Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler vs Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black and Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is a comprehensive CPU air cooler designed for high performance, while the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 is a mounting upgrade kit for Noctua CPU coolers. Priced at C$54.90, the Peerless Assassin offers advanced cooling technology, whereas the NM-i17xx-MP78 is an economical choice at C$12.95 for those looking to upgrade their current Noctua cooler compatibility with newer Intel sockets.

The Thermalright cooler features dual 120mm PWM fans and an asymmetrical design to optimise heat dissipation, making it suitable for demanding CPU tasks. In contrast, the Noctua kit is specifically tailored for mounting Noctua coolers on Intel’s LGA1851 and LGA1700 sockets, focusing on installation ease and reliability rather than cooling performance.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is engineered for superior cooling with an effective heat dissipation area of 9600 cm². Its dual fans provide airflow of up to 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of only 25.6 dB(A). This combination ensures that the cooler can handle high-performance CPUs efficiently.

On the other hand, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 does not provide cooling performance itself, as it is merely an upgrade kit. Users must already own a compatible Noctua cooler to benefit from this kit. Therefore, comparison in terms of cooling capabilities directly favours the Thermalright, which is built as a standalone cooling solution.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black features a sleek design with a full electroplating reflow welding process and an offset asymmetric layout, allowing it to fit into tighter spaces without obstructing other components. Its dimensions are 125mm x 135mm x 157mm, which make it a robust choice for various builds.

In contrast, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 does not include any cooling components, focusing instead on facilitating the installation of existing coolers. The upgrade kit includes a dedicated one-piece backplate designed for reliability and optimal contact pressure. While both products are well-constructed, the Thermalright's design is tailored for active cooling performance, whereas the Noctua kit is about compatibility and ease of use.

Compatibility

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/2066/2011 and AMD AM4 AM5. This broad compatibility allows users to install the cooler on various systems without worrying about socket limitations.

Conversely, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 is specifically designed for Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 sockets. This means that while it enhances compatibility for Noctua coolers, it is limited in its application, only serving those who already possess a compatible Noctua cooler. Thus, if you are building a new system or upgrading across various platforms, the Thermalright offers greater versatility.

Installation Process

Users will find that the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black comes equipped with metal fasteners for easy installation on both Intel and AMD platforms. Its design ensures that users can quickly set it up without needing extensive technical knowledge, making it user-friendly for beginners.

The Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 further simplifies the installation process for existing Noctua cooler users, featuring a dedicated backplate and straightforward guidelines. It allows the cooler to be installed turned by 90° if space permits, offering flexibility in placement. However, it requires the prior purchase of a compatible Noctua cooler, which may not be ideal for everyone.

Noise Levels

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which is quite low and ideal for users looking for a quiet computing experience. Its precision-engineered fans are designed to offer performance without excessive noise, appealing to gamers and professionals alike.

In comparison, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 does not contribute to noise levels, as it is purely a mounting kit. Users will need to rely on the characteristics of their existing Noctua cooler for sound levels. Therefore, if low noise is a priority, the Thermalright cooler excels in this aspect.

Price Comparison

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is priced at C$54.90, which reflects its advanced cooling technology and dual-fan design. This price is competitive considering the performance it delivers in terms of cooling capacity and compatibility.

On the other hand, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 is significantly cheaper at C$12.95. However, it should be noted that this kit does not provide any cooling capability on its own, serving instead as an accessory for users who already possess a compatible Noctua cooler. Thus, while the price is attractive, its value is contingent on prior ownership of the necessary cooler.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, the choice between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black and the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 ultimately depends on your needs. If you require a high-performance CPU cooler with excellent cooling capabilities and broad compatibility, the Thermalright is the clear winner. It offers advanced features, quiet operation, and a strong design tailored for optimal heat dissipation.

Conversely, if you already own a compatible Noctua cooler and are looking to upgrade to a newer Intel socket, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 provides a cost-effective solution for your installation needs. However, for new builds or significant upgrades, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black would be the more advantageous investment.