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

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler offers a robust cooling solution priced at C$46.79. This cooler features a dual tower and dual fan design, which enhances its heat dissipation capabilities significantly. The cooler measures 125mm in length, 135mm in width, and 155mm in height, making it compatible with a wide range of chassis, including those with ITX motherboards. Its construction incorporates advanced materials like aluminum and fine micro-carved copper, which collectively increase the effective heat dissipation area.

The Peerless Assassin also includes dual PWM fans with a maximum air volume of 66.17 CFM, spinning at 1550 RPM. This combination of features positions the cooler as a strong contender for those seeking efficient thermal management for their CPUs.

Overview of the upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler

The upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler is priced slightly higher at C$49.99, but it presents a unique advantage with its ultra-compact 45mm design. This cooler is engineered specifically for space-constrained Mini ITX cases, providing high cooling performance without occupying excessive vertical space. Its design includes six heat pipes, ensuring efficient heat dissipation with a thermal design power (TDP) rating of 150W, making it suitable for mainstream CPUs.

Additionally, the H45K6 features a high-airflow 90mm fan that operates quietly at a maximum of 2800 RPM, pushing 35.34 CFM of airflow. This low-profile cooler guarantees zero RAM obstruction, making it ideal for builds where memory clearance is a concern.

Cooling Performance Comparison

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin outshines the upHere H45K6 with its dual fans and higher air volume capacity of 66.17 CFM compared to the H45K6's 35.34 CFM. The dual tower design of the Peerless Assassin enables it to handle more heat, which is crucial for high-performance CPUs. Furthermore, the Peerless Assassin's maximum fan speed of 1550 RPM ensures effective cooling under load.

Conversely, the H45K6, while offering efficient cooling for low-power CPUs, may not perform as effectively under sustained heavy workloads due to its lower air volume and single fan design. Thus, for users prioritizing maximum cooling efficiency, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin stands out.

Size and Compatibility

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin measures 155mm in height, which may pose a challenge for smaller cases but allows for compatibility with a wider range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5. This makes it a versatile option for various builds, albeit at the risk of fitting issues in compact spaces.

On the other hand, the upHere H45K6 is designed to fit effortlessly in tight Mini ITX cases with its 45mm height. This low-profile design is engineered to avoid interference with RAM and other components. While it supports a wide range of sockets as well, its compact size makes it the optimal choice for users with limited space.

Noise Levels

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin operates at a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a cooler with dual fans. This makes it suitable for users who seek a balance between performance and noise.

In contrast, the upHere H45K6 operates slightly louder at ≤27 dB(A), but it compensates for this with a high RPM range of 800-2800. While both coolers are designed for low noise operation, users may find the Thermalright model to be marginally quieter during peak operation, which could be a deciding factor for those prioritizing a silent computing environment.

Installation and Ease of Use

The installation process for the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is straightforward, with a focus on compatibility and ease with its dual tower design and included mounting kit for both Intel and AMD platforms. The clear installation instructions further facilitate a hassle-free setup.

The upHere H45K6 boasts a tool-free installation process that can be completed in under five minutes. This feature is particularly appealing for users who prefer a quick and easy setup, especially in compact builds. Its design allows for seamless integration without obstructing RAM slots, making it a user-friendly option.

Price and Value

With the Thermalright Peerless Assassin priced at C$46.79 and the upHere H45K6 at C$49.99, the Thermalright model is the more cost-effective option. However, the upHere cooler's design caters specifically to small form-factor builds, justifying its slightly higher price.

Both coolers offer distinct advantages: the Peerless Assassin for its superior cooling performance and the H45K6 for its compact design and ease of installation. Therefore, potential buyers should consider their specific needs and build constraints when evaluating the price-to-value ratio.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler and the upHere H45K6 Low Profile CPU Cooler hinges on your particular requirements. If you are looking for maximum cooling efficiency and do not mind the larger size, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is the better option due to its superior air volume and dual fan setup.

However, if you are working with a compact Mini ITX build and require a cooler that offers excellent compatibility without obstructing RAM, the upHere H45K6 stands out as the ideal choice. Each cooler has its strengths, making your specific use case the primary factor in your decision.