Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler 45mm Height - 6 Heat Pipes

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is a robust CPU air cooler designed for high-performance cooling. Priced at C$46.90, this cooler features a dual tower design with a total height of 155mm, allowing for effective heat dissipation. The cooler is equipped with two 120mm PWM fans that deliver airflow rates of up to 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), ensuring a balance between performance and quiet operation. With a TDP rating of 120 to 245W, it is suitable for a range of CPU applications, making it a versatile choice for gamers and professionals alike.

Overview of the upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler

The upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler comes with a compact design, standing at just 45mm tall, and is priced at C$49.99. This cooler is designed specifically for space-constrained environments like Mini ITX cases, providing compatibility across a range of Intel and AMD sockets, including AM4 and LGA 1700. It features six heat pipes that facilitate efficient heat transfer while a slim 90mm fan operates at speeds between 800 to 2800 RPM, delivering airflow of 35.34 CFM at a noise level of 27 dB(A). This cooler's design ensures that RAM slots remain unobstructed, making it an excellent choice for compact builds.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is built for higher TDP workloads, supporting CPUs with TDP ratings between 120W to 245W. This makes it an ideal choice for overclocking and demanding gaming scenarios. The dual tower design and two fans contribute to its superior cooling capacity, providing efficient airflow that can handle intensive tasks. Conversely, the upHere H45K6, with its six heat pipes, is designed for mainstream CPUs with a TDP of 150W. While it excels in compact builds, its performance might not match that of the Thermalright in high-demand situations.

Noise Levels

When comparing noise levels, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin operates at a maximum of 25.6 dB(A), making it notably quieter than the upHere H45K6, which has a noise level of up to 27 dB(A). Although the difference is minimal, the quieter operation of the Thermalright allows it to be a more suitable option for users who prioritize silent computing. Both coolers feature PWM fans that adjust speed based on thermal demands, but the Thermalright edges out slightly in terms of overall noise performance.

Compatibility

The compatibility of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is extensive, supporting a variety of CPU sockets including Intel's LGA 115X/1200/1700 and AMD's AM4. It comes with necessary mounting hardware for easy installation across different platforms. The upHere H45K6 also boasts universal hardware compatibility, supporting Intel LGA 1851/1700/115x/1200/2011/2066 and AMD AM5/AM4/AM3 sockets. Both products are designed to avoid interference with RAM and other components, making them versatile choices for different systems. However, the upHere's low-profile design may be more beneficial for users with limited space.

Installation Process

The installation of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin requires a bit more space due to its larger size, but it comes with all necessary mounting hardware for straightforward setup. In contrast, the upHere H45K6 is designed for tool-free installation that can be completed in under five minutes, making it exceptionally user-friendly, particularly for those building compact systems. The ease of installation is a crucial factor for many users, and the upHere may appeal more to those seeking a hassle-free setup experience.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetically, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB offers colorful ARGB light effects, enhancing the visual appeal of any gaming rig. This cooler's design not only focuses on performance but also caters to users who appreciate stylish components. On the other hand, the upHere H45K6 has a more utilitarian look, prioritizing functionality over flashy aesthetics. While it may not have the same visual flair, its compact design is practical for smaller builds where space is at a premium.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB and the upHere H45K6 largely depends on your specific needs and system requirements. If you are looking for high performance, especially for overclocking and demanding applications, the Thermalright cooler is the superior choice with its higher TDP capacity and quieter operation. However, if you are constrained for space and need something that fits into a compact build without sacrificing too much cooling power, the upHere H45K6 is exceptionally well-suited for that purpose. Overall, your decision should be based on your cooling needs, case size, and aesthetic preferences.