Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler vs be Quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 240mm

Overview of the Products

In this comparison, we will look at the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler and the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 240mm. The former is priced at C$48.90, while the latter is significantly more expensive at C$118.12. Both products cater to users seeking efficient cooling solutions for their CPUs, but they take different approaches to achieve their cooling performance.

Design and Aesthetics

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE features a dual tower heatsink configuration that is both functional and visually appealing. It is equipped with two high-performance ARGB fans, providing not only efficient cooling but also vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX boasts an all-black design complemented by aluminum-style accents, giving it a sleek and modern look. This cooler also includes ARGB illumination, which enhances its aesthetic appeal. Overall, while both coolers offer eye-catching designs, the choice may come down to personal preference regarding colour schemes and materials.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE utilises six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology, designed to optimise heat exchange and support various installation orientations. This cooler's dual fans can reach speeds of up to 1550 RPM, with a maximum airflow rating of 66.17 CFM. On the other hand, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX features two high-speed Light Wings 120mm PWM fans that are engineered for high air pressure, ensuring efficient cooling performance. Although specific CFM ratings for the be quiet! model are not provided, its double decoupled PWM pump is designed for quiet operation, which may be advantageous in noise-sensitive environments.

Compatibility

Compatibility is crucial when selecting a CPU cooler, and both the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX offer extensive socket support. The Thermalright cooler is compatible with Intel sockets LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. However, it requires the original motherboard's built-in backplate for AM4 and AM5 installations. The be quiet! model supports Intel sockets 1700, 1200, 2066, 1150, 1151, 1155, and 2011(-3) Square ILM, along with AMD AM4 and AM5. Both products provide a broad range of compatibility, making either a viable choice for most builds.

Installation Process

The installation process can significantly impact the user experience. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE features an SS2 install system and a metal pressure plate designed to ensure better contact with the CPU. This can simplify the installation process, but users must remember to use the motherboard's backplate for AM4 and AM5 compatibility. The be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX is designed for ease of use with an accessible refill port and an included coolant bottle, which may appeal to those looking for a liquid cooling solution with minimal hassle. However, liquid cooling can be more complex to install compared to air coolers.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many users, especially those building a quiet gaming or workstation environment. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE operates at a rated noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for an air cooler. In comparison, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX is designed with a doubly decoupled PWM pump that aims to minimise vibration and noise, although specific decibel ratings are not provided. If noise levels are a primary concern, users may gravitate towards the be quiet! model due to its emphasis on quiet operation.

Price Consideration

Price is a significant factor when choosing between these two coolers. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is priced at a budget-friendly C$48.90, making it an attractive option for those looking for performance without breaking the bank. In contrast, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX comes in at C$118.12, which reflects its liquid cooling capabilities and additional features. This price difference of C$69.22 may lead budget-conscious consumers to favour the Thermalright cooler unless they specifically require the benefits of liquid cooling offered by the be quiet! model.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable air cooler that provides solid performance with a visually appealing design, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritise quieter operation and the advantages of liquid cooling, the be quiet! Pure Loop 2 FX may be worth the higher price. Consider your budget, aesthetic preferences, and cooling performance requirements when making your final decision.