1. Product Overview
The Thermalright TL-H12015B-S is a 120mm PWM Addressable RGB (ARGB) slim cooling fan designed for computer systems. It features a 15mm thin profile, making it suitable for compact builds such as Mini-ITX and Small Form Factor (SFF) systems. This fan provides efficient cooling with a maximum speed of 1900 RPM, while maintaining a low noise level. Its ARGB lighting can be synchronized with compatible motherboards for customizable visual effects.
Image 1.1: Thermalright TL-H12015B-S fan highlighting its 15mm thickness, 3-phase 6-pole motor, and S-FDB V2 bearing.
2. Setup and Installation
Proper installation ensures optimal performance and longevity of your Thermalright fan. Follow these steps for connecting and mounting the fan.
2.1 Connecting the Fan
The fan utilizes a 4-pin PWM connector for power and speed control, and a 3-pin 5V ARGB connector for lighting effects. Both connectors support daisy-chaining for multiple fans.
- PWM Power Connection: Connect the 4-pin PWM fan power connector to an available 4-pin fan header on your motherboard. To synchronize fan speeds across multiple fans, connect additional fan PWM connectors to the provided PWM sharing connector.
- ARGB Lighting Connection: Connect the 3-pin 5V ARGB connector to a compatible +5V ARGB header on your motherboard. For synchronized lighting effects across multiple fans, connect additional ARGB connectors to the provided ARGB sharing connector.
Video 2.1: Quick start guide demonstrating the connection of Thermalright case fans, including PWM and ARGB connectors.
2.2 Fan Airflow Direction
For optimal cooling, ensure the fan is installed with the correct airflow direction. The blade side of the fan typically indicates air intake, while the frame side indicates air exhaust. Install the fan according to your case's airflow requirements.
Image 2.2: Illustration of fan airflow, showing air intake from the blade side and exhaust from the frame side.
2.3 Mounting the Fan
Use the included screws to securely install the fan onto your computer case or radiator. The fan features soft-touch rubber pads on each corner to absorb vibrations and reduce noise.
Image 2.3: Examples of fan installation for case airflow and air cooling applications.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 PWM Intelligent Temperature Control
The TL-H12015B-S fan is equipped with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) intelligent temperature control. When connected to a compatible motherboard fan header, the fan's speed will automatically adjust based on the system's temperature, optimizing cooling performance and noise levels without manual intervention. The maximum speed is 1900 RPM.
3.2 ARGB Lighting Effects
The fan features high-brightness ARGB LEDs that provide customizable lighting effects. When connected to a +5V ARGB header on your motherboard, you can manage and synchronize the fan's lighting with other ARGB components using your motherboard's software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync). The atomizing fan blade design ensures soft and uniform light reflection.
4. Maintenance
The Thermalright TL-H12015B-S fan utilizes an S-FDB V2 (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) which is designed for high durability and low-friction operation, providing a long service life. This bearing is maintenance-free. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it is recommended to periodically clean dust from the fan blades and frame using compressed air or a soft brush. Do not disassemble the fan as this may void the warranty and damage the unit.
Image 4.1: Close-up of the S-FDB V2 bearing and soft-touch rubber pads, designed for stability and vibration absorption.
5. Troubleshooting
- Fan Not Spinning:
- Ensure the 4-pin PWM connector is securely plugged into a motherboard fan header.
- Check your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the fan header is enabled and configured correctly (e.g., not set to 0 RPM at low temperatures if you expect it to spin constantly).
- Verify that your power supply is functioning correctly.
- ARGB Lights Not Working or Incorrect Colors:
- Confirm the 3-pin 5V ARGB connector is correctly connected to a +5V ARGB header on your motherboard. Do not connect to a 12V RGB header, as this will damage the fan.
- Check your motherboard's ARGB control software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync) to ensure lighting effects are enabled and configured.
- If daisy-chaining, ensure all connections are secure and that you have not exceeded the maximum number of fans supported by your motherboard's ARGB header (Note: ARGB fans of the same specification cannot be connected in series with more than 6 fans).
- Excessive Noise:
- Ensure the fan is securely mounted and screws are tightened to prevent vibrations.
- Check for any cables or obstructions touching the fan blades.
- Clean any dust buildup on the fan blades.
- If the noise occurs at high RPM, adjust the fan curve in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI or software to reduce maximum fan speed if desired.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120 x 120 x 15 mm |
| Rotational Speed | 1900 RPM ±10% (Max) |
| Noise Level | ≤28.4 dBA |
| Air Pressure | 1.58 mm H2O (Max) |
| Air Flow Capacity | 56.36 CFM (Max) |
| Power Supply Interface | 4-pin PWM |
| ARGB Lighting Interface | 5V 3-pin ARGB |
| Current | 0.25 A |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3 Watts |
| Bearing Type | S-FDB V2 (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) |
| Material | Plastic (PBT Polymers) |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop (CPU Coolers, Chassis) |
| Cable Length | 55 cm |
| Item Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Package Dimensions | 5.98 x 5.04 x 0.94 inches |
Image 6.1: The 15mm slim design of the fan, ideal for compact system builds.
7. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Manufacturer: Thermalright
Model Number: TL-H12015B-S
