Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 offers a higher thermal design power (TDP) of 245W compared to the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB, which does not specify a TDP but features 7 heat pipes versus 6 in the Peerless Assassin 120. The Peerless Assassin 120 uses six 6mm pure copper sintered heat pipes with the AGHP technique, while the PS120SE ARGB employs seven 6mm heat pipes with an upgraded 4th-generation AGHP. Both coolers utilize double PWM fans running at 1500 RPM and deliver a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM. However, the Peerless Assassin 120’s heat dissipation area is 9600 cm², enhanced by a nanoscale white paint spray on the twin towers, which may improve heat transfer efficiency. Thus, the Peerless Assassin 120 appears to have a slight edge in raw cooling capability, especially for higher-TDP CPUs.

Design and Dimensions

Both coolers share very similar footprints, with the Peerless Assassin 120 measuring 125 x 135 x 157 mm and the PS120SE ARGB measuring 125 x 135 x 154 mm. The Peerless Assassin 120 has a slightly taller profile by 3 mm but remains compatible with most chassis due to its offset asymmetric twin-tower design. This layout allows installation without blocking the first graphics card slot and frees up room for memory chips, offering better motherboard component clearance. The PS120SE ARGB features an anodized black frosted top and a finely carved pure copper base, which gives it a visually striking appearance and potentially better base heat transfer. Both are made primarily of aluminum fins, but the PS120SE's design focuses on aesthetics with a black finish, whereas the Peerless Assassin 120 emphasizes heat dissipation with its white paint treatment.

Fan and Noise Characteristics

Each cooler includes two 120x120x25mm PWM fans operating at 1500 RPM ±10%, delivering the same maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM and noise levels capped at 25.6 dB(A). The Peerless Assassin 120 uses TL-C12W-S fans with high-brightness LED atomizing blades that soften ARGB lighting, controlled via motherboard synchronization. The PS120SE ARGB’s fans are TL-C12B-S V2 models with 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting, offering up to 17 lighting modes for customized effects. Both fans share a 4-pin power connector and 12V voltage, ensuring similar performance and quiet operation. In terms of noise and airflow, they are essentially on par, with differences primarily in fan lighting aesthetics and control options.

Lighting and Aesthetics

Lighting is a key differentiator where the PS120SE ARGB stands out. It offers 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting with up to 17 different modes, enabling more varied and customizable effects that can be synchronized with motherboard software. The high-brightness LED atomizing fan blades also contribute to softer, more refined lighting that complements the cooler’s black anodized finish. In contrast, the Peerless Assassin 120’s white ARGB fans produce colourful and gorgeous lighting effects, but the control is limited to motherboard synchronization without mention of multiple lighting modes. Aesthetically, the PS120SE ARGB leans towards a striking black design with versatile lighting, while the Peerless Assassin 120 opts for a bright, white finish with simpler ARGB effects.

Build Quality and Materials

Both coolers are constructed primarily from aluminum fins and incorporate pure copper bases for efficient heat transfer. The Peerless Assassin 120 features six pure copper sintered heat pipes and a nanoscale white paint coating on the twin towers aimed at maximizing heat dissipation area. The PS120SE ARGB uses seven copper heat pipes with an anodized black frosted aluminum top and a finely carved pure copper base, combining durability with premium looks. Moreover, the PS120SE highlights industrial-grade materials including UL Class A insulated PBT + PC plastic components and S-FDB bearings in the fans, ensuring up to 20,000 hours of service life. These features suggest the PS120SE ARGB might have a slight edge in longevity and premium material quality.

Compatibility and Installation

Both coolers support a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The Peerless Assassin 120 covers Intel 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/2066/2011/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. The PS120SE ARGB supports Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5. Both include mounting plates or fasteners tailored to the respective platforms, facilitating installation. The Peerless Assassin 120 benefits from an offset asymmetric layout that allows installation without blocking the first PCIe slot and offers better clearance for memory modules, reducing compatibility issues in tighter builds. The PS120SE’s 154 mm height is also chassis-friendly. Overall, both coolers offer broad compatibility with modern systems, though the Peerless Assassin 120’s layout may give it an advantage in cramped cases.

Price and Value

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is priced at C$51.39, making it the more affordable option by C$12.29 compared to the PS120SE ARGB’s C$63.68. This price difference is significant for budget-conscious buyers seeking strong cooling performance. Considering the Peerless Assassin 120’s higher TDP rating, larger heat dissipation area, and innovative offset design, it offers strong value for its cost. The PS120SE ARGB commands a premium price justified by its upgraded 4th-generation AGHP heat pipes, industrial-grade materials, enhanced ARGB lighting modes, and potentially longer fan lifespan. Buyers prioritizing aesthetics and build quality might find the higher price reasonable, but those focused on raw cooling performance and budget will likely prefer the Peerless Assassin 120.

Which should you buy?

If you prioritise raw cooling power, budget, and motherboard component clearance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler is the better choice. It supports a higher TDP of 245W, has a larger heat dissipation area of 9600 cm², and features an offset asymmetric twin-tower design that avoids blocking the first graphics card slot and frees up memory-chip space. At C$51.39, it offers excellent value for high-performance air cooling.

On the other hand, if you want advanced ARGB lighting with up to 17 modes, premium build materials with industrial-grade plastic and longer fan lifespan, and a sleek black anodized finish, the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB at C$63.68 is a compelling option. It has seven 6mm heat pipes with upgraded 4th-generation AGHP and an emphasis on aesthetics and durability.

In summary, for pure cooling efficiency and affordability, go with the Peerless Assassin 120. For enhanced lighting customisation and build quality at a higher price, the PS120SE ARGB is the superior pick.