Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler Air with 4×6mm HeatPipes

Brand Overview

Both the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB and the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark are products of Thermalright, a Taiwanese brand with over 20 years of experience in the cooling market. The Assassin King 120 SE ARGB is designed to blend aesthetic appeal with performance, featuring ARGB lighting effects, while the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark focuses on delivering exceptional performance with a sleek black anodised finish. Priced at C$24.59 and C$24.90 respectively, both coolers are competitively positioned within the market.

Design and Aesthetics

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB stands out with its colourful ARGB lighting, making it an attractive choice for users who want to enhance their system's visual appeal. In contrast, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark features a more understated design with a black brushed top cover, appealing to those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. While both coolers measure 120mm in length and 73mm in width, the Assassin Spirit is taller at 156mm compared to the Assassin King's 148mm, making it slightly more suitable for larger cases.

Thermal Performance

When it comes to thermal performance, both coolers employ advanced technology to manage heat effectively. The Assassin King utilizes a combination of five 6mm heat pipes with AGHP III technology, enabling it to handle a thermal design power (TDP) of 125 to 235W. Meanwhile, the Assassin Spirit enhances heat dissipation through its four heat pipes and a high-speed PWM fan that spins at 1850 RPM, indicating its capability to deliver superior cooling performance. Users can expect reliable thermal management from both models, but the Assassin Spirit may have a slight edge due to its higher fan speed.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an essential consideration for any CPU cooler. The Thermalright Assassin King operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), ensuring a quiet computing environment. The Assassin Spirit, while not explicitly stated, features a PWM temperature control function that adjusts the fan speed according to the CPU temperature, suggesting a potential for quieter operation under low loads. Although both coolers are designed to provide efficient cooling with minimal noise, the Assassin King has a defined noise rating for users prioritising a silent system.

Installation and Compatibility

Both coolers offer broad compatibility with various Intel and AMD CPU socket types, making them versatile choices for different builds. The Assassin King supports Intel sockets 115X, 1200, 1700, and AMD's AM4 and AM5. Similarly, the Assassin Spirit is compatible with a range of Intel sockets, including 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, and 1700, along with AMD's AM4 and AM5. Installation for both models is facilitated by included mounting plates and fasteners, ensuring users can set them up without extensive hassle.

Build Quality and Materials

The build quality of both coolers reflects Thermalright's commitment to durability. The Assassin King features an aluminium heat sink and S-FDB bearings, promising a service life of up to 20,000 hours. The Assassin Spirit also employs an all-aluminium construction, enhancing its heat dissipation efficiency and overall durability. Both coolers are well-engineered with quality materials, but the Assassin King’s extended service life rating may appeal to users looking for longevity in their cooling solutions.

Price Comparison

In terms of pricing, the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB is priced at C$24.59, while the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is slightly higher at C$24.90. Although the price difference is minimal, the features and performance characteristics of each cooler may justify the additional cost for the Assassin Spirit depending on user priorities. Buyers should weigh the benefits of aesthetics and noise levels against the slight price premium when making their decision.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB and the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value aesthetics and a quieter operation, the Assassin King 120 SE ARGB is a strong contender with its ARGB lighting and lower noise level. However, if performance and thermal efficiency are your primary concerns, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark, with its higher fan speed and solid build quality, may be the better option. Both coolers are excellent choices, but your final decision should align with your cooling requirements and aesthetic preferences.