Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 CPU Cooler

Overview of Thermalright PS120SE and Royal Pretor 130

In the realm of CPU cooling solutions, the Thermalright PS120SE and the Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 stand out as two noteworthy contenders. The PS120SE is priced at C$44.90, while the Royal Pretor 130 is available for C$66.90. Both coolers feature advanced technology and materials designed to enhance CPU performance and longevity. With a strong reputation in the cooling market, Thermalright combines innovative designs with efficient heat dissipation capabilities in both models.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright PS120SE boasts dimensions of 125mm x 135mm x 154mm and a weight of 0.9kg, reflecting its compact and lightweight design. Constructed from aluminum with a finely carved pure copper base, it ensures optimal heat dissipation. On the other hand, the Royal Pretor 130 is slightly larger, measuring 130mm x 140mm x 158mm. Its twin-tower radiator design allows for a more extensive heat dissipation area, giving it an edge in cooling performance. Both models utilise high-quality materials, including industrial-grade PBT and PC, ensuring durability and efficiency under load.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the PS120SE features a 7x6mm heat pipe with AGHP upgraded technology, capable of handling a thermal design power (TDP) of 105W to 280W. This ensures effective cooling under various loads. Conversely, the Royal Pretor 130 utilises 6x6mm pure copper heat pipes, which are part of its upgraded heat pipe technology. This model focuses on optimally transferring CPU heat to the heat pipes for superior cooling efficiency. Both coolers are designed to handle high TDPs, but the Royal Pretor 130’s advanced design suggests it may have a slight advantage in extreme conditions.

Fan Technology

The Thermalright PS120SE features a TL-C12B V2 PWM fan, with a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM and a noise level of 25.6 dB(A). This fan is designed to provide efficient cooling while maintaining a relatively quiet operation. Meanwhile, the Royal Pretor 130 is equipped with dual fans that also boast advanced S-FDB V2.0 bearings, ensuring a long service life and reduced noise levels. While specific airflow metrics for the Royal Pretor 130 are not provided, its twin-fan design and silicone corner pads for vibration reduction indicate that it is engineered for quiet yet powerful cooling.

Compatibility

Both coolers exhibit broad compatibility with various CPU sockets, making them versatile choices for different builds. The PS120SE supports Intel sockets LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, and LGA1200, as well as AMD sockets AM4 and AM5. Similarly, the Royal Pretor 130 is compatible with a wide range of sockets, including AMD AM4 and AM5, and Intel sockets LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200, LGA2011, and LGA2066. This extensive compatibility ensures that both models can cater to a variety of users and their specific needs.

Price Comparison

The Thermalright PS120SE is priced at C$44.90, making it an affordable option for those looking for effective cooling without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Royal Pretor 130 is priced at C$66.90, reflecting its advanced technology and superior design features. While both coolers offer solid performance, the price difference may influence your decision, depending on your budget and cooling requirements.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are a crucial factor in choosing a CPU cooler. The PS120SE operates at a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet and suitable for most gaming and workstation builds. The Royal Pretor 130, although specific noise levels are not listed, features soft silicone corner pads designed to reduce vibration and noise, indicating a focus on silent operation. While the PS120SE provides a measurable noise level, the Royal Pretor 130's design suggests it may also perform quietly, although perhaps not as explicitly.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright PS120SE and the Royal Pretor 130 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability and compact design, the PS120SE at C$44.90 is a solid choice, delivering efficient cooling with a quiet operation. However, if you require superior cooling performance and advanced features, the Royal Pretor 130 at C$66.90 offers a larger design, enhanced heat dissipation, and dual fans, making it suitable for more demanding systems. Assess your requirements carefully, and choose the cooler that best fits your configuration and cooling needs.