Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 Review: Stunning but Flawed
The first thing that catches your eye with the Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Infinity Mirror ARGB Black isn’t its airflow spec, it’s its visual impact. Multiple Reddit and PCPartPicker reviewers use the word “stunning” without hesitation. One PCPartPicker reviewer noted: "The RGB is absolutely stunning! Love the overall design." Across platforms, the fan earns a strong average rating of 4.7/5, with performance and aesthetics equally praised — but there are rumblings about quality control and software quirks that any buyer should know. Overall score: 8.8/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — worth buying for builds prioritizing premium aesthetics and clean cable management, but some users have faced pad adhesion issues and occasional software hiccups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Infinity mirror design looks striking from all angles | Pad adhesion defects reported (“pads sag and come off easily”) |
| Quiet operation even at higher RPMs | L-Connect 3 software inconsistent for some users |
| Strong airflow for intake and radiator use | Price seen as steep |
| Daisy-chain design minimizes cable clutter | Occasional controller recognition issues |
| Customizable lighting with per-zone control | Incompatible behavior with some motherboard RGB suites |
Claims vs Reality
Lian Li promotes the fan’s “all-around infinity mirror design” with 40 ARGB LEDs and a modular daisy chain to simplify installation. Marketing also highlights lower wind noise with the reverse blade when used as intake.
The reality? Visually, the infinity effect lives up to the hype. A verified buyer on Amazon said: “Bright and vibrant colors… the ‘infinity mirror’ looks very nice.” The daisy-chain system also receives broad approval for being cleaner and faster to install, as Reddit user feedback praised: "Being able to daisy-chain the fans and also remove the attach brackets really adds to the clean look."
On performance noise claims, Reddit user feedback confirmed: "Noise level at max RPM is quiet… barely noticeable." However, this is not universal — some buyers noted slightly higher than expected noise in radiator use, though still “lower wind noise” than regular blade fans, aligning partially with Lian Li’s claims.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The signature infinity mirror aesthetic dominates praise. On PCPartPicker, reviews consistently call them “absolutely beautiful” and “super quiet” with “amazing performance.” Owners of large display-heavy cases — especially “fish tank” dual-chamber designs — benefit most from this style. One user specifically recommended: "For big fish tank/dual chamber cases with glass panels I highly recommend getting these fans."
Cable management and installation also stand out, especially for builds using multiple fans. A Fakespot reviewer said: “Easy to install, easy to configure with L-Connect software, and minimal wires. Daisy chain works great and the fans feel extremely premium.” This appeals particularly to modders and showcase builders who want aesthetics without cable clutter.
Airflow performance earns solid marks. A Reddit user running multiple sets wrote: “They perform really well and keep the inside of the case really cool.” Reverse blade versions were appreciated for cleaner looks on intake sides, a tip echoed in Fakespot feedback: “If you are using for intake you will see brackets in the rear of the fans — get the reverse version for a cleaner look.”
Common Complaints
Adhesive pad quality emerges as the most consistent criticism, with pads on corners “sagging and coming off easily.” Users running multiple packs have encountered defective glue, affecting the visual finish and requiring replacements. This affects perfectionist builders most — the defect is noticeable in transparent or side-view panels.
L-Connect 3, the control software, draws mixed feedback. While some found it “easy to use” and reliable, others experienced difficulty with device recognition. A Reddit user shared: “There are times when it doesn’t recognize some of the fans… may be a hardware issue but hard to say.” Issues appear more often when mixing new fans with older Lian Li gear or running competing RGB suites like ASUS Armoury Crate.
Price sensitivity is also a factor. Fakespot reviews capture this sentiment: “They are ridiculously priced… I almost didn’t want to buy them… but well worth it if you want quality fans that move a lot of air, are quiet, and look amazing.”
Divisive Features
L-Connect 3 software splits opinion — PCPartPicker and several Reddit posts show stress-free operation once learned, but others offload lighting control to alternatives like SignalRGB. A Redditor wrote: “Nothing really wrong with the software. After initial setup I don’t use it anymore — I use Signal.” This divide suggests that integration with existing controls (or willingness to learn a new interface) heavily influences satisfaction.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reliability feedback is positive for most users but marred by intermittent QC issues. One Reddit user who built with SL and TL Uni Infinity fans reported intermittent non-functioning LEDs and fan blades within a year: “The blades worked most of the time… but last night all 3 TL fans’ blades shut off — replacing all of them.” While this involves TL fans, it colors perceptions of Lian Li’s QC across product lines.
Trustpilot and Fakespot analyses suggest minimal deceptive review patterns and high content quality — over 80% of reviews were deemed high quality. The recurring pad adhesion issue appears genuine and manufacturer-recognized, with replacements offered.
Alternatives
Within Lian Li’s lineup, the AL120 version is often compared against the SL-INF. One Newegg critic stated: “Not as good as the AL120s… but cable cleanliness keeps me coming back.” AL120s may offer slightly better build on pads but lack the deep infinity mirror effect.
Some PC builders mention cheaper RGB alternatives like Asiahorse, though availability can be limited and aesthetics differ. Reddit users chasing identical visual quality and modular chaining tend to stay with Lian Li despite cost.
Price & Value
As of current listings, single packs hover around $35–50 USD, with 3-packs plus controller reaching $83–155 USD online. The investment is significant per fan, but resale demand on eBay suggests they hold value well — sealed packs and working units command near-buying prices for months after release.
Tips from experienced builders: buy reverse blade versions for visible intake use to avoid bracket exposure, and factor in controller cost if starting from scratch. Bundled sets often offer the best effective per-fan price.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a controller for the single pack?
A: Yes, the single pack does not include a controller. You’ll need a compatible Lian Li UNI Fan controller or bundle to access L-Connect features.
Q: Can I control these through my motherboard’s RGB software?
A: Yes, via PWM and ARGB headers, but some users report conflicts with suites like ASUS Armoury Crate, requiring adjustments or exclusive L-Connect use.
Q: Are reverse blade versions quieter?
A: When installed as intake, reverse blade fans can produce lower wind noise than regular blades, especially on radiators, according to Lian Li and user feedback.
Q: Will mixing SL-INF with older Lian Li fans cause issues?
A: Possible — some users note inconsistent recognition in L-Connect 3 when mixing generations, though chaining within matched series works well.
Q: How many fans can be daisy-chained on one cable?
A: Up to four fans per cluster, with each group managed by a compatible controller.
Final Verdict:
Buy if you’re building a showcase system where visual impact and clean cable management matter most, and you’re willing to pay for premium aesthetics. Avoid if adhesive pad defects or potential software quirks would distract from your build’s satisfaction. Pro tip from community: opt for reverse blade versions on visible intakes for a seamless front view.
