Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, vs Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE and Thermalright PS120SE

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is priced at $49.99, while the Thermalright PS120SE comes in at a lower price of $35.90, making it about 28% cheaper. Both coolers are designed for AMD and Intel CPUs, with various compatibility options. The Peerless Assassin features six heat pipes and two 120mm PWM fans, while the PS120SE has seven heat pipes, which may provide enhanced cooling performance.

Design and Build Quality

When comparing the design and build quality, the Thermalright PS120SE has a slight edge with its seven heat pipes versus the six found in the Peerless Assassin. Both coolers are constructed with aluminum heat sinks, ensuring effective heat dissipation. The PS120SE's heat pipes utilize AGHP upgraded 4.0 technology, which helps mitigate the inverse gravity effect when installed in varied orientations. This feature is crucial for optimizing cooling efficiency across different system setups.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling performance, both coolers utilize dual 120mm PWM fans to maximize airflow. The Peerless Assassin's fans reach a speed of up to 1550 RPM, while the PS120SE's fans operate at a slightly lower maximum of 1500 RPM. However, both models achieve an airflow of 66.17 CFM, which suggests that they should perform comparably under typical operating conditions. The PS120SE supports a thermal design power (TDP) ranging from 105W to 280W, potentially making it a better choice for more demanding systems.

Noise Levels

Both the Thermalright Peerless Assassin and PS120SE operate at a noise level of 25.6 dB(A), indicating that they are designed to maintain quiet operation even under load. This is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize low noise levels in their builds, such as in home theater PCs or quiet office environments. With both models delivering similar noise performance, users can choose either without concern for sound output.

Compatibility and Installation

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel's LGA 115X/1200/1700 and AMD's AM4/AM5. The PS120SE offers similar compatibility, supporting Intel's LGA 1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD's AM4/AM5 sockets. Both products come with the necessary mounting hardware for easy installation, but the Peerless Assassin notes that users may need to utilize their motherboard's built-in backplate for AMD installations.

Price Consideration

The price difference between these two products is significant, with the PS120SE being about $14.09 less than the Peerless Assassin, translating to a 28% savings. For budget-conscious consumers or those building mid-range systems, the affordability of the PS120SE makes it an appealing option. Despite the lower price, the PS120SE still offers solid performance features that may satisfy the needs of a wide range of users.

Brand Reputation

Both coolers are manufactured by Thermalright, a brand with over 20 years of experience in developing computer cooling solutions. They are known for their reliability and performance in the cooling market. The longstanding reputation of Thermalright lends credibility to both the Peerless Assassin and PS120SE, ensuring that customers can trust the quality and performance of either product.

Which should you buy?

If you're looking for budget-friendly options, the Thermalright PS120SE is the clear winner at $35.90, offering a solid performance with seven heat pipes and compatibility for a variety of CPUs. However, for those who want a slightly higher RPM fan speed and a robust design, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is also a strong contender at $49.99. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize cost savings or slightly enhanced cooling capabilities.