Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Overview of the Thermalright PS120SE and Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB

The Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler retails for C$44.90 while the Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB is priced at C$29.90. This price difference highlights the PS120SE as a more premium offering, likely due to its advanced features and capabilities. Both coolers originate from the reputable Taiwanese brand Thermalright, known for over 20 years in the cooling market, ensuring quality and reliability for users seeking efficient cooling solutions for their CPUs.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright PS120SE features a robust construction with an anodized black frosted top and a finely carved pure copper base. Its dimensions are 125mm x 135mm x 154mm, which allows it to fit a wide range of chassis models. The cooler weighs 0.9 kg, indicating a sturdy build designed to handle high-performance cooling. In contrast, the Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB employs a single tower main body with six nickel-plated anti-oxidation pure copper heat pipes. This design also utilises fin offset technology, allowing for increased compatibility with memory height, ensuring users do not face installation limitations. While both coolers boast quality materials, the PS120SE’s heavier build may suggest superior thermal efficiency.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright PS120SE has a thermal design power (TDP) range of 105W to 280W, making it suitable for a variety of CPU configurations, including high-performance gaming or workstation setups. It employs a PWM fan with a maximum speed of 1500 RPM, which generates an airflow of 66.17 CFM, contributing to its effective cooling capabilities. Conversely, the Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB has a slightly higher fan speed of 1550 RPM, also achieving an airflow of 66.17 CFM. Despite this, the PS120SE’s broader TDP rating may allow it to handle more demanding CPUs, making it a better choice for users needing to cool higher wattage processors.

Noise Levels

Both the Thermalright PS120SE and Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB maintain a maximum noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A). This indicates that users can expect a quiet operation from either cooler, which is essential for those who prioritise a silent computing environment. The PS120SE’s design includes S-FDB bearings that enhance longevity and reduce noise further, while the Burst Assassin integrates soft silicone pads around its PWM fan to minimise vibrations. Both coolers provide efficient cooling without compromising on noise levels, making them suitable for builds where silence is a key factor.

Compatibility

The Thermalright PS120SE supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel’s LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, and LGA1200, along with AMD’s AM4 and AM5 sockets. This extensive compatibility ensures that it can be used in various setups without issues. Similarly, the Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB also supports Intel (LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200, LGA1700, LGA1851) and AMD (AM4, AM5) sockets. Both coolers come with the necessary mounting plates or fasteners for installation, making them user-friendly options for builders looking to upgrade their CPU cooling solutions.

Aesthetics and Lighting Features

The Thermalright PS120SE has a straightforward design that prioritises functionality over flashy aesthetics. In contrast, the Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB stands out with its ARGB lighting feature, allowing users to customise their cooling setup with vibrant lighting effects. This can be particularly appealing for gamers and PC builders who want to showcase their builds with RGB components. While the PS120SE focuses on performance, the Burst Assassin combines efficiency with visual flair, catering to a different segment of the market that values aesthetics alongside functionality.

Price to Performance Ratio

In terms of price-to-performance, the Thermalright PS120SE is priced at C$44.90, while the Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB is more budget-friendly at C$29.90. The PS120SE’s higher price is justified by its superior TDP rating and robust build quality, making it an ideal choice for users who require exceptional cooling for high-performance CPUs. Conversely, the Burst Assassin offers excellent performance at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for users with moderate cooling needs or budgets. Thus, the decision between the two largely depends on the user’s specific cooling requirements and budget constraints.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright PS120SE and the Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a high-performance cooler capable of handling demanding CPUs and are willing to invest a bit more, the PS120SE would be the right choice. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option that still delivers solid performance and comes with appealing RGB lighting, the Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB is an excellent alternative. Both coolers offer reliable performance, but your choice will hinge on whether you prioritise advanced cooling capabilities or aesthetic enhancements.