1. Safety Information
Please read all instructions carefully before installation and use. Keep this manual for future reference.
- Ensure your computer system is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet before installing or performing maintenance on the fan.
- Handle the fan and its components with care to avoid damage.
- Do not attempt to disassemble the fan motor or bearing. The S-FDB bearing is maintenance-free.
- Keep small parts and packaging materials away from children.
- Ensure proper ventilation in your PC case to prevent overheating.
2. Package Contents
The Thermalright TL-S12W package includes:
- 1 x Thermalright TL-S12W 120mm ARGB PC Cooling Fan
- 4 x Mounting Screws
3. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | TL-S12W |
| Dimensions | 120mm x 120mm x 25mm (4.72"L x 0.98"W x 4.72"H) |
| Speed | Up to 1500 RPM ±10% |
| Noise Level | ≤ 23.2 dBA |
| Air Flow | 47.6 CFM |
| Air Pressure | 1.31 mm H2O |
| Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| ARGB Connector | 3-pin 5V Addressable RGB |
| Bearing Type | S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) |
| Material | PBT+PC (Insulation Grade) |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Current | 0.15A |
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to properly install your Thermalright TL-S12W fan in your computer case or with a CPU cooler.
4.1 Fan Airflow Direction
It is crucial to install the fan according to the desired airflow direction within your PC case. For normal airflow design fans, the blade side typically acts as the intake, and the frame side acts as the exhaust.
Image: The fan's blade side draws air in (intake), while the frame side expels air (exhaust).
4.2 Physical Installation
Mount the fan to your desired location (e.g., case exhaust, intake, or CPU cooler) using the provided screws. Ensure the fan is securely fastened.
Image: A person installing the TL-S12W fan into a computer case using a screwdriver.
4.3 Power and Speed Control Connection (PWM)
The fan uses a 4-pin PWM connector for power and speed control. This allows your motherboard to automatically adjust fan speed based on system temperature.
- Locate the 4-pin PWM fan power connector on the fan cable.
- Connect this 4-pin PWM connector to an available 4-pin fan header on your motherboard (e.g., CHA_FAN, CPU_FAN).
- If installing multiple fans, use the provided PWM sharing connector to daisy-chain additional fans for synchronized speed control. The maximum number of fans that can be connected to a single motherboard fan socket is typically 3 for the TL-S12S series and 4 for the TL-S12 series.
Image: Illustration of connecting the 4-pin PWM connector to a motherboard header and using a sharing connector for multiple fans.
4.4 ARGB Lighting Connection
The fan features ARGB lighting that can be synchronized with your motherboard's lighting effects.
- Identify the 3-pin 5V addressable RGB connector on the fan cable.
- Connect this 3-pin ARGB connector to an available +5V ARGB header on your motherboard (e.g., ADD_GEN2_HEADER, RGB_HEADER). Do not connect to a 12V RGB header, as this will damage the LEDs.
- To synchronize lighting effects across multiple fans, use the provided ARGB sharing connector to daisy-chain them. Ensure the arrows on the ARGB connectors are aligned. The maximum number of fans that can be connected to a single motherboard 3-pin ARGB socket is typically 3 for the TL-S12S series and 4 for the TL-S12 series.
Image: Illustration of connecting the 3-pin ARGB connector to a motherboard +5V ARGB header and using a sharing connector for multiple fans.
4.5 Installation Videos
For a visual guide on installation and connection, please refer to the following official videos:
Tutorial on Fan Installation and Connection Interface
Video: This tutorial demonstrates the steps for installing the fan and connecting its power and ARGB interfaces to the motherboard.
Installation Guide for TL-S12 Series
Video: A comprehensive guide detailing the installation process for fans in the Thermalright TL-S12 series.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Fan Speed Control (PWM)
The Thermalright TL-S12W fan utilizes a 4-pin PWM connector, allowing your motherboard to precisely control the fan speed. The fan speed will automatically adjust based on the CPU or system temperature, ensuring optimal cooling performance and reduced noise when not under heavy load. You can typically configure fan curves and settings through your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI or dedicated software.
5.2 ARGB Lighting Control
The fan's ARGB lighting can be controlled and synchronized with other ARGB components in your system via your motherboard's 5V ARGB header. Use your motherboard manufacturer's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) to customize lighting effects, colors, and patterns.
Image: The fan's slim ARGB ring lighting provides aesthetic illumination.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your fan.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean the fan blades and frame to remove dust buildup. Use a soft brush or compressed air. Ensure the fan is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
- Bearing: The S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) is designed to be maintenance-free and offers long-lasting, quiet operation. Do not attempt to lubricate or disassemble the bearing.
- Cable Management: Ensure fan cables are neatly routed and secured to prevent interference with other components or fan blades.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Thermalright TL-S12W fan, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- Fan Not Spinning:
• Check if the 4-pin PWM connector is securely plugged into the motherboard fan header.
• Ensure the motherboard fan header is enabled in BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Verify that the power supply is functioning correctly. - ARGB Lights Not Working/Incorrect Colors:
• Confirm the 3-pin 5V ARGB connector is correctly plugged into a +5V ARGB header on your motherboard. Do not connect to a 12V RGB header.
• Ensure the arrows on the ARGB connectors are aligned.
• Check your motherboard's RGB software for proper configuration and enabled lighting.
• If daisy-chaining, ensure all connections are secure and correctly aligned. - Excessive Noise:
• Check for any cables or obstructions hitting the fan blades.
• Ensure the fan is securely mounted and screws are tightened.
• Dust buildup can cause noise; clean the fan blades.
• Adjust fan speed settings in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI or software to a lower RPM if noise is a concern and temperatures allow.
8. Warranty and Support
Thermalright products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or any product-related inquiries, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
