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Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM vs Thermalright TL-B12: Comparison
What is the difference between Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM and Thermalright TL-B12?
Airflow is where these two genuinely part company, Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM 87.6 CFM against Thermalright TL-B12 69 CFM, a 21% lead for Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM. Static pressure runs the same way, 2.3 mmH2O on the Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM versus 2.87 mmH2O on the Thermalright TL-B12, another win for Thermalright TL-B12. Bearing marketing name is not the same on both, LLS on the Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM versus S-FDB on the Thermalright TL-B12. They differ on positioning too, Mainstream on the Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM versus Value non-RGB on the Thermalright TL-B12.
Which should you buy, Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM or Thermalright TL-B12?
The Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM is the one to take for silent PC builds and Fractal Design case upgrades, though it is not the pick for high static pressure radiator duty and show-window RGB builds. 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 not built for showcase builds wanting lighting and ultra-quiet-first priorities. Our rating of the Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM (7/10): one of the quietest 120mm fans around, ideal for anyone building around Fractal's own low-noise philosophy. 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.
What Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM and Thermalright TL-B12 have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, fan size, connector type, lighting and pwm control included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM and Thermalright TL-B12 differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 32.2 dBA on the Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM versus 28.1 dBA on the Thermalright TL-B12.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- 120 mm
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 120 mm
Brand
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- Fractal Design
- Thermalright TL-B12
- Thermalright
Model
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- Thermalright TL-B12
- TL-B12
Bearing Type
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- Sleeve
- Thermalright TL-B12
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- No RGB
- Thermalright TL-B12
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- 25 mm
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 25.6 mm
Static Pressure
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- 2.3 mmH2O-20%
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 2.87 mmH2OBest
Max Speed
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- 2000 RPM-7%
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 2150 RPMBest
Airflow
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- 87.6 CFMBest
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 69 CFM-21%
Noise Level
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- 32.2 dBA
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 28.1 dBABest
PWM Control
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- Yes
- Thermalright TL-B12
- Yes
Bearing Marketing Name
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- LLS
- Thermalright TL-B12
- S-FDB
Connector Type
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 4-Pin PWM
Weight
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- 159 gBest
- Thermalright TL-B12
- 205 g
Positioning
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- Mainstream
- Thermalright TL-B12
- Value non-RGB
Colors
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
- Black/White
- Thermalright TL-B12
- All black
Which one should you pick?
Choose Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM if you want the higher airflow (87.6 CFM vs 69 CFM).
Choose Thermalright TL-B12 if you want the higher static pressure (2.87 mmH2O vs 2.3 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2150 RPM vs 2000 RPM) and the lower noise level (28.1 dBA vs 32.2 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM | Thermalright TL-B12 |
|---|---|---|
| Fractal Design Store | View on Fractal Design Store | |
| 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
Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM
7 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the quietest 120mm fans around, ideal for anyone building around Fractal's own low-noise philosophy.
Thermalright TL-B12
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent value for a non-RGB static-pressure fan, undercutting pricier options with little real performance loss.