Thermalright TL-C12RB-S V2 / TL-C12RW-S V2 120mm ARGB CPU Fan Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermalright TL-C12RB-S V2 or TL-C12RW-S V2 120mm ARGB CPU Fan. These fans are designed for high performance cooling in computer cases and radiators, featuring reverse airflow, PWM speed control, and vibrant 5V Addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting.

2. Specifications

The Thermalright TL-C12RB-S V2 and TL-C12RW-S V2 fans offer robust performance and aesthetic appeal. Key specifications are detailed below:

3. Package Contents

Please check the package for the following items:

• Thermalright TL-C12RB-S V2 or TL-C12RW-S V2 Fan (Quantity as purchased: 1, 3, or 5 PCS)
• Mounting Screws
• PWM Fan Speed Control Cable (55cm long wire rod)
• ARGB Synchronization Cable (+5V 3-pin male and female serial connection)

4. Installation Guide

Follow these steps to properly install your Thermalright ARGB fan:

1. Prepare your system: Ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet. Open your computer case to access the fan mounting locations.
2. Identify mounting location: Determine where you want to install the fan (e.g., CPU cooler, case intake/exhaust, radiator). The TL-C12RB-S V2 and TL-C12RW-S V2 are reverse airflow fans, ideal for exhaust configurations where the fan blade surface is the outlet direction.

   

   

3. Mount the fan: Align the fan with the screw holes on your case or radiator. Use the provided mounting screws to secure the fan firmly. The fan features soft-touch rubber pads to reduce vibration and noise.

   

4. Connect the PWM cable: Locate the 4-pin PWM fan header 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.

   

5. Connect the ARGB cable: Find a +5V 3-pin ARGB header on your motherboard. Connect the fan's +5V 3-pin ARGB cable to this header. If installing multiple ARGB fans, you can daisy-chain them using the male and female serial connectors. Note that the main board's ARGB synchronization interface may have an upper limit, typically allowing no more than 5 devices in series.

   

6. Cable management: Route the cables neatly to avoid interference with other components and to improve airflow.
7. Close the case: Once all connections are secure, close your computer case.

5. Operation

Your Thermalright ARGB fan is designed for easy integration and control:

• Fan Speed Control (PWM): The 4-pin PWM connection allows your motherboard to dynamically adjust the fan speed between 0 and 1550 RPM based on CPU temperature or other system parameters. This ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise when not under heavy load. You can typically configure fan curves in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or through manufacturer-provided software.
• ARGB Lighting Control: The +5V 3-pin ARGB connection enables synchronization with your motherboard's ARGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync). This allows you to customize lighting effects, colors, and patterns, choosing from up to 17 modes of ARGB water illusion. Refer to your motherboard's user guide and software for specific instructions on ARGB control.

  

  

• Reverse Airflow: These fans are designed with a reverse airflow pattern, meaning the air is exhausted from the side where the fan blades are visible. This is particularly useful for specific case configurations or radiator setups where you need to pull air out of the system while maintaining a clean aesthetic from the front.

6. Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Thermalright ARGB fan, periodic maintenance is recommended:

• Dust Cleaning: Regularly inspect the fan blades and frame for dust accumulation. Use compressed air or a soft brush to gently remove dust. Ensure the fan is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Check Connections: Periodically check that the PWM and ARGB cables are securely connected to the motherboard headers. Loose connections can lead to intermittent operation or lighting issues.
• Bearing Care: The S-FDB bearing is designed for long life (100,000 hours) and requires no lubrication. Avoid disassembling the fan, as this may void the warranty and damage the bearing.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your fan, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Problem: Fan is not spinning.

• Ensure the 4-pin PWM cable is securely connected to a functional fan header on the motherboard.
• Check your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the fan header is enabled and configured correctly.
• Verify that your power supply is providing adequate power to the motherboard and fan headers.
• Inspect the fan blades for any obstructions that might prevent rotation.

Problem: ARGB lighting is not working or is incorrect.

• Confirm the +5V 3-pin ARGB cable is correctly connected to a +5V 3-pin ARGB header on your motherboard, not a +12V 4-pin RGB header (which can damage the LEDs).
• Ensure your motherboard's ARGB software is installed and configured to control the lighting.
• If daisy-chaining multiple fans, check each connection in the series for proper seating. Remember the limit of approximately 5 devices per header.
• Restart your computer and check if the lighting initializes correctly.

Problem: Fan is making excessive noise.

• Ensure the fan is securely mounted and not vibrating against the case or other components. The rubber damping pads should help mitigate this.
• Check for any cables or foreign objects obstructing the fan blades.
• Clean any dust buildup on the fan blades, which can cause imbalance and noise.
• If the noise persists and is unusual, it might indicate a bearing issue. Contact customer support if the fan is still under warranty.

8. User Tips

• Optimal Airflow: Given its reverse airflow design, this fan is excellent for use as an exhaust fan, especially on the top or rear of your case, to pull hot air out. When used on a radiator, ensure the airflow direction aligns with your cooling strategy.
• ARGB Synchronization: For a cohesive lighting setup, utilize your motherboard's ARGB software to synchronize all your ARGB components. Experiment with different lighting modes to find your preferred aesthetic.
• Quiet Operation: The S-FDB bearing and rubber damping pads contribute to quiet operation. For even quieter performance, adjust your fan curve in the BIOS to run the fan at lower RPMs when your system is idle or under light load.
• Cable Management: Proper cable management not only improves aesthetics but also enhances airflow within your case, contributing to better cooling performance.

9. Warranty and Support

Thermalright provides a 3-year warranty for the TL-C12RB-S V2 and TL-C12RW-S V2 fans, covering manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For technical support, warranty inquiries, or further assistance, please contact Thermalright customer service through their official website or the retailer from whom you purchased the product.

Certifications: This product is CE and RoHS certified, ensuring compliance with European safety, health, and environmental protection standards.