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Thermalright TL-C12C X5 CPU Cooler Fan 12cm Silent Cooling Fan,Lightless,Desktop CPU,with 1550RPM Speed,Suitable for Chassis, Water Cooling Radiators(5 Quantities)
Thermalright

Thermalright TL-C12C X5 CPU Cooler Fan 12cm Silent Cooling Fan,Lightless,Desktop CPU,with 1550RPM Speed,Suitable for Chassis, Water Cooling Radiators(5 Quantities)

4.7(2.0K+ reviews, all variants)
Amazon's Choicebudget$0-$4950+ bought in past month
#35 in Computer Case Fans
wattage
2.4 watts
fan size
25mm
material
Plastic
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 lightless fan with 1550 RPM and 66.17 CFM airflow, ideal for budget builds needing multiple case or radiator fans.

Strong Fit

These fans are a strong fit for budget-conscious builders due to their low cost, 66.17 CFM airflow, and 1.53 mm H2O static pressure. The inclusion of S-FDB bearings and PWM control at this price point makes them a compelling choice for effective cooling without breaking the bank.

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

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
9/35

Issues discovered after purchase

Achilles' Heel
0/25

Critically weak dimension

Expectation Gap
7/20

Amazon rating vs actual quality

Fit Risk
4/20

Chance this product isn't for you

BuyChoice Score
3.6

Pros

  • Achieves 66.17 CFM airflow and 1.53 mm H2O static pressure, providing effective cooling for its price point.
  • Features S-FDB bearings, which are typically found in higher-priced fans, contributing to reduced noise and extended lifespan.
  • Includes a 4-pin PWM connector for automatic speed adjustment up to 1550 RPM based on motherboard temperature.
  • Offers daisy-chaining for power, simplifying cable management when installing multiple fans.
  • Comes with rubber pads on the corners to minimize vibration transfer to the case.

Cons

  • Some users report rattling or humming noises developing after several months of use.
  • Can become audible at its maximum speed of 1550 RPM, with reported noise levels up to 25.6 dBA.
  • No clear warranty information is provided by the manufacturer.
  • The sticker on the fan hub might not be perfectly centered on some units.

Dimension Scores

Efficiency & Output7/10

The fans deliver 66.17 CFM airflow and 1.53 mm H2O static pressure at 1550 RPM, which is effective for their price point.

Noise Level5/10

While rated at 25.6 dBA, some users report them as loud at maximum speed, and others experience humming or rattling over time.

Build Quality6/10

They feature S-FDB bearings and rubber anti-vibration pads, which are positive, but some users report long-term noise issues.

Cable Management7/10

The daisy-chaining capability for power simplifies connecting multiple fans to a single header, improving cable tidiness.

Best For

  • Budget PC builds requiring multiple case fans for airflow.
  • Replacing stock fans on CPU air coolers or liquid cooling radiators in a cost-effective manner.
  • Users prioritizing raw cooling performance over absolute silence at maximum loads.

Not Recommended For

  • Silence-focused builds where every decibel matters.
  • High-end systems where premium fan performance and long-term durability are paramount.
  • Users who need RGB lighting, as these are lightless fans.

Watch Out For

  • Some users have reported fans developing rattling or humming sounds after a few months of operation.
  • At 1550 RPM, the fans can produce a noticeable noise level of 25.6 dBA, which some users find loud.
  • The lack of explicit warranty information means potential issues might not be covered.

Full Specifications

UPC764035266748
ASINB0DB1C5Q8M
BrandThermalright
Voltage12 Volts
Wattage2.4 watts
MaterialPlastic
Item Weight1.69 pounds
Noise Level25.61 Decibels
ManufacturerTHERMALRIGHT
Cooling MethodAir
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Item model numberTL-C12C X5
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Product Dimensions4.72"L x 0.98"W x 4.72"H
Power Connector Type4-Pin
Maximum Rotational Speed1550 RPM

What Buyers Say

Many users are surprised by the cooling performance these fans offer given their low cost, often comparing them favorably to much more expensive options for raw airflow. However, a recurring concern is the potential for rattling or humming noises to develop after several months of use, which can be a dealbreaker for some. The daisy-chaining feature is frequently praised for making installation and cable management straightforward, especially when using multiple fans. While they move a lot of air, they can get audibly loud at their peak 1550 RPM, so don't expect whisper-quiet operation under heavy load.

“Dude, these fans are SO cheap for a 5-pack, I didn't expect much but they actually push a ton of air, my temps dropped like 5 degrees. Yeah, they get a bit loud when my CPU is maxed out, but for the price, who cares, right? Just hope they don't start rattling like some people said.”

Common Praise

  • Provides effective cooling performance for the price.
  • The daisy-chaining feature simplifies connecting multiple fans.
  • Includes S-FDB bearings, which is a premium feature for this budget.
  • Moves a significant amount of air, with 66.17 CFM reported.
  • The rubber pads on the corners help reduce vibrations.

Common Complaints

  • Some fans develop rattling or humming noises after a few months.
  • Can be loud at maximum 1550 RPM, reaching 25.6 dBA.
  • Lack of clear warranty information is a concern for long-term reliability.
  • The fan hub sticker can be off-center on some units.

Ownership Tips

  • The daisy-chain cables are long enough (55cm) to reach headers on most motherboards without needing extensions.
  • While lightless, the black design blends into most PC builds without drawing attention.
  • The S-FDB bearings, despite the budget price, seem to offer a smoother initial operation compared to sleeve bearings.
  • Monitoring fan speeds via motherboard software is crucial to balance noise and cooling, as they can get loud at full tilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these fans suitable for CPU coolers or radiators?

Yes, with 66.17 CFM airflow and 1.53 mm H2O static pressure, they can be used on CPU coolers and radiators, especially in push-pull configurations for optimal performance.

Do these fans have RGB lighting?

No, these are lightless fans, as indicated in the product title. If you need RGB, you'll need to look for a different model (e.g., the TL-C12C-S variant).

How many fans come in this package?

This product listing is for a pack of five fans, as specified in the title.

What kind of bearing do these fans use?

These fans utilize S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearings), which are designed to reduce noise and extend the fan's lifespan.

Can I control the fan speed?

Yes, these fans have a 4-pin PWM connector, allowing your motherboard to automatically control their speed up to 1550 RPM based on temperature.

Buying Guide

When you're looking at PC fans, you're basically trying to move hot air out of your case and bring cool air in. The goal is to keep your CPU and GPU from overheating, which can make your system slow down or even crash. You need to think about how much air the fan can move and how much noise it makes while doing it. More airflow usually means better cooling, but often comes with more noise.

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)

This tells you how fast the fan blades spin. Higher RPM generally means more airflow and static pressure, but also more noise. A 1550 RPM fan like this one is on the faster side for a standard case fan, meaning it can move a lot of air.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

This is the volume of air the fan can move per minute. Think of it like how much wind the fan can generate. A higher CFM (like 66.17 CFM here) means more air is being exchanged, which is good for cooling your components.

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 fans on a CPU cooler or radiator, a higher static pressure (1.53 mm H2O for these) is important to ensure air gets through effectively, rather than just blowing around the obstruction.

dBA (decibels A-weighted)

This is the noise level the fan produces. Lower numbers mean quieter operation. At 25.6 dBA, these fans are not silent, especially compared to premium options, but they're not excessively loud for a budget fan moving this much air.

Alternatives

If these fans don't quite fit, look for fans with lower dBA ratings for quieter operation, or higher static pressure if you need to push air through very restrictive radiators. For aesthetic preferences, search for fans with integrated RGB lighting.

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