Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Motherboard Sync Snow Edition Intel LGA1700 Ready/AMD AM5 All-in-One Liquid Cooling System 120mm High Efficiency Radiator CPU Cooler CL-W346-PL12SW-A, White
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AI Verdict
This 120mm AIO with a copper cold plate and 1500 RPM fan offers basic liquid cooling and ARGB sync for entry-level Intel/AMD builds.
This 120mm AIO is a situational fit because its 1500 RPM fan and 3300 RPM pump provide adequate cooling for entry-level CPUs, but it struggles with higher thermal loads. The ARGB lighting is a strong aesthetic feature, but the lack of PWM fan control and reported pump reliability issues are significant drawbacks for performance-focused users.
If you need better cooling performance or quieter operation, look for AIOs with larger 240mm or 360mm radiators and PWM-controlled fans with higher static pressure ratings.
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Pros
- ARGB lighting on the pump and fan synchronizes with ASUS Aura, Gigabyte RGB FUSION, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASROCK Polychrome motherboards via a 5V header.
- Includes an ARGB controller for systems without a 5V addressable RGB header, offering 7 light modes and 8 preset colors.
- Features a copper base plate on the water block to accelerate heat conductivity.
- Compatible with a broad range of Intel sockets including LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and AMD sockets AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2, FM1.
- The pump operates at 3300 RPM, designed for quick liquid circulation.
- Tubes are 400mm long and sleeved, offering some flexibility in mounting.
Cons
- The included 120mm fan operates at a fixed 1500 RPM and uses a 3-pin connector, lacking PWM control for dynamic speed adjustment.
- Cooling performance is often described as mediocre, with one test showing 79°C on a Ryzen 3700x at 4.5GHz.
- Some users reported pump noise developing over time, becoming like a 'drill,' and leading to pump failure after about a year.
- Mounting screws for the water block have been reported to loosen, causing loss of contact with the CPU and overheating to 100°C.
- Proprietary RGB plugs, while adaptable, can be annoying and potentially fragile during installation.
Dimension Scores
The 120mm radiator and 1500 RPM fan provide average cooling for its class, but struggle with higher-TDP CPUs, reaching 79°C on a Ryzen 3700x.
The 3-pin fan at 1500 RPM produces 28.2 dB-A, and some users reported pump noise escalating to a 'drill-like' sound over time.
It features a copper cold plate and sleeved tubes, but reports of loosening mounting screws and pump failures within a year indicate inconsistent reliability.
The 400mm sleeved tubes are a plus, but proprietary RGB plugs and 'ridiculously long' cables can complicate routing.
Best For
- Small form factor PC builds where only a 120mm AIO radiator fits.
- Entry-level CPU cooling for processors with lower thermal design power (TDP).
- Users prioritizing synchronized ARGB lighting with a compatible motherboard.
- Budget-conscious builds needing an all-in-one liquid cooling solution.
Not Recommended For
- High-end or overclocked CPUs with significant heat output, as it may struggle to maintain optimal temperatures.
- Users sensitive to pump or fan noise, especially given the 3-pin fan and reported pump issues.
- Builds where precise fan speed control via PWM is a priority.
Watch Out For
- The fan uses a 3-pin connector, not PWM, meaning you can't precisely control its 1500 RPM speed through software, often resulting in it running at full speed or voltage-controlled.
- Several users experienced pump noise escalating to a 'drill-like' sound, with some reporting pump failure within a year of use.
- Mounting thumb screws have been reported to loosen, causing the water block to lose contact with the CPU, leading to temperatures as high as 100°C.
- Cooling performance on a Ryzen 3700x at 4.5GHz reached 79°C, indicating it might not be sufficient for more demanding CPUs.
- The RGB lighting on the fan blades may not be fully illuminated, with light fading before reaching the edges.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 841163080528 |
| ASIN | B09LXCSF4Z |
| Brand | Thermaltake |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Material | Copper |
| Item Weight | 1.65 pounds |
| Noise Level | 28.2 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermaltake |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 59.28 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | CL-W346-PL12SW-A |
| Compatible Devices | Radiator |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72"L x 0.98"W x 4.72"H |
| Power Connector Type | 3-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2500 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users found the ARGB lighting to be a key selling point, easily syncing with major motherboard software or controlled by the included hub. However, the cooling performance for anything beyond entry-level CPUs is frequently cited as a limitation, with some tests showing temperatures nearing 80°C under load. A recurring and concerning issue is the pump developing loud noises or failing entirely after several months of use. Installation is generally straightforward, but some encountered difficulties with mounting hardware making proper contact, and the 3-pin fan lacks modern PWM control.
“Look, it lights up pretty, and it fit in my small case, but my CPU still gets kinda hot when I game, and the pump started making this weird grinding noise after like 8 months, so I'm worried it's gonna die.”
Common Praise
- ARGB lighting effects on the pump and fan are vibrant and easy to synchronize with motherboard software.
- The included ARGB controller is useful for motherboards without a 5V header, offering multiple light modes.
- Installation is straightforward for many users, especially on AMD platforms once the correct orientation is found.
- The copper base plate is effective at accelerating heat transfer from the CPU.
- The 400mm long, sleeved tubes offer good flexibility for radiator placement.
Common Complaints
- The pump can become noisy, sounding like a 'drill,' and has been reported to fail after about a year of use.
- Cooling performance is often insufficient for higher-end or overclocked CPUs, with temperatures reaching 79°C on a Ryzen 3700x.
- The fan is 3-pin and lacks PWM control, limiting speed adjustment and potentially contributing to noise.
- Mounting screws for the water block can loosen, causing poor contact with the CPU and thermal throttling.
- Proprietary RGB connectors, despite being adaptable, can be a hassle and are perceived as fragile.
Ownership Tips
- The pump's noise level can significantly increase over time, potentially indicating impending failure.
- Regularly check the water block mounting screws, as they can loosen and compromise cooling performance.
- The fixed 1500 RPM fan might be audible under load, and without PWM, you can't easily quiet it down.
- The ARGB controller is essential if your motherboard lacks a 5V header, but managing the extra cables can be tricky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler support Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets?
Yes, the Thermaltake TH120 ARGB Snow Edition is compatible with both Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets, along with many older Intel and AMD platforms.
Can I control the RGB lighting with my motherboard software?
Yes, the ARGB lighting can synchronize with ASUS Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB FUSION, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome via a 5V addressable RGB header on your motherboard.
What if my motherboard doesn't have a 5V ARGB header?
The cooler includes a smart ARGB controller that allows you to switch between 7 light modes and 8 full light preset colors without motherboard software.
Is the fan speed adjustable?
The included fan operates at a fixed 1500 RPM and uses a 3-pin connector, meaning it lacks PWM control for dynamic speed adjustment based on CPU temperature.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, the package includes thermal paste, along with mounting hardware for various CPU sockets.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an AIO liquid cooler like this, you're basically getting a sealed unit that moves heat from your CPU to a radiator, which then dissipates it with a fan. For a 120mm AIO, you need to understand that it's the smallest size, so it's not going to cool a super hot CPU as effectively as larger 240mm or 360mm options. The fan's speed and whether it's PWM-controlled are big deals for both cooling and how loud your PC gets.
cooling_method: Water
This means it uses liquid circulating through tubes to transfer heat away from your CPU, which can be more efficient than air coolers for certain applications and often allows for a cleaner aesthetic inside your case.
fan_size: 120mm
This refers to the size of the fan and the radiator. A 120mm radiator is the smallest common size for AIOs, meaning it has less surface area to dissipate heat. It's usually chosen for compact cases or for CPUs with lower heat output.
connector: 3-Pin
This indicates how the fan connects to your motherboard. A 3-pin fan typically runs at a constant speed or is voltage-controlled, which offers less precise speed adjustment compared to a 4-pin PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fan that can dynamically adjust its speed based on CPU temperature.
material: Copper
The water block's base plate is made of copper, which is an excellent thermal conductor. This means it's very efficient at drawing heat directly away from your CPU, a crucial first step in the cooling process.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't cut it, look for AIOs with 240mm or 360mm radiators for better heat dissipation, and prioritize models with PWM-controlled fans for quieter, more efficient cooling.
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