Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler vs DKARDU CPU Fan Bracket for AM4 Backplate

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is a fully integrated cooling solution, while the DKARDU CPU Fan Bracket for AM4 Backplate is an accessory specifically designed to support mounting. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is constructed with an aluminum heat sink and metal fasteners compatible with Intel and AMD platforms, offering durability and solid build quality for a CPU cooler. It weighs 0.645kg and measures 125mm by 71mm by 148mm, combining metal and plastic materials with industrial-grade PBT + PC for enhanced strength and longevity.

In contrast, the DKARDU Bracket is made from a mix of metal and ABS plastic, designed to be sturdy and heat resistant but is not a cooler itself. Its main function is to replace or support the AM4 backplate for mounting air-cooled heatsinks. It is built to resist deformation under high temperatures and comes with a magnetic screwdriver for ease of installation. Thus, while the Assassin X 120 SE is a standalone cooler with a comprehensive build, the DKARDU bracket is a supportive mounting accessory with durable materials but no cooling components.

Compatibility and Platform Support

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE supports multiple CPU sockets, including Intel 115X, 1200, 1700, 17XX, and AMD AM4. It comes with the necessary mounting plates or fasteners for these platforms, making it versatile for various systems. This broad compatibility ensures it can be used across many modern CPU configurations, notably supporting both Intel and AMD processors.

On the other hand, the DKARDU CPU Fan Bracket is explicitly designed for AM4 motherboards and is not a cooler but a mounting bracket for heatsinks on that platform. Its purpose is to assist installation and secure heatsinks on AM4 sockets, specifically compatible with hook-type air-cooled heatsinks. Therefore, while the Assassin X 120 SE covers a wide range of sockets, the DKARDU bracket’s compatibility is limited to AM4 only, reflecting its more focused, supportive role.

Cooling Performance

Only the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE provides active cooling performance, as the DKARDU product is a bracket without any cooling function. The Assassin X 120 SE includes a 120mm PWM fan (model TL-C12C) that spins at 1550rpm ±10%, delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. This fan operates quietly with noise levels at or below 25.6 decibels, balancing effective cooling with low noise.

The cooler’s heat sink incorporates four 6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology to counteract inverse gravity effects, enabling it to handle CPU thermal design power (TDP) between 125W and 225W. This makes it suitable for medium-sized computer cases and capable of cooling mid to high-tier CPUs efficiently.

Since the DKARDU bracket is purely a mounting accessory, it does not provide any cooling capabilities itself. Its role is to facilitate installation of a heatsink fan, thereby contributing indirectly to cooling by ensuring proper mounting and contact but not influencing airflow or heat dissipation directly.

Installation and Ease of Use

Installation-wise, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE includes metal fasteners compatible with Intel and AMD platforms and comes with mounting plates or fasteners to suit different sockets, easing the installation process on a variety of systems. The product’s dimensions and weight suggest it fits medium-sized cases comfortably, and the fan’s 4-pin PWM connector supports automatic speed regulation for user convenience.

The DKARDU CPU Fan Bracket’s installation is straightforward and tailored specifically for AM4 backplates. It includes six mounting brackets and a magnetic screwdriver to simplify screw insertion, which helps users replace damaged brackets or install hook-type air-cooled heatsinks efficiently. However, it is essential to note that this bracket is not a cooler itself and requires an existing heatsink fan to function as intended.

Thus, while the Assassin X 120 SE offers a more comprehensive, all-in-one solution with broad compatibility, the DKARDU bracket is a highly focused accessory designed to improve or restore mounting on AM4 systems with ease.

Durability and Lifespan

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE features a fan with S-FDB bearings rated for up to 20,000 hours of industrial service life, indicating a durable cooling component. The heat sink uses industrial-strength materials, including UL class A safety insulation and high-grade PBT + PC plastic, contributing to its long-term reliability under typical operating conditions.

The DKARDU bracket is made from heat-resistant metal and plastic materials designed to withstand high temperatures without deforming, ensuring longevity and ongoing support for the heatsink. Although it lacks moving parts, its robust construction promises a long service life, especially as a replacement part for damaged brackets.

In summary, both products are built for durability, with the Assassin X 120 SE offering guarantees related to moving fan components, while the DKARDU bracket focuses on lasting mechanical integrity as a support piece.

Price Comparison

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is priced at C$25.59, representing a full cooling solution including the heatsink and fan. This price point offers a balance between affordability and performance for users seeking a capable CPU air cooler.

Conversely, the DKARDU CPU Fan Bracket for AM4 Backplate is significantly less expensive at C$10.99, reflecting its nature as a mounting bracket rather than a complete cooling system. Its lower price is suitable for users who already own a compatible heatsink and only need a replacement or additional mounting hardware.

Therefore, the Assassin X 120 SE is a more comprehensive, albeit pricier, purchase, while the DKARDU bracket is a budget-friendly accessory for specific mounting needs on AM4 motherboards.

Use Case and Target Audience

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is aimed at users who want a reliable, quiet, and efficient CPU air cooler compatible with multiple Intel and AMD sockets. It suits those building or upgrading medium-sized PC cases and looking for a balance of cooling performance and noise reduction, with a cooler capable of handling CPUs with TDPs up to 225W.

In contrast, the DKARDU CPU Fan Bracket targets users who already have an air-cooled heatsink and require a sturdy, heat-resistant mounting bracket for AM4 motherboards. It is ideal for those needing a replacement bracket or improvements in mounting security without purchasing a new cooler.

Hence, the Assassin X 120 SE is a complete cooling product for general use, while the DKARDU bracket serves a niche role as an installation aid for AM4 cooling setups.

Which should you buy?

Your choice depends on whether you need a full CPU cooling solution or just a mounting bracket. If you require an effective, quiet cooler compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets and capable of handling CPUs up to 225W TDP, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE at C$25.59 is the clear option. It includes a heat sink, fan, and mounting hardware, delivering value for those upgrading or building a PC.

However, if you already own a compatible air-cooled heatsink for an AM4 motherboard and only need a sturdy replacement bracket to secure it, the DKARDU CPU Fan Bracket at C$10.99 is a cost-effective choice. It provides durable mounting support without any cooling components, perfect for fixing or improving existing setups.

In summary, choose the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE for comprehensive CPU cooling, and the DKARDU bracket if you only need a reliable AM4 fan mounting accessory.