Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 240mm

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler offers a competitive price of C$46.90, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders. This cooler is designed with a double tower cooling system and features an aluminium heat sink along with 6 heat pipes, ensuring effective heat dissipation for CPUs with a thermal design power (TDP) of 120 to 245W. The cooler supports a variety of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest Intel 1700 and AMD AM4, providing good versatility for different builds.

Overview of the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 240mm

The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 240mm is positioned at a higher price of C$118.12, reflecting its advanced features and performance. This cooler is designed as a closed-loop liquid cooling solution, which generally offers better cooling performance compared to air coolers. It features a doubly decoupled PWM pump that minimises noise and vibration, making it ideal for users seeking a quiet operation. Compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest AM5, this cooler targets users looking for stylish aesthetics combined with high performance.

Cooling Performance Comparison

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB boasts a TDP range of 120 to 245W, which indicates its capability to handle mid to high-end CPUs effectively. The combination of its six heat pipes and two PWM fans, which can operate at a maximum speed of 1500 RPM, ensures efficient cooling under load. On the other hand, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX, with its liquid cooling design, typically provides superior cooling performance, particularly in overclocking scenarios. This cooler is designed to maintain lower temperatures even under high workloads, making it more suitable for performance enthusiasts.

Noise Levels

When it comes to noise levels, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for an air cooler. In contrast, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX is engineered for minimal noise, thanks to its doubly decoupled pump, although specific decibel ratings are not provided. Generally, liquid coolers like the Pure Loop are expected to operate quieter than air coolers, especially under heavy loads, making it a potentially better choice for noise-sensitive builds.

Aesthetic Appeal

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB features colourful ARGB lighting effects, allowing for customisation to match a user's build aesthetics. This is a significant selling point for gamers and PC enthusiasts who value visual appeal. Conversely, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX incorporates a stylish all-black design with vibrant ARGB illumination, offering a premium look that fits well in modern builds. Its combination of aesthetics and functionality targets users who appreciate not only performance but also the overall appearance of their setup.

Installation and Compatibility

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel 115X/1200/1700 and AMD AM4. It comes with all necessary mounting hardware, ensuring a straightforward installation process. In contrast, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX supports a similar range of sockets, including Intel's latest and AMD's AM5, but its installation may be more complex due to the nature of liquid cooling systems. However, it features an easy-to-access refill port, allowing users to maintain the coolant levels conveniently, which is a unique aspect of this cooler.

Price Value Ratio

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is significantly more affordable at C$46.90, making it an excellent value for users who are looking for quality cooling without breaking the bank. It provides a good balance of performance and price, particularly for those not requiring high-end cooling solutions. Conversely, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX, priced at C$118.12, may seem expensive but offers advanced features and superior cooling performance, which could justify the price for users needing more cooling power, especially for overclocking.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB and the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective, efficient air cooler with decent performance and attractive aesthetics, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is a solid choice. However, if your priority is top-tier cooling performance, especially for high-end CPUs or overclocking, and you are willing to invest more, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your performance requirements and budget constraints.