Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Review: Conditional Verdict
A Reddit user summed it up simply: "These fans are awesome… I’d recommend them to anybody who wants performance and style in a really great and sturdy package." Across platforms, the Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Infinity Mirror ARGB Black has built a near cult following for blending show-stopping RGB effects with serious cooling ability. Scoring an 8.9/10 overall, the consensus leans heavily toward visual brilliance, tidy cable management, and respectable thermal results — but there’s a chorus of complaints about software quirks and occasional QC hiccups.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — buy if aesthetics matter as much as airflow, avoid if you demand flawless software and zero defects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning infinity mirror RGB with multi-angle effects | L-Connect 3 software can be finicky |
| Quiet at high RPM for most setups | Pad adhesive issues reported on some units |
| Daisy-chain design reduces cable clutter | Color tone mismatch with other RGB gear |
| Solid cooling performance | Price considered high by some buyers |
| Easy installation, premium feel | Occasional fan recognition failures in software |
| Flexible reverse blade options | QC complaints about lighting or blade failures |
| Works well with multiple RGB control suites | Compatibility issues with ASUS Armory Crate |
Claims vs Reality
One of Lian Li's boldest marketing claims is that the SL-INF delivers “multi-layer infinity mirror glow visible from any angle”. Digging deeper into user reports, that holds true — several PCPartPicker reviewers describe them as “easily the best looking RGB fans on the market” and “like a light show in my PC case.” A verified buyer on Amazon.ca confirmed: “They glow clear with multi-layer effects from any visible angle.”
Another official talking point is cable simplicity, thanks to the daisy-chain system. In practice, this is consistently validated across Reddit and Trustpilot. Reddit user feedback shows appreciation for “being able to daisy-chain the fans and remove the attach brackets” which “really adds to the clean look.” PCPartPicker veterans note they only had “4 fan cables to deal with” for an entire case build.
Where marketing and reality diverge is in software experience. Lian Li promotes L-Connect 3 as “seamless,” but Reddit threads reveal mixed experiences. While some users say “the fans and L-Connect 3 work like a charm,” others report that “it doesn’t recognize some of the fans,” possibly pointing to hardware-controller issues. Fakespot highlights a specific conflict: “Aura Sync and Lian Li software fight for dominance and constantly reset my USB connections.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The visual impact is the most consistent praise point. LDLC customer florian m wrote that “the colours are really beautiful, and the mirror effect really gives the tower a spectacular effect.” This design focus benefits case modders and streamers who want eye-catching builds — the unique layered lighting is as much a centerpiece as the PC itself. PCPartPicker builders noted that even with “any color setup… the ‘infinity’ effect on the fans is really cool to look at.”
The daisy-chain cabling system wins over users who dread cable chaos. A Trustpilot reviewer bragged about “minimal wires… the daisy chain works great and the fans feel extremely premium.” This matters for compact cases or elaborate multi-fan builds; as one Reddit user explained, removing bracket tabs “improves compatibility with radiator fittings.”
Performance doesn’t lag behind aesthetics either. At up to 1500 RPM for the standard blade version, airflow and noise balance impressed many, with Reddit users calling them “quiet at max RPM… barely noticeable” while still “keep[ing] the inside of the case really cool.”
Common Complaints
Software complexity remains the most cited complaint. Enthusiasts expecting flawless integration with external RGB ecosystems found headaches; one Fakespot review warns, “if you go with an ASUS motherboard… the issue was with the ASUS Armory software.” Others had to abandon parts of L-Connect in favor of SignalRGB or motherboard control.
Quality control issues, while not rampant, tend to sour the experience for those affected. A Reddit critical review claimed, “pads do not stay in place on corners… defective glue… pads sag and come off easily.” Another long-term user described intermittent failures: “the lights… or the blades… intermittently didn’t turn on.”
A subtle but persistent annoyance: RGB color tone mismatches with other hardware. PCPartPicker builders say the SL-INF’s output runs “quite blue/cool tone” compared to other devices, requiring software tweaks.
Divisive Features
Reverse blade options split opinion. Lian Li markets them for cleaner looks on intakes, yet while some say they reduce “wind noise” when mounted as intake, others find little practical difference unless on radiators. Similarly, the price point — reported as “ridiculously priced” by bargain-minded buyers — is justified by others as “well worth it… quality fans that move a lot of air, are quiet, and look amazing.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Fakespot data show minimal deception in reviews, with over 80% high-quality feedback. That said, Reddit reveals that not all hardware holds up flawlessly over the long haul. One year into ownership, a Reddit user’s TL UNI fans suffered repeated lighting and blade failures, ultimately prompting replacement.
On the flip side, many multi-month owners report stable operation and no degradation in performance or lighting. A PCPartPicker user who bought nine fans in three packs said they “plug into the same controller… cables aren’t even a problem” and made no mention of issues months later.
Alternatives
Within Lian Li’s own ecosystem, users often compare the SL-INF to the AL120. While one Reddit critical review admitted the SL-INF “look[s] slightly better” than the AL120, they preferred AL120’s sturdiness due to glue-pad problems on the INF. For those prioritizing absolute build durability over visual flair, AL120 is a safe bet, but it lacks the layered RGB spectacle.
Corsair RGB fans are a frequent would-be alternative, but PCPartPicker users chose SL-INF instead, citing Corsair’s “prices and style choices” as drawbacks despite familiarity and previous loyalty.
Price & Value
Market pricing fluctuates from ~$84 to $119 for the 3-pack with controller, depending on color and vendor (eBay, PicClick, Amazon). Single packs, often without a controller, run $28-$40 — but community wisdom warns, “Don’t forget to buy at least one three pack for the controller.” LDLC buyers see the higher cost as offset by premium design and cable tidiness.
Resale activity on eBay is healthy, driven by modders swapping setups, which means buyers could recoup some investment if upgrading later.
FAQ
Q: Do I need the controller to use these fans?
A: Yes, for full RGB control via L-Connect 3, at least one 3-pack with controller is required. Without it, only motherboard PWM control is available.
Q: Will these work with ASUS Armory Crate?
A: They can, but multiple users report conflicts. Some recommend disabling Armory Crate’s RGB control and using L-Connect or SignalRGB instead.
Q: Is the reverse blade worth it?
A: For intake mounts where you want the RGB fully visible, yes. Some also report lower wind noise on radiators. Others see no performance gain over standard blades.
Q: How quiet are they really?
A: Users describe them as “barely noticeable at max RPM” in typical builds. Reverse blades are slightly louder but can still be acceptable for most.
Q: What’s the biggest downside?
A: Software quirks and occasional quality control defects. While most units perform well, some experience pad adhesive failures or unrecognized fans.
Final Verdict: Buy if your build prioritizes RGB aesthetics, cable cleanliness, and respectable cooling — perfect for showcase PCs and modded cases. Avoid if flawless software integration or bulletproof QC is a must. Pro tip from community: Always buy one controller-equipped 3-pack and consider reverse blades for visible intakes to keep the look consistent.
