Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black Low Profile CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler Air with 4X6mm HeatPi

Pricing and Value

When comparing the Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black Low Profile CPU Air Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler Air, the price difference is minimal, with the AXP90 X36 priced at C$26.90 and the Assassin X 120R slightly higher at C$28.39. This means the Assassin X 120R costs just C$1.49 more, which is a marginal difference when considering the additional features it offers. For buyers focused on budget, the AXP90 X36 provides a very affordable option for CPU cooling without sacrificing basic function. However, if the extra features in the Assassin X 120R justify a small price increase, it could represent better value depending on user needs.

Cooling Performance and Technology

The Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler Air uses a combination of a top LCD panel, 4 heat pipes, and a 2000RPM high-speed CPU fan with PWM control, allowing automatic speed adjustment based on motherboard temperature. It also employs AGHP heat pipe technology with 4x6mm heat pipes and a direct contact process for improved heat dissipation. In contrast, the Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black Low Profile CPU Air Cooler lacks detailed performance specs or heat pipe information in the available data. Given the Assassin X 120R's 2000RPM fan speed and advanced heat pipe technology, it likely offers superior cooling efficiency, particularly for users seeking robust thermal management in demanding scenarios.

Design and Aesthetics

The Thermalright Assassin X 120R features a digital screen top cover that displays real-time CPU temperature, CPU usage, graphics card temperature, and usage via TRCC software, adding both functionality and visual appeal. This screen is powered and connected through a 9-pin USB interface on the motherboard. The AXP90 X36, described as a low-profile cooler, suggests a compact design ideal for tight spaces, but no specific design or aesthetic details are provided. Therefore, the Assassin X 120R stands out for users who value a visually dynamic cooler with monitoring capabilities, while the AXP90 X36 might be better suited for builds requiring a smaller footprint without additional display features.

Noise and Fan Operation

The Assassin X 120R is equipped with a 2000RPM PWM fan featuring an S-FDB bearing designed to reduce blade shaking and silicone corner pads to minimise noise from rotation. The PWM function allows the fan speed to adjust automatically according to the motherboard's temperature, which can lower noise levels when full speed is not needed. There are no noise or fan speed details available for the AXP90 X36, making it difficult to directly compare acoustic performance. However, the Assassin X 120R's design suggests it aims to balance high-performance cooling with noise reduction, a significant consideration for users seeking quieter operation.

Compatibility and Installation

The Assassin X 120R is described as having wide compatibility with dual platforms, including Intel, and supports USB connection for its digital screen. The presence of the 9-pin USB interface requirement indicates users must ensure motherboard compatibility for full functionality of the display features. The AXP90 X36 is noted as a low-profile air cooler, which generally implies suitability for compact builds or cases with limited clearance, but no explicit compatibility details are provided. Thus, users with small form factor cases might prefer the AXP90 X36, while those wanting a feature-rich cooler with broad platform support may lean toward the Assassin X 120R.

Software and Monitoring Features

One of the key differentiators is the Assassin X 120R’s digital screen top cover and the accompanying TRCC software, which provides real-time monitoring of CPU temperature, CPU usage, graphics card temperature, and occupancy. This allows users to keep track of critical system parameters directly from their CPU cooler, a feature absent from the AXP90 X36. The software automatically runs in the background and requires a 9-pin USB connection for power and data transmission. The AXP90 X36 does not include any software or monitoring capabilities, making the Assassin X 120R the clear choice for users who want integrated hardware monitoring.

Build Quality and Materials

While the AXP90 X36 does not specify its materials or build details, the Assassin X 120R highlights its use of UL CLASSA safety insulation grade industrial-grade PBT+PC material in its fan construction. Additionally, the heat pipes are nickel-plated and employ an upgraded 4th generation AGHP technology with a direct touch process and fine bottom surface treatment to enhance heat dissipation and oxidation resistance. These details suggest a focus on durability and effective cooling engineering in the Assassin X 120R. Without comparable data for the AXP90 X36, the Assassin X 120R appears to offer a more premium build quality based on the information provided.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black Low Profile CPU Air Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler Air depends primarily on your priorities. If you need an affordable, compact cooler suitable for small form factor builds, the AXP90 X36 at C$26.90 offers a straightforward, low-profile solution. However, if you desire advanced cooling technology, a high-speed 2000RPM PWM fan, and integrated digital monitoring with a display for real-time system data, the Assassin X 120R for C$28.39 is the better investment. The slight price premium brings enhanced features, better heat dissipation technology, and aesthetic appeal. For users who value monitoring and performance alongside compatibility, the Assassin X 120R stands out as the superior choice.