Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler

Price Comparison

The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler is priced at C$65.37, making it significantly more expensive than the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler, which retails for C$25.59. This price difference of C$39.78 highlights the investment required for the advanced water cooling solution compared to the more budget-friendly air cooler. While the Frozen Notte offers high-performance features and enhanced aesthetics through its ARGB capabilities, the Assassin X presents a cost-effective option that may appeal to those on a tighter budget or those looking for a simpler cooling solution.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 excels with its 360mm radiator and three PWM fans capable of reaching speeds of up to 2000 RPM, producing an air volume of 72.37 CFM. This setup allows for robust cooling efficiency, especially beneficial for high-performance CPUs under heavy loads. Conversely, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE features a single fan with a maximum speed of 1550 RPM and an airflow of 66.17 CFM. Although it is effective for mid-range systems, it may not provide the same level of cooling efficiency as the Frozen Notte, particularly for overclocked or high-TDP CPUs.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many builders. The Frozen Notte's fans operate at a maximum noise level of 27.7 DBA, which is relatively quiet given its cooling capabilities. The Assassin X, on the other hand, has a slightly lower maximum noise level of 25.6 DBA, making it the quieter option between the two. This difference may appeal to users looking for a quieter computing experience, especially in environments where noise is a concern, such as home offices or media centers.

Build Quality and Design

The Thermalright Frozen Notte boasts a high-quality build with a full copper mirror plane base and an aluminum alloy cover. Its design includes a protective water pipe and high-strength acrylic top cover, ensuring durability and longevity. In comparison, the Thermalright Assassin X is constructed with aluminum heat sinks and features a more straightforward design with metal fasteners for installation. While both coolers are well-constructed, the Frozen Notte's more complex design and premium materials suggest it may offer enhanced longevity and performance under demanding conditions.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, both coolers cover a wide range of CPU sockets, but the Frozen Notte offers broader support with compatibility for Intel sockets LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/2011/2066/1851 and AMD sockets AM4/AM5/AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+/FM1/FM2/FM2+. The Assassin X supports Intel sockets 115X/1200/1700/17XX and AMD AM4, making it slightly less versatile. This extensive compatibility of the Frozen Notte allows it to cater to a wider array of builds, particularly those that require advanced cooling solutions.

Installation Process

The installation process is relatively straightforward for both coolers, but the Frozen Notte's dual platform full Metal black buckle system is designed for ease of installation across various CPU platforms. It recommends a chassis width greater than 250mm to accommodate its larger size, which may be a consideration for compact builds. The Assassin X, with its more compact dimensions, is designed for medium-sized cases, making it easier to fit in smaller setups. However, its installation is also facilitated by providing the necessary mounting plates for different platforms, ensuring a smooth installation experience.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetic appeal plays a significant role in many users' purchasing decisions. The Thermalright Frozen Notte features ARGB lighting that synchronizes with the motherboard, creating a dazzling light display that enhances the visual aspect of a gaming rig. This is particularly appealing for users who value aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Assassin X offers a more utilitarian design without ARGB features, which may not attract users seeking vibrant lighting effects but could appeal to those preferring a more understated look.

Which should you buy?

In summary, choosing between the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you seek superior cooling performance, advanced features, and aesthetic appeal, the Frozen Notte is worth the investment at C$65.37. However, if you’re looking for a more economical solution that still offers solid performance for less demanding setups, the Assassin X at C$25.59 is an excellent choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your cooling needs, case compatibility, and whether you prioritize aesthetics or budget.