ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler offers a more complex and substantial build compared to the ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan, reflecting its role as a full CPU cooling solution rather than a standalone fan. The Peerless Assassin features a dual-fan setup with 120mm PWM fans, metal fasteners compatible with Intel and AMD platforms, and a double tower heatsink design measuring 125mm by 135mm by 155mm. Its aluminium heatsink is paired with six 6mm pure copper sintered heat pipes utilising AGHP technology, aimed at optimising thermal transfer regardless of cooler orientation. In contrast, the ARCTIC P8 PWM PST is a single 80mm fan, focused on quiet operation and efficiency, designed primarily for mounting on heatsinks or radiators rather than as a standalone cooler. Its build is simpler, reflecting its purpose, but it benefits from a motor powered by a latest-generation PWM IC for efficiency and low vibration.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler significantly outperforms the ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan in raw cooling capability due to its integrated design and dedicated heat dissipation features. With a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM from its dual 120mm fans running at around 1500 RPM, combined with six copper heat pipes and a large aluminium heatsink, it is engineered for extreme CPU cooling performance. The ARCTIC P8 PWM PST, while versatile and efficient for its size, delivers a maximum airflow of only 23.4 CFM at speeds up to 3000 RPM. Its static pressure of 1.9 mmH₂O helps maintain effective airflow through restrictive environments like radiators, but it is not designed to cool CPUs on its own. Therefore, for high-demand CPU cooling, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB provides a far more robust solution.

Noise Levels and Quietness

When it comes to noise, the ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan is engineered for nearly silent operation, with an operating noise level as low as 0.3 Sone at its regulated speeds. Its advanced motor design minimises vibration and sound, making it suitable for users prioritising quiet PC builds. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler’s fans operate at a noise level of up to 25.6 dB(A), which is moderate for a high-performance CPU cooler but notably louder than the ARCTIC fan. This sound level reflects the greater airflow and cooling capacity required by the Peerless Assassin’s dual-fan setup and heat pipe design. Users sensitive to noise or building silent PCs may prefer the ARCTIC fan for its whisper-quiet operation, while those prioritising cooling might accept the Peerless Assassin’s higher noise output.

Compatibility and Installation

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler supports a broader range of CPU sockets, including Intel 115X, 1200, 1700, 17XX, 1851, and AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. It comes with metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD, facilitating secure installation and compatibility with modern CPUs. The ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan is a generic 80mm fan designed to be mounted on heatsinks or radiators and does not include CPU socket compatibility features by itself. Its 4-pin PWM connection and PWM Sharing Technology allow synchronous speed control with other fans, offering flexibility in system cooling setups. For users seeking a direct CPU cooling solution, the Peerless Assassin is the obvious choice, while the ARCTIC fan suits those looking to enhance airflow on existing coolers or radiators.

Lighting and Aesthetics

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler stands out with its integrated ARGB lighting on its dual fans, providing colourful and customizable illumination that can enhance the visual appeal of a PC build. This feature caters to users who value aesthetics and want to synchronise lighting effects with other ARGB components. The ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan does not have lighting features, focusing instead on performance and quiet operation. For users who prioritise visual flair and RGB customisation, the Peerless Assassin offers clear advantages. Those indifferent to lighting or focused purely on utilitarian cooling may find the ARCTIC fan perfectly adequate.

Price and Value

Price-wise, the ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan is extremely budget-friendly at £6.26, making it an accessible option for anyone seeking an efficient, quiet 80mm fan for additional cooling or radiator use. Meanwhile, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is priced at £28.79, reflecting its advanced cooling capabilities, dual-fan design, ARGB lighting, and compatibility features. The price difference is substantial, with the Peerless Assassin costing over four times as much as the ARCTIC fan. Buyers must consider whether they need a full CPU cooler or simply a high-quality fan for existing cooling solutions. The ARCTIC fan presents excellent value for its intended use, whereas the Peerless Assassin justifies its higher price with enhanced performance and features.

Technology and Features

The ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan incorporates PWM Sharing Technology (PST), allowing synchronous speed control with other fans, which can optimise overall system cooling efficiency. Its motor is powered by a latest-generation PWM IC, enhancing energy efficiency without sacrificing performance. The fan is optimised for static pressure, making it effective in high-resistance environments like heatsinks and radiators. Conversely, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler employs AGHP technique in its six 6mm pure copper sintered heat pipes, designed to counteract the inverse gravity effect regardless of orientation. Its full electroplating reflow welding and pure copper base contribute to superior heat transfer. These technological distinctions underscore the ARCTIC fan’s role as a high-efficiency accessory fan and the Peerless Assassin’s position as a premium CPU cooler.

Which should you buy?

Your choice depends primarily on your cooling needs and budget. If you require a dedicated CPU cooling solution with strong thermal performance, broad socket compatibility, and integrated ARGB lighting for aesthetic appeal, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler at £28.79 is the superior option. It offers dual PWM fans, advanced heat pipe technology, and a substantial heatsink designed specifically for CPU cooling. However, if you are looking for an affordable, quiet, and efficient 80mm fan to use on existing heatsinks or radiators, the ARCTIC P8 PWM PST - PC Fan at just £6.26 delivers excellent value. Its PWM Sharing Technology and low noise levels make it ideal for enhancing system airflow without significant cost. Ultimately, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is a complete CPU cooler with advanced features, while the ARCTIC P8 PWM PST is a high-quality fan suited for supplemental cooling tasks.