Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 Ultra White CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler Air with 4×6mm HeatPipes

Overview of Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 Ultra White CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 Ultra White CPU Cooler boasts advanced features and a premium design, making it a strong contender in the CPU cooling market. Priced at C$95.14, it features 7 heat pipes and a twin-tower radiator design for optimal heat dissipation. With a height of 158mm, it fits most cases while providing an impressive maximum airflow of 81.88 CFM. This cooler is designed for both AMD and Intel platforms, ensuring wide compatibility.

The 7x6mm pure copper heat pipes are a standout feature, designed to efficiently manage CPU heat in both vertical and horizontal setups. The Royal Pretor’s S-FDB V2.0 bearings contribute to quieter operation and longer fan life, enhancing its overall appeal to users seeking a balance between performance and noise levels.

Overview of Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler is a budget-friendly option at only C$24.90, focusing on delivering solid performance without breaking the bank. It features 4 heat pipes and a compact size of 120mm x 73mm x 156mm. While it may not match the Royal Pretor in terms of heat pipe quantity, its all-aluminium fins provide efficient heat dissipation, making it suitable for various CPU platforms including Intel and AMD.

Designed for efficiency, this cooler operates with a PWM temperature control function, automatically adjusting the fan speed based on CPU temperature. It reaches a maximum fan speed of 1850 RPM, which allows it to maintain a reasonable noise level while efficiently cooling the CPU during demanding tasks.

Cooling Performance Comparison

In terms of cooling performance, the Royal Pretor 130 Ultra White leads with its 7 heat pipes and twin-tower design, which significantly enhances its heat dissipation capabilities. The maximum airflow of 81.88 CFM is nearly 1.5 times that of the Assassin Spirit, allowing it to cool high-performance CPUs more effectively.

Conversely, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark, with its 4 heat pipes, provides decent cooling for mid-range systems. While it may not achieve the same level of airflow as the Royal Pretor, its compact design and efficient fan speed make it suitable for budget-conscious users. Those looking for extreme cooling capabilities may find the Royal Pretor’s specifications more appealing.

Noise Levels and Fan Quality

Noise levels are an important consideration for PC builders, and the Royal Pretor excels in this area with a maximum operating noise of less than 28.3 dB(A). This is thanks to its high-quality S-FDB V2.0 bearings, which reduce vibrations and ensure a quieter operation while maintaining performance.

On the other hand, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is also designed to minimize noise, but specific noise levels are not mentioned. Its PWM fan control can adjust speeds according to temperature, potentially leading to quieter operation during light tasks. However, it remains to be seen how its noise levels compare when under load against the Royal Pretor.

Design and Aesthetics

The Royal Pretor 130 Ultra White features a sleek and modern design with an all-white finish that can complement various PC builds. Its height of 158mm allows it to fit in most cases without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. The twin-tower radiator contributes not only to its performance but also to its striking visual presence.

In contrast, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark sports a more understated appearance with a black anodized top cover. While it may not offer the same aesthetic flair as the Royal Pretor, its design is practical and functional, appealing to users who prefer a more subtle look in their builds.

Compatibility and Installation

When it comes to compatibility, both coolers support a wide range of CPU sockets, including AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700. The Royal Pretor provides easy installation with included mounting grommets and clear instructions, ensuring that users can set it up without hassle.

The Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark also emphasizes its ease of installation, providing the necessary mounting plates and fasteners for different CPU slots. While both coolers offer good compatibility, users with specific case sizes and layouts may need to consider the physical dimensions of each cooler before making a decision.

Price and Value Proposition

The Royal Pretor 130 Ultra White is priced at C$95.14, reflecting its premium features, advanced cooling technology, and high-end design. This cooler is ideal for users seeking top-tier cooling performance and aesthetics.

In comparison, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is a budget option at C$24.90, making it an excellent choice for users who need effective cooling without the investment. While it lacks some of the advanced features of the Royal Pretor, it still delivers solid performance for everyday computing tasks and gaming.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 Ultra White and the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark ultimately depends on your cooling needs and budget. If you require superior cooling performance for high-end CPUs and are willing to invest in a premium product, the Royal Pretor is the clear choice. Its advanced features, high airflow, and lower noise levels make it a worthy investment for serious gamers and PC builders.

However, if you're looking for a cost-effective solution that provides reliable cooling for standard builds, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is an excellent option. Its budget-friendly price and decent performance make it suitable for casual users who may not need the extensive capabilities of the Royal Pretor.