Thermaltake SWAFAN EX12 RGB Magnetic Connection Fans Review

A Closer Look

The fans themselves look fantastic, and there are some pretty significant changes between this version (SWAFAN EX12) and the previous model (SWAFAN 12). The corners are completely redesigned now, with a more chunky frame giving the frame a more square look vs the old that was more curved.

The corners are thicker, with a lot more material and a larger anti-vibration pad on each corner, and on both sides.

The actual magnetic connection system is one of the biggest upgrades, with the previous model all being hard-wired, so as you can see, things are looking pretty clean and tidy here. There’s also a more robust framing, with more fins reaching between the corners, no doubt improving the overall rigidity of the fan. It occurs to me now the thicker frame is likely due to the need to add large magnetic to allow the fans to snap together.

Around the back, there are significant changes here too. The previous model actually had 30 LEDs per fan, these now have 20, as there’s no rear ring. Instead, you get a more boxy design that has a better airflow shape. This allows the fans to actually deliver more CFM at a slightly lower air pressure than before, but overall, the airflow performance should be better for cases.

The devil is in the details when it comes to PC case aesthetics, and honestly, there isn’t an angle where these fans don’t look great. Some fans need to be turned a certain way to hide their ugly underside or something, but not there.

As you can see, just clean male pin connectors on one side, and magnetic mounts, easy enough really.

Oh and of course, the other side has the female connector blocks.

I have a pen, I have an apple.

Apple pen. Well, not exactly but you get the idea, they really do just snap together rather satisfyingly.

Can we do it again?

Yup, it’s just that easy. It says up to three fans, so if you want to go for more, you’ll need another cable and to start a new chain.

Another neat party trick are these reverse fan blades.

You can pop the blades off, allowing you to clean them and maintain them. Actually, Thermaltake include a syringe of lubricant for the motor too!

Then pop the old blade or the new reverse blades in and you’re good to go! Honest, this is just too damn cool, RGB and magnetic stuff are too, but this is the best part in my opinion.