Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler

Brand Overview

Both the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler come from Thermalright, a reputable Taiwanese brand with over 20 years in the cooling solutions market. This experience positions Thermalright as a significant player in both domestic and international markets. Both products benefit from the brand's commitment to research and development, ensuring high-quality components and innovative cooling technologies.

Design and Dimensions

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB features dimensions of 125mm in length, 135mm in width, and 155mm in height, making it a robust cooling solution for a variety of builds. In contrast, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is slightly more compact, measuring 125mm long, 71mm wide, and 148mm high. This difference in design may influence compatibility with certain cases, particularly for builds where space is a premium. The Peerless Assassin is better suited for larger cases, while the Assassin X offers a more compact option for medium-sized computer cases.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Peerless Assassin has a thermal design power (TDP) range of 120 to 245 watts, supported by six heat pipes and dual PWM fans. This allows it to manage higher thermal loads effectively. The Assassin X, on the other hand, has a TDP range of 125 to 225 watts with four heat pipes. While both coolers offer similar airflow ratings of 66.17 CFM, the Peerless Assassin's higher TDP capability may give it an edge in cooling performance, especially under heavy loads.

Fan Specifications

The Peerless Assassin is equipped with two PWM fans that can operate at a maximum speed of 1500 RPM, while the Assassin X features a single PWM fan with a slightly higher maximum speed of 1550 RPM. Both fans maintain a noise level of less than 25.6 dB(A), ensuring a quiet operation. The dual-fan setup of the Peerless Assassin allows for potentially better heat dissipation, making it a more effective choice for users who demand optimal cooling performance during intense operations.

Build Quality and Materials

Both coolers are constructed with high-quality aluminum heat sinks and come with metal fasteners for secure installation on both Intel and AMD platforms. The Peerless Assassin weighs 0.97 kg, while the Assassin X is lighter at 0.645 kg. The lower weight of the Assassin X may appeal to users looking for a less cumbersome installation, but the Peerless Assassin’s slightly heavier design suggests a sturdier build that may better withstand the rigours of high-performance computing.

Compatibility

Both the Peerless Assassin and the Assassin X are compatible with a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel's 115X/1200/1700/17XX and AMD's AM4. They come with corresponding mounting plates and fasteners for each platform, simplifying the installation process. This commonality ensures that either cooler can be easily integrated into a wide range of systems, making them versatile options for users with different hardware preferences.

Price Comparison

In terms of pricing, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is priced at C$46.90, whereas the Assassin X is significantly more affordable at C$25.59. This difference of C$21.31 may be a decisive factor for budget-conscious consumers who still want to achieve effective cooling without overspending. Despite the higher price, the Peerless Assassin offers additional features and a more robust cooling capability, which may justify the cost for performance-oriented users.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB and the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE depends on individual needs and budget. If you are looking for superior cooling performance, especially for high-end CPUs, and are willing to invest a bit more, the Peerless Assassin is the better option. However, if you're on a tighter budget and need a reliable cooling solution for moderate workloads, the Assassin X provides excellent value without sacrificing essential features.