Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Cooler vs Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU cooler is designed for optimal heat dissipation with its twin-tower architecture and dual fans. Priced at C$54.90, it features a height of 158mm, making it compatible with larger chassis and high-profile components.

This cooler employs a pure copper base with six heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU, dispersing it through its all-aluminium fins. The dual fans, operating at a maximum speed of 1500 RPM, produce an impressive air volume of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of just 25.6 dB(A). With its robust construction and advanced cooling technology, this cooler stands out among its peers in the market.

Overview of Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB

The Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB CPU air cooler offers a more compact solution, priced at C$35.90. Standing at 100mm tall, it is ideal for smaller cases without sacrificing cooling performance. This model utilises six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 3.0 technology, which mitigates the inverse gravity effect, ensuring effective heat management regardless of orientation.

Equipped with a PWM fan that can reach speeds of 2000 RPM, the SI-100 delivers an air flow of 72.37 CFM, slightly more than the Peerless Assassin. However, it operates at a higher noise level of 27.7 dB(A). The SI-100’s design prioritises aesthetics as well, featuring ARGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for gamers and PC builders alike.

Cooling Performance Comparison

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black excels in heat dissipation due to its larger size and dual-tower design. With a maximum air volume of 66.17 CFM and dual fans, it is engineered for heavy-duty cooling tasks, making it suitable for high-performance CPUs.

On the other hand, the Thermalright SI-100, while smaller and quieter, provides a slightly higher air flow at 72.37 CFM but does so with a single fan. This means that while the SI-100 might cool adequately for moderate usage, the Peerless Assassin is better suited for demanding applications or overclocked systems.

Design and Compatibility

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black boasts a robust design with dimensions of 140mm x 157mm x 158mm, making it suitable for large and medium-sized chassis. Its all-aluminium fins increase the cooling surface area, enhancing heat dissipation efficiency. It supports a wide range of CPU sockets for both Intel and AMD platforms, ensuring versatility in installation.

Conversely, the Thermalright SI-100’s more compact design (120mm x 108mm x 100mm) allows it to fit in smaller cases, appealing to users with limited space. Its compatibility with multiple Intel and AMD sockets also makes it a flexible choice. However, the smaller dimensions may limit its cooling potential compared to the larger Peerless Assassin.

Noise Levels and Fan Performance

In terms of noise levels, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin operates at a maximum of 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a cooler of its size and performance. This makes it a suitable choice for users who are sensitive to noise while gaming or working in a quiet environment.

The SI-100, while having a higher maximum fan speed of 2000 RPM, produces a noise level of 27.7 dB(A). This slight increase may be noticeable in quieter settings, although for many users, the difference may be negligible. Overall, the Peerless Assassin is the quieter option, which could be a significant factor for those prioritizing a silent build.

Aesthetic Appeal

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black has a sleek and professional appearance, ideal for users who prefer a more understated look. Its black finish is versatile and fits well in most builds without drawing too much attention.

In contrast, the Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB is designed with aesthetics in mind, featuring addressable RGB lighting that can enhance the visual appeal of a gaming rig. This cooler will likely attract users looking to showcase their builds with vibrant lighting effects, making it a more attractive choice for gamers and modders.

Pricing Considerations

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black is priced at C$54.90, positioning it as a more premium option among CPU coolers. Its advanced features and superior cooling capabilities justify the higher price tag, particularly for users with high-performance needs.

Meanwhile, the Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB is priced at C$35.90, making it a budget-friendly choice without compromising too much on cooling efficiency. The lower price point may appeal to casual users or those constructing a budget build, allowing for decent performance without breaking the bank.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black and the Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require superior cooling performance for high-demand tasks and don’t mind the larger size and higher price, the Peerless Assassin is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a compact, visually appealing cooler that fits well in smaller cases and offers decent performance at a lower price, the SI-100 is an excellent option. Consider your system's compatibility, your aesthetic preferences, and your cooling requirements to make the best decision for your build.