Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU vs Thermalright AXP90-X53 White Low Profile ITX CPU Air Cooler,

Overview of the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU Air Cooler is designed for users seeking an efficient cooling solution with aesthetic appeal. Priced at $19.82, it features five heat pipes and a PWM quiet fan that operates at a maximum speed of 1550 RPM. With a height of 148mm, this cooler is suitable for medium-sized cases, making it an excellent choice for gaming rigs or performance PCs. The cooler's S-FDB bearing ensures longevity, with a noise level not exceeding 25.6 dB(A), allowing for quiet operation under load.

Overview of the Thermalright AXP90-X53 White Low Profile ITX CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright AXP90-X53 White Low Profile ITX CPU Air Cooler offers a compact design ideal for small form factor builds. At a price of $19.39, it is about 2% cheaper than the Assassin King 120 SE. This cooler stands at just 53mm tall, making it perfect for ITX motherboards and small chassis. It employs a 92mm PWM fan that can reach speeds of up to 2700 RPM, providing impressive cooling while maintaining a low noise level of 22.4 dB(A). With four heat pipes and a pure copper base, it effectively manages heat dissipation in constrained spaces.

Cooling Performance Comparison

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE is designed to handle enhanced cooling needs, featuring five heat pipes and an airflow of 66.17 CFM at maximum fan speed. This cooler is suitable for CPUs with a higher thermal design power (TDP), making it ideal for overclocking scenarios. In contrast, the AXP90-X53, while smaller, still packs a punch with its four heat pipes and a maximum airflow of 42.58 CFM. However, it is rated for CPUs with a TDP of up to 150W, which may limit its efficacy in high-performance setups compared to the Assassin King.

Size and Compatibility

When it comes to size, the Thermalright AXP90-X53 is significantly more compact, standing at just 53mm tall compared to the 148mm height of the Assassin King 120 SE. This low profile allows it to fit in smaller cases without interfering with memory clearance, making it a prime choice for ITX builds. Both coolers are compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851, which ensures that users can install them on various platforms without issue.

Noise Levels and Operation

Noise levels are crucial for many users, particularly those building quiet PCs. The Assassin King operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), while the AXP90-X53 is quieter, operating at just 22.4 dB(A). This means that while the Assassin King may provide better cooling performance, the AXP90-X53 will likely be the preferred choice for users prioritizing silent operation. Both products utilize PWM technology to adjust fan speeds based on CPU temperature, optimizing performance while minimizing noise.

Aesthetic Appeal

For users who appreciate visual customization, the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE comes with colorful ARGB lighting effects, adding a vibrant touch to any build. The sleek white design complements modern gaming setups. In contrast, the AXP90-X53 presents a more understated look, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. While it may lack the RGB flair, its minimalist design can appeal to users who prefer a clean and professional appearance in their builds.

Price Comparison

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE is priced at $19.82, while the AXP90-X53 is slightly more affordable at $19.39. This makes the AXP90-X53 about 2% cheaper than its competitor, which may influence budget-conscious consumers. However, the decision should not be based solely on price. Each cooler offers unique benefits that may justify their costs depending on specific user needs and preferences.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB and the AXP90-X53 ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you require superior cooling performance and don't mind a larger size, the Assassin King is the better choice, especially for high-performance setups. However, if you're building a compact ITX system and prioritize low noise levels and a smaller footprint, the AXP90-X53 is an excellent option. Both coolers deliver quality performance and compatibility, but your final decision will hinge on the specific requirements of your build.