Thermalright TL-S12W X3 CPU Fan 120mm Case Cooler Fan vs Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler offers significantly better cooling performance than the Thermalright TL-S12W X3 CPU Fan 120mm Case Cooler Fan, largely due to its integrated heatsink and heat pipes. The Burst Assassin 120 SE uses six 6mm nickel-plated pure copper heat pipes combined with a high-performance fan delivering up to 66.17 CFM airflow at 1550 RPM. This design allows it to quickly dissipate CPU heat, surpassing the TL-S12W X3’s maximum airflow of 47.6 CFM at 1500 RPM.

While the TL-S12W X3 is primarily a case or auxiliary fan that can support CPU cooling, it lacks the dedicated heatsink structure that makes the Burst Assassin 120 SE a more effective solution for direct CPU heat dissipation. The Burst Assassin’s advanced heatpipe technology and higher airflow translate to superior thermal management for demanding workloads.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are comparable between the two products but slightly favour the TL-S12W X3 for quieter operation. The TL-S12W X3 operates at a maximum noise level of 23.2 dBA, which is lower than the Burst Assassin 120 SE’s noise ceiling of 25.6 dBA. Both fans use 4-pin PWM connectors allowing automatic speed control based on motherboard temperature sensors, which helps minimise noise during low load periods.

The TL-S12W X3’s inclusion of soft silicone feet at the fan corners provides additional vibration dampening, reducing noise further. While the Burst Assassin also employs soft silicone pads around its fan to cut noise, its higher airflow and integrated heatsink design mean it naturally produces more sound under full load.

Fan Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright TL-S12W X3 is designed as a versatile, silent cooling fan made from durable insulation-grade PBT+PC material with soft silicone feet for noise reduction. It measures 120 x 120 x 25 mm and draws 0.15A current. Its soft silicone damping and build quality make it ideal for quiet operation in a variety of PC cooling contexts.

Conversely, the Burst Assassin 120 SE combines a TL-C12C-S series fan with a single tower heatsink body and six heat pipes made of nickel-plated copper, offering a more complex and robust cooling solution. The fan is also 120 x 120 x 25 mm, powered by a 4-pin PWM connector, and uses UL Class A industrial-grade PBT+PC materials. The heatsink features AGHP 4th generation heatpipe technology to mitigate heat transfer issues caused by orientation.

Compatibility and Installation

The Burst Assassin 120 SE supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel’s LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD’s AM4/AM5 platforms. It comes with mounting plates or fasteners for different sockets, though AMD installation requires the original motherboard backplate. Its heatsink design also utilises fin offset technology to avoid conflicts with tall RAM modules, increasing compatibility with various builds.

The TL-S12W X3 is a standard 120mm case fan with a 4-pin PWM connector suitable for multiple uses: case cooling, CPU cooler support, or liquid cooler setups. Its longer cable length of up to 55 cm allows flexible placement. However, it does not come with specific CPU mounting hardware and depends on existing cooling systems for CPU heat dissipation.

Lighting and Aesthetics

The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE features ARGB lighting with a 5V 3-pin ARGB light interface, adding customizable illumination to your build. This makes it a more visually appealing option for users who want vibrant lighting effects integrated with their CPU cooler.

In contrast, the TL-S12W X3 does not include any lighting features and focuses purely on silent, efficient airflow. Its design is utilitarian and does not offer aesthetic enhancements like ARGB lighting, which may be a consideration for users building visually themed PCs.

Price and Value

The TL-S12W X3 is priced at C$19.59 for a package containing three fans, mounting screws, and an instruction manual, offering excellent value for users needing multiple high-quality case fans. Its low price point makes it an economical choice for improving airflow and supplementing existing cooling setups.

The Burst Assassin 120 SE is priced at C$29.90, which is higher but reflects its integrated heatsink, advanced heatpipe technology, and ARGB features. This price is still competitive for a CPU air cooler with its specifications, offering a complete cooling solution rather than just a fan.

Versatility and Use Cases

The TL-S12W X3’s role as a multi-purpose case fan means it can be deployed in various scenarios, from enhancing case airflow to assisting CPU coolers or liquid cooling radiators. Its quiet operation and longer cable length increase installation flexibility across different PC builds.

On the other hand, the Burst Assassin 120 SE is a dedicated CPU air cooler designed to replace stock coolers or upgrade existing ones. Its compatibility with multiple CPU sockets and memory height clearance technology make it an optimal choice for users prioritizing CPU thermal management, but it is less versatile as a general case fan.

Which should you buy?

If your goal is to improve general airflow within your PC case or supplement an existing cooling setup with quiet, reliable fans, the Thermalright TL-S12W X3 at C$19.59 for three fans offers outstanding value and versatility. However, if you need a dedicated CPU cooler with efficient heat dissipation, advanced heatpipe technology, and ARGB lighting, the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE at C$29.90 is the better investment.

The Burst Assassin’s integrated heatsink and higher airflow of 66.17 CFM versus 47.6 CFM make it a clear choice for direct CPU cooling, while the TL-S12W X3 excels as a quiet, multi-use cooling fan. Your choice should depend on whether you require a complete CPU cooling solution or supplemental case fans for airflow enhancement.