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…
Evaluation
System fan? The Thermalright TL-C12C is worth mentioning in this context as well. Without obstacles, with dust filters, and on a grille, above-average airflow results are achieved across modes normalized for comparable noise levels. That is, in the 120 mm format the TL-C12C falls under.
Even when compared with the Arctic BioniX F120, it’s already a plus that the impeller does not collide with the nylon filter, making it possible to use this fan and record the corresponding results. Unlike the mentioned Arctic fan, which, by the way, is now discontinued, the Thermalright TL-C12C also performs well on liquid cooler radiators. That’s true even when compared to the Kaze Flex II 120, which also has a clockwise-rotating impeller.
The TL-C12C achieves significantly higher airflow through radiators (than the competing Scythe fan), and with that comes higher cooling performance. At low-noise settings as well as in “performance mode” – simply across the full speed spectrum, the Thermalright TL-C12C delivers attractive results. Not quite on the level of high-end fans, but those are significantly more expensive or, like the Arctic P12, are expected to be phased out soon. Thermalright scores well here – the price-to-performance ratio is exceptionally high, and compared to the aforementioned Arctic P12, the Thermalright TL-C12C also has lower tonal peaks. Especially at lower speeds.
Vibrations are also lower, something the TL-C12C owes in part to its shorter blades. Combined with a fan that rotates in the opposite direction on a heatsink, it could be a particularly attractive choice, but it’s worth considering even on its own – for example as a system cooling solution or for cooling radiators. Still, keep in mind that this is a budget fan, and it comes with some compromises – for instance, the motor doesn’t shut off with PWM control. It spins continuously, even at low duty cycle, but the minimum speed is only around 200 RPM. That’s practically inaudible and free of annoying noise.
Some dust intake is inevitable, as you’re always dealing with active airflow. It’s a trade-off. Still, given the low price point, there’s not much to criticize about the Thermalright TL-C12C, and across various usage scenarios, it’s a solid pick.
Also commendable is the modern connector setup that lets you daisy-chain multiple fans. It has a specially designed cable with two connectors, the second of which is meant specifically for chaining an additional fan. For 7 EUR, if you’re not looking to spend much and the Thermalright TL-C12C is in stock…
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš
| Thermalright TL-C12C |
| + Suitable for every usage |
| + Cooling efficiency (airflow/pressure per unit of noise) at a very high level |
| + Very low price... |
| + ... and exceptionally high price/performance ratio |
| + Very small airflow loss on filters and grilles... |
| + ... and overall excellent results with these obstacles |
| + Wide speed range |
| + Rare, counter-clockwise impeller rotation |
| + Quiet bearing and motor operation |
| + Negligible vibrations |
| - Doesn’t support semi-passive mode – won’t stop spinning at low PWM duty cycle |
| Approximate retail price: 7 EUR |
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…