Jan 20, 2021

Frostec FS-120A ARGB 120mm Fans Review

Frostec is an Indian brand launched by Mumbai based EZPZ Solutions. EZPZ Solutions is a well-known System Integrator in the gaming PC and Workstation Systems space. Headed by young and dynamic people, it is refreshing to see that they are looking at doing something apart from the stereotype. They are looking at introducing new products to the market. The first of their products to have been introduced are these Frostec FS-120A ARGB 120mm Fans. They have sent us 3 x Fans for testing reviewing purposes. Without wasting much time, let’s get on with it.

Specifications:

Overall Dimensions: 120(L) x 120(W) x 25(H)
Net Weight: 135.2 Gm
Operating Voltage: 8~13.2V DC
Rated Speed: 1000 +/- 200 – 2000 +/- 200 RPM
Rated Voltage: 12V DC
Bearing Type: Hydro bearing
Power Interface: 4 Pin
Lifetime: 40,000 Hrs
Air Volume: 57 CFM
Rated Current: 0.23A
Max Noise: 26.3 dBA

Unboxing :

Fan Specifications mentioned in multiple languages on the back of the box. Always welcomed!

The fans have a black frame but translucent white blades for the ARGB lighting to reflect efficiently. It is interesting to note that all the fins are bound together by a peripheral ring which makes sure that the blades stand a lesser risk of breaking. Smart!

The unique feature that we found extremely useful is that the PWM power connector as well as the ARGB connector are both capable of daisy-chaining reducing the usage of splitters and hubs for the same functionality.

The feel of these fans is solid. They do not feel cheap and flimsy. Expecting them to perform equally well.

The fans come with preinstalled rubber pads on all 4 corners. These act as vibration and sound dampeners.

Testing :

The focus of this review is performance. We shall not be venturing into the aesthetics of these fans with respect to their ARGB lighting. I am sure you all shall see them featured in YouTube videos and other reviews which would focus more on aesthetics and also in Build photos.

For testing, we shall be using both Intel 10th Gen as well as AMD Ryzen platforms.

Test Systems :

Intel

Intel Core i9 10900KF (10Cores/20Threads)
Asrock Z490 Taichi Motherboard
Asus ROG Strix LC360 AIO Liquid Cooler (Asetek Design)
Galax Geforce GTX 1650 4GB Low Profile GPU
Gskill Ripjaw V 4000MHz 16GB x 2 Dual Channel Kit
SuperFlower Leadex Gold 1600W Full Modular PSU

AMD

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (16Core/32Threads)
Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard
Asus ROG Strix LC360 AIO Liquid Cooler (Asetek Design)
Galax Geforce GTX 1650 4GB Low Profile GPU
Gskill Ripjaw V 4000MHz 16GB x 2 Dual Channel Kit
SuperFlower Leadex Gold 1600W Full Modular PSU

The testing would be irrelevant if there are no reference points to compare the performance with. For this, we have included 4 more different brand fans in this testing. 5 different makes of fans were mounted on the AIO radiator in push orientation.

Fans used for testing :

Frostec FS-120A ARGB 120mm Fans
CoolerMaster Sickleflow ARGB 120mm Fans
Deepcool MF120GT ARGB 120mm Fans
Silverstone Air Blazer 120i Lite ARGB 120mm Fans
Asus Strix LC360 Stock NON ARGB 120mm Fans

4 different presets were used for analyzing the performance. They are as follows :

Intel -

CPU – Auto Turbo Boost + Pump Speed – Full + Fan Speed – Auto
CPU – Auto Turbo Boost + Pump Speed – Full + Fan Speed – Full
CPU – 5.2GHz All Core + Pump Speed – Full + Fan Speed – Auto
CPU – 5.2GHz All Core + Pump Speed – Full + Fan Speed – Full

AMD -

CPU – Auto Turbo Boost + Pump Speed – Full + Fan Speed – Auto
CPU – Auto Turbo Boost + Pump Speed – Full + Fan Speed – Full
CPU – 4.4GHz All Core + Pump Speed – Full + Fan Speed – Auto
CPU – 4.4GHz All Core + Pump Speed – Full + Fan Speed – Full

Thermal paste application used was as shown above for both platforms. From our internal testing, we have found that an evenly spread thin layer of thermal paste gives the best thermal response irrespective of the cooling used.

Results :

Observations & Conclusions:

All 5 different brand fans have different specifications and hence their operating fan speed varies from model to model but in terms of performance, they are almost neck to neck with each other.
Asus Strix LC360 Stock Fans were the fastest at ~2400 RPM but they were also the loudest.
Frostec FS-120A Fans followed second in terms of RPM, inching very close to 2100 RPM but weren’t as loud as the Asus ones but then there is a difference of approximately 300 rpm.
Even at ~2100 RPM the Frostec fans although audible, were not annoying or intrusive.
As far as thermal performance goes, the Frostec fans were beaten only by the Asus ones but then as mentioned above, there is a ~300RPM gap too
Asus Stock fans are not ARGB either. The remaining 4 contenders were all ARGB LED fans and amongst them, Frostec managed to grab the top spot although by a razor-thin margin.
Daisy chain capability for PWM Power as well as ARGB cables is the biggest bonus point for the Frostec Fans in our opinion.
The approx price in the market for these fans is expected to be in the range of 1,000~1,200 Rs. Per Unit including GST.
Considering the price, features, and performance, we honestly feel that it is a very good offering which offers a perfect balance of everything you could ask for.

Taking all the factors into consideration, we give these fans a well-deserved Silver Award!