Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler vs Noctua NH-U12S

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and Noctua NH-U12S

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and Noctua NH-U12S are two highly regarded CPU coolers, each offering unique features and performance. The Thermalright model is priced at C$54.90, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the Noctua, which retails for C$79.95. Both coolers are designed to deliver efficient cooling for a range of Intel and AMD processors, but they achieve this through different design philosophies and technologies.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 boasts a robust construction with dimensions of 125mm (L) x 135mm (W) x 155mm (H) and features an aluminium fin on a copper base. This cooler weighs in at 610g, indicating a solid build. In contrast, the Noctua NH-U12S features a classic slim-tower design that is optimized for compatibility with most cases, RAM, and PCIe slots, ensuring that it does not overhang these components. While the Thermalright's construction focuses on raw cooling performance, Noctua’s design prioritizes compatibility and ease of installation, enhanced by a 6-year warranty.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is engineered for extreme performance, featuring 6 copper heat pipes and a maximum thermal dissipation capability of up to 265 watts. It includes dual PWM fans that can reach up to 1850 RPM with an airflow of 88.19 CFM, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. The Noctua NH-U12S, on the other hand, utilises a highly optimised NF-F12 120mm Focused Flow fan, designed for quiet operation with PWM control. While Noctua does not specify a maximum cooling capacity, its long-standing reputation in cooling technology suggests reliable performance, especially for high-end CPUs.

Noise Levels

Noise is a critical factor in CPU cooling, and here the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 operates at a maximum noise level of 29.5 dB(A), which is quite reasonable for a cooler of its performance class. The Noctua NH-U12S is designed for ultra-quiet operation, featuring a Low-Noise Adaptor that allows it to operate at lower RPMs when full cooling power isn’t necessary. Although specific noise ratings are not provided for the Noctua, its reputation for quiet performance is well-established, making it a preferred choice for noise-sensitive environments.

Compatibility

Both coolers offer extensive compatibility with a range of current CPU sockets. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 supports Intel sockets such as LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115X, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. It includes the necessary mounting hardware for easy installation across these platforms. The Noctua NH-U12S also supports a wide variety of sockets, including Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 115x, and AMD AM5 and AM4. This broad compatibility makes both coolers suitable for a wide range of builds, ensuring that users can find a suitable option regardless of their preferred CPU.

Installation Process

Installation ease is an important consideration for many users. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 comes with metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms, ensuring a straightforward installation process. The included mounting instructions are designed to guide users through the setup. Meanwhile, Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system is renowned for its ease of use, making installation straightforward and secure across various platforms. This attention to installation detail is a hallmark of Noctua's products, often resulting in a more user-friendly experience.

Price Comparison

In terms of pricing, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is significantly more affordable at C$54.90 compared to the Noctua NH-U12S, which is priced at C$79.95. This price difference of C$25.05 may make the Thermalright a more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers or those building a system without the need for premium features. However, it’s important to weigh this cost against the performance and reliability that Noctua offers, which may justify the higher price for some users.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and the Noctua NH-U12S ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution that offers excellent cooling capabilities and robust construction, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is a great choice at C$54.90. Conversely, if you prioritise quiet operation, compatibility, and a premium build quality, the Noctua NH-U12S, while pricier at C$79.95, may be worth the investment. Both coolers provide solid performance, but your final decision should align with the features that matter most to you.