Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler vs Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler is priced at C$54.90 and is designed for high-performance cooling. It features a compact design with dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm, making it suitable for various builds. The cooler is equipped with a dual thickened PWM fan that operates at a maximum speed of 1850 RPM, delivering an airflow of 88.19 CFM while maintaining a noise level of 29.5 dB(A). This cooler employs AGHP GEN 5.0 technology with six 6mm heat pipes, providing efficient heat dissipation and achieving a thermal design power (TDP) of up to 265W, making it ideal for demanding CPU tasks.

Overview of the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is slightly more expensive at C$63.68. This cooler stands out with its aesthetic appeal, featuring ARGB lighting and an elegant design. With dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x154(H)mm, it is comparable to the Peerless Assassin. The PS120SE is equipped with double PWM fans that can reach speeds of 1500 RPM, producing an airflow of 66.17 CFM with a noise level of 25.6 dB(A). Its advanced AGHP technology utilizes seven 6mm heat pipes to efficiently manage heat, ensuring a long service life of up to 20,000 hours.

Cooling Performance Comparison

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 takes the lead with a TDP of up to 265W, which is significantly higher than the PS120SE's capabilities. The Peerless Assassin's dual fans generate a maximum airflow of 88.19 CFM, outperforming the PS120SE's 66.17 CFM. Additionally, the noise level of the Peerless Assassin is slightly higher at 29.5 dB(A), but its superior cooling capacity could justify this trade-off for users prioritizing performance over noise. Thus, for high-performance computing, the Peerless Assassin is likely the better choice.

Aesthetic and Design Features

In terms of aesthetics, the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler shines with its customizable ARGB lighting. It features high-brightness LED fan blades that can create up to 17 different lighting effects, adding a visually appealing touch to any build. The cooler's design incorporates an anodized black frosted top and finely carved pure copper base, enhancing its visual and material quality. On the other hand, while the Peerless Assassin offers a robust design, it does not have the same level of visual flair as the PS120SE, which could appeal to gamers and PC builders looking for style alongside performance.

Compatibility with CPU Sockets

Both coolers offer extensive compatibility with various CPU sockets. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin supports Intel sockets LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115X, as well as AMD’s AM4 and AM5 platforms. Similarly, the PS120SE also supports a wide range of sockets including Intel LGA 1700, 1851, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and 1200, along with AMD AM4 and AM5. This broad compatibility ensures that both coolers can cater to most modern builds, making either a viable choice for users upgrading or building a new system.

Installation and Ease of Use

The installation process for both coolers is straightforward, with each unit including the necessary mounting plates and fasteners for various platforms. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin provides installation instructions and tutorials, ensuring that even novice builders can set it up with ease. The PS120SE also offers similar support, making both coolers user-friendly. However, the Peerless Assassin's slightly more advanced technology and components may require a bit more attention during installation to ensure optimal performance.

Noise Levels During Operation

Noise levels are an important consideration for PC builders, especially those who prefer a quieter setup. The Thermalright PS120SE operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), making it quieter than the Peerless Assassin’s 29.5 dB(A). This lower noise output makes the PS120SE a more appealing option for users who prioritize a silent operation, such as in home office environments or media centres. However, the trade-off is that the Peerless Assassin offers superior cooling performance, which might be worth the extra noise for gamers and performance-oriented users.

Which should you buy?

The choice between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 and the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler ultimately depends on your priorities. If you are looking for maximum cooling performance and a higher TDP rating, the Peerless Assassin at C$54.90 is the way to go. However, if aesthetics and quieter operation are more important to you, the PS120SE ARGB, priced at C$63.68, offers beautiful lighting and lower noise levels. Consider your specific needs and system requirements when making your decision, as both coolers offer excellent performance in their respective areas.