Thermalright ASF Black V2 AM5 CPU Holder, AM5 vs Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air

Overview of the Products

When comparing the Thermalright ASF Black V2 AM5 CPU Holder and the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, it’s clear that these products serve different purposes within the CPU cooling ecosystem. The ASF Black V2 is a holder designed to prevent CPU bending, while the Assassin X120 is a full-fledged air cooler. The price difference is notable; the ASF Black V2 costs $8.69, whereas the Assassin X120 is priced at $17.90, making the cooler about 106% more expensive.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright ASF Black V2 features an all-aluminum alloy construction with a black anodized finish, which enhances both durability and aesthetics. Its precise design ensures that it fits the AM5 CPU perfectly, offering excellent support to prevent bending. In contrast, the Thermalright Assassin X120 is designed with a more complex structure, incorporating four heat pipes and an aluminum heatsink cover. This cooler is built for efficiency, featuring a PWM fan that operates at a maximum speed of 1550 RPM, providing strong airflow. While the ASF Black V2 is lightweight at just 20 grams, the Assassin X120 weighs 645 grams, reflecting its more robust design aimed at serious cooling performance.

Installation Process

The installation process for the ASF Black V2 is user-friendly, designed specifically for AM5 CPU motherboards. It comes with an L-shaped screwdriver for ease of use, and the installation can be completed in one step by following the included instructions. On the other hand, the Thermalright Assassin X120 also supports multiple CPU sockets, including AM4/AM5 and Intel variants, and comes with the necessary metal fasteners for installation. However, the complexity of the cooler's design may require more time and effort for proper setup compared to the straightforward holder.

Performance and Efficiency

In terms of performance, the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE is equipped with AGHP technology and four heat pipes, which enhance its cooling efficiency. It can deliver an airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level below 25.6 dB(A). This cooler is designed for serious gaming and high-performance tasks, ensuring that temperatures remain low during intense usage. In contrast, the ASF Black V2 does not provide any cooling functionality but instead focuses on structural integrity to protect the CPU from bending, especially beneficial for heavy coolers or graphics workloads.

Compatibility and Support

The ASF Black V2 is exclusively compatible with AMD’s AM5 socket, making it a specialized product for those using AM5 CPUs and motherboards. Its design supports chipsets like the X670 and B650 series. The Assassin X120 offers broader compatibility, supporting several Intel sockets in addition to AM4 and AM5. This versatility makes the Assassin X120 suitable for a wider range of builds, which can be particularly advantageous for users who may switch platforms in the future.

Price and Value

At $8.69, the Thermalright ASF Black V2 presents a very budget-friendly option for users looking to protect their CPU from bending. In contrast, the Assassin X120 is priced at $17.90, which is approximately 106% higher than the holder. This price reflects the additional functionality and cooling performance offered by the Assassin X120. While both products provide value in their respective categories, the choice ultimately depends on whether the user needs a CPU holder or a cooling solution.

Brand Reputation and Reliability

Thermalright has established itself as a reputable brand in the CPU cooling market, with over 20 years of experience. Both products embody the brand's commitment to quality and performance. The ASF Black V2 is designed to prevent CPU bending, which speaks to reliability in protecting components. The Assassin X120, with its advanced cooling technology and long service life of up to 20,000 hours, showcases Thermalright's focus on performance and durability, making it a trusted choice for gamers and professionals alike.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Thermalright ASF Black V2 AM5 CPU Holder and the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a straightforward solution to prevent CPU bending during heavy workloads, the ASF Black V2 is an effective, low-cost option at $8.69. However, if you require serious cooling performance for gaming or high-intensity tasks, the Assassin X120, priced at $17.90, offers advanced features and broader compatibility. In essence, choose the ASF Black V2 for protection and the Assassin X120 for performance.