Good fit if
- You have space-restricted ITX builds
- You need low-profile CPU cooler fans
- You want slim case fans with ARGB
Skip if
- You need high static pressure for radiators
- Your motherboard lacks 5V ARGB headers
- You prefer thicker 25mm fans for airflow
Verdict: ID-COOLING 120mm Slim ARGB Fan fits users who need a thin fan for tight cases. It offers adjustable speed and RGB sync for small builds.
ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR Reverse Fan
Best for: quiet intake fans with clean RGB
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM
- Max Airflow
- 53 CFM
- Static Pressure
- 1.67 mmH₂O
- Noise Level
- 28.3 dB(A)
- Lighting Type
- ARGB
View on Amazon: ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR Reverse Fan Affiliate link
This is a 120mm reverse airflow case fan designed for clean RGB visibility. It delivers up to 53 CFM of airflow and 1.67 mmH₂O of static pressure. The noise level peaks at 28.3 dB(A). Its reverse blade design keeps the RGB side facing outward. It suits users who need side or bottom intake fans for quiet, efficient cooling.
Pros
- Reverse blade design for outward-facing RGB
- Max airflow of 53 CFM
- Quiet operation at 28.3 dB(A)
- 1.67 mmH₂O static pressure
Cons
- Lower static pressure than standard fans
- No app control mentioned in data
- Single ARGB lighting type only
Good fit if
- You want clean RGB visibility on intakes
- You need quiet side or bottom intake
- You prefer reverse airflow for aesthetics
Skip if
- You need high static pressure for radiators
- You want smart app control features
- You require multiple lighting zones
Verdict: ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR 120mm Reverse Fan fits users prioritizing clean RGB aesthetics on intake positions. It offers quiet performance for everyday computing and gaming setups.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ID-COOLING 120mm Slim ARGB Fan | ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR Reverse Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120mm | 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 2, 000 rpm | 2000 RPM |
| Max Airflow | 54.6CFM | 53 CFM |
| Static Pressure | not stated | 1.67 mmH₂O |
| Noise Level | 13.8~31.2dB(A) | 28.3 dB(A) |
| Connector Type | PWM | not stated |
| Lighting Type | 5V 3PIN ARGB | ARGB |
| Blade Direction | not stated | Reverse |
| Lighting | ARGB | ARGB |
| Dimensions | 4.72 × 4.72 × 0.63 inches | 4.72 × 4.72 × 0.98 inches |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces | not stated |
| Color | black | not stated |
| Model | NO-12015-XT-ARGB | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Can the ID-COOLING AS-120-ARGB-WR fit in a standard 120mm fan mount?
Yes, it fits standard mounts. The AS-120-ARGB-WR measures 4.72 inches by 4.72 inches, matching the standard 120mm footprint. Its 0.98-inch height allows it to sit in typical case slots. You can install it in most mid-tower or full-tower cases without clearance issues.
Is the ID-COOLING 120mm Slim ARGB Fan heavy?
It is quite light. The fan weighs only 3.53 ounces. This low weight helps reduce vibration in tight spaces. You can mount it on low-profile coolers or small ITX cases without worrying about excessive mass adding stress to the mounting points.
What is the height difference between the two fans?
The Slim version is much thinner. It stands at 0.63 inches tall. The AS-120-ARGB-WR is 0.98 inches tall. This 0.35-inch difference matters for low-profile CPU coolers. You need the 0.63-inch model if your cooler clearance is under one inch.
Do both fans support ARGB lighting?
Yes, both support ARGB. The Slim fan features ARGB lighting for color customization. The AS-120-ARGB-WR also includes ARGB. Both connect to 5V 3-pin headers on your motherboard. You can sync the colors with your system’s lighting software.
Which fan is better for a quiet intake setup?
The AS-120-ARGB-WR is designed for this. It is a reverse fan optimized for quiet intake performance. The Slim fan is built for tight spaces, not primarily for quiet intake. If you need clean aesthetics and quiet operation in a standard slot, choose the AS-120-ARGB-WR.
Can I use the Slim fan in a standard ATX case?
You can, but it is not ideal. The Slim fan fits 120mm mounts, but its 0.63-inch height limits airflow. Standard cases usually benefit from the thicker 0.98-inch AS-120-ARGB-WR for better air movement. Use the Slim fan only if you have specific low-profile constraints.