Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black

Brand Overview

Thermalright and Noctua are both reputable brands in the CPU cooling market, but they cater to slightly different audiences. Thermalright has over 20 years of experience and is known for its innovative cooling solutions, while Noctua is renowned for its premium builds and performance, having received more than 150 awards for its products.

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB focuses on providing a balance of performance and aesthetics with its ARGB lighting, while Noctua's NH-D15S chromax.Black prioritises high compatibility and quiet operation, reinforced by a solid six-year warranty.

Design & Aesthetics

When it comes to design, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB features a sleek, dual-tower design complemented by colourful ARGB lighting effects. This cooler measures 125mm x 135mm x 155mm and weighs approximately 0.97 kg, making it a compact yet powerful option.

On the other hand, the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black sports an all-black design that fits well with various build aesthetics. Its asymmetrical single-fan design allows for dual-tower performance while maintaining compatibility with most tower cases. With a height of 160mm, it provides excellent cooling performance without blocking PCIe slots, making it an excellent choice for high-performance setups.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is equipped with advanced AGHP technology and six copper heat pipes, allowing it to handle a TDP of 120 to 245W. This means it is ideal for users looking to push their CPUs to the limit. The two PWM fans operate at a maximum speed of 1,500 RPM and can generate an airflow of up to 66.17 CFM with a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A).

Conversely, the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black utilises a renowned NF-A15 140mm fan that offers whisper-quiet operation at idle and full performance under load. The cooler's efficient design allows it to maintain excellent temperatures, especially for high-end CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 9 series and Intel Core Ultra processors.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a crucial aspect when considering CPU coolers, and both products excel in this area. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including Intel 115X, 1200, 1700, and AMD AM4, ensuring versatility for most builds.

Meanwhile, the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is also highly compatible, supporting Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, and LGA 115x as well as AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. This makes it a versatile choice for users looking to upgrade or build a new system with various CPU options.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many PC builders, especially those who prefer a quieter environment. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB operates at a maximum noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a high-performance cooler.

In contrast, the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is designed for ultra-quiet operation, particularly at idle thanks to its Low-Noise Adaptor. While specific noise levels are not provided, users generally report that Noctua fans are among the quietest available, making them a favourite among audiophiles and silent PC enthusiasts alike.

Installation Process

The installation process can significantly affect user experience, and both coolers have made efforts to simplify this. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB comes with metal fasteners compatible with both Intel and AMD platforms, making installation straightforward.

The Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black features the SecuFirm2 mounting system, which is designed for easy installation on a wide variety of Intel and AMD sockets. Additionally, it includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste, ensuring optimal thermal conductivity right out of the box, further enhancing the user experience.

Price & Value

Price is a significant differentiator between these two coolers. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is priced at C$46.90, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking for effective cooling without breaking the bank.

In contrast, the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is considerably more expensive at C$149.95. However, this price reflects its premium build quality, extensive awards, and the reputation Noctua has built over the years. For users who demand top-tier performance and reliability, the investment may be justified.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB and the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution that still offers solid performance and eye-catching design, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you require maximum cooling efficiency, quiet operation, and are willing to invest in a premium product, the Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black is the cooler for you.