Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus CPU Cooler 4 Heat Pipes with AGHP Technology vs Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler offers superior cooling capabilities compared to the Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus CPU Cooler. The Frozen Notte 240 features a full copper mirror base and a 240mm black aluminum fin cold plate, paired with two PWM fans capable of reaching up to 2000 RPM each and delivering a maximum airflow of 72.37 CFM. This setup ensures efficient heat dissipation and high cooling performance. In contrast, the Assassin X 120 V2 Plus uses four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology and pure aluminium cooling fins, providing solid air cooling but generally less heat transfer capacity than a 240mm water cooling system. The water cooler’s dual fans and high-speed pump (up to 5300 RPM) offer a more aggressive cooling solution, ideal for higher thermal loads.

Noise Levels and Bearings

When it comes to noise and durability, both coolers incorporate S-FDB bearings designed to minimise fan noise and extend lifespan. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus explicitly markets its fan noise reduction with these bearings, ensuring quiet operation even under load. The Frozen Notte 240 is similarly equipped with S-FDB bearing fans and adds PWM control, enabling automatic speed adjustments according to CPU temperature, which helps manage noise dynamically. The water cooler specifies a noise level of up to 27.7 dBA at maximum fan speed, which is relatively quiet for a dual-fan radiator setup. The Assassin’s noise levels are not numerically specified, but its focus on minimizing blade shaking suggests a similarly quiet experience, especially given its lower fan speed requirements.

Compatibility and Installation

Both coolers offer broad compatibility with modern CPU sockets, but the Frozen Notte 240 supports a wider range of Intel and AMD sockets. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus supports Intel sockets 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX and AMD AM4/AM5, providing mounting plates for different platforms. Meanwhile, the Frozen Notte 240 adds support for additional Intel sockets like 1851, 2011, and 2066, as well as older AMD sockets such as AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, and FM2 series. Installation for both includes metal fasteners or dual platform full-metal black buckles for secure mounting. However, the Frozen Notte’s requirement for a chassis width greater than 250mm may restrict its use in smaller cases, whereas the Assassin’s more compact dimensions (120 x 96 x 154 mm) make it easier to fit in tighter spaces.

Build Quality and Materials

The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus is constructed with pure aluminium cooling fins and industrial-strength PBT + PC materials, which contribute to long service life and robust performance. Its heat pipes employ AGHP technology to counteract inverse gravity effects, enhancing cooling consistency regardless of cooler orientation. The Frozen Notte 240 uses a full copper mirror base for the water block, paired with a high polymer woven protective water pipe and an aluminium alloy cover atop the cold plate. It also features a high-strength acrylic top cover with mirror plating and reflection process, giving it a premium look and durability. Both products demonstrate quality build materials; however, the Frozen Notte’s copper base and high-grade water-cooling components typically offer better thermal conductivity than aluminium fins.

Lighting and Aesthetics

The Frozen Notte 240 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler significantly outshines the Assassin X 120 V2 Plus in terms of lighting effects. It features ARGB lighting on both the PWM fans and the water-cooling head, synchronised via a 5V 3-pin motherboard header. This setup offers 1600W of colour soft light effects with the ability to chain multiple devices, creating a vibrant and customizable lighting experience. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus does not mention any lighting features, focusing instead on functional cooling performance. For users prioritizing PC aesthetics and RGB synchronisation, the Frozen Notte 240 presents a clear advantage.

Size and Form Factor

The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus is a compact air cooler with dimensions of 120 mm length, 96 mm width, and 154 mm height, making it suitable for smaller builds or cases with limited clearance. On the other hand, the Frozen Notte 240 is a liquid cooling solution requiring a radiator installation of 240 mm in length and a recommended chassis width greater than 250 mm. This larger footprint means the Frozen Notte demands more space and may not fit in all cases, especially compact or mini-ITX builds. Thus, the Assassin X 120 V2 Plus offers greater flexibility for users with space constraints, while the Frozen Notte suits mid-tower or larger chassis.

Price and Value

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus is priced at C$25.90, making it a budget-friendly option for air cooling with solid technology like AGHP heat pipes and quality bearings. In contrast, the Frozen Notte 240 costs C$62.90, more than twice the price, reflecting its water cooling design, ARGB lighting, and dual-fan setup. While the Frozen Notte provides higher cooling performance and enhanced aesthetics, it comes at a premium. Buyers looking for cost-effective cooling with reliable performance will find good value in the Assassin, whereas those willing to invest more for advanced cooling and visual appeal may prefer the Frozen Notte.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus and the Thermalright Frozen Notte 240 depends on your priorities. If you need a compact, budget-conscious air cooler that fits most modern Intel and AMD sockets and delivers dependable cooling with low noise, the Assassin X 120 V2 Plus is the logical choice at C$25.90. However, if your build supports larger radiators and you want superior cooling performance with dual PWM fans, a high-speed pump, and vibrant ARGB lighting effects, the Frozen Notte 240 justifies its higher price of C$62.90. Its broader socket compatibility and premium materials make it suitable for high-performance or enthusiast systems. Ultimately, the Assassin is best for practical, affordable air cooling, while the Frozen Notte excels for those seeking advanced water cooling and aesthetics.