Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Corsair SP140 RGB Elite vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S: Comparison
Corsair SP140 RGB Elite vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S: the airflow difference
These two are close on paper, and airflow is the only measure that separates them at all: Corsair SP140 RGB Elite 68.1 CFM against Thermalright TL-C12C-S 66.17 CFM. Max speed runs the same way, 1200 RPM on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite versus 1550 RPM on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S, another win for Thermalright TL-C12C-S. Colors is not the same on both, Black or White on the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite versus White, Black on the Thermalright TL-C12C-S.
Which should you buy, Corsair SP140 RGB Elite or Thermalright TL-C12C-S?
The Corsair SP140 RGB Elite suits 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. Take the Thermalright TL-C12C-S for budget builds filling multiple fan mounts without a premium per-fan cost. The same goes for anyone who wants Noctua-adjacent quiet performance at a fraction of the price. It is the wrong buy for enthusiasts chasing the absolute best noise-to-airflow ratio, premium fans still win there. 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-S (7/10): Noctua-adjacent quiet operation at budget pricing, which is exactly what a six-fan build needs.
What Corsair SP140 RGB Elite and Thermalright TL-C12C-S have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, connector type, fan thickness, pwm control and rgb lighting included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair SP140 RGB Elite and Thermalright TL-C12C-S 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-S.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 140 mm
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Corsair
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Thermalright
Model
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- SP140 RGB Elite
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- TL-C12C-S
Bearing Type
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Hydraulic
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Fluid Dynamic
Fan Thickness
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 25 mm
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 25 mm
Static Pressure
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 1.66 mmH2OBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 1.53 mmH2O-8%
Max Speed
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 1200 RPM-23%
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 1550 RPMBest
Airflow
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 68.1 CFMBest
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 66.17 CFM-3%
Noise Level
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 26.8 dBA
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 25.6 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Yes
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Yes
Connector Type
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- 4-Pin PWM
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- 4-Pin PWM
RGB Lighting
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Yes
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Yes
Lighting Type
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- RGB 12V
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- ARGB 5V
Positioning
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Mainstream
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- Budget
Colors
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite
- Black or White
- Thermalright TL-C12C-S
- White, Black
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-S 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-S |
|---|---|---|
| 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-S
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Noctua-adjacent quiet operation at budget pricing, which is exactly what a six-fan build needs.