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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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.
Our take Check price for Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack
The lowest price among these case fans at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Thermalright TL-C14C-S X3 140mm ARGB 3-Pack (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.
Our take Check price for Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack) (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.
Our take Check price for Thermalright TL-C12C-S (5 Pack) (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.
Our take Check price for Lian Li UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120 (3 Pack) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Rated Airflow1 of 5
Lian Li UNI FAN TL Flex 120 Reverse Blade ARGB (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 in the build.
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 dimensions & 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)
Highest Static Pressure3 of 5
Corsair RS120 ARGB 120mm PWM (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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
Also Consider5 of 5
Lian Li UNI FAN SL-Infinity 120 (3 Pack) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. 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. The trade-off is pack size; for more, the TL-C12C-S 5-pack comes in at 5 fans.
Key dimensions & 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
How We Chose These ARGB PC Fans
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Rated performance
- We recorded airflow, static pressure and top speed where each listing states them.
- Lighting and wiring
- We checked lighting type and whether a controller is included.
- Noise and control
- We noted rated noise, PWM control and whether the fan stops at low PWM.
- Pack value
- We compared how many fans come in the box against the price at the time of writing.
What to Look for in an ARGB PC Fan
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Decide on pack size first
Among these picks, pack size runs from 3 fans on the UNI FAN SL-Infinity to 5 fans on the TL-C12C-S 5-pack. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
Airflow for open fronts, pressure for radiators
Airflow (CFM) matters behind an open mesh front. Static pressure (mmH2O) matters behind dust filters, dense mesh and radiators. Maker ratings are not measured the same way, so compare within a brand.
Plan fan control and headers
4-pin PWM fans let the motherboard vary speed with temperature. Several fans on one header need a splitter or hub within the header's current limit.
Compare cost per fan
Multi-packs often cost less per fan than singles. Divide the pack price by the number of fans before comparing.
Decide on lighting early
ARGB fans add cables and usually a controller. If you want a quiet, plain build, unlit fans are cheaper per fan and simpler to wire.
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 in the build | 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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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
Which of these case fans has the highest static pressure?
The RS120 ARGB 3-pack, at 2.8 mmH2O. The UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack follows at 2.66 mmH2O, while the TL-C12C-S 5-pack has 1.53 mmH2O.
What is the least I can spend on one of these case fans?
The TL-C14C-S X3. It undercut the TL-C12C-S 5-pack when we checked, while the UNI FAN TL Flex 3-pack cost the most of the group.
Can I use case fans on a radiator?
Yes, if they are the right size. Fans with higher static pressure push air through dense radiator fins more effectively.
Are 140mm fans better than 120mm?
A 140mm fan moves similar air at lower speed, so it can be quieter. Use them only where the case has 140mm mounts.
What is the difference between PWM and DC fans?
PWM (4-pin) fans take a speed signal from the motherboard; DC (3-pin) fans change speed through voltage. PWM usually gives finer control at low speeds.
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.