Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler offers superior cooling performance compared to the Thermalright TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan. The Peerless Assassin 120 features a twin tower design with six 6mm pure copper sintered heat pipes and a large heat dissipation area of 9600 cm². Additionally, it includes two 120mm PWM fans running at 1500 RPM with a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM. In contrast, the TL-S12RW X3 is a single 120mm fan with a maximum airflow of 47.6 CFM and no heat sink included.

This means the Peerless Assassin 120 not only moves more air but also has the hardware to effectively transfer heat away from the CPU. Its design incorporates advanced AGHP technique that counters the inverse gravity effect, enhancing heat pipe efficiency. The TL-S12RW X3 is intended more as an auxiliary fan for cases or to supplement cooling systems rather than being a standalone CPU cooler. Therefore, for raw CPU heat dissipation, the Peerless Assassin 120 is clearly the better choice.

Design and Build Quality

The Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler boasts a robust, dual-tower aluminum heatsink sprayed with black nanoscale paint and features a full electroplating reflow welding process. Its offset asymmetric layout allows installation even on the first graphics card slot, providing practical versatility. The cooler measures 125(L) x 135(W) x 157(H) mm and weighs 1.02 kg, reflecting a substantial build designed for effective cooling.

On the other hand, the TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan is a single 120x120x25mm fan with a distinctive pure white design accented by slim ARGB lines. It incorporates soft silicone feet to reduce noise and vibration, enhancing its aesthetic and functional appeal. The fan uses S-FDB V2 bearing technology to provide long-term quiet operation and durability.

While the Peerless Assassin 120 emphasizes a performance-driven, rugged build with metal fasteners for Intel and AMD sockets, the TL-S12RW X3 focuses on sleek design and silent operation. The cooler’s twin towers and heat pipes make it heavier and bulkier, whereas the fan is lightweight and visually striking. Both offer quality materials, but the Peerless Assassin 120 is clearly built for cooling power, while the TL-S12RW X3 aims for noise reduction and design.

Noise Levels

When it comes to noise, the TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan operates slightly quieter than the Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler. The TL-S12RW X3 produces noise levels of up to 23.2 dB(A), benefiting from its soft silicone feet and S-FDB V2 bearing design that reduces vibration and noise during operation.

Meanwhile, the Peerless Assassin 120’s dual fans generate noise levels up to 25.6 dB(A). Although marginally louder, this noise level remains relatively low for a dual-fan CPU cooler with a higher airflow capacity. The additional noise is a trade-off for the improved cooling performance provided by the two fans and the larger heatsink.

Therefore, if silent operation is a priority, the TL-S12RW X3’s quieter profile may appeal more. However, the Peerless Assassin 120 manages to keep noise at a reasonable level despite its enhanced cooling capabilities.

Compatibility and Installation

The Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets, covering Intel’s LGA1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 17XX, 2066, and 2011 platforms as well as AMD’s AM4 and AM5 sockets. It includes metal fasteners and mounting plates tailored for these sockets, facilitating a secure installation on various systems.

In contrast, the TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan is a versatile 120mm fan designed primarily for case or heatsink cooling rather than as a standalone CPU cooler. Its reverse outlet design allows it to be used as an intake fan, complementing existing cooling setups. Though not a CPU cooler by itself, it can be paired with CPU coolers or case setups to improve airflow.

Thus, the Peerless Assassin 120 is a comprehensive CPU cooling solution with broad CPU socket compatibility, while the TL-S12RW X3 is more of an accessory fan that fits standard 120mm mounting points and can enhance general airflow.

Airflow and Performance Specifications

The Peerless Assassin 120’s dual 120mm PWM fans run at 1500 RPM with a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM each, providing substantial air movement through its large heat sink. Its 4-pin power port supports PWM control, allowing dynamic speed adjustments based on CPU temperature.

The TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan also spins at 1500 RPM but offers a lower maximum airflow of 47.6 CFM. It has a 4-pin PWM connector and a current draw of 0.15A, with an air pressure rating of 1.31 mm H₂O. The fan blades rotate counterclockwise with a reverse outlet design to optimize intake airflow.

While both fans operate at the same speed, the Peerless Assassin 120’s fans provide about 39% more airflow, contributing to better heat dissipation capabilities. The TL-S12RW X3’s higher air pressure is advantageous for case intake or pushing air through dust filters but does not match the cooling power of a dedicated CPU cooler’s dual fans and heat sink.

Price and Value

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler is priced at C$54.90, reflecting its comprehensive cooling capabilities with dual fans, heat pipes, and a dual-tower heatsink. This price positions it as an affordable yet high-performance air cooler option for both Intel and AMD CPUs.

Meanwhile, the Thermalright TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan costs significantly less at C$19.90. This lower price is appropriate given it is a single fan without an integrated heat sink and serves more as an accessory to enhance general airflow or supplement other cooling solutions.

For users seeking a full CPU cooling solution with advanced features, the Peerless Assassin 120 offers strong value for its price. Conversely, those needing an additional quiet fan for their case or to complement an existing cooler will find the TL-S12RW X3 a budget-friendly, well-designed choice.

Use Cases and Applications

The Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler is best suited for users who need effective CPU heat dissipation in desktop systems. Its twin tower design and six copper heat pipes make it appropriate for gaming rigs, workstations, or any build requiring efficient CPU cooling across a broad range of Intel and AMD sockets.

On the other hand, the TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan serves as a versatile fan for cases and cooling setups. Its unique white design with ARGB accents and quiet operation make it ideal for users focused on aesthetics and silent airflow. It can be used as a case intake fan or supplementary fan alongside CPU coolers, but it is not a standalone cooling solution for CPUs.

In summary, the Peerless Assassin 120 is tailored for dedicated CPU cooling, while the TL-S12RW X3 fits a broader role in PC airflow, noise reduction, and design enhancement.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler if you need a complete, effective CPU cooling solution capable of handling demanding workloads. Its dual fans, six heat pipes, and large heatsink provide substantial airflow at 66.17 CFM per fan and compatibility with many Intel and AMD sockets, all for C$54.90. It balances performance and reasonable noise levels, making it ideal for gamers and power users.

Alternatively, opt for the Thermalright TL-S12RW X3 CPU Fan if you want a quiet, stylish 120mm fan to supplement your existing cooling setup or improve case airflow. At just C$19.90, it offers silent operation at 23.2 dB(A), ARGB aesthetics, and durable S-FDB V2 bearing technology. However, it is not a standalone CPU cooler and is better used alongside other cooling hardware.

Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you require full CPU cooling performance or an additional quiet fan for airflow enhancement.