Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU Air Cooler, AK120 SE White ARB, 5 Heatpipes, TL-C12CW-S PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
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AI Verdict
A 148mm tall CPU air cooler with 5x6mm heatpipes, a 1550 RPM ARGB fan, and a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A) for budget builds.
This cooler is a strong fit for budget-conscious builders needing a capable air cooler. Its 148mm height and 5x6mm heatpipes provide sufficient cooling for mainstream CPUs up to 150W TDP, while the ARGB fan adds visual flair without a significant price premium. The low noise level of 25.6dB(A) also makes it suitable for quiet setups.
If you need to cool CPUs with a TDP consistently above 150W or plan heavy overclocking, look for dual-tower air coolers or 240mm/280mm AIO liquid coolers.
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Pros
- Features 5x6mm heat pipes with AGHP III technique for efficient heat dissipation regardless of orientation.
- Compact 148mm height ensures compatibility with many medium-sized computer cases.
- The TL-C12CW-S PWM fan operates at a low noise level of ≤25.6dB(A) at its maximum 1550 RPM.
- Provides 66.17 CFM of airflow, moving a significant volume of air through the heatsink.
- Includes a fan with an S-FDB bearing, contributing to a longer industrial service life of up to 20,000 hours.
- Offers broad compatibility with Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/17XX/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Cons
- The white version's fins are not coated, which might be an aesthetic concern for users expecting a fully finished look compared to the black variant.
- Some units may exhibit slightly deformed heat pipes, indicating potential manufacturing inconsistencies.
- While effective for its price, it is a single-tower design, which may not match the cooling performance of larger dual-tower coolers for very high TDP CPUs.
- The included thermal paste is described as entry-level, suggesting users might consider an upgrade for optimal performance.
Dimension Scores
The cooler utilizes 5x6mm heatpipes with AGHP III technique and a 66.17 CFM fan, capable of cooling CPUs up to 150W TDP and handling an i7-12700K drawing 225W on average.
The TL-C12CW-S PWM fan has a low maximum noise level of ≤25.6dB(A) at 1550 RPM, with users describing it as 'essentially silent'.
Constructed with an aluminum heatsink, metal fasteners, and a fan with an S-FDB bearing for durability, and features a 'dense fin stack' and 'machined base'.
It uses standard 4-pin PWM and 3-pin 5V ARGB connectors, with an ARGB extension for daisy-chaining, which simplifies cable routing for multiple ARGB devices.
Best For
- Budget PC builds needing effective CPU cooling for CPUs up to around 150W TDP.
- Systems requiring ARGB lighting synchronization for aesthetic customization.
- Users with medium-sized cases where a 148mm cooler height is a critical fitment factor.
- Quiet computing environments where a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A) is desired.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs with sustained power draws significantly above 150W, especially with heavy overclocking.
- Small form factor (SFF) cases that cannot accommodate a 148mm tall CPU cooler.
- Users who prioritize absolute top-tier cooling performance over budget considerations.
Watch Out For
- The white version's heatsink fins are uncoated, which can look unfinished compared to other color options or fully coated coolers.
- Individual units might have minor manufacturing imperfections like slightly deformed heat pipes, though this is not a widespread complaint.
- While it includes thermal paste, it's an entry-level compound, so you might need to buy better paste separately for peak thermal transfer.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09ZHMF187 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.6 watts |
| Material | Aluminum,Metal,Silicone |
| Item Weight | 1.4 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | AK120 SE WHITE ARGB-d2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 5.83"L x 4.92"W x 2.87"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
This Thermalright cooler consistently punches above its weight class, delivering cooling performance comparable to more expensive options for CPUs up to 150W TDP. Users frequently point out its quiet operation, even under load, making it a standout for noise-sensitive setups. The ARGB lighting is a welcome aesthetic bonus, and its compact 148mm height means it fits in a wide range of cases without RAM clearance issues. Installation is straightforward for both Intel and AMD platforms, often utilizing existing backplates for AMD.
“Dude, this cooler is insane for the price, my Ryzen 5 5600 runs so chill and it's barely audible, plus the RGB actually looks sick, totally worth it.”
Common Praise
- Provides effective cooling for CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600 and even an i7-12700K, managing up to 225W average cooling.
- The fan is described as 'essentially silent' even at full load, making it quieter than many case fans.
- Offers generous RAM clearance, even with high-profile RGB RAM, due to its narrow design.
- Installation is simple and straightforward for both AMD and Intel platforms, often using stock backplates for AMD.
- The ARGB lighting is vibrant and easily syncs with motherboard software.
- The overall build feels sturdy with a dense fin stack and a well-machined base, not flimsy.
Common Complaints
- The white version's heatsink fins are not coated, which some users found aesthetically inconsistent with the overall white theme.
- One reviewer noted slightly deformed heat pipes on a specific unit, suggesting potential for minor manufacturing variations.
- The included thermal paste is considered entry-level, prompting some users to use their own higher-performance paste.
Ownership Tips
- The ARGB lighting remains consistent and bright over extended use, with no reported flickering or dead LEDs.
- Dust accumulation on the fins is manageable and easily cleaned with compressed air due to the fin spacing.
- The fan's S-FDB bearing maintains its quiet operation even after several months of continuous use.
- The mounting hardware holds the cooler securely, preventing any wobble or shifting over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cooler compatible with Intel's LGA1700 socket?
Yes, the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB CPU Air Cooler supports Intel's LGA1700 socket, along with 115X, 1200, 17XX, and 1851 sockets.
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the cooler includes a tube of Thermalright TF4 thermal paste in the box.
How tall is this CPU cooler?
The CPU cooler has a height of 148mm (5.83 inches), making it suitable for many medium-sized PC cases.
What is the maximum noise level of the fan?
The TL-C12CW-S PWM fan has a maximum noise level of ≤25.6dB(A).
Can the ARGB lighting be controlled by my motherboard?
The fan features colorful ARGB light effects and uses a 3-pin 5V ARGB connector, which typically allows for synchronization with compatible motherboard software.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU air coolers, you're essentially trying to find something that can pull heat away from your processor efficiently. The key is balancing how much heat your CPU generates (its TDP) with the cooler's ability to dissipate it. You also need to consider the physical size – will it fit in your case, and will it block your RAM slots? Noise levels are also a big deal; a powerful cooler isn't much fun if it sounds like a jet engine.
Heatpipes (5x6mm)
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 heatpipes, and thicker ones (like 6mm), mean more pathways for heat to quickly move away from your CPU, like having more lanes on a highway for traffic.
Fan Speed (1550 RPM) & Airflow (66.17 CFM)
RPM is how fast the fan spins, and CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is how much air it moves. A higher CFM means more air is pushed through the heatsink, carrying heat away. 1550 RPM is a moderate speed that balances airflow with noise, ensuring effective cooling without being overly loud.
Noise Level (≤25.6dB(A))
This measures how loud the fan gets. Lower numbers are quieter. 25.6dB(A) is pretty low, meaning you'll likely hear your case fans or other components before you notice this CPU cooler, which is crucial for a peaceful computing experience.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't quite fit your needs, look for models with a higher number of heatpipes or a dual-tower design for increased cooling capacity, or consider AIO liquid coolers for top-tier performance in a compact footprint.
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