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Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM: Comparison

Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 vs Noctua NF-S12A PWM: the static pressure difference

On static pressure the spread is 55%, Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 2.66 mmH2O against Noctua NF-S12A PWM 1.19 mmH2O, so Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 takes it. Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 also leads on airflow, 83.4 CFM on the Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 versus 63.27 CFM on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM. Warranty runs the same way, 3 years on the Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 versus 6 years on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM, another win for Noctua NF-S12A PWM. Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 also leads on max speed, 2300 RPM on the Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 versus 1200 RPM on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM.

Which should you buy, Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 or Noctua NF-S12A PWM?

The Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 is the one to take for glass-panel showcase builds prioritizing lighting and multi-fan setups using Lian Li's daisy-chain hub, though it is the wrong buy for builds without a case window and radiator duty needing maximum pressure. The Noctua NF-S12A PWM suits mesh-front cases with unobstructed airflow paths and builds where near-silent operation matters more than raw CFM, though it is not built for radiator or filtered-intake use where pressure matters more and budget multi-fan builds needing 6+ fans. Our rating of the Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 (8/10): A strong, good-looking ARGB fan for showcase builds, distinguished mainly by lighting diffusion rather than raw performance. Our rating of the Noctua NF-S12A PWM (8/10): an excellent quiet airflow fan for open cases, but expensive per-fan for how little static pressure it offers.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 and Noctua NF-S12A PWM differ on noise level?

Yes. Noise Level reads 34 dBA on the Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 versus 17.8 dBA on the Noctua NF-S12A PWM.

Is the Fan Size the same on the Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 and Noctua NF-S12A PWM?

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

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    120 mm
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    120 mm
  • Brand

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    Lian Li
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    Noctua
  • Model

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    UNI FAN TL120
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    NF-S12A PWM
  • Bearing Type

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    Fluid Dynamic
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    Fluid Dynamic
  • Lighting

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    ARGB
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    None
  • Fan Thickness

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    28 mm
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    25 mm
  • Static Pressure

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    2.66 mmH2OBest
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    1.19 mmH2O-55%
  • Max Speed

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    2300 RPMBest
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    1200 RPM-48%
  • Airflow

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    83.4 CFMBest
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    63.27 CFM-24%
  • Noise Level

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    34 dBA
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    17.8 dBABest
  • PWM Control

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    Yes
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    Yes
  • Max Power Draw

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    4.5 W
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    1.44 WBest
  • Connector Type

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    4-Pin PWM
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    4-Pin PWM
  • Warranty

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    3 years-50%
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    6 yearsBest
  • Positioning

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120
    Premium ARGB
    Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    Premium

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Lian Li UNI FAN TL120 if you want the higher static pressure (2.66 mmH2O vs 1.19 mmH2O), the higher max speed (2300 RPM vs 1200 RPM) and the higher airflow (83.4 CFM vs 63.27 CFM).

    Choose Noctua NF-S12A PWM if you want the lower noise level (17.8 dBA vs 34 dBA) and the higher warranty (6 years vs 3 years).

    Price comparison

    RetailerLian Li UNI FAN TL120Noctua NF-S12A PWM
    AmazonView on AmazonView 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

    Lian Li UNI FAN TL120

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    A strong, good-looking ARGB fan for showcase builds, distinguished mainly by lighting diffusion rather than raw performance.

    Noctua NF-S12A PWM

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    An excellent quiet airflow fan for open cases, but expensive per-fan for how little static pressure it offers.

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