Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR Black Hub vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB
Updated August 2026 — Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB leads on cooling effect and build quality.
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB offers superior cooling performance, while the ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR is a budget-friendly fan management solution.
Why Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR Black Hub is better
Price
The fan hub is significantly cheaper at $11.59.
Size
The fan hub has a compact design.
Ease of Use
The fan hub offers a simple plug-and-play installation.
Why Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB is better
Cooling
The CPU cooler has advanced heat dissipation capabilities.
Compatibility
The CPU cooler supports a wide range of CPU sockets.
Features
The CPU cooler includes a digital display for monitoring performance.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR Black Hub | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $11.59 | $45.90 |
| Fan Speed | N/A | 1850 RPM |
| Airflow | N/A | 88.89 CFM |
| Heat Pipes | N/A | 6 |
| PWM Support | Yes | Yes |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the Products
The Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR Black Hub Controller is priced at $11.59, while the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler comes in at $45.90, making the cooler about 295% more expensive than the fan hub. Both products are manufactured by Thermalright and cater to different needs in the PC building and cooling market. The fan hub focuses on managing multiple fans and ARGB lighting, while the CPU cooler is designed for effective heat dissipation for CPUs.
Design and Build Quality
The Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR boasts a compact design with dimensions of 108x50x21mm, making it easy to integrate into any PC setup. Its black plastic casing features a linear ARGB on the top surface, adding an aesthetic element to your build. In contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB features a more substantial build, with an overall height of 162mm and a dual-tower design that includes dual fans. Its design not only serves a functional purpose but also includes a digital screen top cover that enhances its modern look.
Cooling Performance
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB is built for high-performance cooling, featuring six pure copper heat pipes and a fan speed of up to 1850 RPM. This combination results in an impressive airflow of 88.89 CFM, effectively managing CPU temperatures during intense tasks. On the other hand, the Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR does not provide cooling directly but rather supports up to 12 fans, thereby facilitating better overall airflow within a system. While the fan hub enhances the cooling potential of a build, it does not compare to the dedicated cooling capabilities of the Peerless Assassin.
Compatibility
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB is designed to be compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200. This versatility makes it a suitable choice for various builds. In contrast, the Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR is primarily focused on fan and lighting management, providing 4-pin PWM and 3-pin ARGB connections. While it supports multiple fans, its compatibility is limited to fan and lighting systems rather than direct CPU installations.
Ease of Installation
When it comes to installation, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB provides a straightforward setup process with included mounting clips for various platforms. Users can follow installation tutorials to ensure proper fit and function. The Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR also promotes easy installation with a plug-and-play design, allowing users to quickly connect various fans and lighting devices. Both products cater to users looking for a hassle-free assembly experience, but the CPU cooler requires a bit more attention due to its mounting specifications.
User Experience and Control
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB includes advanced features like a digital display on its top cover, allowing users to monitor performance visually. This additional functionality enhances the user experience by providing real-time information about cooling efficiency. The Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR, while lacking a display, includes a remote control for easy management of lighting effects. This feature allows users to customize their lighting experience conveniently, though it does not provide the same level of performance feedback as the CPU cooler.
Price Comparison
The Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR is priced at $11.59, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to enhance their PC's cooling and lighting capabilities. In contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB is priced at $45.90, which is significantly higher. This price difference of about $34.31 reflects the additional performance and features offered by the CPU cooler, including its advanced heat dissipation capabilities and design aesthetics.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the Thermalright ARGB and Fan HUB X12 IR and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution to manage multiple fans and ARGB lighting, the fan hub is an excellent choice at just $11.59. However, if your priority is high-performance cooling for your CPU, the Peerless Assassin at $45.90 justifies its price with superior heat dissipation and compatibility with various CPU sockets. Each product serves its unique purpose, making your decision a matter of whether cooling performance or fan management is more critical for your build.