Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler
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AI Verdict
This dual-tower air cooler with 6 heat pipes and dual 120mm fans handles up to 265 watts, making it a budget powerhouse for demanding CPUs.
This cooler is a strong fit for most mid-range to high-end desktop builds, offering 265 watts of cooling capacity for a budget price. Its 155mm height and dual-tower design with 6 heat pipes provide exceptional thermal performance for a wide range of CPUs.
If 155mm is too tall for your case, look for single-tower coolers or low-profile dual-tower designs, typically under 140mm.
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Pros
- Cools CPUs up to 265 watts, outperforming some more expensive liquid coolers in noise-normalized thermal tests.
- Features 6x6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to prevent inverse gravity effects, ensuring consistent cooling in any orientation.
- Includes two 120mm PWM fans with a maximum speed of 1550 RPM and a noise level of 25.6 dB(A).
- Its 155mm height fits in many mid-tower cases, offering broad compatibility without needing a massive chassis.
- Comes with all necessary mounting hardware for Intel LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, plus thermal paste and a fan splitter.
Cons
- Fans can become audibly loud at their maximum 1550 RPM speed, reaching noise levels that some users find distracting.
- The cooler's 135mm width can cause clearance issues with tall RAM modules or those with large RGB heat spreaders.
- Fan mounting can be awkward in tight cases, making installation or adjustment difficult if there isn't much space above the cooler.
- AMD installations require using the motherboard's original backplate, which is not included with the cooler.
Dimension Scores
The cooler manages 265 watts of heat, performing comparably to or better than more expensive coolers, including the Noctua NH-D15, in noise-normalized thermal tests.
While rated at 25.6 dB(A), users report the dual 120mm fans can become loud at their maximum 1550 RPM speed, though they are quiet at lower loads.
It features 6 copper heat pipes, a pure copper base, and a full electroplating reflow welding process, providing a robust and effective cooling structure for its price.
The fans come with sleeved black cables and a Y-splitter, which helps with tidiness, but the dual-fan setup still adds two fan cables to manage.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with high-TDP CPUs like Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9, especially when overclocking is not extreme.
- Budget-conscious PC builders who need top-tier air cooling performance without spending over $50.
- Systems where quiet operation is desired at idle or low loads, as fans remain quiet below full speed.
Not Recommended For
- Small Form Factor (SFF) builds where case height restrictions are below 155mm.
- Users who prioritize absolute silence under maximum CPU load, as fans can get loud at 1550 RPM.
- Motherboards with extremely tall RAM heat spreaders, due to potential clearance conflicts with the cooler's width.
Watch Out For
- The 155mm cooler height means it won't fit in all cases; verify your case's CPU cooler clearance before buying.
- Tall RAM modules (over 40mm) might interfere with the front fan, potentially requiring the fan to be mounted higher or removed, impacting cooling performance or case closure.
- Some users report the fans can be loud at 100% speed, with noise levels reaching up to 25.6 dB(A).
- Installing the cooler on AMD platforms requires retaining and using the original motherboard backplate, which is not supplied with the cooler.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 717378790852 |
| ASIN | B09LGY38L4 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Color | PA120 SE |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 265 watts |
| Material | Aluminium,Aluminum,Metal,Silicone |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | THERMALRIGHT |
| Power Source | DC |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | PA120 SE |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.92"L x 5.31"W x 6.1"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.1 x 5.31 x 4.92 inches |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
People are genuinely surprised by how well this cooler performs for its price, often noting it keeps high-end CPUs like the i9-12900K or Ryzen 7900X cool without breaking the bank. Many users point out its ability to compete with, or even surpass, much more expensive coolers in thermal performance. The main recurring feedback is its exceptional value, though some mention the fans can get noisy when running at full tilt. Installation is generally straightforward, but the cooler's size can be a tight squeeze in some cases, and RAM clearance is a common concern.
“Dude, this thing is like, thirty-five bucks and it cools my 12700K better than my old expensive one, but man, those fans can get a little whiny when I'm really pushing it.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low even under heavy loads, often outperforming coolers costing three times as much.
- The low price point makes it an unbeatable value for the cooling performance it delivers.
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms, making it widely compatible.
- The 155mm height allows it to fit into a wider range of mid-tower cases compared to larger dual-tower coolers.
- The AGHP technology effectively prevents performance degradation due to cooler orientation.
Common Complaints
- Fans can be loud at 100% speed, creating noticeable noise during intense workloads or gaming.
- Potential for RAM clearance issues, especially with tall memory modules, which might require adjusting fan height or position.
- The sheer size of the cooler can make it difficult to work around on the motherboard, especially when swapping out other components.
- Installation on AMD platforms requires using the original motherboard backplate, which can be an inconvenience if it's lost or not readily available.
Ownership Tips
- The included thermal paste is surprisingly effective, so you might not need to buy aftermarket paste immediately.
- The fan clips can be a bit fiddly to attach, especially the inner fan if your RAM is already installed.
- Check your case's side panel clearance carefully; even if the height fits, the fan clips might add a millimeter or two.
- The cooler's weight means you should handle your motherboard carefully during installation to avoid flexing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE includes a tube of thermal paste in the box.
Will this fit in my PC case?
The cooler has a height of 155mm. You need to check your PC case's maximum CPU cooler clearance to ensure it will fit.
Is it compatible with AMD AM5 processors?
Yes, it supports AMD AM5 sockets, as well as AM4, Intel LGA 1700, 1200, and 115X.
Are the fans loud?
At lower RPMs, the fans are quiet, rated at 25.6 dB(A). However, at their maximum speed of 1550 RPM, some users find them audibly loud.
Does it come with an RGB version?
This specific model (PA120 SE) does not have RGB fans. Thermalright offers other versions, like the PA120 SE ARGB, if you need lighting.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, you need to think about how much heat your processor generates (its TDP or wattage) and how much space you have in your case. A cooler's job is to move heat away from your CPU so it doesn't overheat and slow down. Air coolers like this one use heat pipes to transfer heat to fins, which fans then cool. The more heat pipes and surface area, generally the better the cooling, but also the bigger the cooler.
wattage (265 watts)
This number tells you how much heat the cooler can dissipate. Think of it like a car's horsepower; a higher number means it can handle more demanding CPUs, keeping them cooler under load. If your CPU generates more heat than the cooler can handle, your system will slow down to prevent damage.
CPU Cooler dimensions: 155mm (H)
This is crucial for fitting inside your PC case. Imagine trying to put a tall hat on someone whose head is too close to the ceiling. If your case's CPU cooler clearance is less than 155mm, this cooler won't fit, and you'll need a shorter one.
Noise Level ≤25.6dB(A)
This spec indicates how loud the fans can get. It's like the volume control on your stereo; lower numbers mean quieter operation. While 25.6 dB(A) is relatively quiet, this is usually at a specific fan speed, and at full speed, it can be louder, which might be distracting if you prefer a silent PC.
Alternatives
If this cooler is too tall, search for single-tower air coolers or low-profile dual-tower coolers with a height under 150mm. If you need even quieter operation under heavy loads, look for coolers with larger fans (140mm) or those specifically marketed for low-noise performance.
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