Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler vs ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB All-in-one AIO CPU Liquid Cooler AMD: AM5 & AM4 Intel: LG

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX is priced at C$78.59 and features a dual-tower design that enhances its cooling efficiency. This air cooler includes two high-speed fans that operate at up to 2150 RPM, which ensures excellent airflow and cooling performance. The cooler's overall dimensions are 125x135x164mm, making it compatible with most ATX cases. With six pure copper heat pipes, this cooler is designed for optimal contact with the CPU, allowing for improved thermal dissipation.

The cooler also boasts a magnetically attached top cover featuring a 5-inch IPS LCD screen, adding a modern touch to its functionality. Additionally, the design incorporates AGHP Gen 5.0 heat pipe technology, enhancing the cooler's performance in various orientations while allowing for GPU and RAM clearance.

Overview of the ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB All-in-one AIO CPU Liquid Cooler

The ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB is a premium all-in-one liquid cooler, retailing at C$159.99. It features a specially designed CPU contact area that facilitates powerful heat dissipation, making it suitable for high-performance CPUs. This cooler is aesthetically pleasing, with customizable infinity mirror lenses that enhance its visual appeal, especially for users with RGB setups.

Equipped with high-performance pre-installed ARGB fans, this cooler not only performs well but also complements the aesthetics of a Prime motherboard seamlessly. The reinforced, sleeved tubing offers increased durability, ensuring that the cooler maintains its functionality over time. The liquid cooling system provides an efficient solution for maintaining lower temperatures during intensive tasks.

Cooling Performance Comparison

The cooling performance of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is commendable, with its dual fans producing an impressive airflow of 69 CFM and operating at a noise level of ≤27 dB(A). This configuration is particularly effective in high-heat scenarios, making it suitable for gamers and overclockers alike. The six heat pipes also contribute to its ability to maintain lower temperatures, regardless of the orientation of the cooler.

In contrast, the ASUS Prime LC 360, with its liquid cooling design, is engineered for superior heat dissipation. While specific airflow metrics are not provided, liquid coolers generally outperform air coolers in terms of heat dissipation efficiency. The contact area is specifically designed for optimal heat transfer, which may give it an edge in maintaining lower temperatures under stress.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetic appeal is a significant factor for many PC enthusiasts, and both products cater to this aspect. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin features a matte black finish and a striking LCD screen that can display various information, enhancing its visual presence inside a case. The dual-tower design also adds a sense of sophistication.

On the other hand, the ASUS Prime LC 360 excels in aesthetics with its customizable infinity mirror lenses, offering a futuristic look that can be tailored to match a user's setup. The integration of ARGB fans enhances the overall lighting effects, making it a favourite among those who prioritize visual aesthetics in their builds.

Installation and Compatibility

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin is designed to fit within standard ATX cases, with its dimensions of 125x135x164mm providing ample room for installation. It is compatible with various CPU sockets, making it versatile for a range of builds. However, users should ensure that their cases can accommodate the cooler’s height.

The ASUS Prime LC 360, being an all-in-one liquid cooler, typically offers easier installation compared to traditional air coolers. Its design allows for straightforward mounting, and the included tubing is often flexible enough to fit various case configurations. Additionally, it is compatible with a broad range of AMD and Intel sockets, including AM5, AM4, and LGA, ensuring a wide reach across different platforms.

Noise Levels

Noise levels can be an important consideration for users who prefer a quieter computing environment. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin operates at a maximum noise level of ≤27 dB(A), which is relatively quiet and suitable for gaming or workstation builds where noise can be distracting.

In contrast, while the ASUS Prime LC 360 does not specify its noise levels, liquid coolers generally tend to operate more quietly than their air counterparts under load. This is due to the nature of liquid cooling systems, where fans can run at lower speeds while still maintaining effective cooling performance, potentially offering a quieter experience overall.

Price Consideration

Price is a significant factor when choosing a CPU cooler. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin is priced at a budget-friendly C$78.59, making it an attractive option for those looking for effective cooling without breaking the bank. Its performance and features provide great value for the price point.

On the other hand, the ASUS Prime LC 360 is priced at C$159.99, which reflects its premium features and liquid cooling capabilities. While it is more expensive, the investment may be justified for users seeking high-end performance and aesthetics, especially for demanding tasks such as gaming or content creation.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX and the ASUS Prime LC 360 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a cost-effective air cooler that offers solid performance and aesthetic appeal, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is a great choice. However, if you require superior cooling performance and are willing to invest more for a liquid cooling solution with excellent aesthetics, the ASUS Prime LC 360 would be the better option. Each cooler has its strengths, making them suitable for different types of users.