Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler vs AMD Wraith Stealth Socket AM4 4-Pin Connector CPU Cooler with Aluminum Heatsink

Cooling Performance and Design

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler offers significantly better heat dissipation capabilities than the AMD Wraith Stealth Socket AM4 cooler. The Peerless Assassin features a dual-tower design with six pure copper heat pipes and a pure copper base, combined with dual 120mm fans running at 1850RPM, producing an air volume of 88.89 CFM and wind pressure of 2.21 mm H2O. This design ensures efficient CPU temperature management and long-term heat dissipation.

In contrast, the AMD Wraith Stealth uses a simpler aluminum heatsink paired with a single 90mm fan. While it includes pre-applied thermal paste and direct screw mounting to the AM4 socket, it lacks the advanced cooling architecture of the Peerless Assassin. The difference in fan size and materials suggests the Peerless Assassin is better suited for users prioritizing high-performance cooling.

Noise Levels and Fan Control

When it comes to operating noise and fan control, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black maintains noise levels at or below 25.6 dB(A), aided by soft corner pads that reduce vibration noise. Its fans operate at 1850RPM with PWM intelligent temperature control, allowing automatic speed adjustments without manual intervention.

The AMD Wraith Stealth also uses a 4-pin PWM power connector for fan control, but specific noise levels are not provided. Given it has a smaller 90mm fan, noise may be comparable or slightly higher under load, but the lack of detailed noise data limits the comparison. Overall, the Peerless Assassin’s noise specifications and vibration reduction features provide a clearer advantage for quieter operation.

Lighting and Aesthetic Features

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black excels in lighting customization, featuring dual fans equipped with addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting. This lighting can be adjusted using the motherboard’s built-in software through a 5V 3-pin ARGB interface, allowing users to synchronize and customize colours across both fans.

Conversely, the AMD Wraith Stealth CPU cooler does not include any lighting features. This makes the Peerless Assassin a better choice for users who value aesthetic appeal and want to integrate their cooling solutions with RGB lighting present in their PC builds.

Compatibility and Installation

Both coolers support AMD’s AM4 socket, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin has wider platform compatibility, also supporting AM5 and several Intel sockets, including LGA1851, 1700, and 115x series. It comes with dual-platform mounting clips (SS2 clips) designed for easy installation and maintenance, plus a Y-type adapter to connect two fans to a single motherboard header.

The AMD Wraith Stealth is specifically designed for the AM4 socket with direct screw mounting, making it a straightforward, plug-and-play solution for compatible AMD CPUs. However, it lacks the broader compatibility and installation flexibility provided by the Peerless Assassin.

Size and Build Quality

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin measures 125 x 138 x 162 mm and features a dual-tower radiator with dual fans boasting S-FDB bearings known for long life and reliable heat dissipation. Its build uses pure copper heat pipes and base, which typically provides better thermal conductivity than aluminum.

On the other hand, the AMD Wraith Stealth uses an aluminum heatsink paired with a 90mm fan. While durable and effective for stock cooling needs, its single-fan design and aluminum construction suggest a more basic build quality compared to the premium materials and design of the Peerless Assassin.

Price and Value

Price is a major differentiator between the two coolers. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black is priced at C$52.62, reflecting its advanced cooling capabilities, dual-fan design, and RGB features. This positions it as a mid-range air cooler suitable for users seeking enhanced performance and aesthetics.

The AMD Wraith Stealth is significantly more affordable at C$22.49, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious users or those who need a basic, reliable stock cooler for AM4 CPUs without extra features. While it lacks the bells and whistles of the Peerless Assassin, it offers solid value for its price.

Power and Connector Types

Both coolers use 4-pin PWM fan connectors, allowing motherboard-based speed control. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin has dual fans and a Y-type adapter that lets users connect both fans to a single header, simplifying cable management. Its ARGB lighting interface uses a 5V 3-pin connector for lighting control.

The AMD Wraith Stealth has a single 4-pin PWM connector with an approximately 9-inch cable length. It does not feature any lighting connectors. This simpler setup matches its design as a basic, functional cooler without additional customization options.

Which should you buy?

If you prioritise superior cooling performance, quieter operation, customizable ARGB lighting, and broader compatibility, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler is the clear choice despite its higher price of C$52.62. Its dual-tower design with six copper heat pipes and dual fans operating at 1850RPM ensures effective heat dissipation for demanding CPUs.

However, if your budget is limited to around C$22.49 and you need a straightforward, reliable cooling solution for an AM4 socket CPU, the AMD Wraith Stealth offers good value. It provides basic cooling with an aluminum heatsink and 90mm fan, suitable for standard or stock CPU cooling needs without extra features.

Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you need enhanced performance and aesthetics or a simple, affordable cooler.