Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Cooler vs Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78

Pricing Comparison

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Cooler is priced at C$54.90, while the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 is significantly less expensive at C$12.95. The notable price difference of C$41.95 suggests that users should consider their budget and specific cooling needs when selecting a product. The Thermalright model's higher cost reflects its advanced cooling capabilities and more complex design, which includes a twin-tower body and dual fans. In contrast, the Noctua product serves as a mounting upgrade kit, intended for users who already own compatible Noctua CPU coolers, making it a more economical choice for those looking to upgrade their existing setup without investing in a new cooler.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 features a twin-tower body, which is designed for better heat dissipation. With a height of 158mm, this cooler is suitable for larger chassis and can accommodate high-profile memory and graphics cards. The construction includes pure copper heatpipes and all-aluminium fins to maximise the cooling area. On the other hand, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 is a mounting upgrade kit rather than a cooler itself; it features a dedicated one-piece backplate designed for Intel's LGA1851 and LGA1700 sockets. While it does not include a cooling unit, its design focuses on reliability and ease of installation, which is essential for those upgrading their system.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 is engineered for superior cooling performance, leveraging its dual fans that can reach a speed of 1500 RPM and generate an air volume of 66.17 CFM. This design aims to effectively dissipate heat from the CPU, which is critical for maintaining optimal performance during intensive tasks. Conversely, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 does not provide cooling performance itself but allows users to install compatible Noctua coolers on newer Intel sockets. Therefore, if your priority is robust cooling capabilities, the Thermalright is the clear choice; however, if you already own a Noctua cooler, the NM-i17xx-MP78 becomes essential for enhancing compatibility with new CPU sockets.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a strong point for both products but in different contexts. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 supports various Intel sockets, including LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1200, and LGA1700, alongside AMD’s AM4 and AM5 sockets. This wide compatibility allows users to install the cooler across a range of systems. In contrast, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 is specifically designed for Noctua coolers to be mounted on Intel’s LGA1851 and LGA1700 sockets. While the NM-i17xx-MP78 is limited to specific socket types, it ensures optimal installation and performance of Noctua coolers on these newer platforms.

Installation Process

The installation process for the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 is made easier with all-metal fasteners and a variety of mounting options included in the kit. The Y-type adapter cable for fan connection simplifies wiring for users with limited motherboard fan connectors. On the other hand, the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 simplifies the installation of compatible Noctua coolers with its tailor-made backplate and straightforward design, allowing for a reliable mounting experience. However, users must already possess a compatible Noctua cooler to benefit from this installation kit. Thus, while both options are user-friendly, the Thermalright may require more initial setup due to its advanced cooling technology.

Noise Levels

When considering noise levels, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 operates at a maximum noise value of 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a dual-fan cooler, making it suitable for builds where noise is a concern. The dual PWM fans are designed to provide strong airflow while maintaining a low noise threshold. The Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78, being a mounting kit, does not produce noise itself, but the noise levels will depend on the Noctua cooler installed. Users looking for a quiet operating environment may prefer the Thermalright for its low noise output, while Noctua cooler users will need to evaluate their specific model's noise characteristics.

Brand Reputation and Support

Both Thermalright and Noctua have established reputations in the CPU cooling market, known for their quality and reliability. Thermalright has a history of producing high-performance coolers, while Noctua is well-regarded for its innovation and user-friendly installation processes. The choice between these brands could depend on personal preference and previous experiences. Noctua is particularly noted for its customer support and community engagement, which can be significant for troubleshooting and product inquiries. In contrast, Thermalright’s focus on performance and engineering excellence appeals to users prioritising cooling efficiency.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Cooler and the Noctua NM-i17xx-MP78 comes down to your specific needs. If you are looking for an all-in-one cooling solution with advanced features and compatibility across various CPU sockets, the Thermalright is a robust choice at C$54.90. However, if you already own a compatible Noctua cooler and seek a cost-effective solution for mounting it on newer Intel sockets, the NM-i17xx-MP78 offers excellent value at just C$12.95. Choose based on whether you need a complete cooling solution or an upgrade kit for your existing setup.