Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler Air with 4×6mm HeatPipes

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler are two options from the same brand, catering to different performance and budget needs. Priced at C$54.90, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 boasts advanced features suitable for high-performance cooling, while the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is more budget-friendly at C$24.90, appealing to users looking for decent cooling without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 emphasizes performance, featuring dimensions of 125mm x 135mm x 155mm and a solid construction with an aluminum fin and pure copper heat pipes. It weighs in at 610 grams, ensuring durability and effective heat dissipation. In comparison, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark has more compact dimensions of 120mm x 73mm x 156mm and is lighter, contributing to its easier installation. Its all-aluminum fins enhance its aesthetic appeal, particularly with the anodic black brushed top cover, which also elevates its thermal performance.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 stands out with its six pure copper heat pipes and a total thermal design power (TDP) of up to 265 watts. This makes it suitable for high-end CPUs, ensuring that even overclocked processors maintain optimal temperatures. Conversely, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark features four 6mm heat pipes but doesn't specify a maximum TDP, indicating it is better suited for mid-range CPUs. Both coolers utilize PWM fans, but the Peerless Assassin's fan, rated at 1850 RPM, provides a higher airflow of 88.19 CFM, offering superior cooling efficiency.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for users seeking a quieter computing experience. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 operates at a maximum noise level of 29.5 dB(A), making it relatively quiet during operation, especially under load. The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark, while not explicitly stated, is designed with a PWM temperature control function that automatically adjusts fan speeds according to CPU temperature. This feature likely helps in maintaining lower noise levels, but the exact dB(A) rating is not provided, leaving some uncertainty in comparison to the Peerless Assassin.

Compatibility

Both coolers offer broad compatibility across various Intel and AMD platforms. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 supports Intel sockets LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115X, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. The Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark also supports a similar range of Intel sockets including LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, and 1700, along with AMD AM4 and AM5. This makes both coolers versatile options for users looking to upgrade or build a new system, ensuring that either choice will fit a variety of setups.

Installation Process

The installation process is made easier by both coolers, which come with metal fasteners and mounting plates for different CPU slots. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 specifies that it includes installation instructions and is designed to mitigate the inverse gravity effect caused by vertical or horizontal orientations. The Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark also provides corresponding mounting plates but notes that users must utilize the original backplate for AM4/AM5 installations. This attention to installation detail in both models makes them user-friendly for builders of all experience levels.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

In terms of price-to-performance ratio, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is hard to beat at its price of C$24.90, delivering adequate cooling for mid-range builds. However, for users requiring more robust cooling capabilities, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2, while more expensive at C$54.90, justifies its higher price through superior materials, design, and performance efficiency. The significant difference in price reflects the differences in capabilities, making it important for consumers to assess their specific cooling needs before making a decision.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark comes down to individual needs and budget. If you are seeking high-performance cooling for demanding applications and are willing to invest more for superior thermal management, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is the better choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget or have less demanding cooling requirements, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark offers good performance at a lower price point, making it a solid option for mid-range systems.