Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan vs Thermalright 120mm White ARGB Fan (2026): Key Differences
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You are comparing the thermalright 92mm slim pwm fan vs 120mm white argb fan for your PC build. Both units feature 4-pin PWM connectors for automatic speed regulation based on system temperatures. They are designed for use in cases and with CPU coolers. The primary distinction involves their physical size and visual features. One is a slim unit without listed lighting, while the other is a larger fan with addressable RGB capabilities.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan | Thermalright 120mm White ARGB Fan 3-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120mm |
| Thickness | 15mm | 25mm |
| Max Airflow | 42.58 CFM | 66.17 CFM |
| Max Speed | 2700 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Lighting | Not listed | ARGB |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan if
- You need a fan that fits into thin radiators or tight CPU cooler mounts due to its 15mm slim profile.
- You prioritize higher rotational speed for maximum airflow in open chassis layouts where noise is less of a concern.
Choose Thermalright 120mm White ARGB Fan 3-Pack if
- You want higher static pressure and air volume to cool dense radiators or dust filters effectively.
- You want to synchronize fan lighting with your motherboard for customizable visual effects.
Verdict: Choose the 92mm slim fan if your case or cooler requires a low-profile solution with high RPM performance. Select the 120mm ARGB fan if you need stronger airflow for heavy cooling loads and want to add visual flair to your build. Both options provide reliable PWM temperature control.
Fan Size and Airflow Comparison
Fan Dimensions
The Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan measures 92x92x15mm. Its slim 15mm profile makes it ideal for tight spaces, such as mounting on top of tower CPU coolers or in compact cases. The Thermalright 120mm White ARGB Fan is larger at 120x120x25mm. This standard size fits most modern cases and radiators. The 25mm thickness allows for larger blades and potentially better airflow, but it requires more vertical clearance. If you have limited height, the 92mm slim fan is the practical choice. For standard builds, the 120mm fan offers more flexibility.
Airflow Performance
Airflow determines how much air moves through your system. The 92mm fan delivers a maximum of 42.58 CFM. The 120mm fan moves significantly more air, reaching 66.17 CFM. This higher volume helps cool components faster in larger cases. The larger blades on the 120mm unit move more air per rotation. If your priority is maximum cooling capacity for a standard case, the 120mm fan is superior. The 92mm fan is sufficient for smaller builds or specific spots where high airflow is not the main requirement.
Static Pressure
Static pressure measures how well a fan pushes air through dense obstacles like radiators or dust filters. The 92mm fan provides 1.33 mm H2O of static pressure. The 120mm fan offers 1.53 mm H2O. Both fans use PWM connectors for speed control. The 120mm fan has a slight advantage in pushing power through resistance. This makes it better suited for dense radiators. The 92mm fan is still capable, but the 120mm unit handles higher resistance environments more effectively.
Noise Levels
Noise is critical for a quiet PC. The 92mm fan operates at a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA. The 120mm fan reaches 25.6 dBA at its peak speed. The smaller fan is quieter when running at maximum capacity. However, the 120mm fan can move more air at lower speeds, potentially balancing out the noise difference in real-world use. The 92mm fan uses a liquid bearing, while the 120mm uses an S-FDB bearing. Both designs aim for low noise and longevity.
Lighting Features
Visual appeal matters for many builders. The 92mm fan comes in grey, white, or black with no mentioned lighting features. It is a standard cooling component. The 120mm fan includes ARGB lighting. It supports up to 17 lighting modes and syncs with motherboard ports. The blades are designed to diffuse light softly. If you want visible RGB effects in your case, the 120mm fan is the only option. The 92mm fan is purely functional without aesthetic lighting additions.
Which fan fits your build needs
Compact build or top-mount cooler users
This fan measures 92x92x15mm, offering a slim 15mm profile. It reaches 2700RPM for 42.58CFM airflow. The 1.33mm H2O static pressure suits tight spaces. Its 22.4dBA noise level and liquid bearing ensure quiet operation. It fits well with downward CPU coolers or compact cases where space is limited.
Users wanting ARGB lighting effects
This fan features white ARGB blades with 17 lighting modes. You can sync colors via your motherboard port. It measures 120x120x25mm, providing 66.17CFM airflow and 1.53mm H2O static pressure. The S-FDB bearing keeps noise at 25.6dBA. The 55cm cable helps with routing. It adds visual style to your case.
Standard case ventilation seekers
This 120mm fan delivers higher airflow at 66.17CFM and stronger static pressure at 1.53mm H2O. It runs at 1550RPM with a 25.6dBA noise level. The 25mm thickness allows for robust cooling in standard case bays. The 4-pin PWM connector ensures automatic speed control based on system temperatures for efficient cooling.
The products compared
Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan
Best for: Compact cases and slim radiators
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2700RPM
- Max Airflow
- 42.58CFM
- Static Pressure
- 1.33mm H2O
- Noise Level
- ≤22.4dBA
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
View on Amazon: Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan Affiliate link
This is a 92mm case or CPU cooler fan with an ultra-thin 15mm profile. It reaches 2700 RPM via a 4-pin PWM connection. The slim design fits tight spaces like radiators. Airflow maxes at 42.58 CFM with low noise. It suits builds needing compact cooling solutions.
Pros
- Ultra-thin 15mm height fits tight spaces
- 4-pin PWM for automatic speed control
- High max speed of 2700 RPM
- Low noise level at 22.4 dBA
Cons
- Smaller 92mm size limits total airflow
- Grey color only available in data
- No ARGB lighting included
Good fit if
- You need a fan for a slim radiator
- You are building a compact PC case
- You want quiet operation under load
Skip if
- You require RGB lighting effects
- You need a larger 120mm fan
- You want white color variants
Verdict: Thermalright 92mm Slim 15mm Fan fits compact builds needing quiet, high-speed cooling in tight spaces. It is ideal for slim radiators where height is restricted.
Thermalright 120mm White ARGB Fan 3-Pack
Best for: White-themed PC builds needing quiet airflow
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 1550RPM
- Max Airflow
- 66.17CFM
- Static Pressure
- 1.53mm H2O
- Noise Level
- 25.6dBA
- Connector Type
- 4pin PWM
View on Amazon: Thermalright 120mm White ARGB Fan 3-Pack Affiliate link
This 120mm Thermalright fan moves 66.17 CFM of air at 1550 RPM. It uses S-FDB bearings for stability and 4-pin PWM control. The white ARGB blades sync with your motherboard for up to 17 lighting modes. It fits cases, radiators, and CPU coolers. You get quiet operation at 25.6 dBA. It is a solid choice for builders who want white aesthetics and reliable cooling performance.
Pros
- Moves 66.17 CFM of air for strong cooling
- ARGB lighting syncs with motherboard for 17 modes
- S-FDB bearings reduce noise and blade shaking
- 4-pin PWM allows automatic speed control
Cons
- Static pressure is 1.53 mm H2O, which is moderate
- Requires motherboard ARGB header for lighting effects
- White finish may show dust more easily
Good fit if
- You want white ARGB fans for a matching build
- You need quiet case or CPU cooling
- You have a motherboard with ARGB headers
Skip if
- You prefer black fans without lighting
- You need high static pressure for dense radiators
- Your motherboard lacks ARGB headers
Verdict: Thermalright 120mm White ARGB Fan delivers solid airflow and clean aesthetics for white-themed builds. It suits users who value synchronized lighting and quiet operation over maximum static pressure.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan | Thermalright 120mm White ARGB Fan 3-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 2700RPM | 1550RPM |
| Max Airflow | 42.58CFM | 66.17CFM |
| Static Pressure | 1.33mm H2O | 1.53mm H2O |
| Noise Level | ≤22.4dBA | 25.6dBA |
| Connector Type | 4-pin PWM | 4pin PWM |
| Bearing Type | Liquid | S-FDB |
| Lighting Type | not stated | ARGB |
| Lighting | not stated | ARGB |
| Compatible Device | CPU Cooler | not stated |
| Dimensions | 3.62 × 0.59 × 3.62 inches | 4.72 × 4.72 × 0.98 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces | 3.53 ounces |
| Size | 92x92x15mm | not stated |
| Color | Grey | not stated |
| Model | TL-9015 | TL-C12CW-S X3 D6 |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan fit in standard 120mm fan mounts?
No, it cannot fit standard 120mm mounts. The fan measures 92x92x15mm, which is smaller than the 120mm standard. You must use mounting points designed for 92mm fans. This size is specific to compact cases or slim radiators where space is limited.
Does the 120mm White ARGB Fan include a controller for the lights?
The product data does not list a separate controller. It features ARGB lighting and a 4-pin PWM connector. You likely need a compatible motherboard header or a separate ARGB hub to synchronize the lights. The pack includes three fans for broader coverage.
Which fan is better for a compact mini-ITX case?
The Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan is the better choice. Its 15mm height allows it to fit in tight spaces where taller fans cannot. The 120mm fan is larger and may not fit in cases with restricted depth or height restrictions for components.
What type of bearing does the 120mm White ARGB Fan use?
It uses a Fluid Dynamic Bearing. This type of bearing is known for durability and quiet operation. The 92mm Slim Fan also uses a liquid bearing for similar quiet performance. Both bearings support long-term use without significant noise increase.
Can I use the 120mm White ARGB Fan for CPU cooling?
Yes, it is compatible with CPU coolers. The product attributes list CPU Cooler as a compatible device. Its 120mm size provides good airflow for standard tower coolers or radiators. The white ARGB design adds aesthetic value to visible cooling setups.
Is the 92mm fan suitable for case exhaust rather than intake?
Yes, it can be used for exhaust. Its 4-pin PWM connector allows speed adjustment based on temperature. This makes it efficient for moving air out of a case. The slim profile helps it fit in rear or top exhaust positions in small builds.
How do the connector types compare between the two fans?
Both fans use a 4-pin connector. This allows for PWM speed control via the motherboard. The 120mm fan adds ARGB lighting, which may require an additional 5V header. The 92mm fan focuses on airflow and speed control without lighting extras.