Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler vs Lyai 2-in-1 ARGB PWM Fan Hub with Controller

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is a robust cooling solution priced at £26.90. This cooler features a double tower design and is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets, including LGA1700 and AM5. With its dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm, it is designed to provide efficient cooling performance while maintaining a relatively low noise level of 25.6 dB(A). The cooler utilises advanced AGHP technology with six heat pipes to effectively manage heat dissipation, making it an ideal choice for gamers and PC builders looking for reliable cooling.

Overview of Lyai 2-in-1 ARGB PWM Fan Hub with Controller

The Lyai 2-in-1 ARGB PWM Fan Hub with Controller is an affordable addition to any PC setup, retailing at £10.99. This hub allows for the connection of up to nine 4-pin fans and nine 5V 3-pin ARGB devices, providing a comprehensive solution for both cooling and aesthetic lighting control. The compact design, measuring 12×5.5×1.8 cm, makes it easy to integrate into various case configurations. With its magnetic base, installation is straightforward, and the hub offers intelligent PWM fan control to optimise airflow and minimise noise based on system temperature.

Cooling Performance Comparison

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is specifically engineered for CPU cooling, featuring a dual-fan setup that can achieve an airflow of 66.17 CFM at a fan speed of 1550 RPM. This high airflow rate ensures efficient heat dissipation, particularly crucial during intensive gaming sessions or heavy workloads. Conversely, while the Lyai Fan Hub does not provide cooling by itself, it supports the connection of multiple fans, allowing users to create a tailored cooling solution. However, the effectiveness of this solution heavily depends on the quality and type of fans connected to the hub.

Noise Levels and Operation

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE operates at a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a dual-fan cooler. This makes it suitable for users who are sensitive to noise, such as gamers or professionals working in sound-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Lyai Fan Hub does not specify noise levels since it is a controller rather than a cooling unit. However, since it enables PWM speed control, it indirectly contributes to quieter operation by allowing fans to adjust their speeds automatically based on thermal requirements, thereby reducing noise when high cooling performance is not necessary.

Design and Aesthetics

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE features a functional design focused on performance, prioritising airflow and cooling efficiency over aesthetics. In contrast, the Lyai 2-in-1 ARGB PWM Fan Hub integrates RGB lighting control, offering more visual customisation options with over 360 dynamic lighting effects. This makes it particularly appealing to gamers and PC enthusiasts who want to enhance the visual appeal of their rigs. The compact and magnetic design of the Lyai hub facilitates easy installation and neat organisation of cables, contributing to a clean build aesthetic.

Installation and Compatibility

Installation of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is straightforward, as it comes with metal fasteners compatible with a broad range of Intel and AMD sockets. This ensures that users can easily mount it on various CPU platforms without hassle. The Lyai Fan Hub also boasts ease of installation with its magnetic base, allowing it to be securely positioned within the case. However, its compatibility is focused on connecting additional fans and ARGB devices, which may require users to have fans that are already compatible with PWM and ARGB functions.

Price and Value for Money

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is priced at £26.90, reflecting its targeted performance as a CPU cooler, making it a reasonable investment for those serious about maintaining optimal CPU temperatures. In comparison, the Lyai Fan Hub is significantly cheaper at £10.99, providing a cost-effective solution for users looking to enhance their cooling capabilities and RGB aesthetics without breaking the bank. The value offered by each product depends largely on the user's specific needs; those requiring high-performance cooling may find the Thermalright cooler more beneficial, while those focused on fan control and lighting may prefer the Lyai hub.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler and the Lyai 2-in-1 ARGB PWM Fan Hub with Controller ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you require a high-performance CPU cooler that excels at dissipating heat and maintaining low noise levels, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the clear choice. However, if your goal is to enhance your PC's cooling management and lighting aesthetics at a lower cost, the Lyai Fan Hub offers excellent value. For a comprehensive cooling setup, you may even consider using both products in tandem to achieve the best of both worlds.