Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Price Comparison

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler is priced at C$54.90, while the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is significantly cheaper at C$29.90. This price difference of C$25.00 may appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for a cost-effective cooling solution. While the Peerless Assassin offers more robust features and potentially better cooling performance, the Burst Assassin provides a more economical option for users who may not require the enhanced specifications.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black features a dual tower design with an effective heat dissipation area of 9600 cm², making it well-suited for high-performance CPUs. It includes two PWM fans that operate at a speed of 1500 RPM, providing a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM. In contrast, the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE features a single tower design with a similar airflow of 66.17 CFM but operates its fan at a slightly lower speed of 1550 RPM. The Burst Assassin still employs six nickel-plated pure copper heat pipes to enhance thermal conductivity, ensuring adequate cooling for most users, albeit with less efficiency than its counterpart.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is aesthetically appealing, with a full electroplating reflow welding process and a sleek black finish. It is structured to allow installation in tight spaces, specifically accommodating first graphics card slots. The Burst Assassin, on the other hand, utilises fin offset technology to avoid interference with high-profile RAM modules, making it versatile in various builds. Both coolers boast high-quality materials, but the Peerless Assassin's dual tower design may provide better overall cooling aesthetics.

Noise Levels

Both the Thermalright Peerless Assassin and the Burst Assassin maintain a similar noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), which indicates that they operate quietly under load. This low noise level is ideal for users who prefer a quieter computing environment. However, the Peerless Assassin's dual fans may produce a slightly more noticeable sound under extreme loads compared to the Burst Assassin's single fan. For users who prioritise a silent experience, either cooler would be a suitable option, but the Burst Assassin may have an edge in low-noise performance.

Installation and Compatibility

Installation for both coolers is straightforward, with support for a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The Peerless Assassin is compatible with Intel sockets including LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and AMD sockets AM4 and AM5. The Burst Assassin also supports these same sockets but requires the use of the original motherboard backplane for AMD installations. The Peerless Assassin comes with metal fasteners designed for easier installation, while the Burst Assassin features SS2 grommets for compatibility with various CPU models, simplifying maintenance and upgrades.

Features

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black boasts advanced features like the AGHP technique, which utilises six 6mm heat pipes to counteract the inverse gravity effect in both vertical and horizontal orientations. This is complemented by its dual PWM fans that enhance cooling efficiency. The Burst Assassin, while slightly less feature-rich, incorporates the same AGHP technology and a well-balanced TL-C12C-S PWM fan for efficient cooling. The Burst Assassin's ARGB feature adds a visual element that may appeal to users looking to light up their builds, though it may not offer the same cooling capabilities as the Peerless Assassin.

Target Audience

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is targeted towards gamers and PC enthusiasts who demand higher cooling performance for overclocked CPUs and intensive workloads. Its robust design and superior heat dissipation capabilities cater to advanced users. Conversely, the Burst Assassin is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or casual users who require adequate cooling for standard computing tasks without breaking the bank. This makes the Burst Assassin an attractive choice for entry-level builds or for those who do not push their hardware to the limits.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black and the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB hinges on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for superior cooling performance, especially for high-performance CPUs, the Peerless Assassin at C$54.90 is the better option. However, if affordability and basic cooling functionality are your priorities, the Burst Assassin at C$29.90 offers excellent value for money. Each cooler brings unique strengths, making your decision dependent on what you value most in a CPU cooler.