1. Introduction
The Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo is a high-performance 120mm fan designed to provide efficient air cooling for CPU liquid radiators, air coolers, and PC chassis. It features Duo-Ring Addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting with 24 individually controlled LEDs, offering extensive customization options for visual effects. Engineered with a hybrid fan blade design and silent cooling technologies, the MF120 Halo ensures optimal airflow and static pressure while maintaining low noise levels. This manual provides detailed instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance to ensure the best performance and longevity of your fan.
Figure 1: Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo Fan
2. Features
- Duo-Ring Addressable RGB Lighting: Features 24 individually controlled ARGB LEDs for stunning visual effects and extensive customization.
- Performance Engineered Hybrid Fan Blade Design: Combines an Air Balance with a Wave Shape fan blade design to deliver high static pressure airflow, ideal for CPU liquid radiators, air coolers, and mesh chassis ventilation.
- Silent Cooling Technology: Incorporates multiple layers of noise reduction technologies and sound-absorbing materials for quiet operation and extended lifespan.
- PWM Fan Control: Allows dynamic speed adjustment between 650 RPM to 1800 RPM, optimizing for minimal noise or maximum airflow as needed.
- Certified Compatibility: Compatible with most addressable RGB capable motherboards, including ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome Sync.
- Secure Connection: Includes connector clips to secure ARGB cables, ensuring reliable connections and improved cable management.
- Sealed Bearing: Designed with sealed fan bearings to prevent dust and lubricant leakage, enhancing fan operation and lifespan.
Figure 2: Dual Loop ARGB Lighting with 24 individually controlled LEDs.
Figure 3: Hybrid fan blade design for balanced airflow and static pressure.
Figure 4: Sealed bearing for enhanced durability and dust prevention.
3. What's in the Box
The Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo package typically includes the following components:
- MasterFan MF120 Halo Fan(s)
- ARGB Controller (if purchased as a multi-pack or with controller)
- PWM Splitter Cable
- ARGB Splitter Cable
- SATA Power Cable for Controller
- USB Cable for Controller (to motherboard)
- Mounting Screws
- ARGB Connector Clips
- User Manual / Documentation
4. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | MFL-B2DN-18NPA-R |
| Fan Dimensions (LxWxH) | 120 x 120 x 25 mm (4.7 x 4.7 x 1 inch) |
| Product Dimensions | 5.39"L x 3.58"W x 6.61"H |
| Fan Speed | 650-1800 RPM ± 10% |
| Air Flow Capacity | 47.2 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) |
| Air Pressure | 1.6 mmH2O |
| Noise Level | 30 Decibels (Max) |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin (PWM) |
| ARGB Connector Type | 3-Pin Addressable RGB |
| Rated Voltage | 12 Volts (Fan), 5 Volts (LED) |
| Rated Current | 0.25A (Fan), 0.55A (LED) |
| Wattage | 3 watts |
| Bearing Type | Rifle Bearing |
| MTTF | 160,000 hours |
| Material | Rubber |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
Figure 5: Key specifications and dimensions of the MF120 Halo fan.
5. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to properly install your Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo fan(s) into your PC chassis or onto a radiator.
5.1 Physical Installation
- Prepare Mounting Location: Identify the desired mounting location in your PC case (e.g., front, top, rear) or on your CPU cooler's radiator. Ensure sufficient clearance.
- Mount the Fan: Secure the MF120 Halo fan(s) using the provided mounting screws. Ensure the fan is oriented correctly for desired airflow (intake or exhaust).
5.2 Cable Connections
The MF120 Halo fans require both PWM (for fan speed control) and ARGB (for lighting control) connections.
- PWM Connection: Connect the 4-pin PWM cable from each fan to an available 4-pin fan header on your motherboard. If installing multiple fans, use the provided PWM splitter cable to connect them to a single motherboard header, ensuring all fans receive speed control signals.
- ARGB Connection:
- To Motherboard: If your motherboard has a 3-pin Addressable RGB header (5V-D-G), connect the fan's ARGB cable directly or use the provided ARGB splitter cable for multiple fans. Ensure the arrow on the ARGB connector aligns with the +5V pin on the motherboard header.
- To ARGB Controller (if included/used): Connect the fan's 3-pin ARGB cable(s) to the designated ARGB ports on the Cooler Master ARGB controller.
- Secure ARGB Cables: Use the provided ARGB connector clips to secure the 3-pin ARGB connections, preventing accidental disconnections.
- Controller Power & Data (if using ARGB Controller):
- Power: Connect the SATA power cable from your power supply to the ARGB controller.
- Data: Connect the USB cable from the ARGB controller to an available 9-pin USB 2.0 header on your motherboard. This allows software control of the ARGB lighting.
Figure 6: ARGB header extender for daisy-chaining multiple devices.
Figure 7: Connector clips ensure secure and reliable ARGB cable management.
Video 1: Official Cooler Master video demonstrating the Halo series fans and their ARGB lighting capabilities. This video provides a visual overview of the product's aesthetic features and how they integrate into a PC build.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Fan Speed Control (PWM)
The MF120 Halo fans utilize PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for dynamic speed control. This allows your motherboard or a dedicated fan controller to adjust fan speed based on system temperature, optimizing for either quiet operation or maximum cooling performance.
- BIOS/UEFI Settings: Access your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to configure fan curves. You can set custom fan speeds based on CPU or system temperatures.
- Motherboard Software: Many motherboard manufacturers provide software utilities (e.g., ASUS AI Suite, MSI Dragon Center, Gigabyte SIV) that allow you to control fan speeds directly from your operating system.
- Dedicated Fan Controller: If you are using a separate fan controller, refer to its manual for specific instructions on adjusting fan speeds.
Figure 8: Dynamic fan speed adjustment via PWM control for optimal cooling and noise.
6.2 ARGB Lighting Control
The Addressable RGB lighting of the MF120 Halo fans can be controlled via your motherboard's ARGB software or the Cooler Master ARGB controller.
- Motherboard ARGB Software: If connected to your motherboard's ARGB header, use the corresponding software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) to customize lighting effects, colors, and synchronization with other ARGB components.
- Cooler Master MasterPlus+ Software: If using the Cooler Master ARGB controller, download and install the MasterPlus+ software from the Cooler Master official website. This software allows for extensive customization of lighting effects, including static colors, dynamic patterns, and multi-layer effects. Ensure the controller's firmware is up to date for optimal functionality.
7. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your MasterFan MF120 Halo fans.
- Dust Cleaning: Periodically clean dust from the fan blades and frame using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the PC is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
- Cable Management: Regularly check all fan and ARGB cable connections to ensure they are secure and not interfering with other components or airflow.
- Bearing Check: The sealed bearing design minimizes maintenance, but listen for any unusual noises that might indicate a bearing issue.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your MasterFan MF120 Halo, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- Fan Not Spinning:
- Check if the 4-pin PWM cable is securely connected to the motherboard or fan controller.
- Ensure the power supply is functioning correctly and providing power to the fan headers.
- Verify fan speed settings in BIOS/UEFI or motherboard software are not set to 0 RPM or a very low threshold.
- ARGB Lighting Not Working/Incorrect Colors:
- Ensure the 3-pin ARGB cable is correctly connected to the motherboard ARGB header (5V-D-G) or the Cooler Master ARGB controller. Check for correct pin orientation (+5V, Data, Ground).
- If using an ARGB controller, ensure it is receiving SATA power and the USB data cable is connected to the motherboard.
- Update your motherboard's ARGB software or Cooler Master MasterPlus+ software to the latest version.
- Check for compatibility issues if mixing different brands of ARGB components.
- Excessive Noise:
- Ensure the fan is securely mounted and not vibrating against the chassis.
- Clean any dust buildup on the fan blades.
- Adjust fan speed settings in BIOS/UEFI or software to a lower RPM.
9. Warranty and Support
Cooler Master products are backed by a limited warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Cooler Master website. For technical support, driver downloads, or further assistance, please visit the Cooler Master support portal:
