Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler,6 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler, Dual TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover,AGHP Technology,for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1700/115X/1155/1200/1851
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AI Verdict
A dual-tower air cooler with 6 heat pipes and dual 1500 RPM ARGB fans, suitable for CPUs up to 245W TDP on a budget.
This cooler offers a 245W TDP cooling capacity with dual 120mm ARGB fans and 6 heat pipes, making it a powerful solution for most mainstream and high-end CPUs. Its budget price point makes it an accessible option for builders seeking strong performance without overspending.
If you need more cooling capacity for extreme overclocking or higher TDP processors, look for coolers with larger heatsinks or 140mm fans.
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Pros
- Six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology ensure consistent performance regardless of mounting orientation.
- Dual 120mm TL-C12C-S PWM fans deliver 66.17 CFM airflow at 1500 RPM.
- Supports a wide range of Intel (LGA1700/115X/1200/1851) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
- Includes premium Thermalright TF-7 thermal paste for out-of-the-box performance.
- Redesigned SS2 mounting system offers an easy installation process.
- Provides ARGB lighting effects for visual customization.
Cons
- Can cause RAM clearance issues with tall or RGB memory modules due to its 145mm depth with fans.
- Fans can become loud at 100% speed, reaching up to 25.6 dB(A) (though some users report higher perceived noise).
- Some users have reported a whining sound from the fan between the fin stacks.
- The 155mm height might not fit in all mid-tower cases.
Dimension Scores
The cooler manages up to 245W TDP with 6 heat pipes and dual 120mm fans, performing well even at 150W loads.
While rated at ≤25.6dB(A), users report fans are quiet at 50% but loud at 100% speed, with some experiencing whining.
It features a pure copper nickel-plated base, aluminum heatsink, and an SS2 mounting system, indicating a robust construction.
The dual PWM fans use standard 4-pin connectors, which are straightforward to manage, but there are two fan cables plus an ARGB cable.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with CPUs up to 245W TDP.
- Budget-conscious builders needing effective air cooling.
- Systems requiring ARGB lighting synchronization.
- Users with standard-height RAM modules.
Not Recommended For
- Small Form Factor (SFF) PC builds due to its 155mm height.
- Systems with tall RGB RAM that require unobstructed clearance.
- Users prioritizing absolute silence under heavy load.
Watch Out For
- RAM clearance can be an issue; the cooler is 145mm deep with fans, potentially interfering with tall memory modules.
- Fans can produce a noticeable whining sound, especially the one positioned between the fin stacks, as reported by some users.
- While rated at ≤25.6dB(A), fans at 100% speed are described as "quite loud" by reviewers.
- The 155mm cooler height requires checking case compatibility before purchase.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09P4M4C7K |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Color | PA120 SE ARGB 1700 |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Wattage | 7 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | THERMALRIGHT |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | PA120 SE ARGB 1700-D2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.92"L x 5.31"W x 6.1"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.92 x 5.31 x 6.1 inches |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the cooling performance this budget cooler delivers, often comparing it favorably to much more expensive options for CPUs up to 245W TDP. The inclusion of ARGB fans is a visual bonus, though some find the fans can get noisy at full speed. Installation is generally straightforward, but checking RAM clearance is a must for systems with tall memory.
“Dude, for like thirty-five bucks, this thing cools my 7800X3D like a champ, but man, those fans can get whiny when I'm really pushing it, had to adjust my RAM too.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low even under heavy loads, performing like coolers twice its price.
- Installation is relatively easy with the included mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD.
- The ARGB lighting on the fans adds a visually appealing element to builds.
- Includes a tube of Thermalright TF-7 thermal paste, saving an extra purchase.
- The 155mm height fits in many mid-tower cases, despite being a dual-tower design.
Common Complaints
- Fans can be noticeably loud when spinning at their maximum 1500 RPM.
- Tall RAM modules, especially those with RGB, can interfere with the front fan's placement.
- Some users have experienced a distinct whining noise from one of the fans.
- The cooler's size can be a tight fit in some cases, requiring careful measurement.
Ownership Tips
- The ARGB lighting is bright and synchronizes well with motherboard software.
- Dust accumulation on the heatsink fins can be noticeable over time, requiring regular cleaning.
- The included thermal paste is effective, no immediate need to upgrade.
- The cooler's weight feels substantial, indicating a sturdy build, but can put stress on some motherboards during transport.
- Fan curves need adjustment in BIOS to balance noise and performance, as default settings can be loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, it includes premium Thermalright TF-7 thermal paste.
Will this cooler fit in my PC case?
The cooler has a height of 155mm, so you should measure your case's CPU cooler clearance to ensure it fits.
Is this cooler compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets?
Yes, it supports both Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM5 platforms, along with older sockets.
Can I control the ARGB lighting?
Yes, the fans feature ARGB lighting effects that can be controlled via a compatible motherboard or ARGB controller.
How loud are the fans?
The fans are rated at ≤25.6dB(A) maximum noise level, but some users find them loud at 100% speed.
Will this cooler block my RAM slots?
The cooler's depth of 145mm with fans can cause clearance issues with tall or RGB RAM modules.
Buying Guide
When picking a CPU cooler, you're essentially looking for something that can pull heat away from your processor efficiently. Air coolers like this one use heat pipes to transfer heat from the CPU to a large heatsink, which fans then cool. The bigger the heatsink and the more heat pipes, generally the better the cooling, but also the larger the physical size.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
Heat Pipes
Fan Speed (RPM) & Airflow (CFM)
Dimensions (Height)
Alternatives
If this cooler is too large for your case, look for single-tower air coolers or 240mm AIO liquid coolers with a maximum height of 150mm or less. If you need more cooling power, consider larger dual-tower coolers with 140mm fans or 360mm AIOs.
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