1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Thermalright TL-S12 120mm HALO ARGB Cooling Fan. This fan is designed to provide efficient cooling for your computer case or CPU cooler while offering stunning 360° addressable RGB lighting effects. This manual will guide you through the installation, operation, and maintenance of your new cooling fan.
2. Safety Information
- Ensure your computer system is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet before installation.
- Handle the fan by its frame to avoid damaging the blades or wiring.
- Do not attempt to modify the fan or its cables.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- The fan operates at 12V DC. Ensure your motherboard or controller provides the correct voltage.
- The ARGB lighting operates at 5V. Connect only to compatible 3-pin 5V ARGB headers. Connecting to a 4-pin 12V RGB header will damage the LEDs.
3. Package Contents
Please check the package contents to ensure all items are present:
- Thermalright TL-S12 120mm HALO ARGB Cooling Fan(s)
- Mounting Screws
- (Optional, depending on model) ARGB Controller / Splitter Cable
4. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Thermalright |
| Model Number | TL-S12 |
| Fan Size | L120 mm x W120 mm x H25 mm |
| Rated Speed | 500 - 1500 RPM ±10% (MAX) |
| Noise Level | 28.2 dBA (MAX) |
| Air Flow | 68.9 CFM (MAX) |
| Air Pressure | 2.21 mm H2O (MAX) |
| Rated Voltage | 12V DC |
| Power Interface | 4 PIN PWM |
| ARGB Connector | 3 PIN 5V |
| Bearing Type | S-FDB Bearing |
| Fan Life | 100,000 hrs |
| Blade Quantity | 7 |
| Used For | Case Cooling |
| High-concerned chemical | None |
| Origin | Mainland China |
Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
5. Installation Guide
Follow these steps to install your Thermalright TL-S12 fan:
-
Prepare Your System
Power off your computer and unplug it from the power source. Open your computer case to access the fan mounting locations.
-
Mount the Fan
Position the fan in your desired location (e.g., case front, rear, top, or on a CPU cooler/radiator). Ensure the fan's airflow direction is correct for your cooling setup (usually, the side with the label is the exhaust side). Use the provided mounting screws to secure the fan firmly. The fan features skin-like soft material silicone angle pads for shock absorption and reduced vibration.
Figure 5.1: Fan installed in a PC case. 
Figure 5.2: Fan installed on a CPU cooler. -
Connect the PWM Cable
Locate the 4-pin PWM fan connector on your motherboard. Connect the fan's 4-pin PWM cable to this header. This allows your motherboard to control the fan speed based on system temperature.
-
Connect the ARGB Cable
Locate the 3-pin 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. Connect the fan's 3-pin 5V ARGB cable to this header. This enables synchronization of the fan's lighting effects with your motherboard's ARGB software.
Figure 5.3: 3-pin 5V ARGB and 4-pin PWM connectors. - Motherboard Synchronization: For light effect mode operation, refer to your motherboard's corresponding APP user guide.
- Daisy Chaining: The power supply of the ARGB synchronization port on the mainboard has an upper limit. When the mainboard is connected to the synchronous mode, a single port on the mainboard can connect no more than six devices in series. Ensure you do not exceed this limit to prevent damage.
-
Final Check
Ensure all cables are securely connected and not interfering with other components or fan blades. Close your computer case and reconnect the power.
6. Operation
Fan Speed Control (PWM)
The TL-S12 fan supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, allowing your motherboard to dynamically adjust the fan speed between 500 and 1500 RPM based on CPU or system temperatures. This ensures optimal cooling performance when needed and quieter operation during lighter loads. You can configure fan curves through your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or dedicated software.
ARGB Lighting Control
The fan features a 360° exquisite light effect without breakpoints, thanks to its dual aura design and lumen highlighting LED bright path shell halo. The ARGB lighting can be controlled via your motherboard's 3-pin 5V ARGB header and compatible software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync). This allows for a wide range of customizable lighting effects and synchronization with other ARGB components.
7. Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Thermalright TL-S12 fan, follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean the fan blades and frame to remove dust buildup. Use compressed air or a soft, dry cloth. Ensure the fan is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
- Bearing Longevity: The S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) is designed for long-term stability and quiet operation, minimizing the need for bearing-specific maintenance.
- Avoid Obstructions: Ensure no cables or other components obstruct the fan blades, which could lead to noise or damage.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your fan, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
-
Fan Not Spinning
- Check if the 4-pin PWM cable is securely connected to the motherboard fan header.
- Ensure the fan header on the motherboard is enabled in BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Test the fan on a different fan header or with a fan controller to rule out a faulty header.
- Verify that your power supply is functioning correctly.
-
ARGB Lighting Not Working
- Ensure the 3-pin 5V ARGB cable is correctly connected to a compatible 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. Do NOT connect to a 4-pin 12V RGB header.
- Check your motherboard's ARGB software (e.g., Aura Sync, Mystic Light) to ensure lighting effects are enabled and configured.
- If daisy-chaining multiple fans, ensure you have not exceeded the motherboard header's power limit (typically no more than six devices per port).
- Verify that the ARGB header is enabled in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI.
-
Excessive Noise
- Ensure the fan is securely mounted and not vibrating against the case.
- Check for any cables or obstructions hitting the fan blades.
- Clean any dust buildup on the fan blades.
- Adjust the fan speed curve in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI to a lower RPM if noise is a concern and temperatures allow.
9. User Tips
No specific user tips from reviews or Q&A are available at this time. However, general tips for PC cooling fans include:
- Optimal Airflow: Plan your case fan layout for positive or negative pressure to maximize cooling efficiency.
- Cable Management: Route fan cables neatly to avoid interference with airflow and fan blades.
- Software Control: Utilize your motherboard's fan control software to create custom fan curves that balance cooling performance and noise levels.
10. Warranty and Support
The Thermalright TL-S12 fan comes with a Three-Year Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
For technical support, warranty claims, or further assistance, please contact Thermalright customer service through their official website or your retailer.
