Noctua NH-L12S vs Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler Air with 4×6mm HeatPipes

Overview of the Noctua NH-L12S and Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark

The Noctua NH-L12S is a compact, premium-quality low-profile CPU cooler priced at C$87.95, while the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is an economical option at just C$24.90. Both coolers are designed to efficiently manage CPU temperatures, albeit catering to different segments of the market. The NH-L12S is aimed at users with space constraints, particularly for ITX and HTPC systems, whereas the Assassin Spirit offers a more budget-friendly approach with solid performance.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Noctua NH-L12S focuses on compactness, standing at a total height of 70mm, making it ideal for tight spaces. Its premium build quality is highlighted by the inclusion of a NF-A12x15 120mm fan, which is optimised for silent operation. In contrast, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark boasts an all-aluminium construction, ensuring good heat dissipation. While its height reaches 156mm, it is still manageable in various builds. The aesthetic appeal of the Assassin Spirit is enhanced by its anodic black brushed top cover, creating a visually striking profile.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling efficiency, the Noctua NH-L12S is a successor to the award-winning NH-L12 and is particularly effective for CPUs with moderate heat loads. It excels with its PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor, which allows for automatic speed control, ensuring ultra-quiet operation. The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark, featuring 4×6mm heat pipes, also aims to provide excellent heat dissipation. With a rotation speed of up to 1850 RPM, it is designed to enhance cooling performance significantly, especially under load.

Compatibility

The Noctua NH-L12S features a SecuFirm2 mounting system that supports a wide range of sockets, including Intel's LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, and LGA115x, as well as AMD's AM5 and AM4. This makes it versatile for various builds. On the other hand, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is compatible with Intel's LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700 and AMD's AM4/AM5. While both coolers provide broad compatibility, the NH-L12S offers a slightly wider range of Intel socket support, making it more flexible for users with different setups.

Installation Process

The installation process for the Noctua NH-L12S is simplified thanks to its SecuFirm2 mounting system, which is designed to make installation straightforward across various platforms. It also comes with high-end NT-H1 thermal paste included. The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark provides a universal backplane for Intel platforms and needs the original backplate for AMD installs. Although both coolers aim for user-friendly installation, the Noctua’s inclusion of thermal paste and easy mounting system might appeal more to those new to PC building.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are a critical factor for many users, and the Noctua NH-L12S excels in this area. Its design includes a Low-Noise Adaptor and a highly optimised fan, resulting in ultra-quiet operation even under load. The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is designed with PWM temperature control, which adjusts the fan speed according to CPU temperature, but it may not achieve the same low noise levels as the NH-L12S due to its higher RPM capabilities. Therefore, for those prioritising silence, the NH-L12S is the superior choice.

Price and Value for Money

The Noctua NH-L12S is priced at C$87.95, reflecting its premium quality and brand reputation. It offers advanced features and superior performance, making it a worthwhile investment for users who need efficient cooling in compact spaces. Conversely, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is significantly more affordable at C$24.90, presenting an excellent price-to-performance ratio for budget-conscious consumers. While it may not match the NH-L12S in terms of features, it still delivers respectable cooling performance for less demanding builds.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Noctua NH-L12S and the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require a compact, high-performing cooler with excellent noise control and broad compatibility, the NH-L12S is an outstanding choice despite its higher price point. However, if you are seeking an economical solution that still offers decent cooling capabilities, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark provides great value for money. Ultimately, both coolers have their unique strengths, catering to different user preferences and requirements.