Thermalright TL-C12C-S
Expert rating7 / 10
- Fan Size:
- 120 mm
- Bearing Type:
- Rifle
- Lighting:
- None
- Max Speed:
- 1500 RPM
- PWM Control:
- Yes
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Manufacturer: Thermalright Last updated: September 10, 2026
Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack) Review
The Thermalright TL-C12C-S is a budget 120mm 4-pin PWM case fan with a rifle bearing, quiet-focused tuning up to roughly 1500 RPM, and white or black frame options, commonly sold in multi-packs.
Thermalright built its name on CPU coolers, but the TL-C line of fans has become a genuine budget darling because it delivers respectable airflow and low noise for a fraction of what a Noctua or be quiet! fan costs. The TL-C12C-S is the case-fan-focused variant, sold individually or in multi-packs, and it's become a common recommendation in budget build guides specifically because it performs well above its price point. It won't out-cool our Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM or beat it on refinement, but for a budget build where you need to fill 4-6 fan mounts without blowing the whole cooling budget on fans alone, it's hard to argue with the price-to-performance.
Multi-Pack Value
Where this fan actually wins is bulk buying, a lot of case airflow setups need 4 or more fans, and buying 4 of a $30-each premium fan versus 4 of a budget fan that performs adequately is a real budget decision. Thermalright leans into this with multi-pack SKUs priced accordingly.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against our Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM, the Noctua wins outright on noise and airflow-per-dB, but at several times the price. Against our Arctic P12 Max, similar budget positioning, the Arctic tends to run a wider RPM range while the Thermalright leans more toward a quiet-tuned fixed curve, pick based on whether you want max airflow headroom or predictable quiet operation.
Specifications
Identity and packaging
| Brand | Thermalright |
|---|---|
| Model | TL-C12C-S |
| Fan Thickness | 25 mm |
Design
| Fan Size | 120 mm |
|---|---|
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic |
Performance
| Static Pressure | 1.53 mmH2O |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 1550 RPM |
| Noise Level | 25.6 dBA |
| PWM Control | Yes |
Performance at maximum speed
| Airflow | 66.17 CFM |
|---|
Motor and bearing
| Bearing Marketing Name | S-FDB |
|---|
Connection and daisy chain
| Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
|---|---|
| Lighting Connector | 3-Pin 5V ARGB |
Lighting
| RGB Lighting | Yes |
|---|---|
| Lighting Type | ARGB 5V |
Physical and finish
| Weight | 120 g |
|---|
Market
| Positioning | Budget |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black |
|---|---|
| Source URL | https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-c12c-s/ |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating7 / 10
Noctua-adjacent quiet operation at budget pricing, which is exactly what a six-fan build needs.
Best for
- Budget builds filling multiple fan mounts without a premium per-fan cost.
- Anyone who wants Noctua-adjacent quiet performance at a fraction of the price.
Not for
- Enthusiasts chasing the absolute best noise-to-airflow ratio, premium fans still win there.
- Extreme airflow needs, this fan is tuned for quiet operation over maximum CFM.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack)?
The Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack) is a case fan from Thermalright. Key specs: Size 120mm, Bearing Type Rifle, Max Speed 1500, Connector 4-pin PWM, Colors White, Black.
Will the Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack) work with my current setup?
The Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack) lists Size is 120mm. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack) best suited to?
It suits budget builds filling multiple fan mounts without a premium per-fan cost., anyone who wants noctua-adjacent quiet performance at a fraction of the price..
What are the drawbacks of the Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack)?
It is a poor fit for enthusiasts chasing the absolute best noise-to-airflow ratio, premium fans still win there., extreme airflow needs, this fan is tuned for quiet operation over maximum cfm..
Compare and read more
- Arctic P14 Max (140mm/105.9 CFM/3.15 mmH2O Static Pressure/3300 RPM Max/35 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM) vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack)
- Corsair AF120 Elite (120mm/63.1 CFM/1.85 mmH2O Static Pressure/2100 RPM Max/33 dBA/Fluid Dynamic Bearing/No RGB/PWM) vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack)
- Corsair SP140 RGB Elite (140mm/68 CFM/1.6 mmH2O Static Pressure/1400 RPM Max/25 dBA/Hydraulic Bearing/RGB/PWM) vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack)
- Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 PWM (120mm/44.7 CFM/1.08 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/18.6 dBA/LLS Bearing/No RGB/PWM) vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack)
- Noctua NF-P14s redux-1200 (140mm/48.6 CFM/1.19 mmH2O Static Pressure/1200 RPM Max/19.2 dBA/SSO Bearing/No RGB/PWM) vs Thermalright TL-C12C-S (120mm PWM Case Fan / ~1500 RPM / Rifle Bearing / White or Black / Budget Multi-Pack)