Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 Review: Style Meets Performance
Cutting through the mountains of RGB hype, the Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Infinity Mirror ARGB Black earns a solid 8.8/10 for design, cooling performance, and installation ease — but with recurring reports of minor quality control hiccups and mixed experiences with its L-Connect 3 software.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — worth it for style-driven PC builds prioritizing cable management and premium aesthetics, but be aware of potential corner pad issues and occasional software recognition problems.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Striking infinity mirror RGB effects visible from all angles | Some units have corner pads with weak adhesive |
| Low-noise operation even at high RPM | L-Connect 3 can be finicky in recognizing devices |
| Daisy-chain design reduces cable clutter | Price is premium compared to standard RGB fans |
| Solid cooling performance for both intake and exhaust | Slightly mismatched color temperatures vs other RGB gear |
| Premium build quality with aluminum trim | Reverse blade model runs noisier than regular |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing touts the SL-INF as an “infinity mirror” revolution with “multi-layer effects visible from any angle” and “quiet power built to perform.” User reports confirm much of this, but highlight some nuances.
While Lian Li claims an almost silent experience with just 29 dB noise at max RPM, Reddit user feedback suggests this holds true: “Noise level at max rpm is quiet… barely noticeable.” However, when using the reverse blade variant, several users note increased noise. The manufacturer admits the reverse blade version can reach 32 dB, and Reddit users corroborate it’s “more obvious when installed on a radiator.”
Cable management is another core promise, thanks to daisy-chain connections and removable attach brackets. This feature is universally validated: PCPartPicker reviewers praise that “all 9 fans plug into the same 1 controller box so cables aren’t even a problem” and Trustpilot users call the daisy-chain “amazing” for cleanup. But a Reddit user pointed out an overlooked detail: the pads on corners “sag and come off easily” due to defective glue in some batches, marring an otherwise clean install.
The L-Connect 3 software is marketed as “comprehensive control,” but while some buyers say “software works very well… superb RGB” and “after initial setup I don’t use it anymore,” a subset experienced intermittent device recognition issues. One Reddit commenter recounted: “There are times when it doesn’t recognize some of the fans… difficult to say if it’s hardware or software.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For style enthusiasts, the infinity mirror RGB is a spectacle. A PCPartPicker reviewer called them “easily the best looking RGB fans on the market,” and LDLC customer florian m said “the colours are really beautiful, and the mirror effect really gives the tower a spectacular effect.” These visuals appeal to showcase builds, where presentation matters as much as performance.
Cable-conscious builders benefit most from the interlocking design. “Only one cable… makes them easier to store neatly,” wrote LDLC user erwanf. Amazon buyers likewise value “minimal wires… daisy chain works great.” This is particularly appreciated in builds with multiple fan clusters, as fewer cables mean simpler routing and better airflow.
Performance-wise, users across Amazon, PCPartPicker, and Trustpilot agree on effective cooling and low noise. Trustpilot feedback calls them “fantastic looking… perform really well and keep the inside of the case really cool,” while a PCPartPicker builder wrote, “The fans are perfect at idle… about 430 rpm for my PC.”
Common Complaints
The most cited hardware issue is poor adhesive on corner pads. One Reddit user — with multiple fan sets — described “pads sag and come off easily” impacting fit and finish. While not functional damage, it undermines perceived build quality at a premium price.
Software control, though functional for many, presents headaches for others. A Reddit post by a user with SL and TL Infinity fans explained: “L-Connect 3… doesn’t recognize some of the fans,” leading to inconsistent lighting and speed control. Fakespot reviews reveal conflicts with ASUS Aura Sync: “Aura sync and Lian Li software fight for dominance and constantly reset my USB connections,” which can frustrate integrated ecosystem users.
Color calibration mismatches emerged as a subtle but noted issue — PCPartPicker reports that “fans don’t really match the colour values of my other RGB things… run quite blue/cool tone,” requiring manual correction.
Divisive Features
The reverse blade design splits opinion. It allows the infinity effect to be viewed even when set as intake, but comes at a slight noise penalty. Some builders prioritize the aesthetic (“intake airflow while seeing the infinity effect”), while others consider the increased dB an unnecessary trade-off.
Software reliance is another point of contention. Enthusiasts praising L-Connect’s lighting flexibility contrast with minimalists who disable it post-setup and control fans via motherboard PWM to avoid bloated software stacks.
Trust & Reliability
Quality control concerns are relatively minor but consistent. Reports of adhesive pad failure and occasional RGB anomalies suggest small-scale manufacturing defects rather than systemic problems. A Reddit customer experienced faulty TL Infinity fans within a year, replaced under warranty, but faced recurring intermittent issues later.
Long-term owners share mixed reliability stories. On Reddit, one year in, a user’s Galahad II AIO LCD started “flickering and ghosting really bad,” raising concerns about compatibility between newer cooling components and existing fan hardware.
Trustpilot and Fakespot analyses show high confidence in genuine reviews — “our engine has determined that the review content quality is high and informative” and over 80% high-quality reviews, with minimal deception detected. This reassures prospective buyers that the praise and critique are rooted in actual use.
Alternatives
The AL120 variant from Lian Li is frequently cited for comparison. One Reddit user noted, “look slightly better than the AL120 version I currently have” but preferred SL-INF’s cable cleanliness. Buyers moving from Corsair fans often mention higher pricing and less appealing style choices in Corsair’s RGB range, making SL-INF the preferred replacement despite its own premium cost.
Price & Value
Pricing varies widely: eBay listings show single packs around $30–$49, triple packs with controllers at $83–$117, with LDLC retailing the triple pack near €119. Users acknowledge the premium but feel it’s justified for the aesthetics and build quality: “A little pricey but well worth it… if you want quality fans that move a lot of air, are quiet, and look amazing,” per Fakespot buyer analysis.
Resale value remains strong — with active secondary market listings — suggesting desirability doesn’t diminish rapidly. Community tips stress buying at least one triple pack to secure the controller, as single packs require a separate purchase for full functionality.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a controller for these fans?
A: Yes, at least one triple pack includes the controller needed for RGB and speed sync. Single packs don’t include it, so you’ll need a separate purchase.
Q: How loud are the reverse blade models compared to regular SL-INF fans?
A: Reverse blade models run up to around 32 dB, versus 29 dB for standard. Owners note the noise difference is more apparent in radiator mounts.
Q: Can SL-INF fans sync with ASUS Aura Sync?
A: They can, but multiple users report conflicts where Aura and L-Connect fight for device control. If using ASUS software, be prepared for occasional USB resets.
Q: Is L-Connect 3 necessary for operation?
A: Not strictly — some use L-Connect only for initial setup, then switch control to motherboard PWM and third-party RGB tools.
Q: Will the RGB tones match my other lighting gear?
A: Not perfectly in all cases. Some users adjust in software as SL-INF can run cooler-toned than other brands.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a showcase-builder seeking premium aesthetics, minimal cabling, and solid cooling. Avoid if pad adhesion or occasional software quirks would frustrate you. Pro tip from PCPartPicker: Always get a triple pack for the controller — it streamlines setup and avoids extra costs later.
