Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler vs Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM

Brand Overview

Both the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler and the Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM are products from reputable brands in the cooling solutions market. Thermalright is a well-established Taiwanese brand with over 20 years of experience, primarily focusing on R&D for computer accessories, including CPU coolers. In contrast, Noctua is renowned for its premium cooling solutions, particularly known for their quiet operation and longevity. The Thermalright model is priced at £26.90, while the Noctua fan is more affordable at £18.98, making it essential to consider what each brand offers within its price segment.

Design and Dimensions

In terms of design and dimensions, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is considerably larger than the Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM. The Peerless Assassin measures 125mm in length, 135mm in width, and 155mm in height, making it a substantial air cooler suitable for various CPU sockets. The Noctua fan, however, is compact, measuring just 40mm x 40mm x 10mm, specifically designed for tight spaces such as 1U servers. This difference in size means that while the Thermalright cooler may provide better overall cooling for CPUs, the Noctua fan is ideal for smaller devices where space is a premium.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Thermalright model is built for high-capacity cooling, featuring double PWM fans that can achieve an airflow of 66.17 CFM and a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A). Its design includes six 6mm heat pipes and an advanced cooling technique to counteract gravity effects, making it highly effective for overclocked CPUs. On the other hand, the Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM operates at a maximum speed of 5000 RPM with a noise level of just 19.6 dB(A). While it may not match the airflow of the Thermalright unit, its advanced acoustic optimisation allows for quieter operation, making it suitable for environments where silence is paramount.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a vital aspect of any cooling solution. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin supports a wide range of sockets including Intel’s LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD’s AM4 and AM5. This broad compatibility makes it an excellent choice for users with different setups. In contrast, the Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM does not specify a wide range of CPU socket compatibility as its primary function caters to smaller devices like servers and network equipment. Thus, while the Thermalright model excels in versatility for larger systems, the Noctua fan is specialised for niche applications.

Installation and Accessories

The installation process can significantly influence user experience. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin is designed for straightforward installation with metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms. This ease of installation is complemented by its double tower cooling design, which allows for better airflow management without obstructing other components like RAM. The Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM comes with various accessories such as anti-vibration mounts, fan screws, a Low-Noise Adapter, an extension cable, and an OmniJoin adaptor set. These accessories facilitate the fan's installation in different environments but may not be as critical for those using it in standard cases.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are a crucial consideration for many users. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a CPU cooler of its size and cooling capacity. In contrast, the Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM is designed with silence in mind, achieving a maximum noise level of only 19.6 dB(A). This lower noise output may be particularly appealing to users who prioritise a quiet computing environment, such as in home theatres or audio production setups. Therefore, if noise reduction is a primary concern, the Noctua fan has a clear advantage.

Price and Value

In terms of pricing, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is positioned at £26.90, while the Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM is more budget-friendly at £18.98. The higher price of the Thermalright cooler reflects its larger size, dual fan setup, and enhanced cooling capabilities suitable for high-performance CPUs. Conversely, the Noctua fan offers great value for users needing a reliable, efficient fan for compact systems or specific use cases, such as servers. Ultimately, the decision may come down to whether users require the extensive cooling capabilities of the Thermalright model or the quieter, smaller solution offered by Noctua.

Which should you buy?

When deciding between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler and the Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM, it ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you require robust cooling for a high-performance CPU and have the space for a larger cooler, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin is an excellent choice with its advanced cooling technology and broad compatibility. However, if you are working with compact systems or need a quieter solution, the Noctua NF-A4x10 PWM excels in delivering silent operation and versatility in smaller devices. Consider your system requirements and cooling needs carefully to make the best choice for your setup.