Thermalright TL-C12C X3 CPU Fan 120mm Case Cooler Fan, 4pin PWM Silent Computer Fan with S-FDB Bearing Included, up to 1550RPM Cooling （3 Quantities）
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AI Verdict
This is a 120mm, 4-pin PWM fan 3-pack with S-FDB bearings and 66.17 CFM airflow, ideal for budget builds needing basic case or CPU cooler airflow.
This 3-pack of 120mm PWM fans is a strong fit for budget-conscious builders. With 66.17 CFM airflow and S-FDB bearings, they offer solid cooling performance and decent acoustics for their price point, especially when managed with a custom fan curve to keep RPMs lower. The daisy-chaining feature simplifies installation in systems with limited fan headers.
If you need quieter operation at higher loads or superior static pressure for dense radiators, look for fans with higher CFM and static pressure ratings, often accompanied by a higher price tag.
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Pros
- Comes in a 3-pack for around $13-$14, making them about $4-$5 per fan.
- Features S-FDB bearings, which users report contribute to low noise at lower RPMs and extended fan life.
- Includes silicone corner pads on all four sides to reduce vibration and noise.
- Offers 4-pin PWM control, allowing motherboard-based speed adjustments up to 1550 RPM based on temperature.
- Provides a 66.17 CFM airflow and 1.53 mm H2O static pressure, making them suitable for both case and radiator use.
- Equipped with 55cm cables and daisy-chaining capability for simplified cable management and connecting multiple fans to a single header.
Cons
- Can become audibly loud at higher RPMs, with some users noting a whine when speeds change.
- While adequate, the 66.17 CFM airflow isn't considered top-tier compared to higher-end alternatives.
- The 1550 RPM maximum speed is lower than some competing fans, potentially limiting peak cooling performance.
Dimension Scores
The fans provide 66.17 CFM airflow and 1.53 mm H2O static pressure, which is adequate for most case and CPU cooler applications at 1550 RPM, but not top-tier.
Rated at 25.6 dBA, they are quiet at lower speeds, but user reports indicate they can become loud and produce a whine at higher RPMs.
They feature S-FDB bearings and silicone corner pads for vibration reduction, with a frame that users describe as surprisingly well-made with minimal flex for the price.
The 55cm cable length and daisy-chaining feature for PWM connections significantly simplify cable routing and reduce the number of motherboard headers required.
Best For
- Budget PC builds needing multiple case fans without breaking the bank.
- Replacing stock CPU cooler fans for a slight performance or noise improvement on a budget.
- Adding supplementary airflow to a system with limited fan headers due to daisy-chaining.
Not Recommended For
- Users prioritizing absolute silence at all operating speeds.
- High-end systems with extreme cooling demands or overclocked components.
- Anyone expecting premium build materials or advanced features beyond basic PWM control.
Watch Out For
- Users report a noticeable whine when the fan RPMs fluctuate, which can be distracting.
- At speeds above 50% of their 1550 RPM maximum, these fans tend to get quite loud, impacting acoustic comfort.
- While the 66.17 CFM airflow is decent, it won't compete with more expensive fans designed for maximum air movement, potentially leaving some performance on the table for demanding setups.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 717378738748 772467848333 |
| ASIN | B0BKL1QYP3 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3 watts |
| Material | silicon |
| Item Weight | 1.01 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | THERMALRIGHT |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | TL-C12C X3 D6 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 5"L x 5.99"W x 2"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
What really stands out is how often people mention the value; getting three fans for under $15 is a recurring theme, making them a go-to for budget builds. While they push a decent amount of air at 66.17 CFM, the noise at higher RPMs is a consistent complaint, with some users noting a distinct whine when speeds change. The S-FDB bearings and anti-vibration pads are appreciated for keeping things quiet at lower speeds, but don't expect Noctua-level silence when these are cranked up. The daisy-chaining for power is a definite plus for cable management, especially if your motherboard is short on fan headers.
“Dude, for like 13 bucks for three fans, these are a no-brainer if you're building on a budget, just don't expect them to be silent when your CPU is cooking, they get loud then.”
Common Praise
- The price for a 3-pack is exceptionally low, often around $13-$14.
- Moves a decent amount of air (66.17 CFM) for the cost.
- S-FDB bearings contribute to quiet operation at lower speeds.
- Daisy-chaining feature simplifies wiring multiple fans.
- Includes anti-vibration silicone pads on all corners.
Common Complaints
- Becomes noticeably loud at higher RPMs.
- Some users report a whining noise when fan speeds fluctuate.
- Airflow, while adequate, isn't considered 'the best' compared to more expensive options.
- The 1550 RPM max speed is lower than many premium fans, limiting peak performance.
Ownership Tips
- You'll probably want to set up a custom fan curve in your BIOS to keep these quiet, especially if you're sensitive to noise, by limiting their maximum RPM.
- The daisy-chaining is super handy, but make sure you plan your cable runs to avoid a tangled mess, even with the longer 55cm cables.
- Don't expect these to perform like fans three times their price; they're a budget solution, and they perform like it, which is still pretty good for the money.
- The anti-vibration pads actually do a decent job, but they won't magically eliminate all noise if the fan blades themselves are generating it at high speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these fans good for radiators?
Yes, with a static pressure of 1.53 mm H2O, they can be used on radiators, especially in a push-pull configuration for better performance.
Do these fans have RGB lighting?
The specific model (TL-C12C) does not have ARGB lighting. There is a TL-C12C-S variant that includes ARGB, but this listing is for the non-RGB version.
How long are the cables?
The PWM fan cables are approximately 55cm long, which is generous for routing in most cases and allows for series control.
Can I daisy chain these fans?
Yes, these fans are designed with daisy-chaining capability for both power and, if applicable to a different model, ARGB, simplifying connections to your motherboard.
Are these fans quiet?
At lower RPMs, users generally find them quiet. However, they can become loud and exhibit a whine when operating at higher speeds or when RPMs change rapidly.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at PC fans, you're basically balancing how much air they move (airflow), how much pressure they can generate (static pressure, important for radiators), and how much noise they make. For a budget fan like this, you're often trading off peak performance and absolute silence for sheer value. Think about where you're putting them: case fans need high airflow, while radiator fans benefit more from static pressure. PWM control is key because it lets your motherboard adjust fan speed based on temperature, saving your ears when your PC isn't working hard.
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. Think of it like how much wind a fan creates.
Static Pressure (mm H2O)
This measures how well a fan can push air through resistance, like a dense radiator or a dust filter. If you're using a fan on a CPU cooler or radiator, a higher static pressure rating is more important than raw CFM. Imagine trying to blow through a straw versus an open pipe – static pressure is about pushing through that straw.
Noise (dBA)
This is simply how loud the fan gets. Lower numbers are quieter. Anything below 30 dBA is generally considered quiet, but personal tolerance varies. It's like comparing the hum of a refrigerator to a vacuum cleaner.
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
This is a 4-pin connector that allows your motherboard to precisely control the fan's speed. Without it, fans run at a constant speed, which can be noisy when your PC is idle. It's like having a dimmer switch for your fan speed instead of just on/off.
Alternatives
If these don't cut it, look for fans with higher maximum CFM (e.g., 80+ CFM) and static pressure (e.g., 2.5+ mm H2O) for better cooling, or lower dBA ratings (e.g., under 20 dBA) for quieter operation, but expect to pay more per fan.
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