Thermalright TL-B14 in a wide comparison of 140 mm fans

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

The fan carrying one of the most popular brands in the field has been tested against the latest competitors. Among them are the new Arctic P14 Pro (A-RGB), Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM and Thermaltake Toughfan 14 Pro. And many others (including the FD Momentum 14/RGB) with which the TL-B14 will cross paths. In any case, the geometry of the Thermalright impeller is efficient, the price is low, and the results are impressive.

Results: Frequency response of sound with a radiator

Measurements are conducted using TrueRTA, which captures audio data across 240 frequency bands within the 20–20,000 Hz range. To facilitate comparisons between articles, we extract and present the dominant frequency from each of three spectral bands: low (20–200 Hz), mid (201–2000 Hz), and high (2001–20,000 Hz) in standardized bar graphs.

However, for an even more detailed analysis of the sound expression, it is important to perceive the overall shape of the graph and the intensity of all frequencies/tones. If any aspects of the graphs or data tables are unclear, detailed interpretation guidelines are provided in this article.

Most fan-related acoustic activity occurs within the 70–7000 Hz range. Frequencies above 7000 Hz typically represent electromagnetic interference from the test environment, while the lowest bands below 70 Hz may also include such noise, albeit mixed with aerodynamic sound. Although we could exclude these frequency extremes, they are retained to detect and visualize potential anomalies.

Note: These tests are performed using a thinner 28 mm radiator. This thickness – along with the 22 FPI density – is typical for practical applications, including AIO liquid coolers.



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Why is a value sometimes missing for a fan? There can be several reasons. Most commonly, it’s because the fan couldn’t be regulated to the target noise level. Some fans have higher minimum RPM (or they spin slowly but have an excessively noisy motor), or they are simply slower models that can’t reach higher decibel thresholds. Results are also omitted from graphs if the impeller scrapes against the mesh of a nylon filter. In such cases, we classify the combination as incompatible. And of course, a zero in the graphs naturally appears in situations where we record an actual 0.00. This often occurs at extremely low speeds when obstacles are present or during vibration measurements.


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Comments (19) Add comment

  1. I have this installed as a back exhaust fan on my Fractal Design Define S. In the front I have three of the Fractal Design’s older dynamic GP14.
    This fan has a specific prrrrrrrrrr noise that becomes pronounced above 1100rpm.
    I somehow prefer it over the extremely annoying high pitched whine of the Arctic P14 PWM.
    My quest for a satisfactory quiet fan over 1000rpm continues.

    Reply

    1. Are you sure that the noise is not actually being generated by the grille on which the fan is mounted? Maybe it is resonating with the TL-B14 fan and is the source of the unwanted noise. With other fans this doesn’t necessarily have to happen, of course…

      Reply

  2. Please review the Thermalright TL-C12015B. Maybe the best slim fan after the P12 slim, and important as the range for slim fans is limited.

    Reply

    1. Wow, Thermalright’s offering is quite impressive in this slim space. 😉
      TL-B12015: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-b12015/
      TL-B12015 Extrem: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-b12015-extrem/
      TL-H12015B: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-h12015b/
      TL-C12015B: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-c12015b/
      TL-H12015B-S: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-h12015b-s/
      TL-C12015S: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-c12015s/
      TL-C12015L: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-c12015l/
      and super-slim (13mm) in 140mm format
      TY-14013R: https://www.thermalright.com/product/ty-14013r/

      Reply

    2. Yes, the TL-C12015B looks good. Thanks for the tip! We are adding it to the list and will ask Thermalright for samples when we get the opportunity. No promises, but let’s hope we’ll get to see its tests on here. 🙂

      Reply

    3. 1. For some reason, the positive/negative list in the evaluation section seems empty. Can you check if that’s also the case on your end?

      2. On the topic of Thermalright, have there ever been considerations of reviewing some of TR’s CPU air coolers?
      I’d love to see some of the detailed analysis you guys do for the likes of the Phantom Spirit 120 Evo, Royal Pretor 130 Ultra or the Peerless Assassin 140, just as examples for their 3 most performant recent models.

      Reply

      1. Sorry, no idea why this was posted a reply to you (Yamato). It was supposed to be a question to Ľubomír.

        Reply

      2. Thank you for the heads-up. 🙂

        1.) The +/- table really was empty, but everything’s fixed now.
        2.) We’re definitely interested in Thermalright coolers, and we already have a sample of the Royal Pretor 130 in the test lab. Their lower representation in our tests is only due to weaker local distribution, but that doesn’t change the fact that we want to cover Thermalright coolers too. The English edition of HWCooling does have global reach.

        Reply

  3. Is the TL H12-X28 anywhere in the schedule? Looks like a pretty good 120mm ARGB workhorse if the specs are anywhere near accurate

    Reply

    1. We don’t currently have the TL-H12-X28 fan in our testing plans. I agree its design is extremely attractive, but I’m constrained by limited time. While I believe we’ll eventually get around to testing this fan, I really can’t make any promises right now.

      Reply

  4. I’m sorry if it has been asked before or if it’s already on the schedule, but could you guys review the Sudokoo Mach140 fan, the Sudokoo Proteus 360 AIO and the Thermalright Stream Vision AIO?

    Reply

      1. Either will be great. Comparing the 120 with the Phanteks T30 or the 140 with the Arctic 14 Pro will show whether Sudokoo’s product is competitive.

        Reply

        1. I’m looking forward to it. The aerodynamic design of these fans looks really promising, and based on previous experience, I’d expect the Mach120 to deliver some very attractive results. 🙂

          Reply

    3. As for Sudokoo fans, we have Mach120 samples in the test lab. Tests of these fans will definitely come out sooner or later. Regarding the Mach140—can’t say yet, we’re not that far ahead, haha. The Proteus and Stream Vision coolers are very good suggestions for future tests as well, but I can’t promise anything for now. We’ll see. 🙂

      Reply

      1. No problem! I know it’s not possible to review every piece of available gear.
        Anyway, thank you for everything you have been doing!

        Reply

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