Buying Guide
The Best ARGB PC Fans
We weighed five case fans on pack size and top speed; the TL-C12C-S 5-pack has the largest pack size, and the TL-C14C-S X3 costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
ARGB fans have individually addressable LEDs that sync with the motherboard. Every pick has ARGB lighting, ordered by airflow.
We ranked these case fans on fans in box, max speed and rated airflow using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these case fans ourselves, and where a maker leaves out max speed, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Rated Airflow
Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack)The highest rated airflow here (83.4 CFM).
Best for: Moving air through a warm case.
Check price for Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-PackThe lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the TL-C12C-S 5-pack.
Check price for Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Static Pressure
Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack)The highest static pressure here (2.8 mmH2O).
Best for: Buyers who put static pressure first.
Check price for Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Pack Size
Thermalright TL-C12C-S (5 Pack)The largest pack size here (5 fans).
Best for: Buyers who put pack size first.
Check price for Thermalright TL-C12C-S (5 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Lian Li UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120 (3 Pack)Interlocking fans that join cables into one run.
Best for: Buyers who want interlocking fans that join cables into one run.
Check price for Lian Li UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120 (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Rated Airflow1 of 5
Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack)
Lian Li's UNI FAN TL Flex pack offers 83.4 CFM and 2.66mmH2O per fan, with LCP blades set 0.6mm from the frame.
Best for
- Moving air through a warm case.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the TL-C14C-S X3 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
These are reverse-blade fans, so check the airflow direction before ordering. On pack size it ties with the TL-C14C-S X3, the RS120 ARGB 3-pack and the UNI FAN SL-Infinity at 3 fans. On top speed it leads this guide at 2300 RPM, ahead of the RS120 ARGB 3-pack (2100 RPM).
On rated airflow it leads this guide at 83.4 CFM, ahead of the TL-C14C-S X3 (75.8 CFM). On static pressure it sits mid-pack at 2.66 mmH2O: the RS120 ARGB 3-pack offers 2.8 mmH2O, and the TL-C12C-S 5-pack comes in at 1.53 mmH2O. It is the only pick here with an FDB bearing; the TL-C12C-S 5-pack has a S-FDB bearing instead.
Like the TL-C14C-S X3 and TL-C12C-S 5-pack, it has ARGB lighting, while the UNI FAN SL-Infinity uses ARGB infinity mirror lighting. It also offers a controller in the box. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the UNI FAN SL-Infinity.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 3 fans
- Max speed
- 2300 RPM
- Rated airflow
- 83.4 CFM
- Static pressure
- 2.66 mmH2O
- Bearing
- FDB
- Lighting
- ARGB
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- 83.4 CFM rated airflow
- 2.66 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
- a FDB bearing
Cons
- Costs more than the TL-C14C-S X3 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack
What the TL-C14C-S X3 brings to the table is three 140mm ARGB fans, plus 75.8 CFM of rated airflow.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the TL-C12C-S 5-pack.
Skip if
- Skip it if top speed matters most to you; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 2300 RPM.
Why we like it
It also comes as 3 fans and offers a 1500 RPM top speed. On pack size it ties with the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack, the RS120 ARGB 3-pack and the UNI FAN SL-Infinity at 3 fans. On top speed it trails the group at 1500 RPM, while the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 2300 RPM.
Its 75.8 CFM rated airflow ranks second of 4 here, behind the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (83.4 CFM) and ahead of the TL-C12C-S 5-pack (66.17 CFM). On static pressure it sits mid-pack at 1.93 mmH2O: the RS120 ARGB 3-pack offers 2.8 mmH2O, and the TL-C12C-S 5-pack comes in at 1.53 mmH2O. Like the TL-C12C-S 5-pack, it has a S-FDB bearing, while the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack uses an FDB bearing. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the TL-C12C-S 5-pack was the next step up.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 3 fans
- Max speed
- 1500 RPM
- Rated airflow
- 75.8 CFM
- Static pressure
- 1.93 mmH2O
- Rated noise
- 26.4 dB(A)
- Bearing
- S-FDB
- Lighting
- ARGB
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- 75.8 CFM rated airflow
- a S-FDB bearing
- ARGB lighting
Cons
- Top speed trails the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (2300 RPM)
The catch
If top speed is your priority, the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (2300 RPM) is the stronger choice.
Highest Static Pressure3 of 5
Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack)
Corsair's RS120 ARGB pack daisy-chains three fans so they run from one PWM and one ARGB header.
Best for
- Buyers who put static pressure first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the TL-C14C-S X3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker rates each fan at 72.8 CFM and 2.8mmH2O at up to 2,100 RPM. On pack size it ties with the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack, the TL-C14C-S X3 and the UNI FAN SL-Infinity at 3 fans. On top speed it sits mid-pack at 2100 RPM: the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 2300 RPM, and the TL-C14C-S X3 comes in at 1500 RPM.
Its 72.8 CFM rated airflow ranks third of 4 here, behind the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (83.4 CFM) and ahead of the TL-C12C-S 5-pack (66.17 CFM). Nothing else here matches its 2.8 mmH2O static pressure; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack comes closest at 2.66 mmH2O. It is the only pick here with a magnetic dome bearing; the TL-C14C-S X3 has a S-FDB bearing instead.
It also offers anti-vortex vanes that direct airflow. Its price falls between the TL-C12C-S 5-pack and the UNI FAN SL-Infinity, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 3 fans
- Max speed
- 2100 RPM
- Rated airflow
- 72.8 CFM
- Static pressure
- 2.8 mmH2O
- Bearing
- Magnetic dome
- Lighting
- ARGB, 8 LEDs per fan
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- 72.8 CFM rated airflow
- 2.8 mmH2O static pressure for radiators and filters
- a Magnetic dome bearing
Cons
- Costs more than the TL-C14C-S X3 at the time of writing
Largest Pack Size4 of 5
Thermalright TL-C12C-S (5 Pack)
Thermalright's TL-C12C-S five-pack offers 66.17 CFM at 1550 RPM with ARGB lighting.
Best for
- Buyers who put pack size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated airflow matters most to you; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 83.4 CFM.
Why we like it
At the time of writing it cost less per fan than any other pick here. Nothing else here matches its 5 fans pack size; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack comes closest at 3 fans. On top speed it sits mid-pack at 1550 RPM: the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack offers 2300 RPM, and the TL-C14C-S X3 comes in at 1500 RPM.
Its 66.17 CFM rated airflow is the lowest in this group; the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack leads at 83.4 CFM. On static pressure it trails the group at 1.53 mmH2O, while the RS120 ARGB 3-pack offers 2.8 mmH2O. Like the TL-C14C-S X3, it has a S-FDB bearing, while the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack uses an FDB bearing.
It also offers 55cm cables for daisy-chained PWM control. Its price falls between the TL-C14C-S X3 and the RS120 ARGB 3-pack, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 5 fans
- Max speed
- 1550 RPM
- Rated airflow
- 66.17 CFM
- Static pressure
- 1.53 mmH2O
- Rated noise
- 25.6 dBA
- Bearing
- S-FDB
- Lighting
- ARGB
Pros
- 5 fans in the box
- 66.17 CFM rated airflow
- a S-FDB bearing
- ARGB lighting
Cons
- Rated airflow trails the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (83.4 CFM)
- Static pressure trails the RS120 ARGB 3-pack (2.8 mmH2O)
- Costs more than the TL-C14C-S X3 at the time of writing
The catch
If rated airflow is your priority, the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack (83.4 CFM) is the stronger choice.
Also Consider5 of 5
Lian Li UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120 (3 Pack)
Lian Li's UNI FAN SL-Infinity fans interlock so their cables join into one run, and the included controller handles up to 16 fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want interlocking fans that join cables into one run.
Skip if
- Skip it if pack size matters most to you; the TL-C12C-S 5-pack offers 5 fans.
Why we like it
Each fan carries 40 LEDs behind an infinity mirror. On pack size it ties with the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack, the TL-C14C-S X3 and the RS120 ARGB 3-pack at 3 fans. No other pick in this guide offers ARGB infinity mirror lighting; compare the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack, which has ARGB lighting.
Check that your case has 120mm mounts in the positions you plan to use, and how many fan headers your motherboard offers. With 3 fans, use a splitter or hub rather than several headers, and check the header's current rating; each fan's draw is on the label. ARGB lighting needs a 5V 3-pin ARGB header or the included controller; do not connect it to a 12V RGB header. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper RS120 ARGB 3-pack and the pricier UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Fans in box
- 3 fans
- Lighting
- ARGB infinity mirror
Pros
- 3 fans in the box
- ARGB infinity mirror lighting
- Interlocking fans that join cables into one run
- Controller that handles up to 16 fans
Cons
- Pack size trails the TL-C12C-S 5-pack (5 fans)
- No published top speed
- No published rated airflow
The catch
The trade-off is pack size; for more, the TL-C12C-S 5-pack comes in at 5 fans.
How We Chose These ARGB PC Fans
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five case fans on pack size, top speed, rated airflow and static pressure as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out top speed.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack to the UNI FAN SL-Infinity, state pack size and lighting.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The UNI FAN SL-Infinity gives no top speed; the UNI FAN SL-Infinity gives no rated airflow.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the TL-C14C-S X3 (under $50) to the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in an ARGB PC Fan
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pack size across these picks
Across these 5 picks pack size spans 3 fans (the UNI FAN SL-Infinity) to 5 fans (the TL-C12C-S 5-pack). If pack size is your first filter, the TL-C12C-S 5-pack sets the ceiling at 5 fans.
How much top speed you need
The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack tops top speed at 2300 RPM and the TL-C14C-S X3 sits lowest at 1500 RPM. For less, the RS120 ARGB 3-pack is the runner-up at 2100 RPM (under $50 tier). The UNI FAN SL-Infinity gives no top speed figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card Rated airflow
The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack tops rated airflow at 83.4 CFM and the TL-C12C-S 5-pack sits lowest at 66.17 CFM. The TL-C14C-S X3 comes second at 75.8 CFM, in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 for the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack. The UNI FAN SL-Infinity gives no rated airflow figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Bearing
The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack lists FDB; the TL-C14C-S X3 and the TL-C12C-S 5-pack list S-FDB; the RS120 ARGB 3-pack lists Magnetic dome.
A case with purple-lit front fans and the motherboard area behind them Extras that separate them
The RS120 ARGB 3-pack: anti-vortex vanes that direct airflow. The TL-C12C-S 5-pack: 17 ARGB lighting modes. The UNI FAN SL-Infinity: a controller that handles up to 16 fans.
How to Choose an ARGB PC Fan
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Moving air through a warm case | UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack | The highest rated airflow here (83.4 CFM) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the TL-C12C-S 5-pack | TL-C14C-S X3 | The lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing |
| Buyers who put static pressure first | RS120 ARGB 3-pack | The highest static pressure here (2.8 mmH2O) |
| Buyers who put pack size first | TL-C12C-S 5-pack | The largest pack size here (5 fans) |
| Buyers who want interlocking fans that join cables into one run | UNI FAN SL-Infinity | Interlocking fans that join cables into one run |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The TL-C12C-S 5-pack leads on pack size at 5 fans, ahead of the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack at 3 fans. "Not listed" marks top speed where the UNI FAN SL-Infinity leaves the figure out.
| Case Fan | Fans in box | Max speed | Rated airflow | Static pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack | 3 fans | 2300 RPM | 83.4 CFM | 2.66 mmH2O |
| TL-C14C-S X3 | 3 fans | 1500 RPM | 75.8 CFM | 1.93 mmH2O |
| RS120 ARGB 3-pack | 3 fans | 2100 RPM | 72.8 CFM | 2.8 mmH2O |
| TL-C12C-S 5-pack | 5 fans | 1550 RPM | 66.17 CFM | 1.53 mmH2O |
| UNI FAN SL-Infinity | 3 fans | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The TL-C14C-S X3 was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack the highest ($50 to $100) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Case Fans |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | TL-C14C-S X3, TL-C12C-S 5-pack, RS120 ARGB 3-pack |
| About $50 to $100 | UNI FAN SL-Infinity, UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TL-C12C-S 5-pack ahead of the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack on pack size?
The TL-C12C-S 5-pack leads at 5 fans, with the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack at 3 fans.
How does the RS120 ARGB 3-pack compare with the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack on top speed?
Between the top two, it is 2300 RPM on the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack against 2100 RPM on the RS120 ARGB 3-pack, a 10% difference. The TL-C14C-S X3 closes the ranking at 1500 RPM. The UNI FAN SL-Infinity doesn't state a top speed figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
How does the TL-C14C-S X3 compare with the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack on rated airflow?
Between the top two, it is 83.4 CFM on the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack against 75.8 CFM on the TL-C14C-S X3, a 10% difference. The TL-C12C-S 5-pack is at the other end of this group with 66.17 CFM. The UNI FAN SL-Infinity doesn't state a rated airflow figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack add over the TL-C14C-S X3?
On paper it adds top speed (2300 RPM against 1500 RPM), rated airflow (83.4 CFM against 75.8 CFM) and static pressure (2.66 mmH2O against 1.93 mmH2O). On our last price check the TL-C14C-S X3 was in the under $50 tier and the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack in the $50 to $100 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if top speed and rated airflow decide your purchase.
Why is the RS120 ARGB 3-pack our Highest Static Pressure pick?
It earns the label for the highest static pressure here (2.8 mmH2O). On static pressure it leads the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack, 2.8 mmH2O against 2.66 mmH2O, a 5% margin. The price of that: the TL-C14C-S X3, the cheapest pick, still beats it on rated airflow (75.8 CFM against 72.8 CFM). It suits anyone who puts static pressure first.
Do the TL-C14C-S X3 and the TL-C12C-S 5-pack differ on rated noise?
The TL-C14C-S X3 uses 26.4 dB(A); the TL-C12C-S 5-pack uses 25.6 dBA. The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack, the RS120 ARGB 3-pack and the UNI FAN SL-Infinity have no rated noise listed, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack. Look at the TL-C14C-S X3 for the lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing, the RS120 ARGB 3-pack for the highest static pressure here (2.8 mmH2O) and the TL-C12C-S 5-pack for the largest pack size here (5 fans) if those matter more to you.
Check your motherboard has a 5V 3-pin ARGB header, not only 12V RGB.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Case Fans
- Related guideThe Best ARGB Case Fans
- Related guideThe Best PC Cooling Fans
- Lower budgetThe Best Case Fans Under $15
- Similar guideThe Best 140mm PC Fans
- ExplainerPC Airflow Explained
- ExplainerHow Many Case Fans Do You Need?
- Check compatibility: processorsCPU Specs Explained: Cores, Threads, Clock Speed, Cache, and TDP
- Similar guideThe Best Radiator Fans
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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