Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 Review: Stylish but Pricey
The Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Infinity Mirror ARGB Black dazzles in user reports for its aesthetics, scoring a solid 9/10 for visual impact and cable management. Its distinctive infinity mirror design has drawn praise across platforms, yet recurring mentions of high pricing and occasional software quirks temper the enthusiasm.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy—best for aesthetic-focused PC builders who value clean cabling and RGB flexibility.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Striking infinity mirror lighting effect | Expensive compared to competitors |
| Daisy-chain cable management | Occasional software/controller glitches |
| Quiet at lower RPMs | Pads/glue issues on some units |
| High build quality | RGB brightness claimed weak by some |
| Easy installation | Possible compatibility issues with Asus Armoury Crate |
| Flexible control via L-Connect 3 or MB | Lighting customization may require tweaking |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “multi-layer infinity mirror design visible from any angle” to deliver a premium ARGB effect. Digging into user reports, the consensus confirms the spectacle works: Reddit user feedback like “they look fantastic, especially with the infinity mirrors” appears across Newegg and PCPartPicker. However, some PCPartPicker reviewers caution that RGB may appear “really faded and dim until you find the right shade”, indicating that while the effect exists, optimal color tuning is necessary.
Another claim promotes near-silent performance at high RPMs. Official specs note 32 dB acoustic noise at maximum 2100 RPM, yet multiple Amazon and Trustpilot buyers state “noise level at max rpm is quiet… barely noticeable”. While positive, some Reddit builders advise that at full RPM they can get quite loud, showing typical variance between lab specs and real-case builds, often depending on case design and fan placement.
Cable management is marketed as “one cable to connect up to 4 fans in a cluster.” This aligns with near-universal praise from LDLC and PCPartPicker users, with one reviewer noting: “They were super easy to install because they daisy chain together—no need to wire them individually.” The practical impact for big multi-fan builds, like ‘17 fans in a case’, is substantial, allowing for tidier setups. No major contradictions here, though occasional controller compatibility complaints suggest this simplicity can be disrupted by software ecosystems.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and LDLC, the infinity mirror ARGB design is the headline feature, driving purchase decisions for style-conscious builds. LDLC customer Florian M said: “The colours are really beautiful, and the mirror effect really gives the tower a spectacular effect.” For glass-panel cases or showcase builds, the multi-layer mirror aesthetic creates visual depth beyond standard RGB fans. This appeals most to users who prioritize presentation—frequent mentions of builds being “absolutely beautiful” reinforce the style-first value proposition.
Cable management via daisy chaining earns repeated applause. PCPartPicker reviewers highlight its benefits for older builders returning after years: “Last time I built a PC…the fan wiring was one of the most annoying parts.” Now, with interlocking brackets and reversible cable modules, Lian Li removes much of that friction. LDLC’s Alexis D echoed this: “Cable managed perfectly thanks to the daisy chain system.”
Quiet operation at lower speeds came up as a functional win. Even in large arrays—users citing up to ten fans installed—noise was described as unobtrusive during typical usage. This appeals to streamers and content creators who need a low-noise backdrop.
Common Complaints
Pricing is a frequently noted obstacle. Trustpilot reviewers call them “ridiculously priced… I almost did not want to buy them”, while PCPartPicker users dock stars for cost despite strong aesthetic performance. For budget-oriented builders, the premium may be hard to justify unless the infinity mirror is a must-have feature.
Software and controller issues form the other major complaint category. While many praise L-Connect 3 once setup is complete, it can frustrate during configuration—RGB channels not registering or fans not being recognized are scenarios builders encountered. One Reddit user summarized: “There are times when it doesn’t recognize some of the fans… maybe a hardware issue, difficult to say.” Compatibility with Asus Armoury Crate was cited as problematic, with some users needing to disable conflicting software entirely.
Build quality concerns specifically around corner pads appeared in critical Newegg reviews. Defective glue led to pads sagging and falling off in multi-pack setups, which detracts from long-term reliability, especially for showcase builds.
Divisive Features
Brightness levels split opinion. While fans are praised for vibrant colors by many, several reports from PCPartPicker and LDLC mention underwhelming brightness unless used in dim environments. One reviewer stated: “They are so dim I can only enjoy them if I only have my night lamp on.” This variance often ties to individual lighting setups and case interiors.
RPM noise perception also divides users. Quiet for some, notably Trustpilot’s “barely noticeable” crowd, versus Reddit’s “can get quite loud” at max speeds. This likely reflects cooling priorities—silent operation in low load scenarios versus aggressive cooling under stress.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot’s analysis notes minimal deception in user reviews, with a high proportion of genuine feedback. Many long-term owners report sustained performance in RGB and cooling—LDLC’s Eric T said his dual-tripack setup “works perfectly, superb RGB, software works very well with the hub.” However, scattered reports of adhesive issues and intermittent RGB recognition within the first year suggest minor QC inconsistencies.
Reddit’s multi-month user stories offer cautionary tales: one builder with mixed Lian Li fan lines experienced intermittent failures in lighting and blade rotation across different fan models, eventually prompting complete replacement. These appear isolated but are notable for large, complex builds.
Alternatives
The AL120 is the natural comparison, with some critical Newegg feedback noting “look slightly better than the AL120” but citing AL’s lack of corner pad issues. Functionally, AL120 offers similar RGB aesthetics without infinity mirror depth, at potentially lower cost. Budget brands like Asiahorse were considered by PCPartPicker users but were unavailable in certain regions—when stock exists, they present a cost-effective alternative with trade-offs in build quality and cable integration.
Price & Value
As of recent listings, single packs range around $35.52 (Amazon with 18% discount) to ₹3,245 in Indian markets, with triple packs exceeding $100 on eBay before shipping. Buyers recognize resale value is strong for showcase parts, yet advice often leans toward buying multi-packs with controllers included to avoid piecemeal ecosystem costs.
Market chatter suggests timing purchases during seasonal sales, as the premium is steep otherwise. LDLC customers who invested in large arrays highlight the benefit of consolidating orders to ensure consistent batch quality.
FAQ
Q: Can these fans be controlled entirely through my motherboard software?
A: Yes, but initial setup via L-Connect 3 is recommended. Several Reddit users configured fans, then switched to motherboard control for speed, and third-party tools like SignalRGB for lighting.
Q: Do they include a controller in single packs?
A: No. Single packs do not come with a controller—builders need to purchase separately or opt for a triple pack which includes one.
Q: Are they loud at maximum RPM?
A: Some users say yes, others barely notice. Lower-speed operation is quiet, but pushing to 2100 RPM for cooling during gaming may make them audible depending on case acoustics.
Q: Is there a brightness issue with RGB?
A: Opinions vary. Many find the colors vibrant, others call them dim in bright-lit rooms. Proper color tuning in software can improve the perception.
Q: Will pads or adhesives fail over time?
A: A few Newegg reviews report corner pads sagging due to defective glue. This is not universal but worth checking upon delivery.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a showcase PC builder who prioritizes RGB aesthetics, clean cabling, and modular fan chaining. Avoid if you want budget cooling or dislike software-dependent RGB ecosystems. Pro tip from community: invest in controllers with your initial purchase and test RGB in dim conditions to verify desired brightness—optimize before sealing your case.
