be quiet!
be quiet! Silent Wings 4 Cooling Fan | 120mm PWM | 3000 RPM | White | BL118
Bottom line: The be quiet! Silent Wings 4 Cooling Fan: Speed switch picks medium, high, or ultra-high-speed PWM, up to 3000 RPM; main trade-off: 3000 RPM ceiling is audible; near-silence only holds at regular speed.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Speed switch picks medium, high, or ultra-high-speed PWM, up to 3000 RPM
- ✓ Funnel-shaped frame outlets and small tip clearance build high static pressure
- ✓ Fluid-dynamic bearing plus 6-pole motor cuts vibration during long runs
- ✓ 5-year manufacturer warranty, longer than most 120mm fan coverage
- ✓ Separate mounting hardware included for case-fan and radiator installs
Cons
- ✗ 3000 RPM ceiling is audible; near-silence only holds at regular speed
- ✗ White BL118 finish clashes with black-themed builds
- ✗ Speed switch is set on the fan, not adjustable from software
- ✗ Pressure-optimized blades favor radiators over open, unrestricted airflow
Manufacturer description
The be quiet! Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM fan is built for the two places airflow actually gets hard: dense heat sink fins and radiator cores. Its optimized blade geometry, small tip clearance, and funnel-shaped air outlets in the frame generate high static pressure, so air pushes through restriction instead of spilling around it. A three-position speed switch lets you pick medium-speed, high-speed, or ultra-high-speed operation topping out at 3000 RPM, which means the same fan can run near-silent on a quiet build or spin up for a heavily loaded custom loop. Underneath, a 6-pole motor paired…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored be quiet! Silent Wings 4 Cooling Fan using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cooling & fans category. be quiet!'s cooling & fans lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for cooling & fans of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the Silent Wings 4 120mm spin?
Up to 3000 RPM in ultra-high-speed mode. The onboard speed switch also offers medium-speed and high-speed settings, and PWM controls the fan within whichever mode you select.
Is this fan good for radiators or just case airflow?
Both. be quiet! optimized the blades for radiators and heat sinks using small tip clearance and funnel-shaped air outlets for high static pressure, and includes individual mounting systems for case-fan or radiator use.
Is it actually quiet at 3000 RPM?
No. be quiet! describes virtually inaudible operation at regular speed, not at the 3000 RPM ultra-high-speed setting. Use the switch's medium-speed mode if silence matters more than peak airflow.
What warranty comes with the Silent Wings 4?
A 5-year manufacturer warranty. Check the product listing for current registration requirements and claim terms in your region.
Key Features
- Optimized fan blades for the highest performance on radiators and heat sinks. Small tip clearance and a fan frame with funnel-shaped air outlets for extremely high air pressure
- Speed switch allows changing maximum PWM speed between medium-speed, high-speed and ultra-high-speed (up to 3000 rpm).
- Small tip clearance and a fan frame with a funnel-shaped air outlet for extremely high air pressure. Virtually inaudible operation at regular speed.
- 6-pole fan motor and fluid-dynamic bearing for less vibration and very smooth operations. Individual mounting systems for use as a case fan or with a radiator.
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Full Specifications
| Brand | be quiet! |
|---|---|
| Model | BL118 |
| Voltage | 12 volts |
| Wattage | 3.6 watts |
| Material | Plastic |
| Set Name | PWM Pro Version |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Noise Level | 36.9 db |
| Part Number | BL118 |
| Compatibility | Switch |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Vibration/Rumble | Yes |
| Air Flow Capacity | 83.9 cfm |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Included Components | 1 product |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Manufacturer |
Ready to buy?
be quiet! Silent Wings 4 Cooling Fan | 120mm PWM | 3000 RPM | White | BL118 is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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