Building a custom PC can drain your bank account pretty fast. Once you buy the expensive parts like the graphics card and processor, you still need to make the case look decent without spending another fortune.
I recently picked up the UPSIREN UF-4 12CM Computer Chassis Fan to see if these cheaper cooling options actually perform well. If you want that infinity mirror look in your build, this might be the budget-friendly path you are looking for.
What is the UPSIREN UF-4 Fan?
This is a 120mm cooling fan that focuses heavily on looks. It uses an infinity mirror design on the front, back, and even the sides to give your PC a deep, glowing effect.
It connects using standard 4-pin PWM for speed control and a 3-pin ARGB header for the lights. The price is low, and many sellers offer free shipping, which makes it a popular choice for people building on a strict budget.
Features That Actually Matter
The main reason to buy these is the triple-mirror effect. Most fans only show lights on one side, but the UF-4 glows from almost every angle inside the case.
Controlling the speed is easy since it uses a 4-pin PWM connector. You can set your motherboard to slow the fans down when you are just browsing the web to keep things quiet.
The build quality is decent for the price. It does not feel like premium gear from a big brand, but it holds up well enough for a static PC case.
Honest Pros and Cons
- Pros
- The infinity mirror lighting looks great.
- Very low price compared to big-name brands.
- Standard connectors make it easy to plug into most motherboards.
- Free shipping is common on AliExpress.
- Noise levels stay low under normal loads.
- Cons
- Shipping can take a long time depending on your location.
- The plastic casing feels a bit cheap in your hands.
- No local warranty support if a fan dies after a few months.
- Daisy-chaining cables can create a messy look behind the motherboard tray.
- Documentation is almost non-existent in the box.
Who Should Buy This?
This fan is perfect for someone who wants a flashy PC build on a tight budget. If you are building your first PC or just want to swap out some boring black fans for something with lights, this is a smart pick.
However, skip this if you are a professional who needs absolute reliability for a work machine. If you want a setup that will last five years without a single light flickering, you should stick to established brands that have local support offices.
What Buyers Are Saying
I talked to a few people who have used these for a couple of months. One builder mentioned that the lights look just as good as the expensive fans his friend bought, though he did note that the screw holes were a little tight at first.
Another person noted that shipping took about three weeks to arrive. He was happy with the purchase because he saved enough money to put toward a better power supply, but he warned that you should be careful when plugging the thin cables into the headers.
Final Verdict
The UPSIREN UF-4 is a solid deal if you know what you are getting into. You get a cool, unique look that usually costs twice as much, but you lose out on the peace of mind that comes with a local warranty.
If you are comfortable waiting for your package and don't mind a bit of a challenge with cable management, it is a great way to save cash. Just manage your expectations regarding the build quality and you will likely be happy with your purchase.
