Wireless debut of Lian Li's PC fans: No cables, RGB customizability shines, but 30-minute battery life raises concerns.
Lian Li made a big impression at this year's Computex trade show in Taiwan, unveiling a variety of new cases, AIO liquid coolers, power supplies, and their latest Uni Fan SL-Infinity Wireless fans. But, it seems that the wireless capabilities of these fans have been a bit overhyped. While they do offer a cableless setup, they still require a power source – a tiny power bank or a module that hooks up to the motherboard, which significantly limits their runtime to 20-30 minutes or more permanent operation.
These Uni Fan SL-INF Wireless fans come with a module that can attach to a single fan or a group of interlocked, daisy-chained fans. This module has a built-in wireless transmitter and a cable with a PWM power connector, which needs to be plugged into the motherboard. This cuts down on some cable clutter, but don't expect to go fully wireless anytime soon with this setup.
A USB dongle acts as a wireless receiver and needs to be connected to a USB port at the back of your motherboard or an internal header. With this receiver, users can control other wireless products from Lian Li, including the range of Strimmer Wireless ARGB extension cables that were first showcased at last year's Computex. The L-connect 3 software is then used to customize lighting effects, fan speeds, fan curves, monitor system stats, and more.
Despite these limitations, we can't deny that Lian Li's fans look premium with 58 LEDs to provide tasteful RGB lighting across dedicated zones, including the blade hub, diffused side strip, and inner edges. Both the hub and sides offer infinity mirror effects, and each side comes in a different RGB lighting pattern, allowing for easy changes by simply flipping them over.
The fans sport a fluid dynamic bearing that is said to offer improved durability and lower noise operation. The standard variant can spin between 200~2300 RPM, while offering an air pressure of 3.4 mmH2O, 67 CFM of airflow, and noise levels of just under 30 dBA. The reverse blade model, on the other hand, has a speed range of 200~2200 RPM with a lower air pressure of 2.2 mmH2O, 69.7 CFM of airflow, and noise levels of up to 32.2 dBA.
While Lian Li hasn't yet revealed the pricing, the standard blade 120mm Uni Fan SL-INF Wireless is set at $32 for a single pack or $105 for the triple pack. If you're after an aesthetically pleasing, partially wireless fan setup with decent performance, keep an eye out for these Uni Fan SL-INF Wireless fans from Lian Li. Stay tuned to Tom's Hardware on Google News for all the up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
- The Uni Fan SL-INF Wireless fans, despite their cableless setup, still require a power source and a wireless receiver, making them partially wireless rather than fully wireless.
- Lian Li's fans, with their appealing design and performance, could be an attractive option for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing, partially wireless fan setup within their smart-home devices or technology-focused gadgets.
