Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs Gamma A40 ARGB BK CPU Cooler

Price Comparison

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is priced at C$46.90, while the Gamma A40 ARGB BK CPU Cooler is significantly more affordable at C$29.09. This puts a clear price advantage in favour of the Gamma A40, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable cooling solution without breaking the bank. The price difference of C$17.81 may appeal to entry-level users or those building a system on a tighter budget, while the Thermalright model may attract users willing to invest a little more for potentially enhanced performance and features.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling capability, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin supports a thermal design power (TDP) of 120 to 245W, making it a robust choice for high-performance CPUs. On the other hand, the Gamma A40 supports up to 200W TDP. While both coolers are effective, the Peerless Assassin offers a higher upper limit, suggesting that it may be better suited for overclocked or more demanding systems. The performance difference may become crucial for users with powerful processors, where temperature management is essential for maintaining system stability.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin features a dual-tower cooling design, which is intended to improve airflow and cooling efficiency. Its dimensions are 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm, indicating a rather substantial cooler that can accommodate various setups. In contrast, the Gamma A40 is designed to be compact, with a height of only 133mm, making it versatile for smaller cases. Both coolers have a notable aesthetic appeal, with the Thermalright model boasting colourful ARGB lighting, while the Gamma A40 showcases a modern design with a top cover featuring round dot matrix elements.

Fan Specifications

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin comes equipped with two PWM fans, each sized at 120x120x25mm. These fans can achieve a maximum speed of 1500 RPM and deliver an airflow of 66.17 CFM, with a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A). This suggests that while the cooler performs efficiently, it also prioritizes quieter operation. In contrast, the Gamma A40 features a single 100mm high-performance fan, which provides better performance compared to other compact coolers, though specific airflow and noise levels are not detailed. The dual-fan setup of the Peerless Assassin may offer superior cooling for high-performance tasks.

Compatibility

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's 115X, 1200, 1700, and AMD's AM4. This broad compatibility allows it to cater to various system builds. The Gamma A40 also supports both Intel and AMD mainstream platforms, ensuring it can fit into many setups. However, the extensive socket support provided by the Peerless Assassin may make it a more versatile choice for users who anticipate changing their CPU or upgrading in the near future.

Installation Process

Both coolers are designed for ease of installation. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin includes metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms, indicating a straightforward installation process. Similarly, the Gamma A40 is highlighted for its easy installation, supporting mainstream platforms without complication. Users may find minor differences in setup time, but both products aim to minimize hassle, making them suitable for both novice and experienced builders.

Noise Levels

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin is designed to operate quietly, with a specified noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A). This makes it a great choice for users who are sensitive to noise or are building a system intended for quiet operation. The Gamma A40 does not provide specific noise level ratings, but it does mention improved performance from its fan compared to other compact coolers, which might imply a focus on quieter operation as well. However, without exact figures, the Peerless Assassin has a quantifiable edge in this area.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB and the Gamma A40 ARGB BK CPU Cooler largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a high-performance cooler capable of handling demanding CPUs and you value aesthetics with ARGB lighting, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is the way to go, despite its higher price of C$46.90. However, if you're on a budget and need a reliable cooler for a standard setup without the need for extreme cooling performance, the Gamma A40, priced at C$29.09, offers excellent value. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your performance requirements and budget constraints.