Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air

Overview of the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB is priced at $19.82 and offers an efficient cooling solution with its five heat pipes. This cooler is designed for compatibility with both Intel and AMD sockets, making it versatile for various builds. With a height of 148mm, it suits medium-sized computer cases and utilizes a PWM fan that operates at a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), ensuring a quiet computing environment.

The Assassin King’s AGHP III technology enhances its cooling performance by addressing the inverse gravity effect, making it a reliable choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts. Weighing in at 0.64 kg, it combines lightweight design with effective heat dissipation capabilities. The cooler also features beautiful ARGB lighting, adding an aesthetic touch to your setup.

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is a more expensive option at $38.90, but it boasts superior cooling capabilities with six heat pipes and dual PWM fans. This cooler is designed for high-performance systems, supporting a TDP of 245W, which is significantly higher than its competitor. The Peerless Assassin is also compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest models, enhancing its utility for modern builds.

Measuring 157mm in height, the Peerless Assassin is slightly taller than the Assassin King, but its modern design and effective heat dissipation area of 9600 cm² make it an attractive choice for users looking for powerful cooling. With a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), it matches the Assassin King in quiet operation while providing better cooling performance through its dual-fan system.

Cooling Performance Comparison

When it comes to cooling performance, the Peerless Assassin 120 Black clearly outshines the Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB. The Peerless model features six heat pipes compared to the five in the Assassin King. This additional heat pipe allows for better heat distribution, making the Peerless Assassin capable of handling a TDP of 245W compared to the Assassin King's unspecified TDP.

The dual fans of the Peerless Assassin also contribute to its superior cooling efficiency, allowing for better airflow and heat dissipation. Both coolers operate at similar noise levels of 25.6 dB(A), but the Peerless Assassin's enhanced design enables it to perform better under load. Users looking for high-performance cooling will find the Peerless Assassin to be a more effective solution.

Design and Aesthetics

In terms of design, the Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB features an attractive white finish with ARGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for builds focused on aesthetics. The height of 148mm allows it to fit in most mid-tower cases without issues. Its design is complemented by the use of aluminum for the heatsink, ensuring both durability and lightweight characteristics.

On the other hand, the Peerless Assassin 120 Black offers a sleek black finish with an aluminium heatsink cover, presenting a modern look that appeals to users who prefer a darker theme for their setups. The slightly taller height of 157mm may pose compatibility concerns for some cases, but its overall design prioritizes efficient cooling performance. While both coolers feature a combination of style and functionality, the choice between them will depend on individual aesthetic preferences.

Installation and Compatibility

Both the Assassin King and the Peerless Assassin are designed for easy installation, equipped with metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms. The Assassin King supports a wide range of Intel sockets, including LGA 1700, 1150, and 1151, as well as AMD's AM4 socket. This compatibility makes it a versatile option for various builds.

The Peerless Assassin further extends this compatibility by supporting Intel sockets, including LGA 2066 and 2011, alongside the same AMD sockets. This broader compatibility can be a deciding factor for users with high-end Intel processors. Overall, both coolers provide adequate mounting solutions, but the Peerless Assassin's extensive socket support may appeal to users seeking flexibility in their builds.

Price Comparison

The Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB is priced at $19.82, making it approximately 49% cheaper than the Peerless Assassin 120 Black, which retails at $38.90. This significant price difference may attract budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable cooler without breaking the bank.

However, the higher price of the Peerless Assassin may be justified by its superior cooling performance and additional features such as dual fans and enhanced heat dissipation capabilities. For users who prioritize budget, the Assassin King offers a solid choice, while those seeking premium cooling performance may find the investment in the Peerless Assassin worthwhile.

User Experience and Feedback

While specific user feedback is not available for either model, the features and specifications suggest that both products are designed with user satisfaction in mind. The low noise levels of both coolers indicate that users can expect a quiet operation during gaming or heavy workloads, which is often a major concern for PC builders.

The Assassin King's ARGB lighting can enhance the overall visual experience for users who enjoy custom lighting setups. Meanwhile, the Peerless Assassin's focus on heat dissipation and a robust design suggests that users can expect reliable performance even during intense gaming sessions. Overall, both coolers seem to cater to different needs and preferences, making them appealing to a wide range of users.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. The Assassin King offers a budget-friendly price of $19.82 with a solid performance and aesthetic appeal, perfect for users who want an efficient cooler without spending too much.

Conversely, the Peerless Assassin, priced at $38.90, provides superior cooling capabilities due to its dual fans and six heat pipes, making it a better choice for high-performance systems. If cooling performance and compatibility with high-end processors are your priorities, the investment in the Peerless Assassin may be well worth it. Ultimately, weigh your budget against your cooling needs to make the best decision for your build.