Thermalright 80mm Slim PWM Fan Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The Thermalright TL-8015 CPU fan computer alternatives list helps you find 80mm replacements that match specific build needs. This slim fan excels at quiet operation with a maximum speed of 2200 RPM and a noise level of 23.3 dBA. Its 15mm thickness makes it ideal for low-profile CPU coolers and tight cases. You get precise PWM control via a 4-pin connector, allowing the motherboard to adjust speed based on temperature.
You might look elsewhere if you need more static pressure for dense heatsinks or a different connector type. Some builders prefer higher airflow or a 2-pin DC connection for older motherboards. The alternatives in this guide were chosen because their specs overlap with the original, ensuring compatibility. We compare options like the thicker GDSTIME server fan for high pressure or the Noctua NF-A8 PWM for premium quiet performance. Each pick offers distinct airflow and noise metrics. This comparison focuses on physical dimensions, bearing types, and speed ranges to help you choose the right fit for your chassis.
Our top pick: Thermalright 80mm Slim PWM Fan.
How alternatives differ from TL-8015
Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan
The Thermalright TL-B8W is a thicker 25mm fan, compared to the TL-8015’s 15mm slim profile. Both use 80mm dimensions and 4-pin PWM connectors for speed control. The TL-B8W sacrifices the ultra-thin form factor that allows the TL-8015 to fit under low-profile CPU coolers. You gain slightly more depth for potential airflow improvements, but you lose the ability to install it in tight spaces where height is restricted. This pick suits builders who have standard case mounting spots and do not need the extreme thinness of the original model.
Kingwin 80mm Black Cooling Fan
The Kingwin CF-08LB matches the TL-8015 in physical size, measuring 80mm with a similar 0.98-inch thickness. It lacks the specific 2200 RPM and 23.3 dBA specifications listed for the Thermalright, offering basic cooling instead. This fan gives up advanced features like S-FDB V2 bearings and precise PWM temperature control. You get a simpler, potentially more affordable option for quiet PC cases. It is a practical choice if you prioritize basic durability and standard airflow over the specific performance metrics and bearing technology found in the TL-8015.
Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan
The Noctua NF-A8 PWM shares the 80mm size and 4-pin PWM connector with the TL-8015. However, it is significantly heavier at 8 ounces compared to the 3.53 ounces of the Thermalright. Both fans target quiet operation in small form factor cases. The Noctua offers a different build quality and acoustic profile, though specific noise and RPM data are not provided here. You trade the lightweight slim design of the TL-8015 for the established reputation of the Noctua brand. This is a solid alternative for those who value brand heritage over the specific slimline dimensions.
GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan
The GDSTIME GDT8038B12V4P is a 38mm thick server fan, much thicker than the 15mm TL-8015. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector but is designed for high static pressure in dense heatsinks and server racks. You gain significant depth and likely higher pressure capabilities, but you lose the slim profile required for low-profile CPU coolers. This fan is heavier at 5.2 ounces. It is best for users who need to push air through dense cooling elements and do not care about the quiet, thin operation of the original Thermalright fan.
Wathai 80mm High-Airflow 38mm PWM Fan
The Wathai 80mm fan is also 38mm thick, offering a 23mm increase over the slim TL-8015. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector for speed adjustment. This fan prioritizes high airflow over the quiet operation of the Thermalright. You gain more space for larger blades, which can move more air, but you lose the ability to fit in tight, low-profile spots. The 2.1-ounce weight is lighter than the original. This pick suits builders who need maximum cooling capacity and have the case depth to accommodate the thicker fan design.
DORHEA 80mm 2-Pin DC Fans (2-Pack)
The DORHEA 80mm fan uses a 2-pin DC connector, unlike the 4-pin PWM of the TL-8015. It shares the 80mm size and 25mm thickness. You lose automatic speed control based on motherboard temperature, as 2-pin fans run at a fixed speed. This makes it suitable for tight spaces without PWM headers. The fan is designed for radiator or CPU cooler use. You trade the precise thermal management of PWM for simplicity and compatibility with older or simpler power connections. It is a functional alternative for systems lacking 4-pin fan headers.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Thermalright 80mm Slim PWM Fan
Best for: Low-profile CPU coolers and compact cases
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2200 RPM
- Max Airflow
- 28.4 CFM
- Static Pressure
- 1.25 mmH2O
- Noise Level
- ≤23.3 dBA
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
View on Amazon: Thermalright 80mm Slim PWM Fan Affiliate link
The Thermalright TL-8015 is an 80mm slim fan designed for tight spaces like low-profile CPU coolers or compact cases. It reaches 2200 RPM with 28.4 CFM airflow and 1.25 mmH2O static pressure. The 4-pin PWM connector allows motherboard speed control. S-FDB V2 bearings and vibration pads keep noise at 23.3 dBA. It suits builders needing reliable cooling in constrained dimensions.
Pros
- Slim 15mm profile fits low-profile coolers
- 4-pin PWM for automatic speed control
- S-FDB V2 bearings for durability
- Vibration damping pads reduce noise
- 28.4 CFM max airflow
Cons
- Lower static pressure than thicker fans
- Smaller airflow than 120mm options
- Limited to 80mm mounting holes
Good fit if
- You need a fan for a low-profile CPU cooler
- You have a case with 80mm mounting points
- You want quiet operation under 24 dBA
Skip if
- You require high static pressure for dense radiators
- You need a 120mm or 140mm fan
- You want a thicker 25mm or 38mm fan
Verdict: The Thermalright TL-8015 80mm Slim PWM Fan delivers precise cooling for low-profile setups. It fits builders who prioritize slim dimensions and quiet operation over maximum airflow.
Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan
Best for: quiet case cooling in tight spaces
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2200RPM
- Max Airflow
- 34CFM
- Static Pressure
- 2.7mm H2O
- Noise Level
- ≤24dBA
- Connector Type
- 4pin pwm
View on Amazon: Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan Affiliate link
The Thermalright TL-B8W is an 80mm x 80mm x 25mm case fan designed for quiet operation. It reaches a maximum speed of 2200RPM with 34CFM airflow. The unit uses S-FDB V2 bearings to minimize noise and vibration. You get a 4-pin PWM connector for automatic speed control. It is suitable for cases, radiators, or CPU coolers.
Pros
- 80mm x 80mm x 25mm slim form factor
- 34CFM maximum airflow at 2200RPM
- S-FDB V2 bearings for durability
- 4-pin PWM interface for speed control
- Noise level rated at ≤24dBA
Cons
- 25mm thickness limits radiator compatibility
- 2.7mm H2O static pressure is moderate
- No mounting screws included in data
Good fit if
- You need a slim 25mm fan for tight spaces
- You want low noise under 24dBA
- You require 4-pin PWM speed control
Skip if
- You need a thicker 38mm fan for high pressure
- You prefer 120mm or 140mm fans
- You require high static pressure above 3mm H2O
Verdict: Thermalright TL-B8W 80mm 25mm Fan offers quiet cooling for standard cases. It fits users who prioritize low noise and slim profiles over high static pressure.
Kingwin 80mm Black Cooling Fan
Best for: quiet PC case cooling
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Bearing Type
- Long Life Bearing
- Compatible Device
- CPU Cooler
- Dimensions
- 0.98 × 3.15 × 3.15 inches
- Weight
- 2.43 ounces
View on Amazon: Kingwin 80mm Black Cooling Fan Affiliate link
This Kingwin 80mm fan offers quiet cooling for PC cases and CPU coolers. It measures 80mm by 80mm by 25mm. The unit uses a long life bearing for durability. You get black plastic construction. It fits standard 80mm mounts. This fan suits builds needing silent operation. It works well in mining rigs. The compact size allows easy installation in tight spaces.
Pros
- 80mm size fits standard mounts
- Long life bearing for durability
- Quiet operation for silent builds
- Black frame design
Cons
- No PWM control mentioned
- Only 1 fan included
- Basic plastic construction
Good fit if
- You need a quiet 80mm replacement fan
- You are building a silent PC
- You want durable long life bearing
Skip if
- You require PWM speed control
- You need multiple fans in one pack
- You want RGB lighting effects
Verdict: Kingwin 80mm Silent Fan provides reliable airflow for quiet PC cases. It suits users prioritizing low noise and basic durability over advanced features.
Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan
Best for: quiet cooling in small form factor cases
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2200 RPM
- Noise Level
- 17.7 dB(A)
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
- Dimensions
- 3.15 × 0.98 × 3.15 inches
- Weight
- 8 ounces
View on Amazon: Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan Affiliate link
The Noctua NF-A8 PWM is a premium 80mm fan designed for quiet operation in compact builds. It reaches 2200 RPM with a maximum noise level of 17.7 dB(A). The 4-pin PWM connector allows for automatic speed control. It includes a Low-Noise Adaptor to cap speed at 1750 RPM. This fan suits users needing reliable cooling for small form factor cases or NAS devices.
Pros
- Maximum speed of 2200 RPM for strong airflow
- Low noise output of 17.7 dB(A)
- 4-pin PWM connector for motherboard speed control
- Includes Low-Noise Adaptor to limit speed to 1750 RPM
Cons
- 80mm size limits compatibility with standard 120mm or 140mm mounts
- 25mm thickness is thinner than some high-static pressure options
- Single fan pack does not include multiple units for large arrays
Good fit if
- You need a quiet fan for an 80mm slot
- You want automatic speed control via PWM
- You are building a compact HTPC or ITX case
Skip if
- You require a 120mm or larger fan size
- You need a high-static pressure server fan
- You prefer a thicker 38mm fan for maximum airflow
Verdict: Noctua NF-A8 PWM 80mm Quiet Fan delivers exceptional quiet performance for compact cases. It fits users who prioritize low noise in small form factor builds over raw airflow volume.
GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan
Best for: server chassis and dense heatsinks
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 5800 RPM
- Max Airflow
- 78.9 CFM
- Static Pressure
- 0.77 In H2O
- Noise Level
- 51 dBA
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
View on Amazon: GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan Affiliate link
This GDSTIME fan is built for high static pressure in dense environments. It measures 80x38mm with a 5800 RPM max speed and 78.9 CFM airflow. The dual-ball bearings support long life. You get 4-pin PWM control for speed adjustment. It suits server chassis or applications where noise is less critical than cooling performance.
Pros
- 80x38mm slim profile fits tight spaces
- Dual-ball bearings rated for 50,000 hours
- 4-pin PWM interface allows speed regulation
- High static pressure of 0.77 In H2O
Cons
- 51dBA noise level is loud for quiet PCs
- High 5800 RPM speed increases acoustic output
- Not designed for silent home computing
Good fit if
- You need a replacement for a 4U server chassis
- You require high static pressure for dense heatsinks
- You tolerate higher noise for maximum cooling
Skip if
- You need a silent fan for a quiet room
- You prefer standard 25mm thickness for cases
- You prioritize low noise over raw airflow
Verdict: GDSTIME 80mm 38mm Server Fan delivers dense cooling for server racks. It fits users who need high pressure and can accept the noise.
Wathai 80mm High-Airflow 38mm PWM Fan
Best for: High airflow cooling needs
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 5500 RPM
- Max Airflow
- 72.6 CFM
- Noise Level
- 47 dBA
- Connector Type
- 4-pin PWM
- Bearing Type
- Dual Ball
View on Amazon: Wathai 80mm High-Airflow 38mm PWM Fan Affiliate link
The Wathai 80mm fan delivers 72.6 CFM of airflow at speeds up to 5500 RPM. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector for motherboard speed control. The 38mm thickness suits radiators or dense heatsinks. You get ball bearing stability and 12V power. This pick works for high-airflow needs where noise is less critical than cooling performance.
Pros
- High airflow of 72.6 CFM
- 4-pin PWM speed control
- Ball bearing for longevity
- 38mm thickness for radiators
Cons
- Noise level reaches 47 dBA
- No included mounting screws
- Loud at maximum speed
Good fit if
- You need high static pressure
- You use 38mm thick radiators
- You want PWM control
Skip if
- You need silent operation
- You prefer 25mm thickness
- You want low noise
Verdict: Wathai 80mm High Airflow Fan suits builds prioritizing maximum cooling over silence. It fits users who value airflow metrics and PWM adjustability.
DORHEA 80mm 2-Pin DC Fans (2-Pack)
Best for: Tight spaces needing 2-pin DC power
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 4500RPM
- Max Airflow
- 41CFM
- Noise Level
- 37.9dBA
- Connector Type
- 2pin-ph2.5
- Compatible Device
- Radiator, CPU Cooler
View on Amazon: DORHEA 80mm 2-Pin DC Fans (2-Pack) Affiliate link
This DORHEA 80mm fan uses a 2-pin connector for 12V DC power. It spins at 4500RPM, moving 41CFM of air. The noise level is 37.9dBA. The slim 25mm thickness fits tight spaces. You should use this if your motherboard lacks PWM headers. It cools CPUs and radiators in compact builds.
Pros
- 2-pin ph2.5 connector for basic DC control
- High 4500RPM speed for strong airflow
- Slim 25mm profile fits tight cases
- 41CFM air flow capacity
Cons
- No PWM speed control via motherboard
- Higher 37.9dBA noise level than others
- Manual voltage adjustment required
Good fit if
- You need a 2-pin DC fan
- You have a tight 25mm space
- You want high RPM airflow
Skip if
- You require PWM motherboard control
- You need ultra-quiet operation
- You want 4-pin compatibility
Verdict: DORHEA 80mm 25mm 2-Pin Fan suits users needing a slim, high-speed 2-pin option. It works well for tight spaces without PWM headers.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 80mm Slim PWM Fan | Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan | Kingwin 80mm Black Cooling Fan | Noctua 80mm PWM Case Fan | GDSTIME 80mm High Static Pressure Server Fan | Wathai 80mm High-Airflow 38mm PWM Fan | DORHEA 80mm 2-Pin DC Fans (2-Pack) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 2200 RPM | 2200RPM | not stated | 2200 RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500RPM |
| Max Airflow | 28.4 CFM | 34CFM | not stated | not stated | 78.9 CFM | 72.6 CFM | 41CFM |
| Static Pressure | 1.25 mmH2O | 2.7mm H2O | not stated | not stated | 0.77 In H2O | not stated | not stated |
| Noise Level | ≤23.3 dBA | ≤24dBA | not stated | 17.7 dB(A) | 51 dBA | 47 dBA | 37.9dBA |
| Connector Type | 4-pin PWM | 4pin pwm | not stated | 4-pin PWM | 4-pin PWM | 4-pin PWM | 2pin-ph2.5 |
| Bearing Type | S-FDB V2 | S-FDB V2 | Long Life Bearing | not stated | Dual Ball | Dual Ball | not stated |
| Use | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Server | Server | not stated |
| Compatible Device | CPU Cooler | CPU Cooler | CPU Cooler | not stated | not stated | CPU Cooler | Radiator, CPU Cooler |
| Dimensions | 3.15 × 0.98 × 3.14 inches | 3.15 × 0.98 × 3.15 inches | 0.98 × 3.15 × 3.15 inches | 3.15 × 0.98 × 3.15 inches | 3.15 × 3.15 × 1.5 inches | 3.15 × 3.15 × 1.5 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces | not stated | 2.43 ounces | 8 ounces | 5.2 ounces | 2.1 ounces | not stated |
| Width | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 0.98 inches |
| Height | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 3.15 inches |
| Model | TL-8015 | TL-B8W | CF-08LB | NF-A8 PWM | GDT8038B12V4P | not stated | D15779-1 |
| Color | not stated | TL-B9W | Black | Brown | 8038 PWM FAN | not stated | 2pcs 12V 2pin |
| Size | not stated | not stated | 1 Count (Pack of 1) | 1 Count (Pack of 1) | 80x38mm | not stated | not stated |
When you need a 92mm slim profile instead, you can compare thermalright tl 9015 CPU fan alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Which 80mm fan is best for low-profile CPU coolers?
The Thermalright TL-8015 is the top choice for low-profile setups. It measures just 15mm thick, allowing it to fit under compact coolers. This slim design prioritizes quiet operation and precise cooling over maximum airflow. You get a 4-pin PWM connector for speed control.
What is the thickest 80mm fan in this list?
The GDSTIME and Wathai fans are the thickest at 38mm. The GDSTIME model measures 1.5 inches in height. These thicker fans offer higher static pressure for server racks or dense heatsinks. They are not suitable for tight low-profile spaces that require slim 15mm or 25mm fans.
Does the Noctua NF-A8 PWM use a 4-pin connector?
Yes, the Noctua NF-A8 PWM uses a 4-pin connector. This allows for PWM speed control via your motherboard. It weighs 8 ounces, making it heavier than most alternatives. It is designed for quiet cooling in small form factor cases where noise is a priority.
Can I use a 2-pin fan if my board lacks PWM headers?
The DORHEA 80mm 2-Pin DC Fan is designed for this scenario. It uses a 2-pin connector for direct power without PWM control. This makes it suitable for tight spaces without PWM headers. It offers high-speed operation for users needing basic cooling in constrained environments.
Which fan is best for server chassis cooling?
The GDSTIME 80mm 38mm Server Fan is best for server chassis. It delivers high static pressure for dense cooling needs. It uses a 4-pin connector for control. While effective for racks, it produces more noise than slim fans. It fits users who prioritize pressure over silence.
What is the lightest 80mm fan on this list?
The Wathai 80mm High-Airflow Fan is the lightest at 2.1 ounces. It measures 38mm thick with standard 80mm width and length. This fan suits builds prioritizing maximum airflow over silence. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector for adjustable speeds in high-airflow cooling needs.