Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler

Overview of the Products

In the realm of CPU cooling solutions, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler and the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler stand out as two distinct offerings. The Peerless Assassin is priced at C$46.90, while the Frozen Notte comes in at a higher C$65.37. This price difference reflects the varying technologies and performance levels that each cooler provides, which are particularly important for gamers and PC enthusiasts seeking optimal thermal management.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin features a double tower design with a robust aluminum heat sink and pure copper heat pipes, ensuring effective heat dissipation. Weighing 0.97 kg, it boasts dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm. In contrast, the Thermalright Frozen Notte, with its 360mm radiator, incorporates a full copper mirror plane base and a high polymer woven protective water pipe, making it more complex and potentially more effective for cooling high-performance CPUs. Both products are built for durability, but the water-cooling design of the Frozen Notte suggests a higher cooling capacity.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Frozen Notte is expected to outperform the Peerless Assassin due to its water-cooling capabilities. The Frozen Notte can achieve fan speeds of up to 2000 RPM and an airflow of 72.37 CFM, which is higher than the Peerless Assassin’s maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM at a speed of 1500 RPM. The Frozen Notte also features a high-performance cold head that ensures efficient cooling with a maximum noise level of 27.7 dBA, compared to the Peerless Assassin's quieter operation at 25.6 dBA. This indicates that while both coolers are effective, the Frozen Notte is designed for more intensive cooling scenarios.

Fan Technology

Both coolers utilize PWM fan technology, allowing for dynamic speed adjustments based on CPU temperature. The Peerless Assassin comes with two 120mm fans, while the Frozen Notte is equipped with three fans, enhancing its cooling efficiency. The additional fan in the Frozen Notte aids in creating a more substantial airflow, contributing to its superior cooling performance. The Peerless Assassin's fans operate at a maximum speed of 1500 RPM, while the Frozen Notte's fans can reach speeds of 2000 RPM, showcasing a significant difference in potential airflow.

Lighting Features

The ARGB lighting features of both coolers add an aesthetic appeal for PC builders. The Peerless Assassin has colorful ARGB effects that enhance its visual presence, while the Frozen Notte offers synchronized ARGB lighting effects that can connect to the motherboard, allowing for a dazzling display of colours. This synchronization feature can elevate the overall look of a gaming setup, making the Frozen Notte more appealing to those who prioritise aesthetics alongside performance.

Compatibility

In terms of compatibility, both coolers support a wide range of CPU sockets, making them versatile choices for various builds. The Peerless Assassin is compatible with Intel sockets 115X/1200/1700/17XX and AMD AM4, while the Frozen Notte supports a broader range, including Intel sockets LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/2011/2066/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. This extensive compatibility makes the Frozen Notte a more flexible option for users who may switch CPUs in the future.

Price Comparison

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin is priced at C$46.90, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking reliable air cooling. In contrast, the Frozen Notte is available for C$65.37, reflecting its advanced water-cooling technology and enhanced performance capabilities. The price difference of C$18.47 is significant, particularly for budget-conscious consumers, but it also highlights the additional features and cooling performance that come with the Frozen Notte.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler and the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable, efficient air cooler for general use, the Peerless Assassin is a commendable choice. However, if you require superior cooling and are willing to invest a bit more, the Frozen Notte’s advanced design, higher airflow, and ARGB synchronization make it the better option for high-performance systems.