Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright AXP120-X67 Low Profile CPU Air Cooler with Quite 120mm TL-12015 PWM

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black is designed for high-performance cooling, featuring a dual-tower design with two fans. Priced at C$78.59, it offers advanced cooling solutions ideal for gamers and PC enthusiasts. The standout feature of this cooler is its impressive height of 164mm, allowing it to fit in most mainstream ATX cases while providing ample cooling capabilities.

This cooler incorporates six pure copper heat pipes and a nickel-plated copper base, ensuring optimal thermal conductivity. With a maximum fan speed of 2150 RPM and an airflow rating of 69 CFM, it promises efficient heat dissipation. Additionally, the cooler includes a unique 5-inch IPS LCD screen for real-time monitoring, enhancing user experience.

Overview of the Thermalright AXP120-X67 Low Profile CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 Low Profile CPU Air Cooler comes at a budget-friendly price of C$36.90, making it an attractive option for users needing a compact solution. With a total height of just 67mm, it is specifically designed for small form factor builds where space is a premium, allowing compatibility with a wide range of setups.

This cooler features an aluminum fin design on a copper base and employs AGHP technology with six 6mm heat pipes, ensuring effective cooling performance in both vertical and horizontal orientations. The PWM fan operates at a maximum speed of 1800 RPM and offers an airflow of 59 CFM, while maintaining a low noise level of 26.1 dB(A). This makes it suitable for quieter environments where sound levels are a concern.

Cooling Performance Comparison

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black stands out with its dual-tower configuration and higher fan speed. With a maximum speed of 2150 RPM and airflow of 69 CFM, it is designed for superior heat dissipation, especially during intensive tasks like gaming or rendering.

In contrast, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 offers respectable cooling performance with a fan speed of 1800 RPM and airflow of 59 CFM. While this is sufficient for many everyday computing tasks, it may not match the high cooling demands of overclocked CPUs or gaming setups as effectively as the Peerless Assassin. This difference in airflow and fan speed is key for users who prioritize extreme cooling capabilities.

Noise Levels and Operational Efficiency

Noise levels are a significant consideration for many PC builders. The Thermalright AXP120-X67 operates at a maximum noise level of just 26.1 dB(A), making it one of the quieter options available. This is particularly advantageous for users who value a silent computing experience, such as those working in audio production or quiet office environments.

On the other hand, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black has an operational noise level of ≤27 dB(A). While slightly louder, it still falls within the acceptable range for most users and offers superior cooling performance. Those who are willing to trade off a slight increase in noise for better cooling efficiency will likely prefer the Peerless Assassin.

Design and Aesthetics

The design of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black is both functional and visually appealing. Its dual-tower structure is complemented by a matte black finish and a magnetically attached top cover that houses a 5-inch IPS LCD screen. This not only provides real-time CPU temperature readings but also adds a modern aesthetic to any build.

In contrast, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 features a more utilitarian design, focusing on compactness and efficiency rather than flashy aesthetics. While it may not have the same visual impact, its low-profile form factor is ideal for small cases where space is limited. Users looking for a cooler that blends seamlessly into a minimalist setup may find the AXP120-X67 more fitting.

Compatibility and Installation

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 offers broad compatibility, supporting various Intel and AMD sockets, including Intel's 1700, 1150, and 1200 series, as well as AMD's AM4. This wide range ensures that it can be used in numerous builds without concerns about compatibility.

Conversely, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black, with its larger dimensions, might face limitations in very compact cases, despite its height being manageable for most ATX setups. Installation for both coolers is designed to be straightforward, but users with tight spaces may find the low-profile design of the AXP120-X67 more convenient.

Price and Value Proposition

In terms of pricing, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 is significantly more affordable at C$36.90 compared to the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black, which retails at C$78.59. This difference makes the AXP120-X67 an attractive choice for budget-conscious users or those who do not require extreme cooling capabilities.

However, for users who demand high performance and advanced features, such as the ARGB lighting and the LCD monitoring screen, the Peerless Assassin provides considerable value despite the higher initial cost. It ultimately depends on the user's specific needs and budget.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black and the Thermalright AXP120-X67 boils down to your priorities. If you need superior cooling performance, modern aesthetics, and are willing to spend more, the Peerless Assassin is the better choice for high-demand environments. However, if you are looking for a compact, budget-friendly solution that still offers solid performance for everyday tasks, the AXP120-X67 is an excellent option. Each cooler has its strengths, catering to different types of users and builds.