Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus CPU Cooler 4 Heat Pipes with AGHP Technology

Design and Physical Dimensions

Both coolers share Thermalright's expertise in thermal cooling solutions, yet they differ notably in their physical footprints. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is larger at 125mm length by 135mm width by 155mm height, making it a more substantial heatsink assembly. In contrast, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus is more compact at 120mm length by 96mm width by 154mm height. This size difference is significant if you're working with space-constrained cases or near RAM modules. The Peerless Assassin uses an aluminium and copper construction with a dual tower heatsink configuration, whilst the Assassin X features a pure aluminium cooling fin design. Both include metal fastening systems and pressure plates designed to optimise CPU contact, though their approaches to thermal transfer differ in material composition and structural layout.

Heat Pipe Technology

Heat pipe technology forms the core performance differentiator between these two models. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE incorporates six 6mm heat pipes equipped with AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology. These six pure copper heat pipes are soldered onto a copper base, providing multiple pathways for heat dissipation and a larger thermal capacity overall. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus, meanwhile, uses four 6mm heat pipes with the same AGHP technology. Whilst both employ AGHP to handle vertical and horizontal installation orientations effectively, the Peerless Assassin's additional two heat pipes offer theoretically superior heat distribution and absorption capability, which could translate to better cooling performance under heavy loads or sustained workloads.

Fan Performance and Noise Levels

The Peerless Assassin 120 SE comes equipped with two high-performance ARGB fans, each rated at 1550 RPM with a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM and a noise level rated at 25.6 dB(A) or lower. These dual-fan configuration provides active cooling from multiple angles and redundancy. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus features a single 120mm PWM fan with S-FDB bearings, which are specifically designed to minimise vibration and noise while maintaining cooling performance. The single-fan design in the Assassin X creates a simpler, quieter operation, though with potentially reduced airflow capacity compared to the dual-fan Peerless Assassin. Both coolers prioritise low-noise operation, but the Assassin X's S-FDB bearing technology and single-fan approach may appeal to users prioritising silent operation.

Compatibility and Installation

Both coolers provide broad socket compatibility across modern Intel and AMD platforms. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE supports Intel LGA1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851, alongside AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. Installation on AMD platforms requires using your motherboard's built-in backplate, not included with the cooler. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus covers Intel 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 17XX, plus AMD AM4 and AM5. Thermalright provides mounting plates and fasteners for different platforms with the Assassin X, along with video guides for installation support. Both coolers feature RAM-clearance cutouts where applicable, though the Peerless Assassin's larger width (135mm) may pose tighter clearance challenges in some configurations compared to the Assassin X's 96mm width.

Price and Value Proposition

The price difference between these two coolers is substantial. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE currently retails for C$48.90, having held a stable price around C$47.72 to C$48.90 over the past three months. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus is significantly more budget-friendly at C$25.90, maintaining this consistent price across recent months. At nearly half the cost, the Assassin X represents exceptional value for users seeking reliable cooling without premium features. The Peerless Assassin commands a higher price, reflecting its dual-fan design and additional heat pipes, justifying the premium for those demanding maximum cooling capacity.

Market Performance and Reliability

The Peerless Assassin 120 SE ranks at position 1 in the bestseller category for CPU coolers, indicating strong market adoption and user satisfaction. Its sales rank of 342 reflects solid ongoing demand. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus achieved a bestseller rank of 7, showing respectable popularity, though its sales rank of 10,068 suggests lower overall sales volume. The Peerless Assassin's leading bestseller position suggests widespread confidence in its performance and reliability. The Assassin X, whilst lower in sales volume, still maintains a strong bestseller rating, indicating quality and dependability. Both coolers benefit from Thermalright's two decades of thermal cooling expertise and are built with industrial-strength materials including PBT and PC components designed for longevity.

Thermal Capacity and Workload Suitability

The structural differences between these coolers suggest varying suitability for different workloads. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE, with its six heat pipes, dual tower configuration, dual fans, and larger surface area, is engineered for sustained high-performance cooling. This makes it ideal for users running intensive workloads, overclocking enthusiasts, or those building high-end gaming and content-creation systems. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus, with four heat pipes and a single fan, delivers solid cooling performance suitable for standard gaming, productivity work, and moderate CPU loads. Its compact design and single-fan setup make it particularly attractive for build scenarios where noise and space are priorities over maximum thermal headroom.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE if you prioritise maximum cooling performance, are building a high-end system with a powerful CPU, or anticipate sustained heavy workloads. Its dual-fan design, six heat pipes, and bestseller-ranked status justify the C$48.90 investment for users who value cooling capacity and are willing to accommodate its larger footprint.

Choose the Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus if you seek excellent value, prioritise a quieter single-fan design, have space constraints, or use your system for moderate workloads such as general gaming or productivity. At C$25.90, it delivers reliable Thermalright cooling technology with proven AGHP heat pipes at half the price of the Peerless Assassin, making it an intelligent choice for budget-conscious builders and those valuing simplicity over maximum thermal capacity.