Performance Testing

Please refer to the dedicated test setup page as it applies to this review as well and I did not want to go over it separately to save on review space. The obvious changes here are that these fans were controlled manually using the provided UNI HUB and L-Connect3 software.


Lian Li rates the RPM response of the UNI Fan SL-INF 120 as fairly linear from 200 to 2100 RPM. Of course, there will be variations between samples, and airflow resistances will play a big role, too. But I am happy to report that all three samples went from an essentially spot on average 2100 RPM at 100% PWM down to 225 RPM at 10%, which was the lowest I could get with the controller and software combo from Lian Li. Not only is it a very long RPM range of control, but it is also fairly linear while matching the rated values very well. The standard deviation between the three samples is also relatively low, although the noise profile unfortunately varied more between samples, especially with audible bearing noise on a sample that is hopefully just a one off. Context is needed to talk more about the fan's relative performance and noise, so I have below comparison charts for some fans tested at set RPM values, or as near as they can get to those.


The chosen RPM values reflect usage scenarios most popular with watercooling even though some fans go higher. The charts are to be considered for comparison within this result set only and are not to be compared with results from another test elsewhere owing to different testing conditions. Note that these are average values for all samples of each fan and do not reflect any sample variation, but the Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 is generally not a strong performer as a radiator fan even so and has lower noise output as a result of less air being pushed through. Not a surprise in itself as the fans are more RGB than static pressure or airflow optimized!


Instead of having CFM/dBA charts that can potentially be taken for more than they really offer, I am going back to my old roots and showing just three fans as a comparison—no more, no less. More would clutter up things I spent years trying to unsuccessfully solve with static images. Here I have two recently released RGB fans from be quiet! with the Light Wings and CORSAIR's SP120 RGB ELITE. Both adopt a tamer approach to RGB lighting on fans than this Lian Li offering, and note the three have significantly different RPM ranges, which is also why we see three different ranges represented. All three are close enough to each other with the Lian Li UNI Fan SL-INF 120 slotting between the two, and the non-linear response due to sample variation in noise is not helping these average values. I will also say that the CORSAIR fan is probably the closest pure performer, with the other two playing catch up by simply being quieter owing to low airflow noise for obvious reasons. If you are looking at radiator fans that prioritize performance, you should consider the likes of the Noctua NF-A12x25, Phanteks T30-120, and Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 instead. For further context, there are far worse RGB (and non-RGB) fans on the market, too.