Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12C PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1200/1700/1851(AX120 R SE)
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AI Verdict
This 4-heat pipe, 148mm tall air cooler is for budget builds needing quiet cooling for AM4/AM5 or LGA1700 CPUs up to 65W TDP.
This cooler is a situational fit because its 4x6mm heat pipes and 148mm height make it suitable for medium-sized cases and CPUs with moderate thermal demands, like 65W TDP processors. However, its performance limitations under heavy loads and potential installation quirks mean it's not a universal recommendation.
If you need more cooling power for higher TDP CPUs or overclocking, look for coolers with 6+ heat pipes or a dual-tower design.
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Pros
- Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology ensure efficient heat transfer regardless of mounting orientation.
- The 148mm height allows it to fit in most medium-sized PC cases.
- The TL-C12C PWM fan operates at a low noise level of ≤25.6dB(A) for quiet computing.
- Offers broad socket compatibility, including Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5.
- S-FDB bearings provide a long service life of up to 20,000 hours for the fan.
- Includes metal fasteners for a secure installation on both Intel and AMD platforms.
Cons
- Installation can be challenging due to the mounting hardware design, requiring some patience.
- The included thermal paste is often considered subpar by users, who recommend aftermarket alternatives for better performance.
- Only one 120mm fan is included, which may limit cooling potential for higher TDP CPUs under sustained heavy loads.
- Some users have reported a noticeable fan whine at specific RPMs, impacting overall quietness.
- Not suitable for high-end CPUs with extreme overclocking, as it can quickly reach thermal limits.
Dimension Scores
The 4x6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology and 66.17CFM airflow provide adequate cooling for its price point, but it quickly hits 95°C on a Ryzen 7 7700X under heavy load.
The TL-C12C PWM fan is rated at ≤25.6dB(A), which is quiet for its class, though some users report fan whine at certain RPMs.
It features an aluminum heatsink, metal fasteners, and S-FDB bearings with a 20,000-hour lifespan, indicating a durable construction for its budget price.
As a single-fan cooler with a standard 4-pin PWM connector, it's straightforward but offers no advanced cable routing features.
Best For
- Budget PC builds needing AM4/AM5 or LGA1700 cooling for CPUs with a TDP up to 65W.
- Systems requiring a CPU cooler with a maximum height of 148mm to ensure case compatibility.
- Users prioritizing low noise levels (≤25.6dB(A)) for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light gaming.
Not Recommended For
- High-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7700X under all-core loads, where it quickly hits 95°C.
- Small form factor (SFF) cases that have less than 148mm of CPU cooler clearance.
- Overclocking enthusiasts pushing high TDP processors to their limits.
Watch Out For
- The mounting hardware can be fiddly, making the installation process frustrating for some users.
- The included thermal paste is often replaced by users for better thermal performance, suggesting it's not top-tier.
- Some users experienced a distinct whining sound from the fan, particularly at certain RPMs.
- While compatible with many sockets, it does not support Intel LGA 2011-3.
- There's potential for RAM clearance issues with tall RAM modules, though it generally clears standard height RAM.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 717378790685 |
| ASIN | B09LHBFPJ6 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Material | Aluminium,Aluminum,Metal,Silicone |
| Item Weight | 1.42 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Heat pipe and fan-based |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | AX120 Refined SE |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72"L x 2.8"W x 5.83"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the cooling performance this budget cooler delivers for its price, often outperforming stock coolers significantly. However, the installation process can be a point of frustration due to the mounting hardware, and some wish for better included thermal paste. It's frequently recommended for budget-conscious builders.
“Dude, for like twenty bucks, this thing actually keeps my Ryzen 5 5600G way cooler than the stock fan, but man, putting it on was a bit of a wrestling match, and I definitely swapped out the thermal paste.”
Common Praise
- Outperforms stock AMD Wraith Stealth cooler by a noticeable margin, with idle temperatures 7.4°C lower.
- Maintains low noise levels even under load, making it barely audible over other system components.
- Fits well in most standard ATX and Micro-ATX cases due to its 148mm height.
- Comes with all necessary mounting hardware for a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets.
- Provides excellent value for money, often costing under $20.
Common Complaints
- Installation can be a bit of a struggle, particularly with securing the mounting brackets.
- The included thermal paste is often seen as basic, with users recommending aftermarket alternatives.
- Some users reported a distinct whining sound from the fan at specific RPMs.
- Not ideal for very high TDP CPUs or heavy overclocking, where it can quickly hit thermal limits.
- Only includes one fan, which might not be enough for some users.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, the cooler continues to perform quietly for daily tasks and gaming on mid-range CPUs.
- The fan's noise profile remains consistent, with no noticeable degradation in sound quality.
- The compact size proves beneficial for case compatibility, avoiding RAM clearance issues on most motherboards.
- The AGHP technology seems to work as advertised, preventing performance drops regardless of case orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets does it support?
It supports Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5.
What is the height of the cooler?
The cooler dimensions are 125(L)x71(W)x148(H)mm, meaning its height is 148mm.
Is the fan quiet?
The TL-C12C PWM fan has a noise level of ≤25.6dB(A), which is considered low for a CPU cooler.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, a small tube of thermal compound is included in the box.
How many fans are included?
It comes with one 120x120x25mm TL-C12C PWM fan.
Can it cool high-end CPUs?
While rated for CPUs up to 220W TDP, users report it struggles with high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7700X under all-core loads, quickly reaching 95°C.
Buying Guide
When picking a CPU cooler, you need to think about how much heat your CPU puts out (its TDP), how much space you have in your case, and how much noise you can tolerate. This cooler is designed for CPUs with moderate heat output and cases that can accommodate its 148mm height.
Heat Pipes
These copper tubes transfer heat away from your CPU to the fins. More heat pipes, especially with AGHP tech like this one's 4x6mm pipes, generally mean better cooling performance.
Fan Speed (RPM) & Airflow (CFM)
RPM is how fast the fan spins, and CFM is how much air it moves. A higher CFM means more air is pushed through the heatsink, helping dissipate heat, while PWM allows the motherboard to control fan speed based on temperature. This cooler's 1550rpm and 66.17CFM are decent for its size.
Noise Level (dB(A))
This tells you how loud the fan gets. Lower numbers are quieter. At ≤25.6dB(A), this cooler is on the quieter side, which is a plus for a peaceful setup.
Alternatives
If this cooler isn't cutting it for your high-power CPU, look for dual-tower coolers with 6 or more heat pipes and larger fans, or consider liquid cooling solutions for maximum thermal performance.
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