Waveshare Active Cooler vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler

Overview of the Waveshare Active Cooler and Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX

The Waveshare Active Cooler comes at a price of C$15.99, while the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX is significantly more expensive at C$78.59. This price difference indicates a potential disparity in features and performance between the two products, making it essential to explore their specifications and capabilities in detail.

The Waveshare Active Cooler is designed primarily for Raspberry Pi 5 users, featuring a compact form factor and a modest airflow rating of 1.39 CFM. It operates at a speed of 8000 RPM, making it an efficient option for small-scale cooling needs. On the other hand, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX is engineered for more demanding cooling tasks, boasting a dual-tower design, dual fans, and superior airflow of 69 CFM at a maximum speed of 2150 RPM. This substantial difference suggests that the Thermalright model is tailored for high-performance CPUs and more intensive thermal management.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of both coolers reflect their intended uses. The Waveshare Active Cooler features an anodised aluminium construction, which contributes to its lightweight and durable design. This cooler is specifically made for the Raspberry Pi 5, ensuring a snug fit for this compact computing device.

In contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX exhibits a more complex design with a dual-tower structure that enhances cooling efficiency. The use of six pure copper heat pipes combined with a nickel-plated copper base ensures optimal heat transfer from the CPU. The cooler also includes a magnetically attached top cover with a 5-inch IPS LCD screen, adding a modern touch and functionality that is not present in the Waveshare model. This advanced design caters to users who require effective cooling for high-end CPU setups.

Cooling Performance

Cooling performance is a critical factor when selecting a CPU cooler. The Waveshare Active Cooler, with its 8000 RPM speed and 1.39 CFM airflow, is suitable for low-power applications typical of Raspberry Pi devices. While it provides adequate cooling for lightweight tasks, it may struggle under heavier loads.

In stark contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX is built for high-performance scenarios. With a fan speed of 2150 RPM and an impressive airflow of 69 CFM, this cooler excels at dissipating heat from powerful CPUs. Its design includes six heat pipes, which improve thermal conductivity and ensure that even demanding CPUs remain adequately cooled during intense workloads.

Noise Levels

Noise levels can significantly impact user experience, especially in quiet environments. The Waveshare Active Cooler operates at a constant speed of 8000 RPM, but its specific noise output is not provided. However, given its lower airflow, it is likely to be less intrusive than high-speed models.

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX operates at a noise level of ≤27 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a cooler with such high performance. The combination of its dual fans and advanced bearing technology helps to minimise noise while still delivering robust cooling. This makes it a suitable choice for gamers or professionals who need a quieter operating environment without sacrificing performance.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a vital consideration when choosing a CPU cooler. The Waveshare Active Cooler is designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5, making it a perfect match for users of this platform. Its straightforward installation process and tailored fit ensure that it will not interfere with other components.

Conversely, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX is compatible with a wide range of ATX cases, thanks to its dimensions of 125x135x164mm. Its height of 164mm allows it to fit comfortably in mainstream cases, and its design accommodates tall RAM heat spreaders and GPUs. This versatility makes it a more suitable option for users with custom PC builds or high-performance gaming rigs.

Installation

The ease of installation can greatly affect user satisfaction with a cooler. The Waveshare Active Cooler’s installation is straightforward, requiring minimal effort for Raspberry Pi users. Its design aligns perfectly with the Pi's form factor, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those looking for a hassle-free setup.

In contrast, the installation of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX might involve more steps due to its larger size and dual-fan configuration. However, its design includes features that facilitate a smoother installation process, such as a clear mounting system that helps users position it correctly on various CPU sockets without complications.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

When evaluating the price-to-performance ratio, the Waveshare Active Cooler stands out with an affordable price of C$15.99. It offers sufficient cooling for Raspberry Pi applications without breaking the bank. However, its performance may not meet the demands of more resource-intensive tasks.

On the other hand, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX comes at a higher price of C$78.59, but this cost is justified by its superior cooling capabilities, versatility, and additional features like the LCD screen. For users with high-performance CPUs or those who engage in gaming and content creation, the investment in the Thermalright cooler is likely to yield better long-term value.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Waveshare Active Cooler and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you are using a Raspberry Pi 5 and require a cost-effective, compact cooling solution, the Waveshare Active Cooler is an excellent choice. However, for users with high-performance CPUs who need robust cooling capabilities, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Vision MAX offers superior performance and features, making it the better option despite its higher price. Your decision should align with your cooling requirements, budget, and system compatibility.