So, we have results for a Thermalright fan. While the first attempt (or second, if we count the now-discontinued model X-Silent 120) didn’t quite hit the mark, it’s probably fair to say that this is a more attractive option than the Scythe Kaze Flex II 120. Yes, these two fans are being directly compared because they share an unusual trait – they spin in the “reverse” direction, from left to right. And as you know, most fans spin the other way…
Results: Frequency response of sound w/o obstacles
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.
| Parameters | B860 Aorus WiFi7 Ice | |
| Socket | LGA 1851 | |
| Chipset | Intel B860 | |
| Format | ATX (305 × 244 mm) | |
| CPU power delivery | 17-phase | |
| Supported memory (and max. frequency) | DDR5 (8400 MHz) | |
| Slots PCIe ×16 (+ PCIe ×1) | 3× (+ 0×) | |
| Centre of socket to first PCIe ×16 slot | 91 mm | |
| Centre of socket to first DIMM slot | 56 mm | |
| Storage connectors | 4× SATA III, 1× M.2 PCIe 5.0 ×4 (80–110 mm), 2× M.2 PCIe 5.0 ×4 (80–110 mm) | |
| PWM connectors for fans or AIO pump | 6× | |
| Internal USB ports | 1× 3.2 gen. 2 type C, 2× 3.2 gen. 1 type A, 4× 2.0 type A | |
| Other internal connectors | 1× TPM, 3× ARGB LED (5 V), 1× RGB LED (12 V), 1× jumper Clear CMOS | |
| POST display | yes | |
| Buttons | start, reset, Q-Flash Plus | |
| External USB ports | 1× 4 (Thunderbolt 4), 2× 3.2 gen. 2 type A, 4× 3.2 gen. 1 type A, 4× 2.0 type A | |
| Video outputs | 1× DP 2.1, 1× HDMI 2.1 | |
| Network | 1× RJ-45 (5 GbE) – Realtek RTL8125D, Realtek RTL8922AE wireless module: WiFi 7 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) + Bluetooth 5.4 | |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 (7.1) | |
| Other external connectors | – | |
| Manufacturer's suggested retail price | 260 EUR |
| Fan | Dominant sound freq. and noise level, no obstacle@39 dBA | ||||||
| Low range | Mid range | High range | |||||
| Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | ||
| Thermalright TL-C12C | 130,7 | -75,7 | 369,7 | -71,7 | 19330,5 | -93,4 | |
| Adata XPG Vento Pro 120 PWM | 195,8 | -71,9 | 369,7 | -76,6 | 6639,8 | -87,0 | |
| CPS PCCooler F7 X120 | 20,6 | -58,7 | 369,7 | -74,3 | 19330,5 | -90,8 | |
| Arctic P12 Max (Black) | 20,6 | -63,2 | 369,7 | -75,4 | 19897,0 | -90,9 | |
| Arctic S12038-4K | 160,0 | -67,9 | 739,4 | -72,9 | 2957,7 | -85,3 | |
| Gigabyte Aorus EZ Chain Fan 120 Ice | 127,0 | -67,3 | 369,7 | -73,2 | 19897,0 | -91,5 | |
| BeQuiet! Pure Wings 3 (BL105) | 130,7 | -76,4 | 369,7 | -74,2 | 19897,0 | -91,0 | |
| Scythe Grand Tornado 120 | 320,0 | -76,6 | 359,2 | -67,6 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| DeepCool FT12 | 179,6 | -70,0 | 369,7 | -73,8 | 19897,0 | -90,9 | |
| Asus TUF Gaming TR120 (Reverse) | 123,4 | -78,2 | 320,0 | -74,1 | 19897,0 | -90,9 | |
| PCCooler CPS F5 R120 BK | 20,6 | -72,2 | 369,7 | -70,8 | 19330,5 | -90,8 | |
| Seasonic MagFlow ARGB | 20,6 | -74,2 | 380,5 | -73,9 | 19897,0 | -90,9 | |
| BeQuiet! Pure Wings 3 (BL108) | 123,4 | -74,5 | 380,5 | -73,8 | 19330,5 | -90,8 | |
| Endorfy Stratus 120 PWM | 179,6 | -66,9 | 380,5 | -75,8 | 19330,5 | -90,8 | |
| Phanteks PH-F120T30 | 130,7 | -76,0 | 369,7 | -77,3 | 18780,2 | -90,7 | |
| BeQuiet! Light Wings White (BL101) | 226,3 | -71,5 | 380,5 | -78,7 | 19330,5 | -90,6 | |
| Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 | 146,7 | -78,4 | 380,5 | -73,0 | 19330,5 | -90,6 | |
| Valkyrie X12 | 20,6 | -74,7 | 1045,7 | -76,1 | 19897,0 | -90,7 | |
| Fractal Design Silent R3 140 mm | 130,7 | -67,8 | 380,5 | -75,4 | 2031,9 | -87,0 | |
| Arctic P12 PWM PST A-RGB | 116,5 | -72,8 | 339,0 | -80,0 | 19330,5 | -90,6 | |
| Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 Slim | 146,7 | -71,2 | 329,4 | -67,7 | 19897,0 | -90,7 | |
| Seasonic MagFlow 1225 PWM | 138,5 | -74,5 | 1015,9 | -69,6 | 19330,5 | -90,6 | |
| Arctic P12 PWM PST rev. 1 | 113,1 | -65,4 | 369,7 | -73,2 | 18780,2 | -90,8 | |
| Cooler Master Mobius 120 OC | 130,7 | -72,0 | 1107,9 | -71,7 | 19897,0 | -90,8 | |
| Corsair AF120 RGB Elite | 169,5 | -73,5 | 339,0 | -69,7 | 19330,5 | -90,7 | |
| Enermax SquA RGB White | 146,7 | -69,4 | 369,7 | -74,6 | 18245,6 | -91,0 | |
| Arctic P12 Slim PWM PST | 127,0 | -75,6 | 380,5 | -72,0 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| DeepCool FK120 | 38,9 | -78,8 | 246,8 | -67,0 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| Asus TUF Gaming TF120 | 127,0 | -76,0 | 380,5 | -74,6 | 19330,5 | -90,8 | |
| BeQuiet! Light Wings (BL072) | 138,5 | -80,1 | 369,7 | -78,4 | 18780,4 | -90,9 | |
| DeepCool FC120 | 195,8 | -71,5 | 201,6 | -68,0 | 3620,4 | -89,7 | |
| Nidec Servo Gentle Typhoon D1225C (2150/12) | 190,3 | -69,7 | 380,5 | -73,8 | 18780,2 | -91,0 | |
| BeQuiet! Shadow Wings 2 (BL085) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM | 23,1 | -73,9 | 369,7 | -74,1 | 19897,0 | -90,7 | |
| Corsair AF120 Elite (black) | 164,7 | -79,2 | 339,0 | -72,8 | 19897,0 | -90,7 | |
| Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M | 146,7 | -78,8 | 380,5 | -77,9 | 2635,0 | -83,9 | |
| Akasa Alucia SC12 | 151,0 | -80,6 | 226,3 | -73,4 | 19897,0 | -90,7 | |
| BeQuiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 (BL098) | 20,3 | -76,0 | 339,0 | -73,9 | 2791,7 | -83,3 | |
| Thermalright X-Silent 120 | 119,9 | -74,0 | 369,7 | -75,0 | 10540,1 | -88,4 | |
| Fractal Design Aspect 12 RGB PWM | 20,7 | -70,4 | 380,5 | -72,4 | 18780,2 | -90,8 | |
| BeQuiet! Silent Wings 3 (BL066) | 130,7 | -70,1 | 369,7 | -75,2 | 18780,2 | -90,9 | |
| Gelid Zodiac | 146,7 | -66,0 | 369,7 | -73,4 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM | 113,1 | -78,5 | 329,4 | -74,6 | 18780,2 | -90,9 | |
| BeQuiet! Pure Wings 2 (BL039) | 130,7 | -76,1 | 369,7 | -75,3 | 19330,5 | -90,7 | |
| Gigabyte Aorus 120 ARGB | 127,0 | -63,9 | 380,5 | -74,2 | 19330,5 | -90,6 | |
| Arctic BioniX P120 A-RGB | 50,4 | -77,9 | 439,7 | -72,4 | 18780,2 | -91,1 | |
| Akasa OTTO SF12 | 155,4 | -67,1 | 380,5 | -75,2 | 4431,5 | -87,2 | |
| Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 ARGB | 109,9 | -72,8 | 1076,3 | -72,4 | 18245,6 | -90,9 | |
| Alphacool SL-15 PWM | 184,9 | -73,4 | 380,5 | -73,1 | 19897,0 | -90,8 | |
| Arctic BioniX F120 | 151,0 | -69,3 | 369,7 | -75,3 | 18780,2 | -91,0 | |
| SilverStone SST-AP123 | 164,7 | -75,1 | 369,7 | -74,7 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM | 146,7 | -68,0 | 329,4 | -66,7 | 18245,6 | -91,1 | |
| SilentiumPC Fluctus 120 PWM | 190,3 | -69,2 | 380,5 | -68,8 | 19897,0 | -90,9 | |
| MSI MEG Silent Gale P12 | 23,1 | -73,5 | 380,5 | -73,3 | 18780,2 | -90,9 | |
| Asus ROG Strix XF120 | 130,7 | -70,9 | 369,7 | -75,2 | 19330,5 | -91,0 | |
| Akasa Vegas X7 | 127,0 | -77,8 | 369,7 | -76,1 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| Reeven Coldwing 12 | 160,0 | -74,0 | 369,7 | -76,8 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| Reeven Kiran | 184,9 | -75,2 | 369,7 | -75,2 | 17726,2 | -89,8 | |
| SilentiumPC Sigma Pro 120 PWM | 97,9 | -81,7 | 369,7 | -78,1 | 2635,0 | -86,2 | |
| SilentiumPC Sigma Pro Corona RGB 120 | 20,3 | -67,8 | 380,5 | -77,3 | 2487,1 | -85,6 | |
| SilverStone SST-AP121 | 103,7 | -76,2 | 339,0 | -73,4 | 2031,9 | -86,5 | |
| SilverStone SST-FQ121 | 138,5 | -75,2 | 1208,2 | -71,1 | 18780,2 | -90,9 | |
| Xigmatek XLF-F1256 | 190,3 | -77,1 | 761,1 | -75,5 | 19897,0 | -91,1 |
| Fan | Dominant sound freq. and noise level, no obstacle@45 dBA | ||||||
| Low range | Mid range | High range | |||||
| Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | ||
| Thermalright TL-C12C | 160,0 | -71,2 | 380,5 | -64,5 | 19330,5 | -91,3 | |
| Adata XPG Vento Pro 120 PWM | 28,3 | -74,0 | 246,8 | -59,3 | 6639,8 | -85,5 | |
| CPS PCCooler F7 X120 | 20,6 | -62,7 | 219,8 | -60,7 | 19330,5 | -90,8 | |
| Arctic P12 Max (Black) rev. 2 | 151,0 | -65,0 | 369,7 | -70,9 | 5747,0 | -89,4 | |
| Arctic S12038-4K | 127,0 | -59,3 | 201,6 | -61,8 | 2957,7 | -84,8 | |
| Gigabyte Aorus EZ Chain Fan 120 Ice | 164,7 | -67,5 | 369,7 | -67,7 | 2487,1 | -87,9 | |
| BeQuiet! Pure Wings 3 (BL105) | 130,7 | -70,4 | 369,7 | -69,6 | 2487,1 | -89,3 | |
| Scythe Grand Tornado 120 | 23,1 | -68,6 | 369,7 | -67,3 | 18780,2 | -91,1 | |
| DeepCool FT12 | 130,7 | -65,5 | 369,7 | -69,7 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| Asus TUF Gaming TR120 (Reverse) | 123,4 | -70,7 | 369,7 | -59,6 | 19330,5 | -90,7 | |
| BeQuiet! Pure Wings 3 (BL113) | 213,6 | -72,3 | 391,7 | -69,4 | 2487,1 | -87,6 | |
| PCCooler CPS F5 R120 BK | 23,1 | -66,3 | 207,5 | -74,0 | 2487,1 | -90,7 | |
| Seasonic MagFlow ARGB | 25,6 | -67,8 | 239,7 | -63,9 | 2347,5 | -90,1 | |
| BeQuiet! Pure Wings 3 (BL108) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Endorfy Stratus 120 PWM | 23,1 | -73,7 | 219,8 | -61,9 | 2487,1 | -90,5 | |
| Phanteks PH-F120T30 | 190,3 | -69,0 | 380,5 | -71,5 | 2957,7 | -90,8 | |
| BeQuiet! Light Wings White (BL101) | 123,4 | -68,0 | 285,1 | -64,2 | 2215,8 | -89,3 | |
| Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 | 130,7 | -69,5 | 380,5 | -69,3 | 19330,5 | -90,8 | |
| Valkyrie X12 | 23,1 | -69,6 | 879,3 | -68,7 | 19330,5 | -90,7 | |
| Arctic P12 PWM PST A-RGB | 146,7 | -64,2 | 1566,8 | -74,5 | 19330,5 | -90,7 | |
| Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 Slim | 184,9 | -65,9 | 391,7 | -69,7 | 2031,9 | -90,8 | |
| Seasonic MagFlow 1225 PWM | 195,8 | -63,8 | 958,9 | -67,0 | 18780,2 | -90,8 | |
| Arctic P12 PWM PST rev. 1 | 130,7 | -57,9 | 415,0 | -59,1 | 19897,0 | -90,6 | |
| Cooler Master Mobius 120 OC | 20,6 | -68,1 | 369,7 | -71,3 | 3417,2 | -89,3 | |
| Corsair AF120 RGB Elite | 134,5 | -67,3 | 269,1 | -62,2 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| Enermax SquA RGB White | 184,9 | -67,4 | 369,7 | -70,4 | 19897,0 | -90,9 | |
| Arctic P12 Slim PWM PST | 155,4 | -67,8 | 380,5 | -63,5 | 2031,9 | -89,0 | |
| BeQuiet! Light Wings (BL075) | 130,7 | -78,8 | 232,9 | -62,1 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| DeepCool FK120 | 23,1 | -68,0 | 604,1 | -65,8 | 19897,0 | -91,0 | |
| Asus TUF Gaming TF120 | 23,1 | -66,2 | 380,5 | -70,6 | 2957,7 | -88,1 | |
| BeQuiet! Light Wings (BL072) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| DeepCool FC120 | 195,8 | -71,5 | 380,5 | -72,8 | 3417,2 | -85,7 | |
| Nidec Servo Gentle Typhoon D1225C (2150/12) | 25,6 | -68,0 | 239,7 | -62,3 | 2280,7 | -84,1 | |
| BeQuiet! Shadow Wings 2 (BL085) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM | 28,3 | -72,5 | 269,1 | -69,8 | 2215,8 | -89,6 | |
| Corsair AF120 Elite (black) | 130,7 | -78,5 | 369,7 | -70,9 | 19330,5 | -90,9 | |
| Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M | 184,9 | -69,7 | 369,7 | -67,9 | 4305,4 | -73,8 | |
| Akasa Alucia SC12 | 130,7 | -70,3 | 380,5 | -68,6 | 2031,9 | -90,4 | |
| BeQuiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 (BL098) | 47,6 | -75,5 | 339,0 | -60,5 | 2791,7 | -83,3 | |
| Thermalright X-Silent 120 | 82,3 | -74,9 | 369,7 | -91,1 | 18780,2 | -91,1 | |
| Fractal Design Aspect 12 RGB PWM | 130,7 | -69,5 | 285,1 | -67,2 | 19330,5 | -90,8 | |
| BeQuiet! Silent Wings 3 (BL066) | 164,7 | -64,2 | 339,0 | -69,1 | 18780,2 | -90,8 | |
| Gelid Zodiac | 184,9 | -61,8 | 380,5 | -68,7 | 18780,2 | -90,8 | |
| Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM | 146,7 | -72,2 | 391,7 | -71,5 | 2280,7 | -83,1 | |
| BeQuiet! Pure Wings 2 (BL046) | 130,7 | -71,3 | 369,7 | -69,3 | 19330,5 | -90,6 | |
| Gigabyte Aorus 120 ARGB | 160,0 | -61,9 | 369,7 | -70,4 | 2487,1 | -88,3 | |
| Arctic BioniX P120 A-RGB | 151,0 | -67,6 | 369,7 | -72,0 | 2873,5 | -90,6 | |
| Akasa OTTO SF12 | 190,3 | -66,7 | 380,5 | -67,7 | 4695,1 | -86,3 | |
| Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 ARGB | 138,5 | -66,7 | 1076,3 | -67,1 | 3835,7 | -89,2 | |
| Alphacool SL-15 PWM | 151 | -71,5 | 232,9 | -66,5 | 2280,7 | -89,6 | |
| Arctic BioniX F120 | 195,8 | -68 | 201,6 | -62,2 | 19330,5 | -90,7 | |
| SilverStone SST-AP123 | 130,7 | -70,9 | 369,7 | -67,7 | 19897 | -90,9 | |
| Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM | 184,9 | -62,2 | 369,7 | -67,0 | 19897 | -91,1 | |
| SilentiumPC Fluctus 120 PWM | 25,6 | -69,6 | 239,7 | -62,0 | 2957,7 | -90,0 | |
| MSI MEG Silent Gale P12 | 28,3 | -73,5 | 380,5 | -71,0 | 2487,1 | -85,9 | |
| Asus ROG Strix XF120 | 23,1 | -62,9 | 369,7 | -71,7 | 2347,5 | -89,1 | |
| Akasa Vegas X7 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Reeven Coldwing 12 | 195,8 | -68,3 | 380,5 | -71,3 | 2031,9 | -90 | |
| Reeven Kiran | 130,7 | -73,1 | 219,8 | -70,2 | 17726,2 | -89,4 | |
| SilentiumPC Sigma Pro 120 PWM | 138,5 | -70,0 | 1522,2 | -71,9 | 2560 | -82,9 | |
| SilentiumPC Sigma Pro Corona RGB 120 | 190,3 | -70,5 | 369,7 | -66,5 | 2416,3 | -82,4 | |
| SilverStone SST-AP121 | 130,7 | -66,8 | 439,7 | -66,1 | 2347,5 | -90,9 | |
| SilverStone SST-FQ121 | 127 | -71,2 | 369,7 | -66,5 | 2031,8 | -81,4 | |
| Xigmatek XLF-F1256 | 130,7 | -71,5 | 239,7 | -60,9 | 18780,2 | -91,1 |
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.
A potentially huge problem for this fan is its longevity. I’ve seen quite a number of reports of them failing in large numbers only after a few months of usage, presumably due to bearing failure. Have you seen any signs of this happening on your units?
Even when ignoring this issue, I don’t see it being particularly competitive vs fans like Endorfy Stratus and Arctic P12. While airflow per price vs no obstacles is high, but the value decreases greatly if you look at airflow per price vs radiators, for example.
Even though I cannot assess longevity, I can assess the ratio of airflow to price. And especially when it comes to the ratio airflow to price on radiators, this ratio speaks in favor of the TL-C12C compared to the Stratus. The P12 is from another world, nothing can be compared to it 😀 . Moreover, I counted with the price that Ľubo states in the specification (in €). If we took the price of a three-pack even the P12 would sweat.
Every dBA lvl – https://imgur.com/bhNPXyJ
Average – https://imgur.com/G8EmutF
I would say that overall the TL-C12C is quite comparable to the Stratus (except for the lifespan, which I can’t assess). 😉
Here are the current best prices from geizhals.de (19-6-2025, 9:30 am)
https://imgur.com/ppoJbo2
Yes, the price of the TL-C12C in the triple pack is extremely attractive. However, I assume that a fan hub will not be included in the standard accessories, as is sometimes the case with more expensive models. Here it will probably rely on the possibility of daisy-chaining and connecting all three fans to one header on the motherboard or case (if the case has its own hub). 🙂
You’re right, I was not aware of the fact that the triple pack is priced so low. If C12C works well long term, I can see them being quite attractive.
Good point. Unfortunately, we cannot assess lifespan. I’ve played around with the idea of creating some form of methodology based on “accelerated aging”, but under our conditions, that would not be easy… Recently, my colleague and I talked about fluid dynamic bearings and yes, the quality level can vary. This is also reflected in the wide range of MTBF/MTTF values… so yes, in the case of the TL-C12C, it’s probably a bit weaker here, but that probably also applies to the Stratus 120 PWM fans. Those are also low-end, but aerodynamically excellent, and I think both deserve the Smart Buy! award (the fans). Arctic P12, as Bufo points out, is “from another world”, but we should keep in mind that this might not be the case for much longer. It depends on how long Arctic continues to sell and supply them to third-party retailers. 🙂
According to this source, the “S-FDB” aka “Stably-Fluid Dynamic Bearing” is just a rifle bearing with a 20k hr MTTF… That could explain the poor longevity.
https://en.namu.wiki/w/Thermalright/%EC%BF%A8%EB%A7%81%ED%8C%AC
Thanks for the clarification. You’re right — not all FDBs are created equal. That’s also why the range of MTBF values (with FDB) is so wide. 🙂
as one fictional character said 😉
Bearing is bearing.
Rifle, Fluid, Hydro …
Makes no difference.
The degree is arbitrary.
The definition’s blurred.
or something like that … 😀
(message for Ľubo…you don’t have to resolve the differences…this is just for relief) 😀
Just want to say THANK YOU! This info doesn’t show up anywhere nor prominently in search engine results when researching lifetime of these Thermalright fans. Now it also makes sense why the E12B V3 model stops after 4 seconds on max RPM when the power is cut. With an Arctic P14 I saw it’s over 12 seconds. Makes sense now. Feeling pretty disappointed how misleading Thermalright is with the “FDB” claim…