Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler Air with 6X6mm vs Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2 Water Cooling CPU Cooler

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler is priced at C$62.90, making it an affordable option for users who prioritize efficient air cooling. This cooler features a dual tower design with dual fans, which helps in achieving superior heat dissipation. The combination of six pure copper heat pipes and a high-speed fan operating at 1850 RPM ensures that your CPU remains cool even during intensive workloads. With an overall height of 162mm, it is compatible with most mainstream ATX chassis, making it a versatile choice for various setups.

Overview of Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2

On the other hand, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2 is a more premium option, priced at C$71.90. This water cooling CPU cooler features a 360mm radiator, which allows for enhanced cooling performance compared to traditional air coolers. The unit comes with three 120mm PWM fans that can reach speeds of up to 2000 RPM. The use of a full copper mirror plane base and a high polymer woven protective water pipe contributes to its effective thermal management. This cooler not only provides excellent cooling but also features synchronised ARGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing setup.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 offers a significant advantage over the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120. The Frozen Notte 360's water cooling system is designed for low resistance and high cooling efficiency, capable of reaching fan speeds of 2000 RPM, compared to the Peerless Assassin's maximum of 1850 RPM. The increased surface area of the 360mm radiator allows for greater heat dissipation, making it ideal for overclocked systems or heavy-duty applications. In contrast, while the Peerless Assassin's dual fans provide a commendable airflow of 88.89 CFM, it simply cannot match the cooling potential offered by the Frozen Notte 360.

Noise Levels

In terms of noise levels, both coolers are designed to operate quietly, but they have different specifications. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin operates at a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), which is quite low, ensuring a quieter computing environment. Meanwhile, the Frozen Notte 360 has a maximum noise level of ≤27.7 dB(A). Although the difference is minimal, the Peerless Assassin might be slightly more appealing to users who are particularly sensitive to noise. However, the performance gains from the Frozen Notte 360 may outweigh this slight increase in sound output for many users.

Installation and Compatibility

Installation ease is an important consideration, and both coolers have their strengths. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin boasts compatibility with mainstream ATX chassis and features a straightforward installation process due to its dual-tower design. It is also compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, which adds to its versatility. Meanwhile, the Frozen Notte 360 supports an extensive range of Intel and AMD sockets, including newer platforms like LGA 1700 and AM5. Its 360mm radiator does require a larger chassis, suggesting that users should ensure their case width exceeds 250mm for optimal installation, which could limit compatibility with compact builds.

Aesthetics and Design

Aesthetically, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 takes the lead with its elegant white design and synchronised ARGB lighting, which creates a visually stunning setup. The luminous effects can be adjusted and synced with other ARGB components in your system, providing a cohesive lighting experience. In contrast, the Peerless Assassin features a more understated black design with a digital display on the magnetic top cover, which is still modern and appealing but does not offer the same level of visual impact as the Frozen Notte 360. Users looking to create a vibrant build will likely prefer the Frozen Notte 360 for its superior lighting options.

Price Comparison

When comparing prices, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is the more budget-friendly choice at C$62.90. It offers good performance for users who do not require the extreme cooling capabilities provided by water cooling systems. On the other hand, the Frozen Notte 360, priced at C$71.90, represents a higher investment but comes with advanced cooling technology and features that justify the price for enthusiasts and gamers. The choice ultimately depends on whether users value affordability or enhanced performance and aesthetics.

Which should you buy?

The decision between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black and the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB V2 boils down to your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable air cooler that offers solid performance and quiet operation, the Peerless Assassin is an excellent choice. However, if you require superior cooling performance and are willing to invest a bit more for aesthetics and advanced features, the Frozen Notte 360 is the clear winner. Ultimately, both products excel in their categories, catering to different types of users in the CPU cooling market.