Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan vs Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub: Spec Comparison
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The thermalright 92mm slim pwm fan vs 8 port argb fan hub comparison highlights two distinct components for PC building. One is a physical cooling fan designed to move air. The other is a hub controller that manages multiple fans and lighting. Both come from Thermalright and use 4-pin connectors. The main difference lies in their function. You need the fan for actual airflow. You need the hub for cable management and ARGB synchronization.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan | Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | 92mm case or radiator cooling fan | Controller for up to 8 fans and ARGB lights |
| Max Fan Speed | 2700 RPM | Not listed |
| Airflow | 42.58 CFM | Not listed |
| Noise Level | ≤22.4 dBA | Not listed |
| Lighting Support | None | 5V 3-pin ARGB |
| Dimensions | 92x92x15mm | 5.51x2.52x0.63 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan if
- You need a physical fan to cool your CPU or case
- You want to adjust fan speed via motherboard PWM
- You require specific airflow and noise specifications
Choose Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub if
- You have multiple ARGB fans and need a central hub
- You want to reduce cable clutter with a single SATA connection
- You need to sync lighting across up to eight devices
Verdict: Choose the fan if you need actual air movement for cooling. Choose the hub if you already have fans and need to manage their power and ARGB lighting. These products serve different roles in a build.
Fan vs Hub Spec Breakdown
Physical dimensions
The Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan measures 92 by 92 by 15 mm. Its height is only 15 mm, making it an ultra-thin option suitable for tight spaces or radiators. The Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub has a larger footprint, measuring 5.51 inches in length, 2.52 inches in height, and 0.63 inches in width. It is designed to mount flat against a chassis surface using double-sided adhesive. The fan is a compact component for airflow, while the hub is a wider controller for cable management.
Airflow performance
The Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan is built for cooling. It delivers a maximum air flow of 42.58 CFM and generates static pressure of 1.33 mm H2O. These specs allow it to push air through dense heatsinks or radiators effectively. The Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub does not move air itself. It is a passive controller that expands connection points. It supports fan speed regulation via PWM signals but provides no airflow metrics. Only the fan contributes to thermal performance in this comparison.
Speed control
The Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan features automatic speed control via a 4-pin PWM interface. It can reach speeds up to 2700 RPM, adjusting dynamically based on motherboard temperature readings. The Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub also supports PWM fan regulation. However, it only recognizes the speed of a single fan inserted into the specific red interface due to motherboard IC reading limitations. Both products handle speed control, but the fan adjusts its own speed while the hub relays signals for multiple fans.
Lighting capabilities
The Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub is designed for lighting management. It supports five-volt three-pin ARGB devices, synchronizing the light effects of up to eight fans or light bars. It explicitly does not support twelve-volt four-pin RGB interfaces. The Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan has no lighting specifications listed in its data. It is a grey unit focused on cooling performance. If you need synchronized lighting across multiple fans, the hub is the necessary component for that function.
Noise levels
The Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan includes vibration damping pads around its frame to reduce friction noise. Its maximum noise level is rated at 22.4 dBA, ensuring quiet operation even at high speeds. The Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub has no noise rating because it is an electronic controller with no moving parts. It maintains stable output under high load without generating acoustic interference. For a silent build, the fan provides low-noise airflow, while the hub remains inaudible.
Power connectivity
The Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan connects directly to the motherboard using a four-pin PWM cable. This allows it to draw power and receive speed signals from the system. The Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub connects to the power supply via a SATA power line. It draws power from the PSU to run the connected fans and lighting. It then relays PWM signals to the motherboard. The fan uses a direct motherboard connection, while the hub requires a SATA power source for operation.
Which PC component fits your build
You need active airflow for cooling
Choose the 92mm Slim PWM Fan if you require actual air movement. It delivers 42.58 CFM at 2700 RPM to dissipate heat. The 15mm thickness fits tight spaces like radiators. Its 4-pin PWM interface allows motherboard speed control. This is the only option that moves air.
You want to manage ARGB lighting
Select the 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub if you have eight RGB fans. It synchronizes 5V 3-pin ARGB signals for uniform lighting. The hub expands your connection points without cluttering cables. It uses a SATA power connection and double-sided adhesive for mounting. It does not cool.
You need to add more fans
Use the 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub to connect multiple fans to a single motherboard header. It supports fan speed reading via the red interface. This simplifies wiring inside your case. It maintains stable output under load. You still need separate fans for cooling.
The products compared
Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan
Best for: compact cases and thin 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 92mm fan is designed for tight spaces with a 15mm profile. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector for automatic speed control, reaching 2700RPM. The unit delivers 42.58CFM airflow and maintains noise levels at or below 22.4dBA. You can use it for case ventilation or with downward CPU coolers. The liquid bearing helps extend service life while keeping operation quiet.
Pros
- Ultra-thin 15mm height fits tight spaces
- 4-pin PWM allows automatic speed control
- Max airflow of 42.58CFM
- Noise level stays at or below 22.4dBA
Cons
- Only one fan included in this listing
- 92mm size is smaller than standard 120mm fans
- Single 4-pin connector limits daisy-chaining
Good fit if
- You need a fan for a 15mm thick radiator
- You are building a small form factor PC
- You require quiet operation under 23dBA
Skip if
- You need ARGB lighting effects
- You want to control multiple fans with one cable
- You require a 120mm or larger fan size
Verdict: Thermalright TL-9015 92mm Slim Fan is a practical option for builders who need compact cooling with quiet operation. It fits well in small cases or thin radiators where space is limited.
Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub
Best for: expanding 5V ARGB fan connections
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Connector Type
- 4-Pin
- Dimensions
- 5.51 × 0.63 × 2.52 inches
- Weight
- 3.53 ounces
View on Amazon: Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub Affiliate link
This hub expands your case to eight ARGB fans and eight PWM connections. It uses a SATA power cable and sticks to the chassis with double-sided tape. The device syncs 5V 3-pin lighting across all ports. It also reads fan speed from one specific red interface port for PWM control. It is a wiring solution for managing multiple fans and lights.
Pros
- Supports eight 5V 3-pin ARGB devices for synchronized lighting
- Provides eight 4-pin PWM fan connections for cooling
- Includes double-sided adhesive for easy chassis mounting
- Reads fan speed from the designated red interface port
Cons
- Does not control fan speed or lighting brightness itself
- Only recognizes speed from one specific red interface port
- Incompatible with 12V 4-pin RGB devices
Good fit if
- You have a motherboard with limited ARGB headers
- You want to manage eight fans in one location
- You use 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting equipment
Skip if
- You need to adjust fan speeds or lighting colors directly
- You use 12V 4-pin RGB lighting strips
- You prefer a wired connection over adhesive mounting
Verdict: Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub is a dedicated expansion tool for users with many 5V ARGB fans. It simplifies wiring but requires your motherboard to handle speed and lighting control.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan | Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 92mm | not stated |
| Max Fan Speed | 2700RPM | not stated |
| Max Airflow | 42.58CFM | not stated |
| Static Pressure | 1.33mm H2O | not stated |
| Noise Level | ≤22.4dBA | not stated |
| Connector Type | 4-pin PWM | not stated |
| Bearing Type | Liquid | not stated |
| Lighting | not stated | ARGB |
| Compatible Device | CPU Cooler | not stated |
| Dimensions | 3.62 × 0.59 × 3.62 inches | 5.51 × 0.63 × 2.52 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces | 3.53 ounces |
| Size | 92x92x15mm | for case fan interface and ARGB light interface |
| Color | Grey | ARGB FAN HUB 8 ports |
| Model | TL-9015 | ARGB FAN HUB×8-d2 |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan control RGB lighting?
No, this fan does not support RGB lighting. It is designed for pure airflow in compact cases and thin radiators. The unit features a grey color and a 4-pin connector for PWM speed control. If you need synchronized lighting effects, you must pair it with a separate ARGB hub or use fans that include lighting capabilities.
Does the 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub control fan speeds?
No, this hub does not manage fan speeds. It is a dedicated expansion tool for 5V ARGB connections. You must connect the fan power cables directly to your motherboard or a separate speed controller. The hub only handles lighting signals, so your motherboard must handle the speed and lighting control for your cooling setup.
What is the difference between the two Thermalright products?
The 92mm Slim PWM Fan is a physical cooling component that moves air. It measures 92 by 92 by 15 mm and weighs 1.6 ounces. The 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub is a controller that expands connections for multiple fans. It weighs 3.53 ounces and simplifies wiring for 5V ARGB fans without providing active cooling itself.
Is the 92mm fan compatible with standard 4-pin headers?
Yes, the Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan uses a standard 4-pin connector. This allows you to connect it directly to a motherboard header for PWM speed regulation. It is compatible with CPU coolers and other devices that support this connector type, making it easy to integrate into most modern PC builds without adapters.
Can I use the ARGB hub to power fans?
No, the hub does not provide power to the fans. It only manages the 5V ARGB lighting interface. You must route the power cables for each fan to your motherboard or a separate fan controller. This hub is strictly for expanding lighting connections, so you need a separate solution for fan power and speed control.
What size is the Thermalright 8-Port ARGB Fan Hub?
The hub measures 5.51 inches in length, 2.52 inches in height, and 0.63 inches in width. It is designed to fit standard case fan interface spaces. The compact form factor allows it to mount easily inside your chassis while providing eight ports for connecting 5V ARGB fans to your system's lighting controller.
Is the 92mm fan suitable for thick radiators?
No, this fan is designed for thin radiators and compact spaces. Its slim 15mm profile makes it ideal for tight clearances, not thick ones. If you are building a system with standard thick radiators, you likely need a thicker fan. This model is best for SFF builds or setups where space is extremely limited.