Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler offers a competitive cooling solution at a price of C$46.90. With a robust design that includes a double tower cooling system, this cooler is engineered for efficient heat dissipation. The dimensions of the Peerless Assassin are 125mm in length, 135mm in width, and 155mm in height, making it a compact yet powerful option for various builds. It is equipped with two PWM fans that can reach speeds of up to 1500 RPM and provide an airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of less than 25.6 dB(A).

Overview of Thermalright PS120SE ARGB

In contrast, the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is positioned at a higher price point of C$63.68. It features an upgraded AGHP technology with seven heat pipes, allowing for superior cooling performance. Measuring 125mm in length, 135mm in width, and 154mm in height, it is slightly taller than its counterpart. Like the Peerless Assassin, the PS120SE also employs two PWM fans with the same specifications in terms of speed and airflow. However, it boasts an extended industrial service life of up to 20,000 hours, thanks to its S-FDB bearings.

Cooling Performance

Cooling performance is a crucial aspect of any CPU cooler, and both the Thermalright Peerless Assassin and the PS120SE excel in this area. The Peerless Assassin is rated for a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 120 to 245W, making it suitable for high-performance CPUs. Its dual tower design and six heat pipes ensure effective heat dissipation. On the other hand, the PS120SE, with its seven heat pipes and advanced AGHP technology, offers enhanced cooling capabilities and is designed to mitigate any inverse gravity effects during operation. Both coolers operate at a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), ensuring a quiet computing experience.

Build Quality and Design

Both coolers are built with high-quality materials aimed at longevity and performance. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin incorporates a combination of aluminum for the heat sink and pure copper for the base, while the PS120SE takes it a step further with anodized black frosted top and finely carved pure copper base technology. This not only enhances durability but also maximizes the heat dissipation area. The PS120SE also incorporates a design that avoids memory interference, making it more versatile for various builds, while both coolers present a sleek and modern aesthetic with ARGB lighting.

Compatibility

Compatibility is essential when choosing a CPU cooler, and both the Thermalright Peerless Assassin and the PS120SE cater to a wide range of CPU sockets. The Peerless Assassin supports Intel sockets 115X, 1200, 1700, and 17XX, along with AMD AM4. The PS120SE has a broader compatibility range, supporting Intel LGA1700, 1851, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and 1200, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. This makes the PS120SE a more flexible option for users who may upgrade their hardware in the future.

Installation Process

Both coolers are designed with user-friendly installation processes in mind. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin comes with metal fasteners for easy installation on both Intel and AMD platforms. The included mounting plates and fasteners simplify the setup for various CPU socket types. Similarly, the PS120SE provides corresponding mounting plates and fasteners, and the installation instructions are designed to be straightforward. Both products aim to make the installation experience hassle-free for users with varying levels of expertise.

Aesthetics and RGB Features

Aesthetics play a significant role in many PC builds, and both coolers offer impressive ARGB lighting. The Peerless Assassin features colorful and gorgeous ARGB light effects that enhance its visual appeal. Meanwhile, the PS120SE takes this further with high-brightness LED atomizing ARGB fan blades, which provide softer lighting effects and up to 17 modes of light effects. This allows for greater customization and synchronisation with the motherboard, making the PS120SE a more attractive option for those focused on aesthetics.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB and the PS120SE ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for an affordable, efficient cooling solution, the Peerless Assassin at C$46.90 is a solid choice, offering strong performance and compatibility for most users. However, if you are willing to invest a bit more for enhanced features like improved cooling technology, greater compatibility, and superior aesthetics, the PS120SE at C$63.68 could be the better option. Both coolers deliver excellent performance, but the PS120SE's advanced features may justify its higher price for enthusiasts and gamers seeking the best in cooling performance.