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Thermalright TL-C12C-S X3 CPU Fan 120mm ARGB Case Cooler Fan, 4pin PWM Silent Computer with S-FDB Bearing Included, up to 1550RPM Cooling Fan(3 Quantities)
Thermalright

Thermalright TL-C12C-S X3 CPU Fan 120mm ARGB Case Cooler Fan, 4pin PWM Silent Computer with S-FDB Bearing Included, up to 1550RPM Cooling Fan(3 Quantities)

4.7(2.0K+ reviews, all variants)
budget$0-$49100+ bought in past month
#44 in Computer CPU Cooling Fans
wattage
2.16 watts
fan size
120mm
material
Polycarbonate
connector
4-Pin
compatible
Desktop
cooling method
Air

Want the best price and purchase timing?

Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.

AI Verdict

A 120mm ARGB fan three-pack with 1550 RPM, 66.17 CFM, and S-FDB bearings, ideal for budget PC builds needing both cooling and lighting.

Strong Fit

This three-pack of 120mm ARGB fans is a strong fit for budget-conscious builders who need effective airflow and customizable lighting. The 66.17 CFM and 1.53mm H2O specs provide adequate cooling, while the 4-pin PWM and ARGB daisy-chaining simplify installation in systems with limited motherboard headers.

If you need quieter operation or higher static pressure for dense radiators, look for fans with lower dBA ratings and higher mm H2O specifications, typically found in a higher price bracket.

Regret Score™

Low Risk

Lower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity

20/100
vs. 1,285 Power & Cooling we've analyzedSafer than 72%
Hidden Defects
10/35

Issues discovered after purchase

Achilles' Heel
0/25

Critically weak dimension

Expectation Gap
6/20

Amazon rating vs actual quality

Fit Risk
4/20

Chance this product isn't for you

BuyChoice Score
3.8

Pros

  • Includes three 120mm fans with ARGB lighting, offering 17 light effect modes and motherboard synchronization.
  • Features 4-pin PWM control for automatic speed adjustment up to 1550 RPM based on motherboard temperature.
  • Equipped with S-FDB bearings designed to minimize fan noise and extend operational lifespan.
  • Delivers 66.17 CFM airflow and 1.53mm H2O air pressure, providing effective cooling for its price point.
  • Each fan has 55cm cables for PWM series control and supports daisy-chaining for both fan and ARGB connections.
  • Offers significant value, often costing around $4-$5 per fan in a three-pack.

Cons

  • Some users report a noticeable 'pulsing noise' or 'whine' when the fan RPM changes, particularly at lower speeds.
  • While rated at 25.6 dBA, some users find them not as quiet as premium alternatives like Noctua or Arctic P120 fans.
  • ARGB lighting is limited to the fan blades, and the illumination can appear less vibrant towards the blade edges.
  • The fan's front sticker may not be perfectly centered, which can be an aesthetic concern for some users.

Dimension Scores

Efficiency & Output7/10

The fans provide 66.17 CFM airflow and 1.53mm H2O air pressure at 1550 RPM, which is effective for a budget 120mm fan.

Noise Level5/10

Rated at 25.6 dBA, they are generally quiet but some users report a pulsing noise at changing RPMs and find them louder than premium alternatives.

Build Quality6/10

Constructed from polycarbonate with S-FDB bearings, they feel decent for the price, though not premium, and include a quality bearing type for longevity.

Cable Management8/10

With 55cm cables and daisy-chaining for both PWM and ARGB, these fans offer excellent flexibility for routing and connecting multiple units with minimal cable clutter.

Best For

  • Budget PC builds requiring multiple 120mm case fans with ARGB lighting.
  • Users looking to add addressable RGB aesthetics without a significant financial outlay.
  • Replacing stock case fans or supplementing a CPU cooler for improved airflow in a desktop system.
  • Builders who need daisy-chaining capability to minimize motherboard header usage.

Not Recommended For

  • Enthusiasts prioritizing absolute silence or top-tier static pressure for high-density radiators.
  • Users who require uniform, edge-to-edge ARGB illumination across the entire fan frame.
  • Builds where every component must have a perfect, factory-aligned aesthetic.

Watch Out For

  • Users have reported a 'pulsing noise' when the fans adjust RPMs, which can be distracting in quiet environments.
  • The ARGB lighting is confined to the fan blades and may 'peter out' towards the edges, not providing full frame illumination.
  • Despite the 25.6 dBA rating, some users find these fans audibly louder than more expensive options when operating.
  • One reviewer noted that the sticker on the front of the fan was not perfectly centered.

Full Specifications

UPC772467848326
ASINB0BKJJM5M2
BrandThermalright
Voltage12 Volts
Wattage2.16 watts
MaterialPolycarbonate
Item Weight1.01 pounds
Noise Level25.6 Decibels
ManufacturerTHERMALRIGHT
Cooling MethodAir
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Item model numberTL-C12C-S X3 D6
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Product Dimensions0.98"L x 4.72"W x 4.72"H
Power Connector Type4-Pin
Maximum Rotational Speed1500 RPM

What Buyers Say

Users consistently highlight the exceptional value of these Thermalright fans, often noting their low price point of around $4-$5 per fan in a three-pack. Many are surprised by the cooling performance, with 66.17 CFM airflow, and appreciate the vibrant ARGB lighting effects. However, some buyers have experienced a 'pulsing noise' or 'whine' when the fan speed fluctuates, and while generally quiet, they don't match the silence of high-end alternatives. The daisy-chaining feature for both power and ARGB is a frequently praised convenience, simplifying installation in systems with limited headers.

“Dude, for like fifteen bucks for three ARGB fans, these things actually push air and light up my case without breaking the bank, even if they sometimes make a weird little hum when they spin up.”

Common Praise

  • Provides effective cooling with 66.17 CFM airflow for the price.
  • ARGB lighting is bright and offers 17 modes, syncing with motherboard software.
  • Daisy-chaining for both 4-pin PWM and 3-pin ARGB connections simplifies wiring.
  • S-FDB bearings contribute to quiet operation and fan longevity.
  • The included 55cm cables are long enough for flexible routing.
  • Exceptional value for a three-pack of ARGB PWM fans.

Common Complaints

  • A 'pulsing noise' or 'whine' can occur when the fan RPM changes.
  • Not as silent as more expensive, premium fan brands.
  • ARGB illumination is only on the fan blades and can diminish towards the edges.
  • The sticker on the fan hub might not be perfectly centered.

Ownership Tips

  • The ARGB lighting is surprisingly bright and the colors are decent, but it's definitely blade-only, so don't expect a full light ring effect.
  • The daisy-chain feature is a lifesaver for motherboard headers, especially if you're running a bunch of these.
  • You really need to set a custom fan curve to avoid that RPM change whine; locking them at a certain percentage helps a lot.
  • They move a good amount of air, noticeably dropping temps compared to my old stock fans.
  • The cables are long, which is great for routing, but can also mean more cable to tuck away if your case is small.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these fans come with a controller for the ARGB lighting?

No, these fans do not include a dedicated ARGB controller. They support ARGB synchronization through a 3-pin 5V header on your motherboard, allowing you to manage colors and effects via motherboard software.

Can I connect multiple fans to a single motherboard header?

Yes, these fans are designed with daisy-chaining capability for both the 4-pin PWM power and the 3-pin 5V ARGB connections. This means you can connect multiple fans in series to a single motherboard header.

Are these fans suitable for CPU coolers or radiators?

Yes, the manufacturer states these fans are suitable for use as case fans, with CPU coolers, and on radiators to enhance cooling performance.

What is the maximum speed of these fans?

The fans have a maximum rated speed of 1550 RPM, which can be automatically controlled by your motherboard via the 4-pin PWM interface.

How long are the cables on these fans?

Each fan is configured with up to 55cm of cable for PWM series control, providing ample length for routing within most PC cases.

Buying Guide

When you're looking at PC fans, you're essentially balancing how much air they move against how much noise they make. You also need to consider if they fit your case and if you want fancy lights. These fans are a budget-friendly way to get both cooling and ARGB, but you might trade off a bit of silence compared to pricier options.

Airflow (CFM)

This measures how much air the fan moves per minute. Higher CFM means more air is being pushed through your case, which helps cool down components. Think of it like the volume of air a leaf blower moves.

Air Pressure (mm H2O)

This indicates how well the fan can push air through resistance, like a radiator or a dust filter. Higher air pressure is better for getting air through tight spaces, similar to how a strong water jet can cut through things.

Noise Level (dBA)

This is how loud the fan operates. Lower dBA means a quieter PC. Keep in mind that this is usually measured at max RPM, and real-world noise can vary with fan curves and case acoustics.

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

PWM allows your motherboard to precisely control the fan's speed based on system temperatures. This means your fans can spin slower and quieter when your PC isn't working hard, and ramp up when needed, rather than always running at full speed.

Alternatives

If these don't quite cut it, look for fans with lower dBA ratings for quieter operation, or higher mm H2O values if you need to push air through restrictive radiators, typically at a higher cost per fan.

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