1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Thermalright TL-M12RW-S 120mm ARGB Performance Infinity Frame Reverse Outlet Fan. This fan is designed to provide optimal airflow and static pressure for your PC case or water cooling radiators, featuring vibrant Addressable-RGB lighting and a durable Fluid Dynamic Bearing (S-FDB) for quiet and long-lasting operation. This manual will guide you through the installation, operation, and maintenance of your new fan.
Key Features:
- ARGB Illusion Infinity Frames for stunning lighting effects.
- Reverse Airflow design for efficient exhaust.
- Magnetic Assist Motor for stable performance.
- Durable S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) for low-friction and low-noise operation.
- Static Pressure optimized 7-blade design.
- PWM Fan Speed Control for precise cooling.
- Soft-Touch Rubber pads for vibration absorption.
- High quality PBT+PC material construction.
- Dual factory calibrated dynamic balancing.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package contents to ensure all items are present:
- Thermalright TL-M12RW-S Fan(s) (Quantity as purchased: 1, 3, or 5)
- Mounting Screws
- PWM Cable (integrated or separate, typically 50cm+5cm)
- ARGB Cable (integrated or separate, typically 50cm+5cm)
3. Specifications
Figure 1: TL-M12RW-S Fan Parameter Table
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | TL-M12RW-S |
| Fan Size | 120mm x 120mm x 25mm |
| Weight | 175g |
| Fan Speed | 0 - 1500 RPM (±10%) |
| Noise Level | ≤23.2 dBA |
| Air Volume | 47.6 CFM |
| Wind Pressure | 1.31 mm/H₂O |
| Power Interface | 4PIN PWM |
| ARGB Interface | +5V 3PIN ARGB |
| Voltage | DC 12V |
| Current | 0.15A |
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic Bearing (S-FDB) |
| Blade Quantity | 7 |
| Used For | Case, Radiator |
| Certification | CE, RoHS |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
4. Installation Guide
4.1 Physical Installation
- Identify the desired mounting location in your PC case or on your radiator.
- Position the fan, ensuring the airflow direction is correct for your cooling needs. The TL-M12RW-S is a reverse outlet fan, meaning the fan blade side exhausts air.
- Align the fan's screw holes with the mounting points. The fan features pre-installed soft-touch rubber pads on each corner to absorb vibration and reduce noise.
- Secure the fan using the provided mounting screws. Do not overtighten.
Figure 2: Airflow Direction for TL-M12RW-S Series Fan
Figure 3: Four Corner Silicone Cushions for Shock Absorption
4.2 Wiring Connections
The fan comes with two main cables: a 4-pin PWM cable for fan speed control and a +5V 3-pin ARGB cable for lighting control. Both cables are approximately 50cm + 5cm in length.
- PWM Connection: Connect the 4-pin PWM cable from the fan to an available 4-pin fan header on your motherboard (e.g., CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN). This allows for automatic or manual speed control via your motherboard's BIOS or software.
- ARGB Connection: Connect the +5V 3-pin ARGB cable from the fan to an available +5V 3-pin Addressable RGB header on your motherboard. Do NOT connect to a +12V 4-pin RGB header, as this will damage the LEDs.
- Daisy-Chaining (Multiple Fans): If installing multiple fans, you can daisy-chain the ARGB cables. However, be mindful of the motherboard's ARGB interface power supply limit. It is recommended not to exceed 5 fans with the same specifications when daisy-chaining to a single motherboard header. For more fans, consider using a SATA power supply ARGB hub.
Figure 4: PWM and ARGB Interface Wiring Diagram
5. Operation
5.1 Fan Speed Control (PWM)
The 4-pin PWM connection allows your motherboard to dynamically control the fan speed based on system temperature. You can configure fan curves and set desired speed profiles through your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or dedicated software utilities provided by your motherboard manufacturer.
5.2 ARGB Lighting Control
Once connected to a +5V 3-pin ARGB header, the fan's Addressable RGB lighting can be controlled via your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync). This allows for synchronization with other ARGB components and customization of lighting effects.
6. Maintenance
The Thermalright TL-M12RW-S fan features a high-durability S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) with a magnetic assist design, ensuring low-friction and low-noise operation for a long service life. This bearing is designed to be maintenance-free.
- Do Not Disassemble: To maintain the integrity and performance of the S-FDB bearing, please do not attempt to disassemble the fan motor.
- Balancing Material: The fan blade undergoes an updated three-axis dynamic balancing process during manufacturing. There may be a small red balancing material on the fan blade; please do not remove this material, as it is crucial for the fan's balanced operation and longevity.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean the fan blades and frame with a soft, dry cloth or compressed air to remove dust buildup, which can impede airflow and increase noise. Ensure the fan is powered off before cleaning.
Figure 5: Long Lasting S-FDB Bearing (Do Not Disassemble)
Figure 6: Dual Factory Calibrated Dynamic Balancing (Do Not Remove Red Material)
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Fan not spinning | Incorrect or loose PWM connection; insufficient power. | Ensure the 4-pin PWM cable is securely connected to a functional fan header on the motherboard. Check BIOS settings for fan control. |
| ARGB lighting not working | Incorrect or loose ARGB connection; connected to 12V RGB header; software issue. | Verify the +5V 3-pin ARGB cable is securely connected to a +5V 3-pin ARGB header. Never connect to a +12V 4-pin RGB header. Check motherboard RGB software. |
| Excessive noise or vibration | Loose mounting screws; fan blade obstruction; damaged bearing; removed balancing material. | Check that mounting screws are tightened appropriately. Ensure no cables or objects are obstructing the fan blades. Do not remove the red balancing material on the fan blade. If noise persists, contact support. |
| Fan not cooling effectively | Incorrect airflow direction; dust buildup; low fan speed. | Ensure the fan is oriented correctly for exhaust (fan blade side exhausts air). Clean dust from blades and fins. Adjust fan speed settings in BIOS/software. |
8. User Tips
- Airflow Direction: Remember that the TL-M12RW-S is a reverse outlet fan. This means the side with the fan blades (the aesthetically pleasing side with ARGB lighting) is the exhaust side. Install it accordingly if you intend for it to push air out of your case or through a radiator.
- ARGB Compatibility: Always double-check your motherboard's ARGB header type. This fan uses a +5V 3-pin ARGB connector. Connecting it to a +12V 4-pin RGB header will cause irreversible damage.
- Cable Management: Utilize the generous cable lengths (50cm+5cm for both PWM and ARGB) to route cables neatly behind your motherboard tray for improved aesthetics and airflow within your PC case.
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Warranty Information
The Thermalright TL-M12RW-S fan comes with a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use. It does not cover damage caused by improper installation, misuse, unauthorized modifications, or natural disasters.
9.2 Technical Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please contact Thermalright customer support through their official website or your point of purchase. Please have your product model number (TL-M12RW-S) and proof of purchase ready when contacting support.
