Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black

Overview of the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB and Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB is priced at C$24.29, while the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is significantly higher at C$101.95. The price difference suggests that buyers might expect varying levels of performance and features from these two CPU coolers. Thermalright has established itself over 20 years in the market, focusing on computer accessories, while Noctua is renowned for its award-winning cooling solutions, particularly in compact designs for small form factor builds.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB boasts dimensions of 125mm x 71mm x 148mm and a weight of 0.645kg. Its heat sink is made from aluminum and includes metal fasteners compatible with both Intel and AMD platforms. In contrast, the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is a low-profile cooler with a total height of just 65mm. This compact design, combined with a 95mm x 95mm footprint, allows it to avoid interference with RAM and PCIe slots, making it ideal for small form factor builds. The build quality of both coolers is high, but their designs cater to different use cases.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB features a PWM fan that operates at a maximum speed of 1550 RPM, providing an airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of 25.6 dB(A). This indicates a robust cooling capability suited for CPUs with a thermal design power (TDP) of 125 to 225W. On the other hand, the Noctua NH-L9x65 is designed for low to moderate heat dissipation, making it recommended for CPUs like the Intel i5-12600K and AMD Ryzen 7950X3D. While the Thermalright model appears to handle higher TDPs, Noctua's optimised fan design focuses on quiet operation, which may appeal to users prioritising a silent computing environment.

Compatibility

Both coolers offer extensive compatibility with various CPU sockets. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB supports Intel sockets 115X, 1200, 1700, and AMD AM4. It comes with necessary mounting plates and fasteners for easy installation. In comparison, the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black supports Intel sockets LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, and LGA115x, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. It also includes a SecuFirm2 mounting system for straightforward installation. While both coolers provide compatibility across major platforms, the Thermalright cooler offers support for a broader range of Intel sockets.

Noise Levels

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB operates at a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a cooler capable of handling higher TDPs. The Noctua NH-L9x65, with its highly optimised NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan, focuses on ultra-quiet operation, further enhanced by the inclusion of a Low-Noise Adaptor for automatic speed control. Although precise noise levels for the Noctua model are not specified, its design explicitly targets silent performance, likely making it quieter than the Thermalright cooler under normal operating conditions.

Installation Process

The installation process for both coolers is designed to be user-friendly. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB includes metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD systems, simplifying setup across different platforms. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black comes with a SecuFirm2 mounting system, which is well-regarded for its ease of installation. Users have reported that both coolers can be installed without excessive hassle, but Noctua's reputation for meticulous engineering and user-friendly design may give it an edge in this category.

Aesthetic Appeal

In terms of aesthetics, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB features addressable RGB lighting, allowing users to customise their build's look with colourful lighting effects. This can be particularly appealing for those looking to enhance the visual appeal of their gaming rigs or builds with transparent cases. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black, in contrast, adopts an all-black design that is sleek and understated, appealing to users who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. Ultimately, the choice between these two designs will depend on personal preference and the overall theme of the user’s build.

Which should you buy?

The choice between the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE ARGB and the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black largely depends on your specific needs. If you require a cooler that supports higher TDPs and prefer vibrant RGB aesthetics, the Thermalright model at C$24.29 is an excellent choice. However, if you are building a compact system and prioritise ultra-quiet operation and a minimalist look, the Noctua at C$101.95 may be worth the investment. Consider what aspects are most important for your build, be it performance, noise levels, aesthetic appeal, or compatibility, to make the best decision.