Thermaltake vs SCYTHE: Case Fans Compared by Specs
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You are comparing the thermaltake vs SCYTHE case fan options for your build. Both brands focus on quiet operation and reliable airflow for PC cooling. The main difference lies in their physical dimensions and bearing technologies. The Thermaltake Pure 20 is a large 200mm fan with a sleeve bearing, while the Scythe Wonder Tornado is a compact 120mm unit using fluid dynamic bearings. Your choice depends on your case compatibility and preferred fan size.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermaltake Pure 20 200mm Case Fan | Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 200mm | 120mm |
| Bearing Type | Long Life Sleeve Bearing | Fluid Dynamic Bearing |
| Max Fan Speed | not listed | 2000RPM |
| Connector Type | not listed | 4-Pin PWM |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermaltake Pure 20 200mm Case Fan if
- You need a larger 200mm fan for high airflow in compatible cases
- You prefer a sleeve bearing for long life reliability
- You want a thicker 30mm fan profile for static pressure
Choose Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan if
- You require standard 120mm mounting holes
- You need PWM speed control via a 4-pin connector
- You want a slim 15mm profile for tight spaces
Verdict: Choose the Thermaltake Pure 20 if your case supports 200mm fans and you prioritize high static pressure. Pick the Scythe Wonder Tornado if you need standard 120mm sizing with PWM control and a slim profile. Both offer quiet operation, but their sizes dictate compatibility.
Thermaltake vs SCYTHE Fan Specs
fan size
The Thermaltake Pure 20 measures 200mm in diameter, making it a large option for your chassis. This size allows for moving more air at lower speeds, which can reduce noise. The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado is a standard 120mm fan. It fits in most standard drive bays and fan mounts found in mid-tower cases. You must choose the size that matches your case mounts. The 200mm fan requires more clearance and specific mounting points. The 120mm fan offers wider compatibility with existing case structures. If your case supports 200mm fans, the Thermaltake provides a larger surface area for airflow. The SCYTHE fan is better for tight spaces or standard 120mm slots.
bearing type
Bearing type affects longevity and noise over time. The Thermaltake Pure 20 uses a Long Life Sleeve Bearing. This design is known for reliability and extended lifespan in standard operating conditions. The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado features a Fluid Dynamic Bearing. This type often provides smoother operation and lower friction, potentially extending life further. The SCYTHE specs explicitly mention a lifespan of up to 120,000 hours. This data point gives you a concrete expectation for durability. The Thermaltake listing highlights reliability but does not provide a specific hour rating. If you prioritize documented long-term durability metrics, the SCYTHE fan has a clear advantage here. Both are designed for quiet operation, but the bearing technology differs.
connectivity
How you control fan speed matters for noise and cooling. The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado comes with a 4-Pin PWM connector. This allows your motherboard to automatically adjust the fan speed based on system temperature. You get precise control without manual intervention. The Thermaltake Pure 20 listing does not specify the connector type in the provided data. It mentions easy installation and anti-vibration mounting, but lacks connector details. If you need PWM support for automatic speed control, the SCYTHE fan is the safer choice. You would need to check the Thermaltake packaging or other sources to confirm if it supports PWM. For guaranteed motherboard integration, the SCYTHE specification is clearer and more useful for modern builds.
thickness
Fan thickness impacts clearance and airflow volume. The Thermaltake Pure 20 is 30mm thick. This extra depth allows for larger blades and potentially higher static pressure. It is designed for high airflow applications. The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado is a slim fan at 15mm thick. This profile fits in tight spaces where a standard 25mm or 30mm fan would not. It is ideal for situations where you need cooling in a restricted area. The 200mm Thermaltake fan is bulkier and requires more depth in your case. The 120mm SCYTHE fan is more compact. If you have limited vertical space, the SCYTHE slim design is advantageous. For maximum air movement, the thicker Thermaltake may perform better.
noise focus
Both fans prioritize quiet operation, but their approaches differ. The Thermaltake Pure 20 features a blade design focused on reducing noise while creating a torrent of air. It aims for a balance of silence, style, and efficiency. The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado is described as whisper-quiet with a low-noise focused design. It uses nine optimized blades to generate maximal CFM volume with nearly audible operation. The SCYTHE listing explicitly mentions a nearly silent environment during heavy-duty use. The Thermaltake emphasizes balance. If your primary goal is minimizing noise during high load, the SCYTHE marketing claims strong performance. Both are suitable for quiet builds, but the SCYTHE specifications highlight silence more prominently.
Choose the right fan for you
User with large 200mm fan mounts
The Thermaltake Pure 20 measures 200mm in diameter. This large size allows for moving significant air volume at lower rotational speeds. You get high airflow with reduced noise levels. The long life sleeve bearing offers reliable operation. It is a practical choice if your chassis supports this larger form factor.
User needing 120mm PWM control
The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado is a 120mm fan with a 4-Pin PWM connector. This allows you to adjust fan speed directly from your motherboard. It uses a fluid dynamic bearing for quiet operation and longevity. The slim 15mm profile fits standard mounts. Choose this for precise speed control in a compact space.
User prioritizing bearing longevity
SCYTHE specifies a fluid dynamic bearing rated for up to 120,000 hours. This bearing type uses compressed metal for stability. Thermaltake lists a long life sleeve bearing but does not provide a specific hour rating. If you want a documented lifespan figure, the SCYTHE fan provides that data point clearly.
The products compared
Thermaltake Pure 20 200mm Case Fan
Best for: High static pressure in 200mm slots
- Fan Size
- 200mm
- Bearing Type
- Long Life Sleeve Bearing
- Dimensions
- 11.4 × 10 × 12.6 inches
- Weight
- 15 ounces
View on Amazon: Thermaltake Pure 20 200mm Case Fan Affiliate link
This Thermaltake fan measures 200mm by 30mm thick. The extra depth helps focus airflow for higher pressure. It uses a long-life sleeve bearing for reliability. The black frame is designed to reduce noise while moving air. You get a single pack in black. It fits well in cases that support this larger size.
Pros
- 200mm diameter for high airflow
- 30mm thick frame for high air pressure
- Long-life sleeve bearing for durability
- Black color option available
Cons
- Only comes in a single pack
- Limited to black color in this listing
- Non-standard 200mm size restricts compatibility
Good fit if
- You need a 200mm fan for high static pressure
- You want a thick 30mm fan for better airflow focus
- You prefer a reliable sleeve bearing design
Skip if
- You only have space for 120mm or 140mm fans
- You need multiple fans in one purchase
- You want LED lighting effects
Verdict: Thermaltake 200mm Pure 20 Case Fan is a high-pressure option for builds requiring 200mm intake. It suits users who prioritize airflow depth and bearing longevity over standard sizes or lighting.
Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan
Best for: tight spaces and radiators
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Max Fan Speed
- 2000RPM
- Connector Type
- 4-Pin PWM
- Bearing Type
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing
- Dimensions
- 4.72 × 0.59 × 4.72 inches
View on Amazon: Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan Affiliate link
This 120mm SCYTHE fan is a slim 15mm profile unit designed for high static pressure. It features a Fluid Dynamic Bearing and a 4-Pin PWM connector. The motor runs up to 2000 RPM. The design focuses on quiet operation and long-term durability. It suits builders needing thin fans for tight spaces or radiators.
Pros
- 120mm size with a slim 15mm thickness
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing for stability
- 4-Pin PWM connector for speed control
- Max speed of 2000 RPM
Cons
- Slim 15mm profile limits total airflow compared to 25mm fans
- No included mounting screws or cables listed
- Single fan sold without hub or splitter
Good fit if
- You need a 120mm fan for a tight space
- You require a 4-Pin PWM connection
- You prioritize static pressure for a radiator
Skip if
- You need a standard 25mm thick fan
- You want a 3-Pin connector only
- You prefer a 140mm or larger size
Verdict: SCYTHE Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan is a specialized thin fan for tight cases. It fits users who need high static pressure in a 15mm space.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermaltake Pure 20 200mm Case Fan | Scythe Wonder Tornado 120 Slim Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 200mm | 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | not stated | 2000RPM |
| Connector Type | not stated | 4-Pin PWM |
| Bearing Type | Long Life Sleeve Bearing | Fluid Dynamic Bearing |
| Dimensions | 11.4 × 10 × 12.6 inches | 4.72 × 0.59 × 4.72 inches |
| Weight | 15 ounces | not stated |
| Size | 200mm | 2000RPM |
| Color | Black | not stated |
| Model | CL-F015-PL20BL-A | WT1215FD20-P |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Thermaltake Pure 20 in a standard 120mm slot?
No, you cannot use it in a standard 120mm slot. This fan is specifically sized at 200mm in diameter. It requires a chassis that supports larger 200mm mounts. You must verify your case has the correct physical dimensions before purchasing. It is designed for high static pressure in these larger openings.
Does the SCYTHE Wonder Tornado come with a 4-pin connector?
Yes, it includes a 4-pin connector. This allows for direct connection to your motherboard for speed control. The fan uses a Fluid Dynamic Bearing for smooth operation. This setup helps maintain quiet performance while providing high static pressure in tight spaces like radiators.
Which fan is better for tight spaces and radiators?
The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado 120 Slim is better for tight spaces. It is designed as a specialized thin fan for radiators and cramped cases. The Thermaltake Pure 20 is a large 200mm option that requires more room. You should choose the SCYTHE model if space is limited.
What is the weight of the Thermaltake Pure 20 fan?
The Thermaltake Pure 20 weighs 15 ounces. This is a substantial weight for a single case fan. The package dimensions are 10 inches wide, 12.6 inches high, and 11.4 inches long. These measurements reflect the large 200mm size of the fan itself.
How thick is the SCYTHE Wonder Tornado 120 Slim?
The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado 120 Slim is 0.59 inches thick. This slim profile allows it to fit in restricted areas. It measures 4.72 inches in width and height. The compact design makes it ideal for users who need high static pressure without taking up much depth.
Is the Thermaltake Pure 20 suitable for users prioritizing airflow depth?
Yes, it is suitable for users prioritizing airflow depth. The fan is a high-pressure option for builds requiring 200mm intake. It suits those who value bearing longevity and standard airflow depth over lighting or smaller sizes. It moves air effectively in larger chassis slots.
What bearing type does the SCYTHE Wonder Tornado use?
The SCYTHE Wonder Tornado uses a Fluid Dynamic Bearing. This bearing type is known for reliable operation and quiet performance. It supports the fan's speed of 2000 RPM. This technology helps ensure longevity and consistent airflow in tight spaces or radiator setups.