Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Corsair AF120 Elite vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair AF120 Elite and Thermalright TL-C12C-S?
Start with static pressure, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Corsair AF120 Elite 1.93 mmH2O against Thermalright TL-C12C-S 1.53 mmH2O, 21% in favour of Corsair AF120 Elite. Add airflow to that, 59.1 CFM on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 66.17 CFM on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S, and the pattern holds. Corsair AF120 Elite also leads on max speed, 1850 RPM on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 1550 RPM on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S. They differ on positioning too, Performance on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus Budget on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S.
Corsair AF120 Elite vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S: which one fits your build
Buy the Corsair AF120 Elite for mesh-front intake positions and builds that don't want RGB clutter, though it is not built for radiator or filtered-intake duty and budget-per-fan shoppers. Take the Thermalright TL-C12C-S for budget builds filling multiple fan mounts without a premium per-fan cost. It also earns its place with anyone who wants Noctua-adjacent quiet performance at a fraction of the price. It is not the one for enthusiasts chasing the absolute best noise-to-airflow ratio, premium fans still win there. Our rating of the Corsair AF120 Elite (7/10): A clean, quiet airflow fan for mesh cases, though the Arctic F12 PWM matches it for less money. Our rating of the Thermalright TL-C12C-S (7/10): Noctua-adjacent quiet operation at budget pricing, which is exactly what a six-fan build needs.
What Corsair AF120 Elite and Thermalright TL-C12C-S have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: fan size, bearing type, connector type, fan thickness and pwm control are identical here.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair AF120 Elite and Thermalright TL-C12C-S differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 28.9 dBA on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 25.6 dBA on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 120 mm
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Corsair
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Thermalright
Model
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- AF120 Elite
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- TL-C12C-S
Bearing Type
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Fluid Dynamic
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Fluid Dynamic
Fan Thickness
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 25 mm
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1.93 mmH2OBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 1.53 mmH2O-21%
Max Speed
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1850 RPMBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 1550 RPM-16%
Airflow
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 59.1 CFM-11%
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 66.17 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 28.9 dBA
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 25.6 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Yes
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Yes
Connector Type
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 4-Pin PWM
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- No
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Yes
Lighting Type
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- None
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- ARGB 5V
Positioning
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Performance
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Budget
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair AF120 Elite if you want the higher static pressure (1.93 mmH2O vs 1.53 mmH2O) and the higher max speed (1850 RPM vs 1550 RPM).
Choose Thermalright TL-C12C-S if you want the higher airflow (66.17 CFM vs 59.1 CFM) and the lower noise level (25.6 dBA vs 28.9 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair AF120 Elite | Thermalright TL-C12C-S |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Corsair AF120 Elite
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, quiet airflow fan for mesh cases, though the Arctic F12 PWM matches it for less money.
Thermalright TL-C12C-S
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Noctua-adjacent quiet operation at budget pricing, which is exactly what a six-fan build needs.