Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat pipes, TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700 (SE ARGB)
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AI Verdict
A 148mm tall air cooler with 4x6mm heat pipes and a 120mm ARGB PWM fan, designed for budget builds needing up to 225W TDP cooling.
This cooler is a strong fit for budget-conscious builders needing a significant upgrade over stock cooling. Its 225W TDP rating and 148mm height make it compatible with a wide range of CPUs and medium-sized cases, while the ARGB fan adds aesthetic value without a high cost.
If you need more cooling capacity for higher-wattage CPUs or extreme overclocking, look for coolers with 6 or more heat pipes and larger dual-tower designs.
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Pros
- Cools CPUs up to 225W TDP with 4x6mm heat pipes and AGHP technology, outperforming stock coolers
- 148mm height fits in medium-sized computer cases, minimizing RAM clearance issues
- TL-C12C-S PWM fan operates at ≤25.6dB(A) at 1550 RPM, providing low acoustic output
- Includes ARGB lighting effects on the 120mm fan, adding visual customization
- Mounting hardware for Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700/17XX and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets is included
- S-FDB bearings contribute to a 20,000-hour industrial service life for the fan
Cons
- One user reported a fan developing a 'tick' noise after some use
- Some versions of the Assassin X120 SE do not include ARGB, requiring careful model selection
- The included thermal paste is a small tube, which may not be sufficient for multiple installations
- Pricing for other Thermalright coolers with slightly better performance is often very close, complicating purchase decisions
Dimension Scores
The cooler is rated for 225W TDP with 4x6mm AGHP heat pipes, providing cooling beyond typical stock solutions.
The TL-C12C-S PWM fan operates at a maximum of 25.6dB(A) at 1550 RPM, which is quiet for its cooling capacity.
It features an aluminum heatsink cover, thick aluminum fins, and S-FDB bearings for the fan, indicating a durable construction for its price point.
The single fan requires one 4-pin PWM and one 3-pin ARGB cable, which is standard and manageable for most builds.
Best For
- Budget PC builds requiring CPU cooling beyond stock solutions
- Systems with CPUs rated up to 65W TDP seeking quiet operation
- Mid-tower cases with a 148mm CPU cooler height limit
- Users wanting ARGB lighting without a significant price increase
Not Recommended For
- High-end overclocking scenarios exceeding 225W TDP
- Small form factor (SFF) builds with restrictive cooler height limits under 148mm
- Users prioritizing absolute silence over cooling performance
Watch Out For
- A user noted a fan 'tick' developing, indicating potential long-term noise issues for some units
- The included thermal paste is a small tube, which might necessitate purchasing additional paste for future re-installations or multiple builds
- While the ARGB version is available, other variants without ARGB exist at similar price points, which could lead to accidental purchase of a non-RGB model
- The cooler's height of 148mm, while fitting many cases, might still be too tall for some compact micro-ATX or mini-ITX enclosures
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09LHLS4V4 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 1.39 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | AX120 Refined SE ARGB |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 5.83"L x 4.92"W x 2.8"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the cooling performance for the price, often comparing it favorably to much more expensive coolers. It consistently outperforms stock CPU coolers, even for moderately powerful CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600G. The installation process is frequently described as straightforward, with included hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. The ARGB lighting is a welcome addition, especially given the budget price point, allowing for aesthetic customization.
“Dude, for twenty bucks this thing is actually insane, my Ryzen 5600G temps dropped like 15 degrees compared to the stock cooler and it looks sick with the RGB, totally worth it.”
Common Praise
- Outperforms AMD Wraith Stealth and similar stock coolers, keeping CPU temperatures lower
- Easy installation process with included mounting hardware for multiple sockets
- The 148mm height allows it to fit in many cases without interfering with RAM modules
- ARGB lighting adds visual appeal without significantly increasing the cost
- Quiet operation, with fan noise often barely noticeable or quieter than stock options
- Machining of the heat pipes and base plate is precise for the price
Common Complaints
- One user experienced a fan developing a 'tick' noise over time
- The small amount of included thermal paste might not be enough for multiple applications
- Some found the pricing of other Thermalright coolers too close, making it hard to choose between models
- While compatible with many cases, it still might be too tall for very compact builds
Ownership Tips
- The ARGB lighting requires a compatible motherboard header; it doesn't come with its own controller
- The fan clips are straightforward but can be a bit fiddly during installation
- The cooler's performance can rival some entry-level liquid coolers in certain scenarios
- The included thermal paste is functional but a higher-quality aftermarket paste could offer marginal improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, a small tube of thermal paste is included in the box.
Is the fan RGB or ARGB?
This specific model (SE ARGB) features an ARGB fan, meaning it has addressable RGB lighting for more customizable effects.
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It supports a broad range of Intel sockets including 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700/17XX and AMD sockets AM4/AM5.
How tall is this CPU cooler?
The cooler has a height of 148mm, which generally allows for good RAM clearance and fits in many mid-tower cases.
How loud is the fan?
The TL-C12C-S PWM fan has a maximum noise level of ≤25.6dB(A) at its highest speed of 1550 RPM.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, you're essentially trying to move heat away from your processor to keep it from getting too hot and slowing down. Air coolers like this one use heat pipes to transfer heat from the CPU to a fin stack, and then a fan blows air through those fins to dissipate the heat. The bigger the cooler and the more heat pipes it has, generally the better it can cool, but also the more space it takes up in your case.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number, like the 225W on this cooler, tells you the maximum amount of heat your CPU cooler can effectively dissipate. If your CPU generates more heat than the cooler can handle, your CPU will run hot and potentially throttle its performance. Match your CPU's TDP to the cooler's rating.
Heat Pipes
These copper tubes, often filled with a liquid, are crucial for quickly moving heat from the CPU's surface to the cooler's fins. More heat pipes, especially thicker ones like the 4x6mm here, usually mean better heat transfer and thus better cooling performance.
Noise Level (dB(A))
Measured in decibels, this tells you how loud the fan will be. Lower numbers mean quieter operation. A fan at 25.6dB(A) is generally considered quiet and won't be distracting during normal use.
Cooler Height
The height of the cooler, 148mm in this case, is critical for fitting inside your PC case. Always check your case's maximum CPU cooler height clearance to avoid buying a cooler that won't fit.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't meet your needs, consider models with more heat pipes (e.g., 6 or 8) and a dual-tower design for higher TDP CPUs, or low-profile coolers under 100mm height for compact ITX builds.
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