Description
The Thermalright TA120 EX redefines the expectations of single-tower air cooling by packing premium thermal engineering into a highly compatible form factor. Measuring just 154mm in height and 45mm in width, this cooler is engineered to fit comfortably in standard mid-tower chassis while offering 100% RAM clearance. By utilizing a nickel-plated C1100 pure copper base and five 6mm sintered copper heatpipes, it rapidly transfers thermal energy away from the CPU integrated heat spreader (IHS) to the dense aluminum fin array, ensuring stable clock speeds under heavy workloads.
This versatile cooler is ideal for five key user groups: PC gamers seeking stable frame rates without liquid cooling complexity, hardware enthusiasts building compact Mini-ITX or Micro-ATX systems, content creators requiring silent operation during long rendering sessions, budget-conscious builders looking for premium thermal performance under a two-year warranty, and system integrators who demand broad socket compatibility across modern Intel and AMD platforms.
- Heatsink Dimensions: 124mm (L) x 45mm (W) x 154mm (H)
- Heatsink Weight: 520g
- Heatpipes: 5 x 6mm copper heatpipes
- Fin Specifications: Thickness = 0.4mm; Gap = 1.6mm
- Base Material: C1100 Pure Copper (Nickel-Plated)
- Fan Model: TL-C12 PRO-G
- Fan Dimensions: 120mm x 120mm x 25mm
- Fan Weight: 160g
- Fan Speed: Up to 1850 RPM ±10%
- Airflow: 82 CFM (Max)
- Static Pressure: 2.1 mm H2O (Max)
- Noise Level: 29.6 dBA (Max)
- Rated Current: 0.25 A
- Connector: 4-Pin PWM
- Bearing Type: S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing)
- Intel Socket Support: LGA 115X / 1200 / 2011 / 2011-3 / 2066 / 1700 / 1851
- AMD Socket Support: AM4 / AM5
- Color Options: Black (TA-120-EX), White (TA-120-EX-WHITE)
- Warranty: 2 Years
In real-world testing, the TA120 EX delivers an outstanding acoustic and thermal experience. The included TL-C12 PRO-G fan utilizes a Fluid Dynamic Bearing (S-FDB) to minimize mechanical friction, allowing it to push up to 82 CFM of air at a quiet 29.6 dBA. The 1.6mm fin spacing is optimized for high static pressure, meaning heat is dissipated quickly even when the fan runs at lower, near-silent RPMs. Installation is straightforward thanks to the robust metal mounting kit, which provides even pressure distribution across both Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM5 sockets.
Compared to standard 4-heatpipe coolers, the TA120 EX offers a significant performance leap due to its fifth heatpipe and premium nickel-plated copper base, which provides flatter contact than direct-touch heatpipe designs. While dual-tower coolers often block memory slots and require massive chassis clearance, the slim profile of the TA120 EX ensures zero RAM interference on both ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, making it a more practical choice for users who prioritize component accessibility and clean aesthetics.
- Q: Is the Thermalright TA120 EX compatible with the Intel LGA 1851 and AMD AM5 sockets?
- A: Yes, the TA120 EX includes out-of-the-box mounting hardware support for both Intel LGA 1851/1700 and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets.
- Q: Will this CPU cooler block my RGB RAM slots?
- A: No, with a heatsink width of only 45mm, the TA120 EX is designed with a slim profile that provides 100% RAM clearance on standard motherboards.
- Q: What is the difference between the black and white models?
- A: The TA-120-EX (Black) and TA-120-EX-WHITE (White) share identical thermal specifications, dimensions, and performance; they differ only in their aesthetic color coatings.
- Q: How does the S-FDB bearing in the fan improve longevity?
- A: The Fluid Dynamic Bearing (S-FDB) uses a pressurized lubricant layer to prevent metal-on-metal contact, significantly reducing wear, operating noise, and extending the fan's lifespan.
- Q: Can I control the fan speed through my motherboard?
- A: Yes, the TL-C12 PRO-G fan features a standard 4-Pin PWM connector, allowing real-time speed customization and automatic fan curves via your motherboard BIOS or control.
