Is the Thermalright TL-S12 Worth Buying in 2025 for a PC Build with AMD Instinct MI60 for Blender and AI?
When building a high-performance PC for tasks like Blender rendering or AI model training, selecting the right thermal solution is crucial. With GPUs like the AMD Instinct MI60 powering AI workloads and complex Blender projects, ensuring your components stay cool is a key part of system stability and performance.
But does the Thermalright TL-S12 cooler hold up in 2025? Is it worth investing in for your high-end PC build? In this post, we’ll take a look at whether this cooler is still a solid choice for a system using the AMD Instinct MI60, and whether it can keep up with demanding tasks like Blender rendering and AI model training.
What is the Thermalright TL-S12?
The Thermalright TL-S12 is a 120mm PWM fan cooler designed for efficient airflow and cooling at an affordable price point. Here are some basic specs for the cooler:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Fan Speed | 500 – 1800 RPM (PWM Control) |
| Airflow | 58.6 CFM |
| Static Pressure | 2.18 mm H2O |
| Noise Level | 15 – 26 dBA |
| Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| Bearing Type | Hydraulic Bearing (HYB) |
| Dimensions | 120 x 120 x 25 mm |
| Compatibility | Fits most standard 120mm fan mounts |
| Application | CPU cooling, general-purpose builds |
AMD Instinct MI60 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | AMD Vega 20 |
| Stream Processors | 4096 |
| Base Clock Speed | 1.4 GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1.8 GHz |
| Memory | 32 GB HBM2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 900 GB/s |
| TDP | 300W |
| Peak Power Draw | 375W |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 4.0 |
Does the TL-S12 Keep Up in 2025?
In 2025, cooling solutions have evolved to support modern hardware, especially GPUs designed for AI and Blender. While the TL-S12 is efficient for most builds, it may struggle to keep up with the AMD Instinct MI60 due to its high TDP. This means that although the TL-S12 will likely keep your CPU at safe temperatures, it might not be enough to cool a high-end GPU under full load.
Key Stats to Consider:
- TL-S12 Airflow: 58.6 CFM
- AMD Instinct MI60 TDP: 300W (and can spike to 375W)
- TL-S12 Noise Level: 15-26 dBA (not designed to deal with extreme power draw)
For a GPU like the MI60, liquid cooling or a high-end air cooler designed for high-performance GPUs would be better suited for keeping your system stable during long rendering or AI model training sessions.
Screenshots And Screencast
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Thermalright TL-S12 is a great cooler for typical PC builds, providing solid performance in everyday tasks. However, when paired with high-end components like the AMD Instinct MI60, especially for tasks that demand sustained GPU performance like Blender rendering or AI model training, you might encounter thermal throttling or temperature spikes. If you’re pushing the system to its limits, it’s likely worth considering a higher-end cooling solution like liquid cooling or a more powerful air cooler.
Resources
To help you with your Python programming and Blender Python API learning, I have some resources that might be helpful for both beginners and advanced users:
- Learning Python – A beginner-friendly guide to Python programming.
- Mastering Blender Python API – Dive deep into the Blender Python API and automate your workflows.
Also, if you’re looking to level up your Python skills, check out my Learning Python course.
If you need personalized help, I also offer one-on-one online Python tutorials tailored to your needs, including topics like Blender Python scripting or AI installation, training, or migration. You can learn more and reach out via my contact page.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cooler for your PC build is about balancing performance, cooling efficiency, and future-proofing. The Thermalright TL-S12 is a solid option for most builds, but depending on your specific needs, such as using the AMD Instinct MI60 for demanding workloads, you may want to explore other cooling solutions for optimal performance.
Edward is a software engineer, web developer, and author dedicated to helping people achieve their personal and professional goals through actionable advice and real-world tools.