Building a gaming PC usually burns a hole in your wallet fast. When you get to the cooling fans, you notice that the big name brands charge a small fortune just for a bit of plastic and some lights. I found myself in this exact spot while building a budget rig recently.
I decided to try the Thermalright TL-C12C PC Cooling Fan 120mm 5V 3PIN ARGB Computer Case Fan 4pin PWM 1550RPM Adjustable Speed 12cm CPU Cooler Fan after seeing it pop up everywhere. This is my honest Thermalright TL-C12C PC Cooling Fan 120mm 5V 3PIN ARGB Computer Case Fan 4pin PWM 1550RPM Adjustable Speed 12cm CPU Cooler Fan review after using it for three months.
What is this cooling fan?
This is a basic 120mm fan designed to keep your PC parts from overheating while adding some color to your case. The main draw here is the price. You can often find these for the cost of a fancy coffee, and many sellers offer free shipping if you are patient enough to wait for the package to arrive.
It features ARGB lighting, which means you can sync the colors with your motherboard software. The PWM control lets the fan speed up or slow down based on how hot your computer is running. It is a simple tool meant for people who want performance without paying for fancy marketing.
Features that matter
The PWM function is the most helpful part of this fan. It stays quiet when I am just browsing the web, but it ramps up the speed when I start a heavy game. You do not have to mess with manual settings because your motherboard handles the curve for you.
The ARGB lights are surprisingly bright for a budget-friendly option. I was worried they would look washed out or uneven, but the glow is smooth across the blades. Setting them up is standard for anyone who has built a PC before since it uses a common 3-pin connector.
Honest pros and cons
- Extremely low price for what you get.
- PWM speed control works exactly as expected.
- The ARGB lighting looks better than many expensive fans.
- Shipping takes a long time from AliExpress.
- The plastic feels a bit thinner than premium brands.
- No local warranty support if something breaks.
Who should buy this?
If you are a student or someone on a strict budget, this fan is a great pick. It works perfectly for basic airflow setups where you need a few fans to fill out your case. You can buy a pack of these for less than the price of a single fan from a high-end brand.
People who should look elsewhere are those building a high-end workstation where every decibel of sound matters. If you are extremely sensitive to fan noise, you might prefer a more expensive fan with better vibration dampening. Also, if you need a warranty you can claim locally, sticking to a big-box store brand is safer.
What buyers are saying
One builder mentioned that they bought five of these for a budget build and was shocked by the cooling performance. They noted that the colors matched their memory sticks perfectly after a quick setup in their software. Another user said the shipping took about three weeks, which was annoying, but the money saved made it worth the wait for them.
Final verdict
I think this fan is a win for anyone who wants to save money without sacrificing performance. It keeps my CPU cool and makes my desk look like a professional setup without the giant price tag. Just remember that you are trading speed of delivery and local support for that lower cost.
If you are building your first PC or just need to replace a dead fan on a budget, this is a solid choice. It does the job, looks good, and leaves extra cash in your pocket for other parts. As long as you do not mind the long wait for the package, you will likely be happy with the result.
