Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Review: High Style, Solid Cooling
The most striking takeaway from thousands of buyer reports is the near-universal praise for the Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Infinity Mirror ARGB Black, with community ratings averaging 4.6–4.7/5—effectively a 9/10 in user satisfaction. Even in threads where software quirks were lamented, the overwhelming sentiment is that these fans deliver premium aesthetics and strong cooling in equal measure.
Quick Verdict: Yes — with caution if software stability is critical.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| "Super quiet with amazing performance" — PCPartPicker user | Pads on some units “sag and come off easily” — Newegg reviewer |
| Infinity mirror design “looks fantastic” — multiple Reddit & Trustpilot users | L-Connect 3 software occasionally fails to recognize all fans |
| Daisy-chain cabling simplifies builds | Price is “a little pricey but well worth it,” though some call it “ridiculously priced” — Fakespot reviews |
| Customizable lighting with vibrant colors | ASUS Aura Sync conflicts noted; requires troubleshooting |
| Strong airflow ("keeps the inside of the case really cool") | Screen protectors on side infinity mirrors can be tricky to install |
| Reverse blade option lowers wind noise when used as intake | Controller compatibility limits for certain setups |
| Solid build quality, “really great and sturdy package” — Trustpilot | Definitely not budget-friendly, especially for full builds with many fans |
Claims vs Reality
One of Lian Li’s main marketing hooks is its “all-around infinity mirror design” with 40 LEDs per fan, promising multi-layer effects visible from any angle. Buyers consistently confirm this claim. A verified PCPartPicker reviewer enthused: “The RGB is absolutely stunning! Love the overall design.” Reddit posts echo that the infinity effect “looks fantastic” and “glow[s] clear with multi-layer effects from any visible angle,” matching spec sheet promises.
The company also touts optimized cable management via daisy-chaining—one cable for up to four fans. Users validate this as a game-changer for clean builds. A Newegg customer wrote: “Being able to daisy-chain the fans and also remove the attach brackets really adds to the clean look.” However, compatibility hiccups surface when mixing with certain motherboard software, especially ASUS Aura Sync, leading to resets and connection drops. One Fakespot reviewer admitted: “Aura Sync and Lian Li software fight for dominance and constantly resets my USB connections.”
Lastly, Lian Li claims a “start/stop mode” for silent operation below 50°C CPU/GPU temps. While one Reddit user confirmed “silence at high fan speed” and quieter intake via reverse blades, others note the L-Connect 3 software can intermittently fail to detect all connected fans, undermining consistent control.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, PCPartPicker, and Trustpilot, aesthetic appeal is the headline draw. For streamers and case modders, the combination of side frame ARGB strips, aluminum trim, and centered infinity mirrors provides unmatched visual presence. Reddit user feedback such as “I had to have that look” underscores that many purchased based on aesthetics alone, later finding the cooling “really well” in line with performance needs. Silent operation also surfaces repeatedly; PC builders with noise-sensitive workloads commend the subdued acoustic profile even “at max RPM.”
Daisy-chain installation isn’t just a marketing bullet—it’s a workflow boon for professional builders. By minimizing cables, it allows photography-friendly open-frame cases to shine without “a mess of wires.” This has particular value in dual-chamber and fish tank designs where presentation is critical. High rated airflow (63.6 CFM) is reflected in real-world use, keeping “the inside of the case really cool” during gaming marathons.
Common Complaints
Hardware quirks are the most recurring frustration. Newegg and Trustpilot users cite defects with corner pads—“defective glue… pads sag and come off easily”—forcing RMA processes. Software connectivity is the other frequent pain point. Some users report L-Connect 3 “doesn’t recognize some of the fans” or conflicts with motherboard RGB control, notably with ASUS systems, requiring hours of troubleshooting.
For those relying on display syncing across devices, the fan controller’s ecosystem-locked nature is limiting. Reverse blades solve bracket visibility for intake setups, but mismatch purchases (wrong blade orientation) can leave builds aesthetically compromised.
Divisive Features
The L-Connect 3 software splits opinion. Enthusiasts who master its settings praise its ability to control blade and frame lighting separately; Reddit’s early adopters note, “Took me a little while to figure it out, but… works well.” Others bypass it entirely, opting for SignalRGB or motherboard control after initial setup. This divide largely aligns with user patience and software tolerance—experienced builders adapt, casual users can be deterred.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit longevity stories suggest the fans themselves are physically robust. PCPartPicker users running them for months report “absolutely beautiful” performance without mechanical wear issues. The most fragile component in the chain appears to be the controllers or related LCD AIO integrations, not the fan hardware. One Reddit poster swapped entire TL Uni sets due to lighting malfunctions, yet kept SL-INF fans without similar failures.
Scam concerns are minimal; Fakespot analysis notes “minimal deception” and high-quality reviews composing over 80% of feedback. The occasional “defective glue” or install hassle seems more tied to manufacturing variance than counterfeit sellers.
Alternatives
Some buyers compare directly to Lian Li’s AL120s. Visually, SL-INF is considered “slightly better” by some Newegg reviewers, while ALs didn’t exhibit the corner pad issues. For budget seekers, Asiahorse fans get mentioned, but availability gaps have pushed enthusiasts back to Lian Li. Those prioritizing compatibility with Aura Sync may prefer non-Lian Li fans to avoid software conflicts.
Price & Value
Single-pack prices hover between $35–$60 USD, with triple packs plus controller in the $83–$117 range on eBay. Full builds, such as the Reddit user ordering 10 fans, escalate costs quickly—what some call “ridiculously priced.” Yet resale holds steady thanks to ongoing demand, with multipacks retaining high secondhand value.
Community buying tips advocate:
- Plan airflow orientation before purchase to avoid bracket visibility issues.
- Invest in a Lian Li fan hub if buying in bulk.
- Be prepared for software learning curve; test with your motherboard’s ecosystem before committing fully.
FAQ
Q: Are the SL-INF 120 fans quieter than other RGB fans?
A: Many users describe them as “super quiet” even at full speed, with reverse blades lowering intake wind noise. However, official specs still list up to 32dB during high RPM—audible but not disruptive.
Q: Do I need L-Connect 3 software to use them?
A: No, but it unlocks all customization modes. Several owners set up fans in L-Connect 3 once, then control speed via motherboard and RGB via SignalRGB thereafter.
Q: What’s the difference between reverse blade and regular versions?
A: Reverse blades pull air from the opposite side, ideal for intake where bracket view would spoil aesthetics. One Fakespot review advised: “If… using for intake… get the reverse version.”
Q: Will they conflict with my ASUS Aura Sync setup?
A: Users report possible conflicts—controllers fighting for RGB control—often fixed by disabling Aura in favor of L-Connect or vice versa.
Q: How many fans can I chain together?
A: Up to four per cluster with a single cable, supporting 16 fans via one controller.
Final Verdict: Buy if aesthetics matter as much as cooling performance—ideal for showcase builds, streaming rigs, or glass-panel cases. Avoid if your environment demands zero software conflict or if budget is key for high fan counts. Pro tip from the community: choose reverse blades for intake mounting to preserve that infinity mirror look, and master L-Connect 3 early to get the most from your setup.
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