CPU Cooler vs Lian Li Uni Fan Black Friday 2026 Deals Now

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Key takeaways

  • A CPU cooler transfers heat away from your processor; Lian Li UNI FAN models move air through your PC case.
  • The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black suits builds with room for a 360 mm radiator.
  • The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is a value-focused air cooler with a dual-tower design.
  • Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black prioritizes airflow with three 120 mm fans.
  • Check your case clearance, motherboard headers, CPU socket and radiator mounting space before choosing.

For Black Friday 2026, choose a CPU cooler to manage processor heat or a Lian Li UNI FAN 120 model to improve case airflow. The products serve different jobs: a UNI FAN does not replace a CPU cooler, though it can support radiator cooling or move warm air out of a case.

I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to find options for air cooling, liquid cooling and case airflow. My pick for most people depends on the upgrade: start with a capable CPU cooler for high processor temperatures, or add case fans when airflow is the weak link. Check fit and connections before buying, since cooler height, radiator size and fan-control requirements vary.

How We Picked

  • Cooling role: separated processor coolers from case fans so the guide compares products fairly.
  • Fit: considered cooler height, radiator size and standard fan dimensions that affect case compatibility.
  • Performance features: compared heatpipes, included fan counts, radiator formats and airflow-focused designs.
  • Build experience: considered noise controls, lighting, display features and cable-management approaches.
  • Value: prioritized useful features and broad appeal rather than flashy extras alone.

Comparison Table

Product Best for Cooling role Main size Included units
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black Value-focused air cooling CPU cooler 155 mm tall 2 × 120 mm fans
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black Premium air cooling CPU cooler 165 mm tall 2 × 140 mm fans
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black High-output CPU cooling Liquid CPU cooler 360 mm radiator 3 × 120 mm fans
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360 Black Lian Li liquid-cooling builds Liquid CPU cooler 360 mm radiator 3 × 120 mm fans
Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120 Triple Pack Black with Controller Showcase RGB builds Case airflow 120 mm per fan 3 fans
Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Triple Pack Black LCD-equipped showcase PCs Case airflow 120 mm per fan 3 fans
Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black Airflow-focused case upgrades Case airflow 28 mm thick 3 × 120 mm fans

Best Picks Reviewed

#1

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is the best value air cooler for builders seeking strong cooling without an all-in-one liquid setup, with 6 heatpipes and two 120 mm fans.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black

Best for: Value-focused air cooling

Cooling format
2-tower air cooler
Heatpipes
6
Included fans
2 × 120 mm
Cooler height
155 mm
Pros

  • Dual-tower layout and six heatpipes provide substantial heatsink area.
  • Two included fans support a straightforward push-pull arrangement.
  • Air cooling avoids a pump and radiator.
Cons

  • The 155 mm height needs checking against case clearance.
  • Large heatsink dimensions can crowd nearby memory slots.

Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for a value-focused air-cooled build. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black's dual towers, six heatpipes and two 120 mm fans deliver a practical feature set without adding a liquid-cooling loop.

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#2

Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black

The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is the best premium air cooler for builders who prioritize a refined, no-pump design, with 2 included 140 mm fans.

Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black

Best for: Premium air cooling

Cooling format
2-tower air cooler
Heatpipes
6
Included fans
2 × 140 mm
Cooler height
165 mm
Pros

  • Large dual-tower heatsink supports demanding desktop builds.
  • Two 140 mm fans come in a subdued black finish.
  • No pump, radiator or liquid loop is required.
Cons

  • The 165 mm height and broad heatsink require careful clearance checks.
  • The large body can limit access around memory and motherboard components.

Is the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is worth considering for a premium air-cooled PC that has room for a 165 mm cooler. Two 140 mm fans and a dual-tower heatsink make it a substantial option without pump or radiator maintenance.

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#3 · Top pick

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black is the best liquid cooler for high-output builds with 360 mm radiator support, pairing a 360 mm radiator with 3 × 120 mm fans.

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black

Best for: High-output CPU cooling

Radiator size
360 mm
Included radiator fans
3 × 120 mm
Radiator thickness
38 mm
VRM fan
40 mm
Pros

  • Large 360 mm radiator offers ample cooling surface.
  • Three included fans and integrated VRM fan add useful airflow.
  • A-RGB lighting brings coordinated color to a windowed build.
Cons

  • A 360 mm radiator needs a compatible case mount and clearance.
  • Installation involves more components and connections than an air cooler.

Is the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black is a strong pick for a PC case with 360 mm radiator support. The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black's three 120 mm radiator fans, thick radiator and 40 mm VRM fan suit builders seeking a feature-rich liquid cooler.

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#4

Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360 Black

The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360 Black is the best Lian Li liquid cooler for builders pairing a 360 mm CPU radiator with a coordinated Lian Li setup.

Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360 Black

Best for: Lian Li liquid-cooling builds

Radiator size
360 mm
Included radiator fans
3 × 120 mm
Fan count
3
Cooling type
360 mm all-in-one liquid cooler
Pros

  • Three 120 mm fans fit the 360 mm radiator format.
  • Performance-focused design suits builders seeking liquid cooling.
  • Black finish pairs neatly with dark components.
Cons

  • The 360 mm radiator requires suitable case mounting space.
  • Liquid cooling adds pump and tubing connections to installation.

Is the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360 Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360 Black is a suitable choice for a build with 360 mm radiator clearance and a preference for Lian Li components. The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360 Black's three 120 mm fans support radiator airflow in a complete CPU-cooling unit.

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#5

Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120 Triple Pack Black with Controller

The Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120 Triple Pack Black with Controller is the best RGB case-fan kit for builders who want linked lighting and cabling across 3 × 120 mm fans.

Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120 Triple Pack Black with Controller

Best for: Showcase RGB builds

Fan size
120 mm
Pack quantity
3 fans
Lighting
40 LEDs per fan
Controller
1 included
Pros

  • Linked fan design helps reduce the number of individual cables.
  • Three fans suit common front or top case locations.
  • Integrated lighting supports a vivid showcase build.
Cons

  • Lighting control requires planning around the included controller.
  • Fans improve case airflow but do not replace a CPU cooler.

Is the Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120 Triple Pack Black with Controller worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120 Triple Pack Black with Controller is worth considering for a coordinated RGB build that needs three case fans. The linked design and included controller support tidy lighting, while a separate CPU cooler remains necessary.

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#6

Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Triple Pack Black

The Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Triple Pack Black is the best display-focused case-fan kit for builders who want three 120 mm fans with individual LCD screens.

Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Triple Pack Black

Best for: LCD-equipped showcase PCs

Fan size
120 mm
Pack quantity
3 fans
LCD size
1.6 inches
LCD resolution
400 × 400 pixels
Pros

  • Each fan includes a 1.6-inch LCD display.
  • Three fans provide a matched look across a case panel or radiator.
  • Distinctive screens add customization beyond standard RGB lighting.
Cons

  • LCD features add software and cable-planning considerations.
  • The kit does not cool a processor without a separate CPU cooler.

Is the Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Triple Pack Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Triple Pack Black is a good fit for builders who value per-fan displays as much as airflow. Three 120 mm fans and 1.6-inch LCD screens create a feature-rich case setup, not a standalone CPU cooler.

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#7

Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black

The Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black is the best airflow-focused Lian Li fan kit for builders who want 3 × 120 mm fans with 28 mm-thick frames.

Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black

Best for: Airflow-focused case upgrades

Fan size
120 mm
Pack quantity
3 fans
Fan thickness
28 mm
Maximum speed
2600 RPM
Pros

  • Three fans suit multi-fan case layouts.
  • 28 mm frames support an airflow-focused design.
  • A clean black finish suits understated PC builds.
Cons

  • The thicker frame needs clearance checks around radiators and brackets.
  • Case fans move air but do not cool the processor directly.

Is the Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black is a strong option for a case that needs three airflow-focused 120 mm fans. The Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black's 28 mm-thick frames suit compatible mounting positions, while a separate CPU cooler handles processor heat.

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Should you buy a CPU cooler or a Lian Li UNI FAN?

A CPU cooler manages processor heat, while a Lian Li UNI FAN moves air through the case using 120 mm fans. Those roles are complementary, not interchangeable: adding UNI FANs does not remove the need for a CPU heatsink or liquid cooler.

Choose a CPU cooler when your processor runs hot, the current cooler is too loud, or a new build needs a complete cooling solution. Choose UNI FANs when the case has too few intake or exhaust fans, or when you want linked lighting and tidier fan wiring. Some UNI FAN models also work on a radiator, but confirm thickness, airflow direction and connection support before using them there.

Which CPU cooler is the best value for a 2026 build?

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black pairs 6 heatpipes with 2 × 120 mm fans for a practical air-cooling upgrade. The dual-tower design gives builders a substantial heatsink without adding a pump, tubing or radiator to the system.

For larger cases and premium air builds, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black uses 2 × 140 mm fans and stands 165 mm tall. Check the case’s published cooler-height limit and the clearance around memory before choosing. A compact case, tall memory modules or tight motherboard spacing can make a smaller cooler the more convenient fit.

When does a 360 mm liquid cooler make sense?

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB Black and Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360 Black both use a 360 mm radiator and 3 × 120 mm fans. A large radiator suits builds with demanding processors and enough case space for a full-size radiator mount.

A liquid cooler adds a pump, tubing and more installation steps than a tower cooler, so check the case layout before buying. Review the supported radiator positions, total thickness and memory clearance. An air cooler is a simpler fit when the processor workload is moderate or the case does not support a 360 mm radiator.

Which Lian Li UNI FAN is best for a case upgrade?

The Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120 Triple Pack Black with Controller suits builders who want prominent lighting and linked fans, while the Lian Li UNI FAN TL LCD 120 Triple Pack Black adds a 1.6-inch display to each fan. Both kits focus on case airflow and visual customization rather than direct processor cooling.

The Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black is the simpler airflow-focused option, with three 120 mm fans and 28 mm-thick frames. Before choosing any kit, count open fan mounts, check motherboard or controller connections and confirm that the fan dimensions fit around radiators, filters and other components.

What should you compare before buying on Black Friday 2026?

The right Black Friday 2026 choice depends on case compatibility, cooling needs and the kind of upgrade you want. A cooler’s published CPU socket support, height or radiator format needs to match the build; a UNI FAN purchase needs suitable mounts and a plan for power and lighting control.

Compare the complete product name and included accessories before selecting a listing. Three-pack fan kits, controller bundles and cooler variants can have different contents. For a straightforward upgrade, prioritize the part that addresses the actual problem: processor temperatures call for a CPU cooler, while poor case airflow calls for properly positioned case fans.

Buying Guide

Check CPU socket and cooler height

Confirm that the cooler supports your processor socket and that the case accepts its full height. The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black stands 165 mm tall; memory and motherboard clearance matter too.

Measure radiator mounting space

A 360 mm liquid cooler needs a case mount that supports its radiator and fans together. Check top and front positions, clearance for nearby components and the listed radiator thickness.

Plan fan connections and lighting

Check available fan headers, controller connections and lighting support before choosing a UNI FAN bundle. Confirm whether the selected pack includes the controller and accessories needed for your layout.

Match the product to the problem

Choose a CPU cooler to transfer heat away from the processor. Choose case fans to improve intake or exhaust airflow. UNI FAN models do not replace a complete CPU-cooling solution.

FAQ

Is a Lian Li UNI FAN a CPU cooler?

No. A Lian Li UNI FAN is a case fan that moves air through a PC or across a compatible radiator. A CPU cooler needs a heatsink or liquid-cooling assembly to transfer heat away from the processor. Use UNI FANs alongside a CPU cooler, not as a substitute.

Which is better: a CPU cooler or Lian Li UNI FAN?

A CPU cooler is the necessary choice when the processor needs heat management; a Lian Li UNI FAN is the right choice when case airflow or fan lighting needs attention. The products do different jobs, so the best upgrade depends on what the PC is missing.

Are Lian Li UNI FANs compatible with CPU radiators?

Some Lian Li UNI FANs fit radiator mounts, but check the specific fan’s dimensions, thickness, airflow direction and connection requirements against the radiator and case. Confirm that the motherboard or controller supports the fans before buying, and retain a complete CPU-cooling assembly.

Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black a good Black Friday 2026 buy?

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is a strong value-oriented option for a compatible air-cooled PC. Its six heatpipes, dual-tower format and two 120 mm fans make it a practical upgrade; verify the 155 mm cooler height and CPU socket support first.

Which Lian Li UNI FAN is best for airflow?

The Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 Triple Pack Black is the airflow-focused pick in this guide, with three 120 mm fans and 28 mm-thick frames. Check case clearance and fan connections before choosing, and remember that case fans do not replace a CPU cooler.

Does a 360 mm CPU cooler fit every PC case?

No. A 360 mm CPU cooler requires a case with a compatible 360 mm radiator mount and enough room for the radiator and attached fans. Check the manufacturer’s fit information for the chosen mounting position, nearby components and total radiator thickness before buying.