I've said it before during the course of this review and I will say it again: The be quiet! Light Wings 120 mm high-speed version is not just a faster version of the regular version. As such, this review is not going to be representative of the standard version that has a lower maximum RPM, but completely different impeller with two fewer blades and a design more conducive for radiator fans than this more static-pressure optimized set.

Imagine my surprise then that this supposedly better version for watercooling fared among the worst of the tested fans when it comes to pure performance as a radiator fan. Well, it may not have been that much of a surprise given be quiet!'s history, including for the Silent Wings 3 that is closer in DNA to the regular version and only does well on a performance/noise basis. There were also several points during the course of the review where I felt be quiet! was prioritizing RGB lighting over performance. After all, there are two separate cable-management options for the LED cable—daisy chain and hub—and there is even a small ring cutout at the back for even more RGB. The Light Wings 120 doesn't do anything fancy, as with the recently seen LCP blades, wholly sealed magnetic levitation bearings, etc., and isn't inexpensive.

Good things it isn't not cheap in the true sense of the word then. I admittedly thought performance would be similar to the Silent Wings in terms of airflow and noise, possibly worse due to the compromise in blade size owing to the LED ring in the frame. I mentioned already how these are not pure performers; there are far better options there. However, the extended RPM and control ranges make up for this a lot. Helping further, and arguably the reason these are recommended by me, is that the relatively low airflow is paired with even lower relative noise output to where the new be quiet! Light Wings 120 mm high-speed fans are the best tested fans for performance/noise to date on TechPowerUp. They also manage to hang well with the big boys from Noctua and Thermaltake, and sample variation was minimal. There's a lot to like here, just make sure you get the triple pack of the high-speed version!