Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes,TL-C12W PWM Fan,Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1700/115X/1851/1200/2066/2011 (PA120 White)
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AI Verdict
This 245W air cooler with 6 heat pipes and dual 120mm fans is for budget-conscious builders needing high-performance cooling for modern CPUs.
This cooler is a strong fit for its intended purpose: providing high-performance air cooling for modern, power-hungry CPUs within a budget. Its 245W cooling capacity and dual 120mm fans handle demanding thermal loads effectively, making it a compelling choice for gamers and enthusiasts. The white aesthetic is a bonus for specific build themes.
If you need more headroom for extreme overclocking or quieter operation under heavy loads, look for coolers with larger heatsinks, more heat pipes, or higher static pressure fans.
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Pros
- Cools CPUs drawing over 200 watts effectively, keeping temperatures low.
- Features 6x6mm heat pipes and a 9600cm² effective heat dissipation area for efficient thermal transfer.
- Includes two 120x120x25mm PWM fans with a maximum airflow of 66.17CFM.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel (LGA 1700/115X/1851/1200/2066/2011) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
- Offset asymmetric layout allows for installation with the first graphics card slot and leaves room for memory chips.
- AGHP technique helps solve inverse gravity effects for consistent performance in various orientations.
Cons
- Installation can be frustrating, with users reporting difficulty aligning screws and applying enough downward pressure.
- Fan noise can be noticeable, with some users describing it as "super noisy" or "quite loud at 100%".
- RAM clearance is nominally 42mm, which can be an issue for tall or RGB RAM modules, requiring the fan to be moved up.
- The included fans lack air direction icons, which can complicate installation for new builders.
- Some users have reported receiving units with a faulty fan that doesn't spin.
Dimension Scores
The cooler is rated for 245 watts and consistently keeps high-TDP CPUs (like a 12900K drawing over 200W) at low temperatures.
While rated at ≤25.6dB(A), multiple users report the fans becoming "super noisy" or "quite loud at 100%" under load.
It features 6x6mm pure copper heat pipes, an aluminum heatsink, and a full electroplating reflow welding process.
The cooler uses standard 4-pin PWM fan connectors and includes a splitter, which is typical for dual-fan setups, but doesn't offer specific cable routing features.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with high-TDP CPUs (e.g., Intel i9-12900K, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D) that need robust air cooling.
- Budget-focused PC builds where cooling performance is prioritized over aesthetics or absolute silence.
- Systems requiring a white aesthetic without compromising on cooling capability.
- Users comfortable with potentially adjusting fan positions for RAM clearance.
Not Recommended For
- Small form factor (SFF) cases with limited CPU cooler height clearance, as it stands 157mm tall.
- Users who demand near-silent operation at all times, especially under load, due to reported fan noise.
- Builders unwilling to troubleshoot potentially tricky installation or RAM clearance issues.
Watch Out For
- Installation screws may not easily reach the mounting brackets, requiring significant downward pressure and careful alignment to avoid stripping or damaging components.
- Tall RAM modules (e.g., 44mm) will likely interfere with the front fan, necessitating its repositioning higher on the heatsink, which can look awkward and affect aesthetics.
- The fans, while effective, can produce a "super noisy" sound at higher RPMs (1100-1200rpm) and some users report a distinct whining sound from the fan between the fin stacks.
- Some units have been reported to ship with one of the two fans not working, leading to CPU fan errors and requiring warranty claims.
- The lack of air direction icons on the fans can lead to incorrect fan orientation during installation, potentially impacting cooling efficiency.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09S34RR8S |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 245 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Metal |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | PA120 White-D2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 6.18"L x 5.31"W x 4.92"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding from user reviews is the recurring complaint about fan noise, despite the official specification of ≤25.6dB(A). Many users praise its cooling performance, often comparing it favorably to much more expensive coolers. Installation can be a pain point, with several reports of difficulty getting the screws to catch or needing excessive force. RAM clearance is another common topic, with tall modules often requiring fan adjustment.
“Dude, this thing cools my 7800X3D like a champ, but man, those fans can get loud when it ramps up, almost like a tiny jet engine, and getting it mounted was a real struggle, I thought I was gonna break my motherboard trying to get those screws in!”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low even under heavy loads, often below 70°C for a Ryzen 7 5800X OC.
- Performs comparably to coolers costing significantly more, like the DeepCool AK620 or Noctua NH-D15.
- The white finish integrates well into white-themed PC builds.
- Effective heat dissipation with 6 heat pipes and a large surface area.
- Comes with all necessary mounting hardware for various Intel and AMD sockets.
Common Complaints
- Fans can be "super noisy" or "quite loud at 100%" RPM, especially when the CPU is under load or idling erratically.
- Installation can be frustrating, with screws not easily reaching or requiring significant downward pressure to secure the heatsink.
- Tall RAM modules (e.g., Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro) cause clearance issues, forcing the front fan to be mounted higher.
- Some users experienced a whining sound from the fan located between the fin stacks.
- Lack of clear fan direction indicators can lead to incorrect fan placement.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, some users noticed the fans can develop a slight whine, particularly the inner fan.
- Managing fan curves in BIOS or with software is crucial to balance noise and cooling, as default settings can lead to erratic fan ramping.
- The cooler's size (157mm height) means checking case compatibility is a must, especially for smaller cases.
- The white paint finish holds up well over time, maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
- Despite initial installation struggles, once mounted correctly, it provides consistent and reliable cooling performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height of the Peerless Assassin 120 White?
The CPU cooler dimensions are 125(L)x135(W)x157(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.18 inches) with the fans attached.
Will this cooler fit with tall RAM modules?
Nominal RAM clearance is 42mm, so tall RAM (e.g., 44mm or Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro) may require moving the front fan higher on the heatsink, which can affect aesthetics.
Is the installation difficult?
Some users report difficulty with aligning the screws and applying enough pressure during installation, while others found it straightforward.
How loud are the fans?
The specified noise level is ≤25.6dB(A), but user experiences vary, with some reporting it as "super noisy" or "quite loud at 100%" under load.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, the cooler typically comes with a tube of thermal paste.
What CPUs is this cooler compatible with?
It supports Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/2066/2011 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU air coolers, you're essentially buying a big chunk of metal with fans to pull heat away from your processor. The bigger the heatsink and the more heat pipes it has, generally the better it can dissipate heat. You need to make sure it fits in your PC case (check the height!) and that it won't block your RAM sticks. Also, consider how much noise you can tolerate, as powerful fans can get loud when working hard.
Wattage (245W)
This number tells you how much heat (in watts) the cooler is designed to handle from your CPU. Think of it like a car's horsepower – a higher number means it can cool more powerful, hotter processors without breaking a sweat. If your CPU generates more heat than the cooler can dissipate, your system will slow down to prevent damage.
Heat Pipes (6x6mm)
These are copper tubes filled with a liquid that vaporizes at the CPU's heat, travels up the pipe, condenses, and then flows back down. More and thicker heat pipes mean faster and more efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink fins, like having more lanes on a highway for heat to travel.
Fan Size (120mm) & Airflow (66.17CFM)
Larger fans can move more air at lower RPMs, potentially leading to quieter operation. Airflow (CFM - cubic feet per minute) indicates how much air the fan can push. Higher CFM means more hot air is moved away from the heatsink, but it can also mean more noise if the fan has to spin faster.
CPU Cooler Dimensions (157mm height)
This is crucial for physical compatibility with your PC case. Measure the maximum CPU cooler height your case supports before buying. If it's too tall, your side panel won't close, or it simply won't fit inside.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your needs, look for single-tower air coolers for better RAM clearance or smaller cases, or consider liquid coolers (AIOs) for even higher thermal loads and potentially quieter operation at peak performance.
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