Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes,TL-C12B PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1700/115X/1851/1200/2066/2011 PA120 Black
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AI Verdict
A 245W TDP air cooler with dual 120mm PWM fans and an offset design, suitable for high-performance desktop CPUs across Intel and AMD platforms.
This cooler is a strong fit for users with high-performance desktop CPUs, offering a 245W TDP cooling capacity and broad socket compatibility. Its dual 120mm fans and AGHP technology are designed for effective heat dissipation, making it suitable for demanding computing tasks.
If you need even higher cooling capacity for extreme overclocking or hotter CPUs, look for coolers with a TDP rating above 250W or consider liquid cooling solutions.
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Pros
- Handles CPUs with a 245W TDP, indicating high cooling capacity.
- Features two 120x120x25mm PWM fans with a maximum airflow of 66.17CFM.
- Utilizes AGHP technique with 6x6mm heat pipes to counteract inverse gravity effects, maintaining performance in various orientations.
- Offset asymmetric layout prevents interference with the first graphics card slot.
- Compatible with a broad range of Intel (LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/2066/2011) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
- The main body of the twin towers has a 9600cm² effective heat dissipation area due to nanoscale black paint and electroplating reflow welding.
Cons
- User feedback indicates fans can be loud, despite a stated noise level of ≤25.6dB(A).
- The cooler's dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x157(H)mm may cause clearance issues with tall RAM modules or smaller PC cases.
- Installation requires metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms, which can be more involved than clip-on solutions.
Dimension Scores
The cooler is rated for a 245W TDP and features 6x6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology and a 9600cm² heat dissipation area, indicating high thermal performance.
While specified at ≤25.6dB(A), user feedback indicates the fans can be loud under load, suggesting it's not consistently silent.
Constructed with an aluminum heatsink, 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes, a pure copper base, and a full electroplating reflow welding process.
The cooler uses standard 4-pin PWM fan connectors, offering typical cable routing options without any specific integrated management features.
Best For
- Users with high-TDP Intel or AMD CPUs requiring substantial air cooling.
- Gaming PC builds where CPU temperature management is critical.
- Workstations running demanding applications that generate significant CPU heat.
- Builders needing broad compatibility with current and older Intel/AMD sockets.
Not Recommended For
- Small Form Factor (SFF) PC builds due to its 157mm height.
- Users prioritizing absolute silence under heavy CPU loads.
- Systems with RAM modules exceeding 40mm in height without verifying clearance.
Watch Out For
- The cooler's 157mm height means it won't fit in many compact PC cases, so measure your case's CPU cooler clearance before buying.
- Tall RAM heat spreaders can interfere with the front fan, potentially requiring the fan to be mounted higher or removed, impacting cooling performance or aesthetics.
- While rated at ≤25.6dB(A), some users report the fans becoming audibly loud under load, which might be distracting for noise-sensitive environments.
- The 1.02kg weight of the cooler puts significant stress on the motherboard, requiring careful handling during installation and transport.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09S3BGN6M |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 245 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| 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 Black-D2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.92"L x 5.28"W x 6.24"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1200 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Users consistently praise the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black for its ability to keep high-end CPUs cool, often comparing its thermal performance to more expensive liquid coolers. The included mounting hardware for LGA1700 is a recurring positive point, making installation straightforward for newer platforms. However, the fans can get loud when the CPU is under significant load, which is a trade-off for its cooling power. The sheer size of the cooler is also a frequent topic, with builders needing to confirm case and RAM clearance.
“Dude, this thing cools my 7800X3D like a champ, but man, those fans spin up and you know it's working, not exactly silent when I'm gaming hard.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures significantly lower than stock coolers, even with high-TDP processors.
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware for Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5, simplifying installation.
- The offset design prevents interference with the first PCIe slot for graphics cards.
- Provides cooling performance comparable to some liquid coolers at a fraction of the cost.
- The black aesthetic with an aluminum heatsink cover looks clean in most builds.
Common Complaints
- Fans produce noticeable noise levels when the CPU is under heavy load.
- The large physical size (157mm height) can be problematic for smaller PC cases.
- Can interfere with tall RAM modules, potentially requiring the front fan to be adjusted or removed.
- The installation process, while straightforward with included hardware, can be a bit fiddly due to the cooler's weight and size.
Ownership Tips
- The cooler's weight makes motherboard flex a concern if the case isn't moved carefully.
- The included thermal paste is adequate for initial use, but upgrading to a higher-performance paste can shave off a few extra degrees.
- Fan curves need to be adjusted in BIOS to balance noise and cooling, as the default settings can be aggressive.
- Dust accumulation between the two towers can be tricky to clean without removing the fans.
- The black finish holds up well over time without showing fingerprints or smudges easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this cooler fit in my PC case?
The cooler has a height of 157mm (6.18 inches). You need to check your PC case's maximum CPU cooler clearance specification to ensure it will fit.
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the cooler includes thermal paste, which users describe as decent quality, though some suggest upgrading for optimal performance.
Will this cooler block my RAM slots?
Due to its dual-tower design, there's a possibility of interference with tall RAM modules. The offset asymmetric layout helps with GPU clearance, but RAM height is still a consideration.
Is this cooler compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets?
Yes, it supports both Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets, and includes the necessary metal fasteners for installation.
How loud are the fans on this cooler?
The fans are rated at ≤25.6dB(A), but some users have reported them to be loud under heavy load. This suggests that while quiet at idle, they can become audible when the CPU is working hard.
Buying Guide
When buying a CPU air cooler, you're looking for something that can pull heat away from your processor efficiently without making your PC sound like a jet engine. You need to consider how much heat your CPU generates (its TDP), how much space you have inside your case, and whether it will clear your RAM modules. A bigger cooler usually means better heat dissipation, but it also means checking compatibility with your specific PC components.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number tells you the maximum amount of heat, in watts, that the cooler is designed to dissipate. If your CPU's TDP is 100W, a cooler rated for 245W like this one has plenty of headroom, meaning it won't struggle to keep your CPU cool even under heavy load.
Fan Speed (RPM) and Airflow (CFM)
RPM is how fast the fan blades spin, and CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures how much air the fan moves. Higher CFM generally means better cooling, but often comes with higher RPM and more noise. A PWM fan allows your motherboard to control the speed, so it only spins as fast as needed.
Cooler Dimensions (Height)
The height of the cooler is critical because it needs to fit inside your PC case. Measure the clearance from your CPU socket to the side panel of your case. A cooler that's too tall simply won't let your side panel close.
Alternatives
If this cooler is too large, look for single-tower air coolers or low-profile designs with a TDP rating matching your CPU. If you need quieter operation at max load, search for coolers with larger fans that spin at lower RPMs or consider liquid coolers with larger radiators.
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