Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler vs ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB All-in-one AIO CPU Liquid Cooler AMD: AM5 & AM4 Intel: LG

Overview of Products

In this comparison, we will look at the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler and the ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB All-in-one AIO CPU Liquid Cooler. The Thermalright cooler retails for C$46.79, while the ASUS liquid cooler is priced significantly higher at C$159.99. This price difference indicates that the two products cater to different market segments, with the ASUS being a premium option.

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin offers better cooling capabilities with its dual tower and dual fan design, while the ASUS Prime LC 360 emphasizes aesthetics and advanced features like RGB lighting. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each cooler will help buyers make an informed decision.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is designed for superior cooling performance. Its dual tower and dual fan setup can achieve an air volume of 66.17 CFM at a maximum fan speed of 1550 RPM, making it a robust choice for heat dissipation. The cooler's effective design maximizes the heat dissipation area, ensuring that your CPU remains cool even under heavy workloads.

On the other hand, the ASUS Prime LC 360 employs a liquid cooling system, which generally provides better thermal performance than air cooling solutions. The specially designed CPU contact area enhances heat dissipation, which is crucial for high-performance CPUs. While specific airflow metrics are not provided for the ASUS cooler, its all-in-one liquid design indicates it can handle significant thermal loads efficiently.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics is an important factor for many users, especially those who build custom PCs. The ASUS Prime LC 360 features a futuristic design with customizable infinity mirror lenses, which adds a unique visual appeal to any build. Its high-performance pre-installed ARGB fans allow for extensive lighting customization, aligning perfectly with the aesthetics of ASUS Prime motherboards.

In contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin adopts a more utilitarian look with its black paint and dual tower design. While it may not offer the same level of visual flair as the ASUS, its sleek and sturdy appearance ensures it will fit well in various build styles. However, for users who prioritize RGB and flashy designs, the Thermalright might seem lacking.

Ease of Installation

When it comes to installation, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The cooler comes with metal fasteners compatible with both Intel and AMD platforms, ensuring a straightforward installation process. The inclusion of a mounting kit facilitates easy setup for users, regardless of their experience level.

The ASUS Prime LC 360 also focuses on ease of installation, featuring reinforced, sleeved tubing for increased durability. The all-in-one design eliminates the complexities typically associated with custom liquid cooling loops, making it an accessible choice for users who might be hesitant about liquid cooling. However, the larger size of the ASUS cooler may require careful consideration of chassis compatibility.

Compatibility

Compatibility is crucial for any CPU cooler, and both options cater to a wide range of systems. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin supports multiple Intel sockets, including LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200, LGA1700, and LGA1851, as well as AMD's AM4 and AM5 sockets. This extensive compatibility makes it a versatile choice for various CPU setups.

The ASUS Prime LC 360 is also designed for compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms. It supports the latest AM5 and AM4 sockets for AMD and various Intel sockets, ensuring it can accommodate a wide range of modern CPUs. This makes both coolers suitable for current and future builds, though users should always verify compatibility with their specific motherboards.

Noise Levels

Noise levels can significantly affect the user experience, especially in quiet environments. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a cooler with dual fans. This minimal noise output is an advantage for users looking for efficient cooling without excessive sound.

The ASUS Prime LC 360, being a liquid cooler, typically operates quieter than air coolers, especially under load. However, specific noise levels are not provided in the product details. Liquid coolers often produce lower noise levels due to the design of the pump and fans, but users should consider that the performance may vary based on fan speed settings and system load.

Price Consideration

The price difference between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin and the ASUS Prime LC 360 is significant. At C$46.79, the Thermalright offers excellent value for those seeking reliable air cooling without breaking the bank. Its performance and compatibility make it a strong contender in the budget category.

Conversely, the ASUS Prime LC 360's price of C$159.99 reflects its premium features and aesthetics. While it may be a higher investment, users looking for advanced cooling capabilities, especially for high-performance builds, may find the price justified. Ultimately, the choice may come down to whether the user prioritizes budget or advanced features.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler and the ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB All-in-one AIO CPU Liquid Cooler depends largely on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable, efficient air cooler with solid performance and compatibility across various platforms, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is an excellent choice.

However, if you desire higher performance, particularly for overclocking, and value aesthetics with customizable RGB lighting, the ASUS Prime LC 360 is worth the investment. Its advanced liquid cooling capabilities make it suitable for high-end setups. Ultimately, the decision should align with your cooling needs, budget constraints, and personal preferences regarding aesthetics and installation complexity.