Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler, AX120 SE ARGB, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW-S PWM Quiet CPU Fan with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
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AI Verdict
This is a budget 148mm tall CPU air cooler with 4x6mm heat pipes and ARGB lighting, designed for users upgrading from stock coolers on Intel 115X/1200/1700/17XX/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5 platforms.
This cooler is a strong fit for budget-conscious builders or those looking to replace an inadequate stock cooler. It offers significantly better thermal performance than stock options for its price point, especially for CPUs up to 125W-225W TDP, and includes ARGB lighting for visual appeal.
If you're running a higher-end CPU or plan on heavy overclocking, look for coolers with more heat pipes (e.g., 6 or 8) and a larger heatsink mass for increased thermal dissipation.
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Pros
- Features 4x6mm heat pipes with AGHP technique for efficient heat transfer regardless of orientation.
- The TL-C12CW-S PWM fan operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A), providing quiet operation.
- Includes an S-FDB bearing fan, rated for up to 20,000 hours of industrial service life.
- Its 148mm height is suitable for fitting into most medium-sized computer cases.
- Outperforms stock AMD Wraith Stealth coolers, reducing CPU temperatures by a significant margin in testing.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel (115X/1200/1700/17XX/1851) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
Cons
- The cooler does not include an ARGB connector hub, requiring your motherboard to have a 3-pin 5V ARGB header for lighting control.
- While the heatsink is white, the mounting bars and fastening bar are not painted, which can detract from the aesthetic.
- Installation can be less straightforward if the motherboard is already mounted inside the PC case.
- The fan's maximum speed is 1550 RPM ±10%, which might not be enough for high-wattage CPUs under heavy load.
Dimension Scores
The cooler features 4x6mm heat pipes with AGHP technique and a TDP rating of 125-225W, outperforming stock coolers significantly.
The TL-C12CW-S PWM fan produces a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A), which is very quiet for an air cooler.
It uses an aluminum heatsink, 4x6mm heat pipes, and an S-FDB bearing fan with PBT + PC material, though the mounting hardware isn't painted.
It has a standard 4-pin PWM fan cable and a 3-pin ARGB cable, but lacks an ARGB hub for consolidated wiring.
Best For
- Budget PC builds needing an upgrade from a stock CPU cooler.
- Systems requiring ARGB lighting for aesthetic customization.
- Medium-sized computer cases with a 148mm CPU cooler height clearance.
- AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel 115X/1200/1700/17XX/1851 CPU platforms.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs with significant overclocking or very high TDPs (e.g., above 125W-225W range) where maximum cooling performance is critical.
- Users who do not have a 3-pin 5V ARGB header on their motherboard and want to control the lighting effects.
- Small form factor (SFF) cases with limited CPU cooler height clearance, as it stands 148mm tall.
Watch Out For
- You'll need a 3-pin 5V ARGB header on your motherboard to control the fan's ARGB lighting, as no separate controller is included.
- The mounting hardware isn't painted white like the heatsink, which some users found inconsistent with the overall white aesthetic.
- Installing the cooler is simpler if done before the motherboard is installed in the case, potentially adding an extra step if you're upgrading an existing build.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09S34899X |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.6 watts |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Item Weight | 1 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 SE ARGB WHITE-D2 |
| 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
This cooler is a killer deal for the price, especially if you're stuck with a stock cooler. Reviewers consistently point out that it cools way better than the AMD Wraith Stealth, dropping CPU temps by a lot. The ARGB lighting is a definite plus for making your build look sharp, and it does it without being loud. The main hang-up for some is that the mounting brackets aren't white, which is a weird oversight for a white cooler.
“Dude, this thing is cheap but it actually works! My Ryzen 5600G temps dropped like 15 degrees compared to the stock cooler, and the RGB looks sick, just wish the brackets were white too.”
Common Praise
- Provides significantly lower CPU temperatures compared to stock coolers.
- The ARGB lighting on the fan looks really good and adds to the PC's aesthetics.
- Operates quietly, even under load, with a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A).
- The installation process is straightforward for most users, especially if done before motherboard installation.
- The white color scheme of the cooler is appealing for matching white PC builds.
Common Complaints
- The mounting hardware (bars and fasteners) is not painted white, contrasting with the white heatsink.
- No ARGB controller is included, meaning you need a compatible motherboard header to use the lighting.
- Some users found the fan's maximum speed of 1550 RPM to be a limiting factor for very high-performance CPUs.
Ownership Tips
- The S-FDB bearing in the fan contributes to a long operational lifespan, rated for 20,000 hours of industrial service.
- The AGHP technique in the heat pipes means it performs consistently whether your PC case is vertical or horizontal.
- The 148mm height generally avoids RAM clearance issues on most ATX and microATX motherboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, a small tube of thermal compound is included in the box.
Is the Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB compatible with AMD AM5 CPUs?
Yes, it supports AMD AM5 sockets, along with AM4 and various Intel sockets.
What is the noise level of the fan?
The TL-C12CW-S PWM fan has a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A).
Do I need a separate ARGB controller for the lighting?
No, if your motherboard has a 3-pin 5V ARGB header, you can connect the fan directly to it for lighting control. A separate controller is not included.
What is the height of this CPU cooler?
The CPU cooler has a height of 148mm.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, you're essentially trying to keep your processor from getting too hot, which can slow it down or even damage it. Air coolers like this one use a heatsink with fins and heat pipes to pull heat away from the CPU, and a fan to blow that heat away from the heatsink. The bigger the heatsink and the more heat pipes it has, generally the better it can cool. You also need to make sure it fits in your case and clears your RAM modules.
Heat Pipes (4x6mm)
These are copper tubes filled with a liquid that vaporizes at the CPU's heat, carrying that heat up to the fins of the heatsink. More and thicker heat pipes mean more efficient heat transfer away from your CPU, like having more lanes on a highway for traffic.
PWM Fan (1550 RPM ±10%, ≤25.6dB(A))
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) means your motherboard can control the fan's speed based on CPU temperature, making it quieter when your PC isn't working hard. The RPM tells you how fast it spins, and the dB(A) is how loud it gets at its maximum speed – lower numbers are quieter, like a whisper versus a loud conversation.
S-FDB Bearing
This refers to the type of bearing in the fan. S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) fans are generally quieter and have a longer lifespan than cheaper sleeve or ball bearings, because the fan shaft floats on a thin layer of fluid, reducing friction and wear.
Alternatives
If this cooler isn't enough for your needs, look for air coolers with larger heatsinks, more heat pipes (e.g., 6 or 8), or consider stepping up to a 240mm or 360mm All-In-One (AIO) liquid cooler for higher thermal loads.
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