Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU

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 priced at $19.82, making it a budget-friendly choice for users seeking efficient cooling. This cooler features five heat pipes and a PWM fan that operates at a maximum speed of 1550 RPM, delivering an airflow of 66.17 CFM with a noise level of just 25.6 dB(A). Its design includes colorful ARGB lighting, combining aesthetics with performance. The cooler supports various AMD and Intel sockets, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.

Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler

On the other hand, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler comes at a higher price of $38.99. This dual-tower cooler is equipped with six heat pipes and dual 120mm PWM fans that can reach speeds of 1850 RPM, providing an impressive airflow of 88.89 CFM. It is designed for high-performance cooling, especially for gaming and multitasking. The Peerless Assassin supports both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1851/1700 platforms, making it a versatile option for modern desktop systems.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to cooling performance, the Peerless Assassin outshines the Assassin King. With dual fans and a dual-tower design, the Peerless Assassin achieves a maximum airflow of 88.89 CFM compared to the Assassin King's 66.17 CFM. This translates to a better heat dissipation capability, especially under heavy loads, which is crucial for gaming or intensive applications. While the Assassin King operates quietly at 25.6 dB(A), the Peerless Assassin does produce more noise at 29.5 dB(A), but the trade-off is a significant boost in cooling performance.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Assassin King features a compact form factor with dimensions of 120(L)x73(W)x148(H) mm. This makes it suitable for medium-sized cases. In contrast, the Peerless Assassin has slightly larger dimensions of 125 mm x 110 mm x 155 mm without the fans, which may impact compatibility with smaller cases. Both coolers utilize S-FDB bearings for enhanced durability. However, the Peerless Assassin’s dual-tower design not only looks impressive but also enables more efficient thermal performance, which is vital for users pushing their systems to the limit.

Installation and Compatibility

Both coolers offer broad compatibility, supporting multiple socket platforms from both AMD and Intel. The Assassin King is compatible with Intel sockets 115X, 1200, 1700, and AMD AM4, while the Peerless Assassin supports AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1851/1700. Installation for both coolers is straightforward, as they come with all necessary mounting hardware. However, users with smaller cases may find the Assassin King easier to install due to its more compact dimensions.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many users, particularly those who prioritize a quiet computing experience. The Assassin King operates at a quieter 25.6 dB(A), making it an excellent choice for users who want minimal distraction. In comparison, the Peerless Assassin, while still relatively quiet, operates at 29.5 dB(A). The difference may be noticeable during idle or low-load situations, but the increased cooling performance of the Peerless Assassin may justify the slightly higher noise level for users under load.

Price Considerations

The price difference between the two coolers is significant, with the Assassin King priced at $19.82 and the Peerless Assassin at $38.99. This means the Peerless Assassin is about 97% more expensive than the Assassin King. For users on a tight budget or those who do not plan to overclock their CPUs, the Assassin King presents an appealing option. However, for users looking for superior cooling performance and willing to invest more, the Peerless Assassin offers advanced features and better efficiency.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU Air Cooler and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable and quiet solution for general use, the Assassin King is a solid choice. However, for users seeking enhanced cooling performance for gaming or high-load applications, the Peerless Assassin justifies its higher price with superior airflow and thermal efficiency. If your budget allows, the Peerless Assassin is likely the better investment for long-term performance.