Waveshare Active Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler

Overview of the Products

The Waveshare Active Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Air Cooler cater to different needs within the CPU cooling market. The Waveshare Active Cooler is priced at C$15.99, making it an economical option, while the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is more premium at C$25.59. Each cooler has distinct features that make it suitable for specific applications, whether for casual users or performance enthusiasts.

The Waveshare Active Cooler is designed primarily for use with Raspberry Pi devices, providing effective cooling in a compact form factor. In contrast, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is a full-fledged CPU air cooler designed for performance across a range of Intel and AMD platforms, supporting higher thermal design power (TDP) ratings.

Cooling Performance

Cooling performance is a critical factor when choosing a CPU cooler. The Waveshare Active Cooler offers a fan speed of 8000±10% RPM, providing a modest airflow of 1.39 CFM. While this is sufficient for small devices like the Raspberry Pi, it may not meet the demands of higher-end CPUs.

On the other hand, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE boasts a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM at 1550 RPM. This means it can handle a significantly higher thermal load, making it suitable for CPUs with TDP ratings ranging from 125 to 225W. Thus, if you are looking for a cooler that can handle intense workloads and gaming, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE clearly stands out.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are often a concern for users looking for a quiet computing experience. The Waveshare Active Cooler operates silently at its given RPM, making it an excellent choice for projects that require minimal noise. However, the specific noise level is not provided, which could leave some users unsure about its performance in quieter environments.

Conversely, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE has a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), which is relatively low for a cooler with such high airflow capabilities. This cooler manages to balance efficient cooling with a quieter operation, making it suitable for gamers and professionals alike who desire both performance and tranquillity.

Build Quality and Materials

Build quality is essential for the longevity and reliability of a cooler. The Waveshare Active Cooler features anodised aluminium construction, which is effective for heat dissipation while remaining lightweight. However, it is primarily designed for low-power applications, which limits its robustness for high-performance environments.

In contrast, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is built with industrial-grade materials, including aluminum and PBT + PC material for durability. It employs S-FDB bearings, which enhance the cooler's lifespan, rated at up to 20,000 hours. This focus on quality makes the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE a worthy investment for long-term use in demanding systems.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another crucial aspect when selecting a CPU cooler. The Waveshare Active Cooler is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi 5, making it straightforward for users in that ecosystem. However, its limited compatibility means it cannot be used with standard desktop CPUs, reducing its appeal for a broader audience.

In contrast, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE offers extensive compatibility with multiple CPU sockets, including Intel's 115X, 1200, 1700, and 17XX, as well as AMD's AM4. This versatility makes it a more flexible choice for users building or upgrading a gaming or workstation PC, accommodating a wider range of setups.

Installation Process

The ease of installation can significantly influence user experience. The Waveshare Active Cooler is designed to be installed easily via a four-pin fan header on Raspberry Pi devices, making it straightforward for users familiar with that platform.

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE also features a user-friendly installation process, equipped with metal fasteners compatible with both Intel and AMD platforms. The inclusion of mounting plates and fasteners for different sockets simplifies the installation, ensuring a hassle-free experience even for those who are less experienced.

Price Comparison

Price is a significant factor for many consumers. The Waveshare Active Cooler is priced at C$15.99, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious users, particularly those utilizing Raspberry Pi devices for basic tasks.

In contrast, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE, with a price tag of C$25.59, positions itself in the mid-range segment, reflecting its enhanced features and capabilities. While it is more expensive, its performance and compatibility justify the higher cost for users seeking superior cooling solutions.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Waveshare Active Cooler and the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE depends on your specific needs and use case. If you are a Raspberry Pi user looking for an affordable and straightforward cooling solution, the Waveshare Active Cooler will serve you well without breaking the bank. However, if you require a high-performance CPU cooler capable of handling demanding tasks and versatile enough to fit within various systems, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is the superior choice, offering advanced cooling performance, quieter operation, and long-term reliability.