Budget-friendly, quiet entry-level CPU cooler performance evaluated in Thermalright Assassin X 120 R SE Review under $20.
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a competitively priced desktop cooler that delivers impressive cooling power, making it a standout choice for PC builders seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
This cooler boasts a single-tower radiator, four copper heatpipes, and a single 120mm fan, with an air flow of up to 66.17 CFM and a fan speed that can reach 1550 RPM. The fan uses an S-FDB bearing type and runs quietly, with a maximum noise level of 41.9 dBA.
The cooler's heatsink is made of aluminium, and its base is composed of four 6mm direct-touch copper heatpipes. The cooler is compatible with Intel Socket LGA 1851/1700/1200/115x and AMD AM5 / AM4, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of systems.
The Thermalright Assassin X 120 R SE, which includes the TL-C12C fan, is a low-cost cooler that delivers strong cooling capacity, with a CPU cooler TDP range of 120–265W. The cooler's rated lifespan is unlisted, but it is praised for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, often matching or outperforming many 360mm AIO liquid coolers in real-world tests.
In terms of performance, the Assassin 120 SE ranks among the higher-end air coolers, capable of competing with premium models and some 360 AIOs, thanks to its six heat pipes and dual fans. Regarding cost, it is priced in the mid to upper budget range (~$70-$80), which offers excellent value considering its performance and features.
For noise levels, fans spin at around 1550 RPM; this is moderate and comparable to many competitive air coolers. Noctua and be quiet! models tend to have lower noise profiles, but the Assassin 120 SE balances noise and cooling power effectively.
The cooler's packaging is basic, but it includes a tube of Thermalright's TF4 thermal grease. The LGA 1700 installation process for the TL-C12C fan involves placing the backplate against the rear of the motherboard, installing blue rubber standoffs, mounting bars, and screws, applying Thermalright TF4 thermal paste, placing the heatsink on top of the CPU, attaching the TL-C12C fan to the heatsink, and connecting its PWM cord to the motherboard.
In comparison to top competitive air coolers, the Assassin 120 SE offers very strong cooling close to that of larger or liquid coolers, while maintaining reasonable noise levels. If noise is a priority, Noctua NH-U12S or be quiet! Pure Rock 2 may be quieter options but with slightly less raw cooling power. For budget builds, Cooler Master Hyper 212 remains a strong, lower-cost competitor.
In conclusion, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE stands out for excellent performance per dollar and solid all-around specs, making it one of the top contenders in the competitive air cooler market today.
This top-performing cooler, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, impresses not only with its cooling power but also its compatibility with various systems, making it a versatile choice for tech enthusiasts and PC builders. Moreover, this cooler showcases its truly impressive value by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with advanced technology and gadgets, offering a standout balance of price and performance in the realm of modern technology.
