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Corsair QX120 RGB vs Thermalright TL-B12: Comparison
Corsair QX120 RGB vs Thermalright TL-B12: the static pressure difference
Static pressure is where these two genuinely part company, Corsair QX120 RGB 3.8 mmH2O against Thermalright TL-B12 2.87 mmH2O, a 24% lead for Corsair QX120 RGB. Add max speed to that, 2400 RPM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 2150 RPM on the Thermalright TL-B12, and the pattern holds. There is a split on lighting as well, RGB on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus No RGB on the Thermalright TL-B12. They differ on fan thickness too, 25 mm on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 25.6 mm on the Thermalright TL-B12. They differ on bearing marketing name too, Magnetic Dome on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus S-FDB on the Thermalright TL-B12.
Which should you buy, Corsair QX120 RGB or Thermalright TL-B12?
The Corsair QX120 RGB is the one to take for builds already using iCUE LINK hubs or coolers and high static-pressure radiator duty, though it is not built for builders without other iCUE LINK hardware and budget multi-fan purchases. Buy the Thermalright TL-B12 for budget builds that specifically want no RGB and filtered intake or radiator duty on a budget, though it is the wrong buy for showcase builds wanting lighting and ultra-quiet-first priorities. Our rating of the Corsair QX120 RGB (8/10): excellent performance and the cleanest cabling in the catalog, but only worth it inside Corsair's LINK ecosystem. Our rating of the Thermalright TL-B12 (8/10): excellent value for a non-RGB static-pressure fan, undercutting pricier options with little real performance loss.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair QX120 RGB and Thermalright TL-B12 differ on airflow?
Yes. Airflow reads 63.1 CFM on the Corsair QX120 RGB versus 69 CFM on the Thermalright TL-B12.
Is the Fan Size the same on the Corsair QX120 RGB and Thermalright TL-B12?
It is. Both are listed at 120 mm, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 120 mm
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Corsair
- Thermalright TL-B12
- Thermalright
Model
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- QX120 RGB
- Thermalright TL-B12
- TL-B12
Bearing Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Thermalright TL-B12
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- RGB
- Thermalright TL-B12
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 25 mm
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 25.6 mm
Static Pressure
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 3.8 mmH2OBest
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 2.87 mmH2O-24%
Max Speed
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 2400 RPMBest
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 2150 RPM-10%
Airflow
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 63.1 CFM-9%
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 69 CFMBest
Noise Level
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- 37 dBA
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 28.1 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Yes
- Thermalright TL-B12
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Magnetic Dome
- Thermalright TL-B12
- S-FDB
Connector Type
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Proprietary
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 4-Pin PWM
Positioning
- Corsair QX120 RGB
- Premium
- Thermalright TL-B12
- Value non-RGB
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair QX120 RGB if you want the higher static pressure (3.8 mmH2O vs 2.87 mmH2O) and the higher max speed (2400 RPM vs 2150 RPM).
Choose Thermalright TL-B12 if you want the higher airflow (69 CFM vs 63.1 CFM) and the lower noise level (28.1 dBA vs 37 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair QX120 RGB | Thermalright TL-B12 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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 QX120 RGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent performance and the cleanest cabling in the catalog, but only worth it inside Corsair's LINK ecosystem.
Thermalright TL-B12
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent value for a non-RGB static-pressure fan, undercutting pricier options with little real performance loss.