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

Price Comparison

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU Air Cooler is priced at $19.82, while the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black CPU Cooler costs $34.39. This indicates that the Assassin King is about 42% cheaper than its counterpart. If you're on a tight budget or looking for a cost-effective cooling solution, the Assassin King offers significant savings without sacrificing essential features.

Design and Aesthetics

In terms of design, the Assassin King showcases a striking white ARGB aesthetic, making it an attractive addition to any build. Its dimensions are 120(L)x73(W)x148(H)mm, with a weight of 0.64 kg (1.4 lb). The ARGB lighting can enhance the visual appeal of your setup. Conversely, the Peerless Assassin features a sleek black design with a fully blackened body and CNC precision micro-engraved copper base, measuring 125(L)x110(W)x135(H)mm. While the Assassin King has a more vibrant appearance, the Peerless Assassin’s understated elegance may appeal to users preferring a darker theme.

Cooling Performance

Both coolers are equipped with advanced cooling technologies. The Assassin King utilizes five heat pipes with AGHP III technique, optimizing heat dissipation effectively. Its fan operates at a speed of 1550 RPM, delivering an airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A). In contrast, the Peerless Assassin boasts six heat pipes utilizing AGHP technology and a fan speed of 1500 RPM with an airflow of 66.87 CFM, also maintaining the same noise level. While both coolers perform admirably, the Peerless Assassin may have a slight edge in airflow due to its additional heat pipe, though the difference is marginal.

Compatibility

Compatibility is essential when choosing a CPU cooler. The Assassin King supports a wide range of Intel sockets, including LGA115X, LGA1200, and LGA1700, as well as AMD AM4. This versatility makes it a solid choice for various builds. The Peerless Assassin also supports numerous Intel sockets, including LGA 2011 and LGA 1851, and is compatible with AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. Both coolers provide appropriate mounting plates to ensure compatibility, making them suitable for a broad spectrum of systems.

Installation Process

The installation process for both coolers is designed to be user-friendly. The Assassin King comes with metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms, facilitating a straightforward installation experience. The Peerless Assassin also includes a mounting kit that provides the necessary components for various CPU socket platforms, accompanied by installation instructions. Users can expect a hassle-free setup with either cooler, but the slightly lighter weight of the Assassin King may make it a tad easier to handle during installation.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are a crucial consideration for users who desire a quiet computing experience. Both the Assassin King and the Peerless Assassin operate at a maximum noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), ensuring that neither cooler disrupts your work or gaming sessions. With both coolers delivering similarly quiet performance, users can choose either option without concern for excessive noise.

Brand Reputation

Thermalright has a solid reputation in the cooling market, boasting over 20 years of development experience. Both coolers reflect the brand's commitment to quality and innovation, with a strong focus on research and development. The Assassin King and Peerless Assassin are well-regarded among users, and their performance metrics suggest they live up to the brand's reputation.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Assassin King offers significant cost savings at $19.82, attractive ARGB aesthetics, and effective cooling performance, making it ideal for budget-conscious users or those who appreciate RGB lighting. Conversely, the Peerless Assassin, priced at $34.39, provides enhanced airflow with its six heat pipes and a more subdued black design, appealing to those who prioritize performance and a minimalist look. Both coolers are compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets and operate quietly, so you can't go wrong with either choice. Ultimately, if you value aesthetics and savings, go for the Assassin King; if you prefer a more robust design and slightly better airflow, choose the Peerless Assassin.