Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler

Overview of Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler is priced at C$44.90, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. With a height of 154mm and weighing 0.9kg, it balances size and performance effectively. The cooler utilises advanced AGHP technology, featuring a 7x6mm heat pipe design that allows for a thermal design power (TDP) rating of 105W to 280W. This broad TDP range ensures compatibility with a variety of CPUs, providing adequate cooling for most gaming and productivity tasks. The PS120SE promises a service life of up to 20,000 hours, supported by its S-FDB bearings, which further enhances its reliability.

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler is priced higher at C$51.39 but offers enhanced cooling capabilities. With dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x157(H)mm and a weight of 1.02kg, it boasts a more substantial design than its counterpart. The Peerless Assassin features an effective heat dissipation area of 9600cm², which is impressive for its size. Additionally, it utilises AGHP technology with 6x6mm heat pipes and supports a TDP of 245W, making it suitable for overclocked CPUs or more demanding applications. Its dual PWM fans also contribute to improved airflow, ensuring optimal cooling performance.

Cooling Performance

The cooling performance of the Thermalright PS120SE is commendable, thanks to its 66.17CFM airflow and a noise level of ≤25.6dB(A). This balance of airflow and noise makes it a suitable choice for users who prefer a quieter system without sacrificing thermal performance. The PS120SE's ability to handle a TDP range of 105W to 280W means it can efficiently cool a wide array of CPUs, from mainstream to high-performance models.

In contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 excels with a TDP capacity of 245W and similar airflow ratings of 66.17CFM while maintaining a comparable noise level. However, its dual fan setup allows for greater cooling efficiency, especially during intense workloads, making it more suitable for high-end gaming and overclocking scenarios. The enhanced dissipation area of 9600cm² further solidifies its status as a superior cooling solution.

Design and Aesthetics

The Thermalright PS120SE features a sleek anodized black frosted top with finely carved pure copper base technology, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also its thermal conductivity. This design is functional yet understated, making it suitable for a variety of build aesthetics.

On the other hand, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 showcases a more striking appearance with its full electroplating reflow welding process and nanoscale white paint finish. Its ARGB lighting effects add a modern touch, allowing users to customise their build's lighting to match their style. This attention to aesthetic detail may attract users who prioritise both performance and visual flair in their setups.

Installation and Compatibility

Both coolers are designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets. The Thermalright PS120SE supports Intel LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, and LGA1200, along with AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. This extensive compatibility ensures that it can fit into most modern builds without issues.

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 has a similar compatibility range, supporting Intel sockets from LGA1150 to LGA2066 and AMD AM4 and AM5. Its installation is made easier with metal fasteners, which are designed to provide a secure fit. The offset asymmetric layout also allows for unrestricted installation near the first graphics card slot, enhancing versatility in crowded cases.

Noise Levels

Both the Thermalright PS120SE and the Peerless Assassin 120 maintain a noise level of ≤25.6dB(A), which is relatively quiet for CPU coolers in this category. The PS120SE's PWM fan operates at a maximum speed of 1500rpm, providing a balance between performance and sound. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a quiet computing environment.

The Peerless Assassin 120, with its dual fan setup, also operates at the same maximum speed of 1500rpm, ensuring that it remains quiet even under load. The enhanced airflow provided by two fans may contribute to better cooling without generating additional noise. Both coolers excel in this aspect, making them attractive options for users concerned with noise.

Price Comparison

The Thermalright PS120SE is priced at C$44.90, which positions it as a budget-friendly option for those looking for effective cooling without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is priced higher at C$51.39. While the price difference may seem modest, it reflects the additional features and enhanced cooling capabilities that the Peerless Assassin offers. For users who are willing to invest a little more, the additional performance may justify the higher cost.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright PS120SE and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ultimately depends on your specific cooling needs and budget. If you are looking for a reliable, budget-friendly cooler that offers solid performance for mainstream CPUs, the PS120SE is an excellent choice at C$44.90. However, if you require superior cooling for high-performance CPUs, especially in overclocking scenarios, the Peerless Assassin 120 is worth the investment at C$51.39 due to its enhanced cooling capabilities and dual fan design.