Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler, Dual 120mm TL-C12CW-S PWM Fan, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1700/115X/1851/1155/1200
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AI Verdict
This is a 265W TDP dual-tower air cooler with dual 120mm ARGB fans, best for budget PC builds needing strong cooling for Intel LGA1700/AM5.
This cooler offers a 265W TDP cooling capacity with dual 120mm fans, making it a powerful solution for most modern desktop CPUs, especially considering its budget price point. Its broad socket compatibility for Intel LGA1700/AM5 platforms means it's ready for current-generation builds.
If you need more cooling capacity or quieter operation, look for coolers with larger heatsinks, 140mm fans, or consider a 240mm/360mm AIO liquid cooler.
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Pros
- Dissipates up to 265 watts of heat, suitable for demanding CPUs.
- Features AGHP technology, ensuring consistent cooling performance regardless of mounting orientation.
- Includes two 120mm TL-C12CW-S PWM fans with a maximum airflow of 66.17CFM.
- Compatible with a broad range of sockets including Intel LGA1700/115X/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5.
- Comes with metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms, simplifying installation.
- Bundled with TF-7 thermal paste for immediate use.
Cons
- The 46mm RAM clearance can interfere with taller memory modules.
- Fans produce a noise level of up to 25.6dB(A), which some users report as louder than alternative coolers.
- ARGB lighting effects are reported to be disappointing and struggle to display standard colors.
- At 155mm tall, it might not fit in all compact PC cases.
Dimension Scores
The cooler is rated for a 265W TDP and utilizes 6x6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology, providing strong heat dissipation for its class.
The fans operate at ≤25.6dB(A) at maximum speed, which is average, but some users report them as louder compared to other coolers.
Constructed with aluminum and metal, featuring 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes and a full electroplating reflow welding process, indicating a robust design.
It uses standard 4-pin PWM fan connectors, which are easy to manage, but the dual fans mean two cables to route.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with high-TDP CPUs like Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5 that need effective air cooling.
- Budget-conscious builders who prioritize cooling performance over absolute silence or advanced RGB control.
- Systems where case width accommodates a 155mm tall cooler and RAM height is 46mm or less.
Not Recommended For
- Small form factor (SFF) PC builds due to its 155mm height.
- Users with high-profile RAM modules exceeding 46mm in height.
- Enthusiasts who demand silent operation or precise, customizable ARGB lighting synchronization.
Watch Out For
- The 155mm height means you need to double-check your case's CPU cooler clearance before buying.
- If your RAM sticks are taller than 46mm, the front fan might clash with them, requiring you to adjust its height or remove it.
- The ARGB lighting might not sync perfectly with your motherboard's software or display the colors you expect.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09P4KH7QK |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Color | PA120 SE WHITE ARGB |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 265 watts |
| Material | Aluminum,Metal,Silicone |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | THERMALRIGHT |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | PA120 SE WHITE ARGB 1700-D2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72"L x 0.98"W x 4.72"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.72 x 0.98 x 4.72 inches |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the cooling performance this budget air cooler delivers, often comparing it favorably to more expensive options for its ability to keep high-TDP CPUs cool under load. However, the ARGB lighting on the fans is a recurring point of frustration, with several people mentioning it's difficult to get consistent colors or sync with their system. The cooler's 155mm height and potential RAM clearance issues are also frequently brought up, requiring careful planning during installation.
“Dude, this thing cools my i7 like crazy for what I paid, but the RGB on the fans is kinda janky and doesn't match my other stuff, and I had to move the fan up a bit because of my RAM. Still, my CPU temps are mint!”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low even during heavy gaming or rendering tasks.
- The AGHP technology prevents performance degradation based on mounting orientation.
- Installation process is straightforward with the included mounting hardware.
- Comes with high-quality TF-7 thermal paste, saving an extra purchase.
- The white aesthetic with ARGB fans looks appealing in many builds.
Common Complaints
- The fans can be noticeably loud, especially when running at higher RPMs.
- ARGB lighting struggles to display accurate colors and often doesn't match other components.
- The cooler's height of 155mm causes clearance issues in smaller or narrower cases.
- Tall RAM modules can conflict with the front fan, requiring adjustments or alternative memory.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, the ARGB color inconsistencies become more apparent, especially when trying to match a specific theme.
- The fan noise, while not extreme, becomes more noticeable during extended gaming sessions.
- The included thermal paste performs well, no need to immediately replace it.
- The cooler's weight feels substantial, giving a sense of durability, but also makes you worry about motherboard sag over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White includes premium TF-7 thermal paste in the box, so you don't need to buy it separately.
What is the height of this CPU cooler?
The CPU cooler measures 155mm (6.1 inches) in height. Make sure your PC case has enough clearance for this dimension.
Is this compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets?
Yes, it supports both Intel LGA1700/115X/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, and comes with the necessary mounting hardware for these platforms.
Can I control the ARGB lighting?
The fans feature ARGB lighting, but some users have reported that the ARGB struggles to achieve standard colors and might not be as customizable as expected.
Will this cooler block my RAM slots?
The cooler has a 46mm RAM clearance. If your RAM modules are taller than 46mm, the front fan might interfere with them.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU air coolers, you're basically trying to find something that can pull heat away from your processor fast enough to keep it from overheating. The bigger the cooler, generally the better it performs, but you need to make sure it actually fits inside your PC case. Also, think about how much noise you can tolerate, because bigger fans often mean less noise for the same cooling power.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number, like the 265W on this cooler, tells you the maximum amount of heat your CPU can generate that the cooler is designed to handle. If your CPU's TDP is higher than the cooler's rating, your CPU will run hot and might even throttle its performance.
Fan Speed (RPM) and Airflow (CFM)
RPM is how fast the fan spins, and CFM is how much air it moves. Higher CFM usually means better cooling, but also potentially more noise. PWM fans, like these, can adjust their speed based on CPU temperature, giving you a balance of cooling and quietness.
Dimensions (Height)
The height of the cooler (155mm here) is super important. You need to check your PC case's specifications to ensure there's enough room between the CPU socket and the side panel for the cooler to fit without touching.
Alternatives
If this cooler is too tall for your case, look for air coolers under 150mm in height. If you need quieter operation, search for coolers with larger 140mm fans or lower maximum noise levels (e.g., under 20dB(A)).
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