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

Price Comparison

The Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is priced at C$63.68, while the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler is more affordable at C$46.79. This represents a difference of C$16.89, making the Peerless Assassin a more budget-friendly option. If you're considering value for money, the lower price of the Peerless Assassin may be appealing, especially for users looking to save on their cooling solution without compromising on performance.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, both coolers are designed to effectively dissipate heat. The PS120SE features a heat dissipation area enhanced by its aluminum fins and copper base, claiming to utilise a fourth generation AGHP technology with an impressive airflow of 66.17 CFM and a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A). In contrast, the Peerless Assassin also boasts a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM, but it incorporates a dual tower and dual fan design, which can potentially provide more effective cooling overall. The slight height difference, with the PS120SE at 154mm and the Peerless Assassin at 155mm, does not significantly impact their cooling capabilities, but the dual fans of the Peerless Assassin may offer more powerful performance during intense usage.

Design and Aesthetics

In terms of design, the PS120SE ARGB features a high-brightness LED atomizing ARGB fan blade, which enhances its visual appeal with up to 17 modes of lighting effects. This makes it a great choice for users who value aesthetics in their build. The Peerless Assassin, while not as flashy, employs a sleek blackened nano coating and a fully electroplated heat pipe, giving it a premium look. However, it lacks the customizable LED features of the PS120SE. Therefore, if aesthetics and lighting are a priority, the PS120SE is the clear winner, while the Peerless Assassin offers a more understated yet elegant design.

Fan Configuration

The PS120SE utilises double PWM fans (TL-C12B-S V2) with a fan speed of up to 1500 RPM, which is slightly lower than the Peerless Assassin’s dual PWM fans (TL-C12C) that can reach 1550 RPM. Both coolers maintain a similar noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), indicating that they operate quietly. The PS120SE's fans are designed to offer efficient heat dissipation, while the dual fan setup of the Peerless Assassin aims to enhance airflow and cooling efficiency. Users looking for slightly better airflow might lean towards the Peerless Assassin due to its higher RPM.

Compatibility

Both coolers boast wide compatibility with various CPU socket types. The PS120SE supports Intel sockets LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD sockets AM4/AM5, while the Peerless Assassin supports similar Intel sockets (LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851) and the same AMD sockets (AM4/AM5). This means that both products are well-suited for a range of modern CPU builds. Regardless of your choice, compatibility will not be an issue for most users.

Installation and Setup

The installation process is straightforward for both coolers due to their inclusion of appropriate mounting kits for different CPU platforms. The PS120SE provides installation instructions and mounting plates to ensure a hassle-free setup, similar to the Peerless Assassin, which also comes with metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms. The slight advantage here might still go to the Peerless Assassin, as its dual tower design allows for potentially easier installation due to its simplified fastener system.

Noise Levels

Both the Thermalright PS120SE and the Peerless Assassin operate at a maximum noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), indicating that they are designed to run quietly. This means users can expect a relatively silent operation from both products, making them suitable for builds where noise reduction is essential, such as in gaming or workstation setups. The similarity in noise levels suggests that neither cooler will be a significant annoyance during operation.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you prioritise aesthetics and enhanced customisation with RGB lighting, the PS120SE is the better choice at C$63.68. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers solid cooling performance, the Peerless Assassin at C$46.79 is highly compelling. With both coolers offering excellent compatibility and quiet operation, your decision should hinge on whether you value visual flair or cost-effectiveness more.