Epilogue
The Thermalright TL-K12 uses a true fluid dynamic bearing, which ensures its reliability in the long run, while keeping noise output low. It is not so common to find a true FDB fan in this price range, especially when it comes with ARGB lighting. In performance terms, the TL-K12 doesn’t set any records. I expected higher maximum airflow and static readings, given its increased maximum rotating speed. On the other hand, its build quality is high, and once you remove it from its box and hold it in your hands, you will think it’s a significantly more expensive fan than a ten-dollar one.
Let’s now look at 25 dBA noise-normalized performance. I chose 25 dBA because it strikes a balance between being low enough not to annoy most users and high enough to allow for speeds that offer decent airflow and static pressure performance.
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At 25 dBA, the fan’s airflow is high enough, and its static pressure is also decent, above the category’s average. This is a balanced performance fan, suitable for both chassis and use in heatsinks and radiators. Given its reasonable price, close to ten dollars, it won’t hurt your pocket if you buy several of these fans for your chassis or cooling solution. The only letdown is the lack of a daisy-chain feature, although Thermalright provides a PWM splitter in the bundle. Speaking of the bundle, it is rich given the product’s affordable price.
For reference, at the time of the review, the following prices applied in the US market (Amazon):
- ARCTIC P12 Pro: $8.5
- ARCTIC P12 PWM PST (5 Pack): $40
- be quiet! Silent Wings 4 120mm High-Speed: $27
- Corsair RS120 Max: $35
- Endorfy Fluctus 120 PWM: $15
- Phanteks T30-120 Triple-Pack: $115
- Phanteks M25-120 Gen2 ARGB Triple Pack: $37
- Scythe Grand Tornado 120mm: $20
- Thermalright TL-C12C: $12.9 – 3x fans combo
- Thermalright TL-K12: $10.4
- Thermaltake Toughfan Pro 12: $25
- XPG Vento Pro 120mm: $23
Below, you will find several 120mm fan reviews to get more insights about this product category.
- Alpenföhn JetStream 120mm Fan Review
- Arctic P12 Max Showdown – Black (DBB) vs White (FDB)
- Arctic P12 Max (Black – Double Ball Bearing) Fan Review
- Corsair iCUE Link LX RGB 120mm Fan Review
- Hyte THICC FP12 120mm Fan Review
- JONSBO SL-120 120mm Fan Review
- Montech GF120 ARGB PWM 120mm Fan Review
- Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM Fan Review
- Segotep HQ12 PRO 120mm Fan Review
- Scythe Grand Tornado 120mm Fan Review
- Phanteks T30-120 Cooling Fan Review
- Phanteks M25 Gen2 120mm Fan Review
- Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Pro Fan Review
- Thermalright TL-C12B V2 120mm Fan Review
- Tryx ROTA Pro 120mm Fan Review
- XPG Nidec Vento Pro 120 PWM Fan Review
Before investing in new cooling solutions, read my Best Cooling Fans article to check all alternative fan offerings. You help me a lot by using my affiliate links, which don’t increase the price of the product. I receive a commission from Amazon every time you do it, which can make a significant difference for me, especially now that I am working independently, exclusively for my media, rather than for someone else.
- Affordable price
- Balanced performance (high enough airflow and static pressure)
- Good build quality
- Not so noisy even at full speed
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing
- PWM control
- Wide RPM range (500-2200 RPM)
- Anti-vibration pads
- Rich bundle
- ARGB lighting
- No daisy-chain feature
I highly doubt this fan has any sort of proper “FDB” bearing. Especially not at this price point. I’ve disassembled one C12B fan before and the claimed “FDB” was actually just a rifle bearing.
They’re just like Arctic in this matter.
True, real and proper “FDB” bearing with long endurance would by itself raise the cost by 15-20$, mainly due to the need of QA.
If you go after cheap fans, don’t expect them to last and your wallet will keep crying. Now, i’m not saying: “go for most expensive stuff”, i’d rather say: “manage your expectations”. The more you’ll keep buying these junk fans, the more e-waste will be created.
They provide a photo on the product page on Amazon of a true FDB.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/05af079a-6510-4fc4-b6b6-35a9435214c8.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg
I’ve love to see how the Fractal Momentum 12 and 14 fans fare. Are they really top-tier like other reviewers say?
I installed three Momentum 14 (without RGB) fans on the front of a Phanteks P600S and had to return them because they generated a very annoying buzzing noise below 900 rpm. It’s a shame because I was hoping they would be high-quality fans. I finally installed three Corsair RS140 Max fans and I’m delighted because they move a lot of air and if you keep them below 1000 rpm, they are quiet enough.
RS140 Max are top, but bloody expensive. You get at least what you paid for (or a part of it ok)
Will you test the new Arctic P14 Pro fans? They claim to have higher CFM and Static Pressure than P14 Max fans.
Yes