ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse Fan (3-Pack) Review

by Jhon Lennon 58 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fan, specifically the 3-pack version. If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for ways to improve your PC's cooling performance while also adding a touch of aesthetic flair. These fans promise to do just that, and we're here to see if they live up to the hype. We'll cover everything from their design and specifications to their actual performance and ease of installation. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What's in the Box?

First things first, let’s talk about what you get when you purchase the ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse 3-pack. Inside the box, you'll find:

  • Three TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fans
  • A set of mounting screws for each fan
  • ARGB controller (depending on the specific bundle)
  • User manual

The packaging is clean and efficient, ensuring that everything arrives safely. It’s always a good sign when a company pays attention to the details, even down to the packaging. The inclusion of the ARGB controller is a nice bonus, especially for those who may not have an ARGB-compatible motherboard. This allows you to still enjoy the vibrant lighting effects without needing extra hardware.

Design and Specifications

The design of the ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fans is quite striking. The white color scheme gives them a clean and elegant look that can complement a wide range of PC builds, especially those with a white or light-themed aesthetic. The reverse blade design is particularly interesting. Unlike traditional fans that pull air in from the front, these fans are designed to pull air in from the back, making them ideal for use as intake fans in scenarios where you want to showcase the front of your fans without compromising airflow. This is a game-changer for aesthetics, as you can now have the appealing side of the fan visible while still getting efficient cooling.

Here’s a quick rundown of the specifications:

  • Model: TF-12025-ARGB Snow Reverse
  • Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm
  • Fan Speed: 500-1500 RPM (±10%)
  • Max Airflow: 58 CFM
  • Max Static Pressure: 1.39mmH2O
  • Noise Level: 13.8-30.2 dB(A)
  • Bearing Type: Hydraulic Bearing
  • Connector: 4-Pin PWM for fan speed, 3-Pin ARGB for lighting
  • Rated Voltage: 12V DC (Fan), 5V DC (ARGB)
  • Weight: 160g per fan

The hydraulic bearing ensures smooth and quiet operation, while the PWM control allows you to adjust the fan speed according to your cooling needs. The ARGB lighting is vibrant and customizable, allowing you to sync it with other components in your system for a cohesive look. The airflow and static pressure are respectable for a 120mm fan, making it suitable for use on CPU coolers, radiators, and as case fans.

Installation

Installing the ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fans is a breeze. The standard 120mm size means they will fit in most standard fan mounts. The included screws are of decent quality, and the cables are long enough to reach most headers on your motherboard.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Turn off your PC and disconnect the power supply.
  2. Mount the fans to your case or cooler using the provided screws. Make sure the fan orientation is correct for your desired airflow direction. Remember, these are reverse fans, so they pull air from the back.
  3. Connect the 4-Pin PWM connector to a fan header on your motherboard. This will allow you to control the fan speed.
  4. Connect the 3-Pin ARGB connector to an ARGB header on your motherboard or the included ARGB controller. If using the controller, connect it to a SATA power connector.
  5. Organize the cables to ensure they don't interfere with the fans or other components.
  6. Turn on your PC and configure the fan speed and ARGB lighting in your BIOS or using the provided software.

The installation process is straightforward, even for beginners. The only thing to watch out for is the ARGB connector, as it can be a bit fragile. Be gentle when connecting and disconnecting it to avoid damaging the pins.

Performance

Now, let’s get to the most important part: performance. The ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fans perform admirably in a variety of scenarios. As case fans, they provide excellent airflow, helping to keep temperatures down inside your case. The reverse blade design is particularly effective when used as intake fans, drawing cool air in from the outside. On CPU coolers and radiators, these fans offer decent cooling performance, although they may not be the best choice for high-end overclocking.

In terms of noise, these fans are relatively quiet at lower speeds. However, they can become noticeable at higher RPMs. The hydraulic bearing helps to minimize noise, but there is still some motor and air turbulence noise at maximum speed. Overall, the noise levels are acceptable for most users, but if you’re particularly sensitive to noise, you may want to keep the fan speed below 75%.

Here’s a summary of the performance:

  • Airflow: Excellent for case fans, good for CPU coolers and radiators.
  • Static Pressure: Decent, but not the best for dense radiators.
  • Noise: Quiet at low speeds, noticeable at high speeds.
  • Cooling: Effective at keeping temperatures down, but not ideal for extreme overclocking.

ARGB Lighting

The ARGB lighting on the ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fans is one of their standout features. The LEDs are bright and vibrant, and the colors are accurate. The lighting effects are smooth and customizable, allowing you to create a wide range of looks. You can control the lighting using your motherboard’s ARGB software or the included ARGB controller. The controller offers a variety of preset modes, including rainbow, breathing, and static color. The ability to synchronize the lighting with other ARGB components in your system is a huge plus, allowing you to create a cohesive and visually stunning build.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here’s a list of the pros and cons of the ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fans:

Pros:

  • Aesthetic Appeal: The white color scheme and reverse blade design look great in any build.
  • ARGB Lighting: Bright, vibrant, and customizable.
  • Good Airflow: Provides excellent airflow for case fans.
  • Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward installation process.
  • Hydraulic Bearing: Ensures smooth and quiet operation.
  • Includes ARGB Controller: Allows you to control the lighting without an ARGB-compatible motherboard.

Cons:

  • Noise at High Speeds: Can become noticeable at higher RPMs.
  • Static Pressure: Not the best for dense radiators.
  • ARGB Connector: Can be a bit fragile.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final verdict on the ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fans? Overall, these are excellent fans that offer a great combination of performance, aesthetics, and ease of use. The reverse blade design is a unique feature that allows you to showcase the front of your fans without compromising airflow. The ARGB lighting is vibrant and customizable, adding a touch of flair to your build. While they may not be the best choice for extreme overclocking or super-dense radiators, they are perfect for use as case fans or on standard CPU coolers and radiators. If you’re looking for a set of fans that can improve your PC’s cooling performance while also looking great, the ID-Cooling TF-12025 ARGB Snow Reverse fans are definitely worth considering. Plus, the inclusion of an ARGB controller in some bundles makes them accessible to a wider range of users. For the price, you're getting a solid deal. They strike a good balance, making them a worthwhile addition if you're not pushing your system to its absolute limits but still care about both cooling and aesthetics.