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Corsair SP140 RGB Elite vs Thermalright TL-C12C: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair SP140 RGB Elite and Thermalright TL-C12C?
Expect a near tie. The closest thing to a difference is airflow, Corsair SP140 RGB Elite 68.1 CFM against Thermalright TL-C12C 66.17 CFM. Bearing type is not the same on both, Hydraulic on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite versus Fluid Dynamic on the Thermalright TL-C12C. Thermalright TL-C12C also leads on max speed, 1200 RPM on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite versus 1550 RPM on the Thermalright TL-C12C. They differ on positioning too, Mainstream on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite versus Value ARGB on the Thermalright TL-C12C.
Who each one is for
Buy the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite for 140mm radiators needing moderate static pressure and budget RGB builds filling multiple large mounts, though it is the wrong buy for builders chasing the lowest possible noise floor and high-restriction radiators needing max pressure. The Thermalright TL-C12C suits single or small-quantity ARGB fan purchases and budget filtered-intake positions, though it is not the pick for bulk multi-fan purchases where the -S pack is cheaper and premium/quiet-first builds. Our rating of the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite (7/10): A capable mid-range 140mm RGB fan, though the pricier ML140 PRO RGB or quieter Light Wings both outclass it in their own way. Our rating of the Thermalright TL-C12C (7/10): excellent value ARGB fan; buy this version over the -S when you want the full controller bundle.
What Corsair SP140 RGB Elite and Thermalright TL-C12C have in common
Everything else lines up. Connector type, fan thickness, pwm control and colors read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite and Thermalright TL-C12C differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 26.8 dBA on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite versus 25.6 dBA on the Thermalright TL-C12C.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 140 mm
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Corsair
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- Thermalright
Model
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- SP140 RGB Elite
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- TL-C12C
Bearing Type
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Hydraulic
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- Fluid Dynamic
Fan Thickness
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 25 mm
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 1.66 mmH2OBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- 1.53 mmH2O-8%
Max Speed
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 1200 RPM-23%
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- 1550 RPMBest
Airflow
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 68.1 CFMBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- 66.17 CFM-3%
Noise Level
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 26.8 dBA
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- 25.6 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Yes
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- Yes
Connector Type
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 4-Pin PWM
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- 4-Pin PWM
Positioning
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Mainstream
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- Value ARGB
Colors
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Black or White
- Thermalright TL-C12C
- Black or White
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair SP140 RGB Elite if you want the higher static pressure (1.66 mmH2O vs 1.53 mmH2O) and the higher airflow (68.1 CFM vs 66.17 CFM).
Choose Thermalright TL-C12C if you want the higher max speed (1550 RPM vs 1200 RPM) and the lower noise level (25.6 dBA vs 26.8 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair SP140 RGB Elite | Thermalright TL-C12C |
|---|---|---|
| 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 SP140 RGB Elite
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A capable mid-range 140mm RGB fan, though the pricier ML140 PRO RGB or quieter Light Wings both outclass it in their own way.
Thermalright TL-C12C
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent value ARGB fan; buy this version over the -S when you want the full controller bundle.