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

Brand Overview

Both the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler come from Thermalright, a brand with over 20 years of experience in the cooling solutions market. The Peerless Assassin is priced at C$48.90, while the Assassin King is more budget-friendly at C$24.59. This price difference reflects their respective features and specifications, appealing to different segments of users, from casual gamers to more serious enthusiasts.

Thermalright has built a reputation for high-performance cooling products, and both coolers showcase this legacy. The Peerless Assassin features a dual tower heatsink configuration, while the Assassin King offers a compact design suitable for medium-sized cases. Each product aims to deliver efficient cooling while maintaining a balance between performance and noise levels, making them suitable for various builds.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of both coolers are impressive, yet they cater to different user needs. The Peerless Assassin measures 125mm x 135mm x 155mm, which allows for a more extensive heatsink area, while the Assassin King is more compact at 120mm x 73mm x 148mm. This size difference allows the Peerless Assassin to potentially provide better cooling performance due to its larger heatsink and dual tower design.

Both coolers are constructed with aluminum and copper materials, ensuring durability and effective heat dissipation. However, the Peerless Assassin's use of six 6mm heat pipes compared to the Assassin King's five 6mm pipes may contribute to a more efficient heat exchange. Users looking for a cooler with a more striking aesthetic will appreciate the ARGB lighting found in both models, enhancing the overall visual appeal of a gaming rig.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Peerless Assassin is designed for higher thermal demands, with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) that can manage heat more effectively due to its dual tower configuration and additional heat pipes. The Peerless model's fan speed reaches 1550 RPM, offering a rated airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), ensuring it operates quietly under load.

The Assassin King, while slightly less robust in cooling capabilities, still delivers commendable performance. It shares the same fan speed and airflow ratings but is designed for TDPs between 125 to 235W. This makes it suitable for mid-tier systems but may not be as effective for high-performance CPUs. The lower price of the Assassin King makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who do not require extreme cooling performance.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a crucial factor when selecting a CPU cooler, and both models excel in this area. The Peerless Assassin supports a wide range of Intel sockets, including LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851, as well as AMD sockets AM4 and AM5. However, it is important to note that users need to use the original motherboard's built-in backplate for the AM4 and AM5 installations, which is not included.

On the other hand, the Assassin King also supports a variety of sockets, including Intel's 115X, 1200, 1700, and AMD's AM4 and AM5. Both coolers provide the necessary mounting hardware for easy installation, making either cooler a practical choice for users looking to upgrade their CPU cooling solutions without compatibility issues.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are a significant consideration for many users, especially those who prefer a quieter computing environment. Both the Peerless Assassin and the Assassin King feature fans that operate at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A). This means that both coolers are relatively quiet during operation, making them suitable for gaming or work environments where low noise is essential.

Despite their similar noise levels, the Peerless Assassin may have an edge in efficiency due to its larger heatsink and dual fan setup. This configuration allows it to manage heat more effectively, potentially reducing the need for higher fan speeds under load, thereby maintaining the same low noise levels while offering superior cooling performance.

Installation

Installation is straightforward for both coolers, with Thermalright providing all necessary mounting hardware. The Peerless Assassin's SS2 installation system and metal pressure plate ensure secure contact with the CPU, enhancing thermal performance. Its dimensions, while larger, allow for good RAM clearance, thanks to cutouts in the heatsink design.

The Assassin King, being more compact, is easier to fit into tighter spaces, making it an excellent choice for smaller builds. Its installation process is also designed to be user-friendly, with compatible mounting plates and fasteners provided for both Intel and AMD systems. Users will find both coolers manageable to install, regardless of their level of experience.

Price Point

Price is a significant factor when comparing the Thermalright Peerless Assassin and the Assassin King. The Peerless Assassin is priced at C$48.90, reflecting its advanced features and superior cooling capabilities. In contrast, the Assassin King is much more affordable at C$24.59, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users or those with moderate cooling needs.

The price difference represents a trade-off between performance and cost. While the Peerless Assassin offers enhanced cooling performance, the Assassin King provides solid performance for a fraction of the price. This makes the latter a compelling choice for users who may not require the highest levels of cooling but still want a reliable and effective solution.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you seek high-performance cooling for an enthusiast-level build and are willing to invest a bit more, the Peerless Assassin is the clear choice. Its superior design, enhanced cooling capabilities, and dual tower configuration make it ideal for demanding applications.

However, if you're on a budget or building a mid-tier system, the Assassin King offers excellent value for its price. It provides sufficient cooling performance for most users while maintaining low noise levels and easy installation. Ultimately, both coolers represent Thermalright's commitment to quality, making either a solid choice depending on your requirements.