Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler vs Thermal Grizzly - PhaseSheet PTM

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is a robust option for those in need of efficient cooling solutions. With a current price of £26.90, it features a double tower design that enhances its cooling capability. This air cooler measures 125mm in length, 135mm in width, and 155mm in height, providing a substantial cooling surface area. The use of six heat pipes, combined with PWM fans, ensures that it effectively manages heat output, making it suitable for various CPUs across Intel and AMD platforms.

Overview of Thermal Grizzly - PhaseSheet PTM

The Thermal Grizzly - PhaseSheet PTM is an advanced thermal pad priced at £11.40, offering a different approach to thermal management. It uses phase change material to optimise heat transfer, becoming liquid at 45°C for easy application. This thermal pad is designed for high performance, ensuring excellent thermal conductivity for CPUs, GPUs, and other electronic components. Its solid form at room temperature and non-electrically conductive nature make it safe for sensitive electronics, while its long-lasting performance maintains stable thermal conductivity through approximately ten thermal cycles.

Cooling Performance Comparison

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is designed for high efficiency with its double tower configuration and six heat pipes. The cooler features two PWM fans that can reach a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a sound level of ≤25.6 dB(A). This ensures that it can handle high thermal loads with minimal noise. In contrast, while the Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM excels in thermal conductivity, it relies on its application to surfaces for effective cooling, which may not match the direct cooling capabilities of the Peerless Assassin when installed in a system.

Installation and Compatibility

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is noted for its compatibility with a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA1150 through LGA1700 and AMD's AM4 and AM5. The product includes necessary mounting hardware, making installation straightforward. On the other hand, the Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM is designed for ease of use as a thermal interface material; it liquefies at a relatively low temperature, allowing for a simple application process. However, it requires proper surface preparation and may not be as universally compatible as the air cooler, which is specifically tailored for CPU installations.

Material Quality and Durability

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is constructed using high-quality aluminium for its heat sink and features a full electroplating reflow welding process. This construction contributes to its durability and effectiveness in heat dissipation. The PWM fans are also built to last, with a rated speed of 1550rpm, ensuring long-term performance. Conversely, the Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM boasts a non-electrically conductive design, making it safer for sensitive components. Its thermal pad retains stable conductivity after about ten thermal cycles, ensuring reliable performance over time.

Noise Levels

When considering noise levels, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE operates at a maximum of ≤25.6 dB(A), making it a quiet option even under load. This low noise output is crucial for users who prioritise a silent computing environment. In contrast, the Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM operates silently since it is a passive thermal solution without any moving parts. However, its effectiveness is dependent on proper application and temperature management, which may not directly influence overall system noise.

Versatility in Applications

The Peerless Assassin 120 SE is versatile enough to accommodate various CPU socket types, making it a solid choice for custom PC builds. Its double tower design allows for effective cooling in systems that may be overclocked or under heavy load. Meanwhile, the Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM offers versatility in different cooling systems, not limited to CPUs but also applicable to GPUs and other electronic components. This flexibility makes it a great choice for users looking to enhance thermal performance across multiple devices.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM ultimately depends on your specific cooling needs. If you require a dedicated and robust cooling solution for a CPU with a straightforward installation process, the Peerless Assassin at £26.90 is the better option. However, if you prefer a versatile thermal pad that can be used across various components and are comfortable with its application process, the PhaseSheet PTM at £11.40 could be more suitable. Each product has its strengths, making them both valuable in their respective areas of thermal management.