Gamdias Notus M1-1201 ARGB Fan Review

1. Gamdias Notus M1-1201 ARGB2. Test Results3. Closing Thoughts4. View All Pages

Today we are taking a look at some budget 120mm fans with reversible blades. The Gamdias Notus M1-1201 ARGB fans take the pain out of selecting forward and reverse blade fans for your build, with both forward and reverse blades included in the kit that can be quickly swapped out to suit fan placement in your case. We’ll test noise, CPU/GPU temperature and case thermals in this review to see if they represent good value or just another noisy budget fan.

Features:

• Clean ARGB implementation – Notus M1-1201 ARGB is equipped with addressable RGB lighting that connects directly to a standard 3-pin 5V headers, allowing simple synchronisation with motherboard software.
• Optimal cooling performance – Featuring a speed range of 400–1600 RPM, maximum airflow of 57.56 CFM and 1.75 mmH₂O max static pressure, making it suitable for both case ventilation and use on radiators and heat sinks.
• Refined acoustics and operation – A hydraulic bearing and narrow blade-tip clearance help keep noise levels under control, to provide a sensible balance between airflow and acoustics rather than prioritising one over the expense of the other.
• Useful design choices – Anti-vibration pads and the inclusion of interchangeable forward and reverse blades adds flexibility for different airflow setups without overcomplicating installation.

Specifications:

• Model: Notus M1-1201 ARGB
• Package contents: Fan x1, Reverse fan blade x1, Lubricant x1
• Fan size: 120 mm
• Dimensions: 120 × 120 × 25 mm
• Lighting effect: Addressable RGB (ARGB)
• LED count: 8 LEDs
• Bearing type: Hydraulic bearing
• Connectors: 4-pin PWM fan connector, 3-pin ARGB connector
• Fan speed: 400–1600 RPM (±10%)
• Maximum airflow: 57.56 CFM
• Static pressure: 1.75 mmH₂O
• Rated voltage: 12 V (fan) / 5 V (LED)
• PWM support: Yes

Gamdias Notus M1 fans come in two different pack sizes, either single or 3 packs, branded 1201 or 1203, respectively. They are essentially the same fans, just the quantities inside the boxes determine the model name.

We are looking at the single pack, so 1201 branding, which comes with a single fan packed in a cardboard box. On the front of the box are several images of the fans and some key features listed. On the rear are the specifications and performance charts. Inside is the fan, an extra reverse blade, a user manual, mounting screws and some bearing lube.

The fan frames are built from PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) material, which is widely used in electronic equipment due to its strength and durability. There are rubber anti-vibration pads fitted to the mounting points and the fan blades are opaque in colour to display and diffuse the RGB lighting.

The rear frame of the fan has strengthening bars to mount the motor, there's anti-vibration rubber pads on the rear of the mounting points, as well as a label showing some brief information and the Gamdias branding.

All wiring uses standard headers. There's a 4-pin PWM cable that has a daisy-chainable tail so users can interconnect fans and use a single motherboard header to connect multiple units. RGB lighting can also be interconnected and uses a 3-pin 5V connection that can be connected to the motherboard or an ARGB hub. Interestingly, the PWM cable has a warranty void sticker on it, which seems like an odd thing to attach to a cable.

A key feature of the fans is the option to change the fan blade. Forward and reverse blades are included in the pack, and it’s a simple case of pushing one blade off and clipping the replacement blade in place. When the blade is removed, you can see the motor windings, the PCB and LEDs for the ARGB lighting, too.

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