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Thermalright TL-C12CW-S X3 CPU Fan 120mm White ARGB Case Cooler, 4pin PWM Silent Computer Cooling Fan with S-FDB Bearing Included, up to 1550RPM(3 Quantities)
Thermalright

Thermalright TL-C12CW-S X3 CPU Fan 120mm White ARGB Case Cooler, 4pin PWM Silent Computer Cooling Fan with S-FDB Bearing Included, up to 1550RPM(3 Quantities)

4.7(2.0K+ reviews, all variants)
Amazon's Choicebudget$0-$49100+ bought in past month
#35 in Computer Case Fans
wattage
3.6 watts
fan size
120mm
material
Copper
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

This is a 120mm, 1550 RPM, 25.6 dBA ARGB fan with S-FDB bearings, ideal for budget-conscious builders prioritizing aesthetics and decent airflow.

Strong Fit

These fans are a strong fit for budget-conscious PC builders looking to add 120mm ARGB cooling. With 66.17 CFM airflow and 17 ARGB modes, they deliver on both performance and aesthetics for their price point.

If you need higher static pressure for dense radiators or extreme silence, look for fans with higher mm H2O ratings and lower dBA specifications.

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
3.9

Pros

  • Offers 66.17 CFM airflow at a maximum speed of 1550 RPM, providing effective cooling for its size.
  • Features 17 ARGB lighting modes with motherboard synchronization via a 3-pin 5V ARGB connector, allowing for customizable aesthetics.
  • Utilizes S-FDB bearings, which contribute to minimizing noise and extending the fan's operational life.
  • Includes a 55cm cable for PWM series control, simplifying cable management and fan speed synchronization.
  • Supports daisy-chaining for both fan power and ARGB, reducing the number of motherboard headers required.

Cons

  • Some users report an audible 'woowoo' noise or resonance at specific RPMs.
  • ARGB lighting brightness can diminish towards the fan edges compared to higher-priced alternatives.
  • Static pressure of 1.53mm H2O might be less effective for dense radiators compared to some competing fans.
  • Build quality for noise consistency has been noted as inconsistent by some users.
  • Warranty information is not clearly stated or easily found by users.

Dimension Scores

Efficiency & Output7/10

The fans deliver 66.17 CFM of airflow and 1.53mm H2O of static pressure at 1550 RPM, which is above average for budget 120mm fans.

Noise Level6/10

Rated at 25.6 dBA maximum, these fans are generally quiet, though some users report specific RPMs can produce an audible 'woowoo' noise.

Build Quality6/10

Featuring S-FDB bearings and feeling well-constructed for the price, the fans offer decent quality, though some users note inconsistent noise.

Cable Management8/10

The 55cm cable length and daisy-chaining capability for both PWM and ARGB significantly simplify cable routing and reduce header usage.

Best For

  • PC builds where white aesthetics and ARGB lighting are a priority on a strict budget.
  • Adding supplementary case airflow without breaking the bank.
  • Users with motherboards that support 3-pin 5V ARGB synchronization and 4-pin PWM fan control.
  • Replacing stock case fans that lack ARGB or have lower airflow.

Not Recommended For

  • High-performance CPU coolers or radiators requiring maximum static pressure for optimal heat dissipation.
  • Silence-focused builds where any intermittent fan noise is unacceptable.
  • Users who prefer a completely tool-less or proprietary fan ecosystem.

Watch Out For

  • The 3-pin 5V ARGB connector is not compatible with 4-pin 12V RGB headers, and incorrect connection can damage components.
  • Some users have experienced an 'annoying woowoo noise' at certain RPMs, which can be disruptive.
  • The ARGB sticker on the fan hub might not be perfectly centered, affecting the visual appeal for some.
  • While the fans daisy-chain, managing multiple cables (power and ARGB for each fan) can still be cumbersome in tight cases.

Full Specifications

UPC772467848036 772467848395
ASINB0BKJWMQLW
BrandThermalright
Voltage12 Volts
Wattage3.6 watts
MaterialCopper
Item Weight1.04 pounds
Noise Level25.6 Decibels
ManufacturerTHERMALRIGHT
Cooling MethodAir
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Item model numberTL-C12CW-S X3 D6
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Product Dimensions4.72"L x 0.98"W x 4.72"H
Power Connector Type4-Pin
Maximum Rotational Speed1550 RPM
Global Trade Identification Number00772467848395

What Buyers Say

Users are consistently surprised by the performance and ARGB aesthetics these fans offer for their budget price point. Many highlight the daisy-chaining feature as a major convenience for builds with limited motherboard headers. While generally quiet, a recurring complaint is a 'woowoo' sound at specific RPMs, and some notice the ARGB lighting isn't perfectly uniform to the edges.

“Dude, for like $15 for three fans with ARGB and they actually push air? My old case fans sounded like a jet engine, these are way quieter, even with that weird hum sometimes. Just buy 'em.”

Common Praise

  • Provides 66.17 CFM airflow, moving a decent amount of air for cooling.
  • ARGB lighting is bright and offers 17 modes, syncing well with motherboards.
  • Daisy-chaining for both fan power and ARGB simplifies wiring significantly.
  • The S-FDB bearings contribute to a quiet operation at lower speeds.
  • The white aesthetic is appealing for white-themed PC builds.

Common Complaints

  • An 'annoying woowoo noise' can occur at certain fan speeds.
  • ARGB light diffusion 'peters out' towards the fan blade edges.
  • Static pressure of 1.53mm H2O is not ideal for high-density radiators.
  • The sticker on the fan hub might not be perfectly centered.
  • Inconsistent build quality can lead to varying noise levels between units.

Ownership Tips

  • The 55cm cable length is genuinely helpful for routing in larger cases, preventing stretched connections.
  • The daisy-chain feature means you only need one fan header and one ARGB header for all three fans, which is a lifesaver on budget motherboards.
  • You might need to play with your fan curves to avoid the specific RPM range where the 'woowoo' noise is most noticeable.
  • The white plastic frame and frosted blades diffuse the ARGB light well, making it look softer than some other budget ARGB fans.
  • While the fans feel sturdy, the lack of clear warranty information is a slight concern for long-term use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ARGB connector do these fans use?

These fans use a standard 3-pin 5V ARGB connector for lighting control, which can be synchronized with compatible motherboards.

Can I connect multiple fans to one header?

Yes, these fans support daisy-chaining for both the 4-pin PWM power and the 3-pin 5V ARGB connections, allowing you to connect multiple fans to a single motherboard header.

Are these fans quiet?

The fans are rated at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dBA. While generally quiet at lower RPMs, some users have reported a 'woowoo' noise at certain speeds.

What is the maximum speed of these fans?

The Thermalright TL-C12CW-S X3 fans operate at a maximum speed of 1550 RPM.

Are these suitable for CPU coolers or radiators?

They can be used with CPU coolers and radiators, providing 66.17 CFM airflow. However, for very dense radiators, fans with higher static pressure might offer better performance.

Buying Guide

When you're looking at PC fans, you're basically trying to move hot air out and cool air in, or push air through a cooler. For case fans like these, you want enough airflow (CFM) to keep your components from getting too toasty. If you're using them on a CPU cooler or radiator, static pressure (mm H2O) becomes more important, as it measures how well the fan pushes air through resistance. Noise level (dBA) is also key; lower numbers mean a quieter PC. And if you care about looks, ARGB (Addressable RGB) lets you customize the lighting colors and effects.

Air Flow (CFM)

This tells you how much air the fan can move per minute. Higher CFM means more air circulation, which is generally better for cooling your case components. Think of it like a mini wind tunnel in your PC.

Air Pressure (mm H2O)

This measures the fan's ability to push air through obstacles, like the fins of a CPU cooler or a radiator. If you're mounting fans directly to a heatsink or radiator, you want a higher mm H2O to ensure air gets through effectively, not just around it.

Noise Level (dBA)

This is how loud the fan gets. Lower dBA means a quieter computer. A fan rated at 25.6 dBA is audible but generally not distracting, similar to a soft whisper in a quiet room.

S-FDB Bearing

This refers to the type of bearing inside the fan motor. Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB) like the S-FDB are known for being quieter and having a longer lifespan compared to sleeve bearings, because they use a thin layer of fluid to reduce friction.

Alternatives

If these don't quite cut it, look for fans with higher static pressure ratings (above 2.0 mm H2O) for radiator use, or lower maximum dBA ratings (below 20 dBA) for truly silent operation, often at a higher price point.

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