Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Review: 8.5/10 Verdict
A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up best: “The infinity mirror design makes them look so pretty, and I love the way the RGB looks on these.” The Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 RGB Infinity Mirror ARGB Black builds a reputation around aesthetics, neat installation via daisy-chaining, and strong cooling performance — but that visual perfection comes with high pricing and occasional hiccups in software and build quality. Overall score: 8.5/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for RGB enthusiasts prioritizing neat setups and visual impact, but pricier and not without minor quirks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning infinity mirror RGB with multi-layer effects | Premium pricing compared to competitors |
| Quiet at mid-range RPMs, strong cooling | RGB brightness can feel dim without tuning |
| Daisy-chain design reduces cable clutter | Occasional glue defects on vibration pads |
| Flexible controller and L-Connect 3 customization | Software can be glitchy, poor documentation |
| Reverse blade option for intake fans | USB header limitations in some builds |
| Solid build with fluid dynamic bearings | Peel-off protectors on mirrors hard to remove |
Claims vs Reality
Lian Li markets the SL-INF series as a breakthrough in RGB cooling, with “infinity mirror look all around” and an installation simplified by quick-pin daisy chains. On paper, the fans promise 61.3 CFM airflow, 29 dBA noise, and sharp color saturation.
Digging deeper into user reports, the infinity mirror effect lives up to hype for most buyers. Reddit user feedback praised that "the infinity mirrors look fantastic" and multiple strips plus a central hub give depth from any viewing angle. PCPartPicker builders frequently called their setups “spectacular,” highlighting thematic builds like white O11 Dynamic cases with harmonious lighting.
However, while marketing claims low noise, Amazon buyers clarify it's conditional: at max RPM, they're audible, but “barely noticeable” during typical operation. The claimed “bright and immersive” RGB also meets mixed reviews — PCPartPicker users described them as “so dim I can only enjoy them if I only have my night lamp on,” requiring careful shade selection in L-Connect 3.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
A recurring highlight is the daisy-chain cabling system, which transforms installation. LDLC customer alexisd noted: “Cable managed perfectly thanks to the daisy chain system. Absolutely delighted with performance and appearance.” Builders with multiple fans found wiring dramatically simpler, connecting up to four per chain and removing brackets to fit radiators or tight clearances.
Cooling performance matches aesthetics for most use cases. A PCPartPicker reviewer with 10 fans, including six reverse blades, emphasized: “They keep my PC cool enough… surprisingly quiet.” This makes them appealing for workstation cases and glass-panel “fish tank” builds, where visual and thermals both matter.
Durability also earns praise — fluid dynamic bearings give smooth, long-life operation. A verified Trustpilot reviewer added: “The fans feel extremely premium… worth it if you want quality fans that move a lot of air, are quiet and look amazing.”
Common Complaints
The most consistent frustration? Price. Multiple PCPartPicker entries tagged them “fk expensive,” with users weighing aesthetics against budget constraints. Some leaned toward cheaper brands like Asiahorse but returned when stock fell short.
Software quirkiness in L-Connect 3 surfaces often. One PCPartPicker user described reseating connections to fix RGB issues, losing over an hour troubleshooting. Another mentioned difficulty finding instructions: “Controllers don’t come with much instruction and finding any online is tough.”
Build quality hiccups occasionally mar the premium image. A Newegg critical review flagged defective glue on vibration pads causing sagging: “Pads do not stay in place… defective glue, pads sag and come off easily.” Amazon buyers similarly noted that protective films over the infinity mirrors can be frustratingly hard to remove.
Divisive Features
The RGB brightness splits opinion. For some, tuning via L-Connect 3 unlocked vivid, uniform lighting. Others, like one PCPartPicker owner, found “colors feel weak” with limited range. The reverse blade versions trigger debate, shining in intake configurations but offering slightly higher noise levels — a trade-off for airflow and cleaner visible frames.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns point to largely genuine reviews with minimal deception detected. Verified customers repeatedly call out the actual premium feel matching Lian Li’s marketing, alongside partially justified frustration at pricing. The daisy-chain connector stability and hub performance held firm over months, with Reddit threads showing six-month updates still praising quiet operation.
Instances of return replacements for defective pads and Lian Li’s willingness to send new sets bolster trust. However, software support remains an area where users hope for improvement, as even seasoned builders report “latest software is lacking.”
Alternatives
Several Reddit and PCPartPicker mentions compare SL-INF to Lian Li AL120. While AL120s have cleaner airflow without RGB brightness complaints, many believe SL-INF “look slightly better” thanks to the infinity mirror, returning for cable cleanliness. Cheaper Asiahorse alternatives tempt on cost but compromise on premium finish and build quality.
Price & Value
Market prices on eBay hover around $99–$111 USD for the triple pack with controller, aligning with Amazon’s $107 range. Special bundles dip slightly with competitive sellers but rarely undercut drastically. The resale market remains healthy for SL-INF sets, especially in white variants, fueled by demand for matched builds.
Community buying tips lean towards triple packs for included controllers and reduced per-fan cost, avoiding separate hub purchases. Reverse blade singles should be added strategically for intake positions to maximize aesthetic consistency.
FAQ
Q: Are these fans loud at maximum RPM?
A: Multiple buyers confirm they can get quite loud at 2100 RPM, but are “barely noticeable” under typical use — ideal for quiet everyday operation with thermal headroom when needed.
Q: Is the RGB brightness strong out-of-the-box?
A: Not always. Some users find it dim until they adjust color shades in L-Connect 3 software, at which point it “pops a lot more.”
Q: Do I need a controller for single-pack fans?
A: Yes, singles lack a controller. They must connect to an existing hub from a multi-pack or purchase separately.
Q: How many fans can be daisy-chained together?
A: Up to 4 fans per chain, with multiple chains supported on the same hub for large cases.
Q: Does software work well with all motherboards?
A: Generally yes, but some Asus motherboard owners report conflicts with Armoury Crate, requiring troubleshooting or software adjustments.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an RGB builder who values ultra-clean cabling and premium aesthetics, especially in glass-heavy cases. Avoid if you want budget-friendly cooling or can’t tolerate occasional software fiddling. Pro tip from the community: grab the reverse blade variant for intake positions to maintain that uninterrupted infinity mirror effect.
