Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler vs Thermalright AXP90 X47 Full Low Profile CPU Cooler

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and AXP90 X47

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and the AXP90 X47 are both high-performance CPU coolers from Thermalright, designed for different use cases. The Peerless Assassin is priced at C$54.90, while the AXP90 X47 is more budget-friendly at C$43.39. The choice between these two coolers primarily hinges on your specific cooling needs and system requirements.

The Peerless Assassin boasts a larger size and a dual fan system, which allows for enhanced airflow and cooling efficiency. In contrast, the AXP90 X47 is designed as a low-profile cooler, making it suitable for compact builds where space is at a premium. Understanding these distinctions is key to making an informed decision.

Design and Dimensions

The Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 measures 125mm x 135mm x 155mm, making it a substantial cooler ideal for mid to full-sized cases. This larger size enables it to house dual thickened PWM fans, which significantly improves its cooling potential. On the other hand, the AXP90 X47 has a compact design, measuring just 94.5mm x 95mm x 47mm. This low profile allows it to fit in smaller cases, such as HTPCs or ITX builds, where height limitations are a concern.

While the Peerless Assassin is heavier at 610g, the AXP90 X47's lightweight construction is advantageous for smaller builds, easing installation and reducing strain on the motherboard. The choice here will depend on whether you require robust cooling for high-performance components or a compact solution for space-constrained setups.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 outshines its competitor with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating of up to 265W. This impressive capability is achieved through its six 6mm heat pipes and dual fans that can generate an airflow of 88.19 CFM at a maximum noise level of 29.5 dB(A). Such specifications make it suitable for demanding applications and overclocking.

Conversely, the AXP90 X47, with its four 6mm heat pipes and a single 92mm PWM fan, provides a maximum airflow of 42.58 CFM and operates at a quieter 22.4 dB(A). While it effectively cools lower TDP CPUs, it may not be the best choice for high-performance or overclocked systems. Therefore, if maximum cooling is your priority, the Peerless Assassin is the clear winner.

Fan Technology

The Peerless Assassin features dual TL-C12C-X28 V2 PWM fans, each measuring 120mm, which allows for greater cooling capacity and efficiency. These fans can reach speeds of up to 1850 RPM, contributing to its superior airflow and cooling performance. The design is optimised to provide noise levels of 29.5 dB(A), which is relatively quiet considering the cooling power.

In contrast, the AXP90 X47 utilises a single 92mm PWM fan that runs at a maximum speed of 2700 RPM. This setup is designed for quieter operation, with noise levels around 22.4 dB(A). However, the single fan design does limit its overall cooling performance compared to the dual fan system of the Peerless Assassin. Thus, if fan technology and cooling efficiency are paramount, the Peerless Assassin holds a significant advantage.

Compatibility

Compatibility is crucial when selecting a CPU cooler, and both the Peerless Assassin and AXP90 X47 offer broad support for various CPU sockets. The Peerless Assassin is compatible with Intel sockets LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115X, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. This wide compatibility makes it a versatile choice for a range of builds.

Similarly, the AXP90 X47 supports a variety of Intel sockets, including LGA 1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and 1200, along with AMD AM4 and AM5. While both coolers are compatible with modern CPU sockets, the Peerless Assassin’s additional support for more Intel sockets can be a deciding factor for users with specific builds.

Installation Process

The installation process can vary significantly between cooler models. The Peerless Assassin is equipped with metal fasteners that cater to both Intel and AMD platforms, ensuring a straightforward installation experience. The accompanying installation instructions further simplify the setup, allowing users to confidently mount the cooler.

The AXP90 X47 also includes corresponding metal mounting fasteners and offers installation guidance through manuals and videos. However, its compact design might make it slightly easier to handle in tight spaces, though the process is generally comparable to that of the Peerless Assassin. In terms of ease of installation, both coolers provide adequate support, but the Peerless Assassin may have a slight edge due to its detailed instructions.

Price Point

The prices of the two coolers reflect their respective features and capabilities. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is priced at C$54.90, which is justified by its advanced cooling technology and higher performance specifications. In contrast, the AXP90 X47 is more budget-friendly at C$43.39, making it a compelling choice for users with tighter budgets or less demanding cooling needs.

Ultimately, the pricing highlights the differences in performance and application suitability between the two products. If you are looking for robust performance and are willing to invest more, the Peerless Assassin is a worthy option. However, for users whose needs are less intensive, the AXP90 X47 provides a more economical solution.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and the AXP90 X47 boils down to your specific needs and system requirements. If you are aiming for high-performance cooling with the ability to handle demanding tasks, the Peerless Assassin is the clear choice due to its superior cooling capacity, dual fan system, and broader compatibility.

However, if your build is more compact or if you're working with a lower TDP CPU, the AXP90 X47 offers an excellent balance of performance and price, particularly for small form factor PCs. Ultimately, both coolers are strong contenders; your decision should reflect your cooling needs, system constraints, and budget.