Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler vs upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler 45mm Height - 6 Heat Pipes

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is a robust CPU air cooler priced at C$51.39. It features a dual-tower design and is engineered for high-performance cooling, boasting a heat dissipation area of 9600 cm². This cooler is suitable for users needing efficient thermal management, especially in high-performance builds.

Equipped with two PWM fans, each capable of spinning up to 1500 RPM, the Peerless Assassin 120 delivers a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of just 25.6 dB(A). Additionally, its AGHP technique with six heat pipes ensures excellent thermal transfer, making it a viable choice for CPU TDPs of up to 245W. The cooler supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, enhancing its versatility for various systems.

Overview of the upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler

The upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler is designed for compact spaces, retailing at C$49.99. With a height of only 45mm, it fits seamlessly into Mini ITX cases without compromising cooling performance. This makes it an excellent option for users seeking to build in constrained environments.

This cooler utilises six heat pipes to provide reliable cooling with a TDP of 150W. Its 90mm fan operates at speeds between 800 to 2800 RPM, generating airflow of 35.34 CFM while keeping noise levels to a minimum at ≤27 dB(A). The H45K6 also guarantees zero RAM obstruction, allowing full compatibility with various CPU socket types, including both Intel and AMD platforms.

Cooling Performance Comparison

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 stands out with its higher TDP rating of 245W compared to the upHere H45K6's 150W. This means that the Peerless Assassin 120 can handle more demanding CPUs more effectively, making it suitable for overclocking scenarios or high-performance builds.

The Peerless Assassin 120’s larger heat dissipation area of 9600 cm² further enhances its cooling capabilities over the upHere H45K6. However, the H45K6 excels in compact builds, where its low profile design allows for effective cooling without obstructing RAM or other components. Thus, while the Peerless Assassin offers superior thermal performance, the upHere H45K6 is tailored for space-constrained environments.

Noise Levels and Fan Efficiency

In terms of noise levels, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 operates at a maximum of 25.6 dB(A), while the upHere H45K6 has a slightly higher maximum noise level of ≤27 dB(A). Both coolers are designed to maintain a quiet operation, but the Peerless Assassin 120 has a slight edge in this respect.

The Peerless Assassin’s dual fans provide a higher airflow of 66.17 CFM compared to the H45K6’s 35.34 CFM. This increased airflow contributes to better cooling efficiency, especially under load. However, the H45K6’s fan is designed for quieter operation, which could be more appealing for users prioritising silence over maximum cooling performance.

Installation and Compatibility

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is compatible with a wide array of sockets, including Intel's LGA 1150 through 2066 and AMD's AM4 and AM5. Its installation process is straightforward, equipped with metal fasteners for various platforms. The cooler's design also allows for installations without restricting access to RAM slots, although it is bulkier than typical low-profile coolers.

Conversely, the upHere H45K6 is specifically engineered for minimal interference in compact builds, ensuring 100% memory clearance. This low-profile cooler supports a broad range of sockets as well, including Intel LGA 1851/1700/115x and AMD AM4/AM5. For users with space constraints, the installation of the H45K6 is quick and tool-free, completing in under five minutes.

Aesthetic Appeal

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 features colourful ARGB lighting effects, adding a visual appeal to any build. The high-brightness LED fan blades enhance the RGB lighting experience, allowing for synchronised lighting control through compatible motherboards. This makes it a great choice for gamers and PC builders looking to showcase their systems.

In contrast, the upHere H45K6 does not prominently feature RGB lighting, focusing instead on a more utilitarian design suited for minimalistic setups. While it may lack the flashy aesthetics of the Peerless Assassin 120, its compact design and effective cooling make it an ideal choice for users who prefer function over form.

Price and Value for Money

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is priced at C$51.39, whereas the upHere H45K6 comes in slightly cheaper at C$49.99. Despite the small price difference, the Peerless Assassin offers more robust cooling capabilities and a dual-fan design, which may justify its higher price point for enthusiasts.

However, for users with space constraints or those building a quieter setup, the upHere H45K6 presents excellent value. Its low-profile design and efficient cooling at a lower price make it a practical choice for many users, particularly those with Mini ITX cases.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 and the upHere H45K6 largely depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for superior cooling performance and aesthetics with RGB lighting, the Peerless Assassin 120 is the better choice, particularly for high-performance builds. However, if you require a compact, low-profile cooler that offers solid performance in a smaller form factor, the upHere H45K6 is a strong contender, especially at a slightly lower price. Each cooler has its strengths, catering to different types of PC builders and their unique requirements.