Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan or Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan? Which Thermalright Model to Buy
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This comparison examines the thermalright tl 9015 CPU fan vs tl b8w CPU fan. Both models feature 4-pin PWM connectors for automatic speed control and vibration damping pads to reduce noise. They share similar mounting options for cases and radiators. The main difference lies in their physical dimensions and airflow capabilities. You need to weigh the larger blade area of the 92mm model against the higher static pressure of the 80mm unit to decide which fits your cooling requirements.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan | Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 92mm | 80mm |
| Thickness | 15mm | 25mm |
| Max Speed | 2700RPM | 2200RPM |
| Max Airflow | 42.58 CFM | 34 CFM |
| Static Pressure | 1.33 mm H2O | 2.7 mm H2O |
| Noise Level | ≤22.4 dBA | ≤24 dBA |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan if
- You need maximum air volume for open chassis airflow.
- You require a thinner fan to fit tight spaces or low-profile coolers.
- You prefer a quieter operation at maximum speed.
Choose Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan if
- You are pushing air through dense radiators or heavy heatsinks.
- You need higher static pressure to overcome airflow resistance.
- You want a thicker fan for better structural rigidity.
Verdict: The TL-9015 offers higher airflow and lower noise with a slim profile, making it ideal for general case ventilation. The TL-B8W provides double the static pressure, which is better for dense cooling components. Choose based on whether you prioritize volume or pressure.
Slim Profile vs High Static Pressure
Fan Dimensions
The Thermalright TL-9015 measures 92 by 92 by 15 millimeters. This slim profile allows it to fit into tight spaces, such as behind tower CPU coolers or in cases with limited clearance. The Thermalright TL-B8W is larger at 80 by 80 by 25 millimeters. The extra thickness provides more room for the motor and blades. You need to check your case specifications to see which size fits your available mounting points. The TL-9015 is better for ultra-slim installations, while the TL-B8W offers a standard footprint for broader compatibility.
Airflow Capacity
Airflow determines how much air the fan moves through the system. The TL-9015 moves up to 42.58 cubic feet per minute at its maximum speed. The TL-B8W moves 34 cubic feet per minute. The larger blade diameter of the TL-9015 allows it to push more air volume overall. If you prioritize moving large volumes of air for general case ventilation, the TL-9015 has the advantage. The TL-B8W sacrifices some total airflow for higher pressure.
Static Pressure
Static pressure measures how well a fan can push air through resistance, like dense radiator fins or dust filters. The TL-B8W generates 2.7 millimeters of water column pressure. The TL-9015 generates 1.33 millimeters of water column pressure. The thicker design of the TL-B8W contributes to this higher pressure rating. If you plan to mount the fan on a thick radiator or a restrictive mesh front panel, the TL-B8W is the stronger choice for overcoming that resistance.
Rotation Speed
The maximum rotation speed affects both cooling potential and noise levels. The TL-9015 spins up to 2700 RPM. The TL-B8W tops out at 2200 RPM. The higher RPM of the TL-9015 allows it to move more air and potentially cool faster under load. However, higher speeds generally increase noise. The TL-B8W runs slower, which may keep noise levels lower at maximum output. You should consider whether you need peak speed or quieter operation.
Noise Levels
Noise is measured in decibels. The TL-9015 has a maximum noise rating of 22.4 dBA. The TL-B8W has a maximum noise rating of 24 dBA. Despite spinning faster, the TL-9015 is slightly quieter on paper. This may be due to the liquid bearing design and the vibration damping pads. The TL-B8W uses S-FDB V2 bearings and also includes damping pads. For users sensitive to fan noise, the TL-9015 offers a slight advantage in maximum loudness.
Bearing Type
The bearing type influences longevity and smoothness. The TL-9015 uses a liquid bearing. The TL-B8W uses an S-FDB V2 bearing. Both designs aim to reduce friction and extend the service life of the fan. The liquid bearing in the TL-9015 helps maintain low noise over time. The S-FDB V2 in the TL-B8W is designed to solve blade shaking issues. Both are high-quality options that should provide reliable performance for years without needing maintenance.
Which Thermalright Fan Fits Your Build
Users with tight clearance behind CPU coolers
The TL-9015 measures just 15mm thick. This slim profile fits behind tower coolers where space is limited. It delivers 42.58 CFM of airflow at 2700 RPM. You get strong cooling performance without blocking nearby components. The 4-pin PWM interface adjusts speed based on temperature, keeping noise under 22.4 dBA for quiet operation in confined areas.
Builds requiring high static pressure for radiators
The TL-B8W generates 2.7 mm H2O of static pressure. This higher pressure pushes air through dense radiator fins or mesh grilles more effectively. It measures 25mm thick, which may not fit tight spots. However, the S-FDB V2 bearing ensures durability and low noise. You get reliable performance for cooling loops where air resistance is high.
Users prioritizing maximum airflow for general cases
The TL-9015 moves 42.58 CFM of air. This is higher than the TL-B8W’s 34 CFM. The 92mm size covers more area than the 80mm model. You get better overall ventilation for standard cases. The liquid bearing keeps noise low at 22.4 dBA. This fan is ideal if you want to move more air through your case for general component cooling.
The products compared
Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan
Best for: Low-profile CPU cooler cooling
- 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
The Thermalright TL-9015 is a 92mm ultra-thin fan measuring 15mm in height. It features a 4-pin PWM connector for automatic speed control up to 2700RPM. With an airflow of 42.58CFM and noise levels at or below 22.4dBA, it offers quiet cooling. The liquid bearing design aims to extend service life. This fan suits builds requiring low-profile CPU cooling or case ventilation.
Pros
- 4-pin PWM connector for motherboard speed control
- Ultra-thin 15mm height fits tight spaces
- Maximum airflow of 42.58CFM
- Low noise operation at 22.4dBA or less
- Liquid bearing for extended lifespan
Cons
- Lower static pressure of 1.33mm H2O compared to thicker fans
- Single fan sold individually without mounting hardware listed
- Grey color option limits aesthetic matching for white builds
Good fit if
- You need a fan that fits under low-profile CPU coolers
- You require quiet operation with noise under 23dBA
- You are building a compact case with limited depth
Skip if
- You need high static pressure for dense radiators
- You prefer a 120mm or 140mm fan size
- You want a white or black color option
Verdict: Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan is ideal for users needing a 15mm tall fan for low-profile CPU coolers. It provides adequate airflow for light case ventilation but lacks the pressure for heavy airflow resistance.
Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan
Best for: compact CPU coolers and small cases
- 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 CPU and case cooling fan with a 25mm thickness. It uses a 4-pin PWM connector for automatic speed control, reaching a maximum of 2200 RPM. The fan delivers 34 CFM of airflow and 2.7 mm H2O of static pressure. It operates at a noise level of 24 dBA or less. This model suits builds requiring compact 80mm cooling solutions.
Pros
- 80mm size with 25mm thickness fits tight spaces
- 4-pin PWM connector enables automatic speed control
- S-FDB V2 bearings reduce vibration and noise
- Delivers 34 CFM airflow and 2.7 mm H2O static pressure
Cons
- 80mm size is smaller than standard 92mm fans
- Lower static pressure than larger 92mm alternatives
- Limited to 2200 RPM maximum speed
Good fit if
- You need an 80mm fan for a compact CPU cooler
- You want quiet operation under 24 dBA
- You require automatic speed control via PWM
Skip if
- You need a 92mm fan for standard cases
- You require high static pressure for dense radiators
- You prefer larger airflow capacity
Verdict: Thermalright TL-B8W 80mm PWM Fan is a compact cooling solution for tight CPU coolers. It fits users who prioritize low noise and automatic speed control in small form factor builds.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 92mm Slim PWM Fan | Thermalright 80mm PWM Case Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 92mm | 80mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 2700RPM | 2200RPM |
| Max Airflow | 42.58CFM | 34CFM |
| Static Pressure | 1.33mm H2O | 2.7mm H2O |
| Noise Level | ≤22.4dBA | ≤24dBA |
| Connector Type | 4-pin PWM | 4pin pwm |
| Bearing Type | Liquid | S-FDB V2 |
| Compatible Device | CPU Cooler | CPU Cooler |
| Dimensions | 3.62 × 0.59 × 3.62 inches | 3.15 × 0.98 × 3.15 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces | not stated |
| Size | 92x92x15mm | not stated |
| Color | Grey | TL-B9W |
| Model | TL-9015 | TL-B8W |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Thermalright TL-9015 a PWM fan?
Yes, the Thermalright TL-9015 features a 4-pin connector. This allows for automatic speed control via your motherboard. You can adjust the fan speed based on CPU temperatures. This ensures efficient cooling without manual intervention. The PWM capability helps balance performance and noise levels effectively.
Does the Thermalright TL-B8W support PWM control?
Yes, the Thermalright TL-B8W includes a 4-pin connector. This design supports automatic speed regulation through your system's motherboard. You gain precise control over fan RPMs. This feature helps maintain optimal temperatures while minimizing noise. It is suitable for builds requiring responsive thermal management.
Which fan is better for low-profile CPU coolers?
The Thermalright TL-9015 is ideal for low-profile CPU coolers. Its slim 15mm height fits tight spaces behind tower coolers. It provides adequate airflow for light ventilation needs. However, it lacks the static pressure for heavy resistance. Choose this model if your cooler requires minimal thickness.
Can I use the TL-B8W in a small case?
Yes, the Thermalright TL-B8W is designed for compact builds. It fits users who prioritize low noise in small form factors. Its compact size makes it suitable for tight CPU coolers. The automatic speed control ensures quiet operation. It is a practical choice for small cases with limited airflow space.
What is the thickness of the Thermalright TL-9015?
The Thermalright TL-9015 has a thickness of 15mm. This slim profile allows it to fit behind tower CPU coolers. It is designed for tight spaces with limited clearance. The 92x92mm dimensions provide a standard footprint. The low height is its key advantage for specific cooling configurations.
What is the size of the Thermalright TL-B8W?
The Thermalright TL-B8W is an 80mm fan. It features a compact design for tight spaces. The dimensions allow it to fit small CPU coolers. It is suitable for builds prioritizing low noise. The 4-pin connector ensures compatibility with modern motherboards for speed control.
Do both fans have vibration damping pads?
Yes, both models include vibration damping pads. These pads help reduce noise during operation. The TL-9015 and TL-B8W share this feature. It contributes to quieter performance in your case. This is useful for builds where acoustic comfort is a priority.
Which fan is lighter?
The Thermalright TL-9015 weighs 1.6 ounces. This makes it lighter than the TL-B8W. The lower weight is due to its slim 15mm design. It is suitable for mounting in tight spaces. The TL-B8W is larger and slightly heavier due to its 80mm size.