Thermalright AXP120-X67 Low Profile CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU

Overview of Thermalright AXP120-X67

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 is a low-profile CPU air cooler, priced at $27.99. Its compact design and effective cooling ability make it suitable for smaller builds. With a height of only 67mm, it’s designed for compatibility with various AMD and Intel platforms, including AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1700 and 115x series.

This cooler features a 120mm PWM fan that operates at a maximum speed of 1800 RPM, providing airflow of up to 59 CFM while maintaining a noise level of just 26.1 dB(A). The inclusion of six heat pipes and an aluminum fin on a copper base enhances its thermal performance, making it a reliable choice for moderate computing tasks. Its design also incorporates an AGHP technique that mitigates the inverse gravity effect, thus ensuring efficient cooling in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is a dual-tower CPU cooler priced at $38.99. With its dual 120mm PWM fans that can reach speeds of up to 1850 RPM, this cooler offers superior heat dissipation, making it ideal for gaming and high-load tasks. Its larger and taller design—155mm in height—provides a significant thermal advantage over single-fan coolers.

Equipped with six heat pipes, the Peerless Assassin enhances heat transfer efficiency, making it a strong contender for users seeking robust cooling solutions for demanding applications. It supports a wide range of platforms, including AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1700 and LGA1851, ensuring compatibility with modern desktop systems. The dual-fan setup provides an airflow rating of 88.89 CFM, which is notably higher than that of the AXP120-X67, but it also operates at a noise level of 29.5 dB(A), making it slightly noisier.

Cooling Performance Comparison

In terms of cooling performance, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is designed to outperform the AXP120-X67. The dual 120mm fans can provide an airflow of 88.89 CFM, which is roughly 50% more than the 59 CFM offered by the AXP120-X67. This increase in airflow is particularly beneficial during high-load conditions, where maintaining lower temperatures is crucial.

Additionally, the dual-tower design of the Peerless Assassin helps in better heat dissipation compared to the single-tower configuration of the AXP120-X67. While both coolers have six heat pipes, the Peerless Assassin's larger heatsink surface area and dual fan setup allow for more efficient cooling overall. Users looking for high-performance cooling under heavy workloads might prefer the Peerless Assassin.

Size and Compatibility

When it comes to size and installation compatibility, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 excels with its low-profile design. With a height of just 67mm, it can fit into compact cases where space is a premium, making it a great option for small form-factor builds. It is compatible with a variety of Intel and AMD platforms, which adds to its versatility.

In contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2, while offering superior cooling, has a height of 155mm, which may limit compatibility with smaller cases. Users need to ensure they have adequate clearance in their case to accommodate this cooler. However, it also supports a broad range of sockets, ensuring that it can be used with most modern platforms.

Noise Levels

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 operates at a maximum noise level of 26.1 dB(A), making it a quieter option for users who prioritize low noise during operation. This lower noise level is particularly advantageous for those who use their systems in quiet environments or for tasks like content creation.

On the other hand, the Peerless Assassin operates at a noise level of 29.5 dB(A) at maximum fan speed. While still relatively quiet, it is noticeably louder than the AXP120-X67. Users who are sensitive to noise or who work in noise-sensitive environments may prefer the quieter option offered by the AXP120-X67.

Price Comparison

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 is priced at $27.99, making it the more affordable option compared to the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2, which costs $38.99. This represents a price difference of about 39%, which could be significant for budget-conscious consumers.

However, it's important to consider what you are getting for that additional investment in the Peerless Assassin. The enhanced cooling performance, dual fans, and overall design may justify the higher price for users who require more robust cooling solutions for demanding tasks. For general use or in smaller builds, the AXP120-X67 could be seen as a more cost-effective choice.

Customer Satisfaction and Reputation

Both products come from Thermalright, a brand known for its quality in cooling solutions. The AXP120-X67 has gained a solid reputation for being a reliable low-profile cooler, while the Peerless Assassin is recognized for its performance capabilities in more demanding environments.

While specific sales ranks are not provided for either product, the popularity of dual-tower coolers like the Peerless Assassin suggests that many users gravitate towards high-performance options when building their systems. The brand's long-standing development history, with over 20 years in the market, adds to the trustworthiness of both products.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright AXP120-X67 and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 ultimately depends on your specific needs and system requirements. If you are looking for a budget-friendly, low-profile cooler that excels in quieter environments, the AXP120-X67 at $27.99 is an excellent choice. Its design and lower noise level make it suitable for compact builds and general use.

However, if you require superior cooling performance for gaming or high-load tasks and have the space in your case, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 at $38.99 may be worth the investment. Its dual-fan setup and efficient heat dissipation make it a solid option for modern desktop systems.