Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus CPU Cooler - 4×6mm Heat Pipes vs Noctua NH-L9i-17xx

Overview of the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus and Noctua NH-L9i-17xx

The Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus is priced at C$25.59, making it a budget-friendly option, while the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx comes at a higher cost of C$59.95. This significant price difference indicates that each cooler may cater to different user needs and preferences.

Thermalright has established itself as a player in the CPU cooling market, emphasising efficiency and quiet operation with its dual PWM fans. In contrast, Noctua is renowned for its premium products, having garnered over 200 awards for its cooling solutions, including the NH-L9i, which is tailored for compact builds. Both brands offer unique advantages, with Thermalright focusing on affordable performance and Noctua on high-quality engineering.

Design and Build Quality

The design of a CPU cooler greatly impacts its performance and compatibility. The Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus features an innovative AGHP technique with four 6mm heat pipes that enhance thermal transfer, solving the inverse gravity effect for versatile orientation. This cooler's robust construction includes industrial-grade PBT + PC material, ensuring durability.

On the other hand, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx boasts a low-profile design at just 37mm in height, making it an excellent choice for compact HTPC and Small Form Factor cases. Its tailored footprint guarantees full RAM and PCIe compatibility across various motherboard sizes. While both coolers are built with quality in mind, the NH-L9i’s design is particularly advantageous for space-constrained setups.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus features dual fans, with airflow ratings of 66.17 CFM and 58 CFM, respectively. These fans operate at speeds of up to 1550 RPM, delivering efficient cooling while maintaining noise levels as low as 25.6 dB(A). This combination ensures that the cooler can handle demanding workloads effectively.

Conversely, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx employs a renowned NF-A9x14 slim fan, which also features a Low-Noise Adaptor. This ensures that the cooler performs exceptionally well under load while remaining whisper-quiet during idle times. Although it does not match the airflow numbers of the Thermalright, the NH-L9i is engineered to provide reliable cooling for moderate heat loads, making it suitable for Intel Core CPUs with specific thermal demands.

Noise Levels

When it comes to noise levels, the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus offers a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A). This is quite impressive for a cooler that provides such high airflow, making it a suitable option for users who prioritise a quiet computing experience.

In comparison, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx is designed with noise reduction in mind, featuring a fan that operates quietly at idle and ramps up only under load. Although specific dB ratings are not provided, Noctua’s reputation for low-noise operation suggests that this cooler also maintains a very low noise profile. Users looking for a quieter solution may lean towards Noctua, especially in compact builds where noise can be more pronounced.

Compatibility

The Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus is highly versatile, supporting a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel’s 1150 through 1700 series and AMD’s AM4 and AM5. This broad compatibility ensures that users can easily integrate this cooler into various systems without worrying about fitment issues.

In contrast, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx is specifically designed for Intel’s LGA1700 and LGA1851 platforms. While it excels in compatibility for these newer sockets, it may not be as flexible for users with AMD systems or older Intel sockets. Thus, while the NH-L9i is an excellent choice for specific builds, it lacks the universal compatibility of the Thermalright model.

Installation Process

Installation is a crucial factor in the usability of CPU coolers. The Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus comes with various mounting plates and fasteners to accommodate different CPU socket platforms, making the installation process straightforward for users across multiple system configurations.

The Noctua NH-L9i-17xx includes the SecuFirm2 mounting system, designed for easy installation on Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851 CPUs. This system is known for its reliability, but it is limited to Intel sockets, which may deter users with AMD setups. Overall, while both coolers offer ease of installation, the Thermalright cooler's broader compatibility gives it an edge in this regard.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

The Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus is priced at C$25.59, representing an attractive price-to-performance ratio, particularly for budget-conscious builders. It provides efficient cooling and low noise levels without breaking the bank, making it an appealing option for general use.

In contrast, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx’s higher price of C$59.95 reflects its premium build quality and performance. While it may be more expensive, its reputation for reliability and effective cooling in compact cases justifies the investment for users who value long-term performance and low noise. Ultimately, the choice between these two coolers will depend on individual budget considerations and specific cooling needs.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus and the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx ultimately hinges on your specific requirements. If you're looking for an affordable, versatile cooler that offers solid performance and broad compatibility, the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritise compactness, premium build quality, and are willing to invest more for a quieter operation, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx is hard to beat. Both coolers have their strengths, making them suitable for different types of PC builds and user preferences.