Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, AK120 SE ARB, 5 Heatpipes, TL-C12C-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
This is a 148mm tall air cooler with 5 heatpipes and a 1550 RPM ARGB fan, suitable for medium-sized cases and CPUs up to 235W TDP.
This cooler is a situational fit for budget-conscious builders who need effective air cooling for mainstream CPUs up to 235W TDP and want ARGB lighting. Its 148mm height and 25.6dB(A) noise level make it suitable for many mid-tower cases without being overly intrusive.
If you're running a high-end CPU or planning heavy overclocking, look for coolers with a higher TDP rating, dual fans, or larger heatsinks.
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Pros
- Features 5x6mm heatpipes with AGHP III technique for efficient heat transfer regardless of orientation.
- Operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A), providing quiet cooling.
- Includes a TL-C12C-S PWM fan with S-FDB bearings, rated for up to 20,000 hours of industrial service life.
- Provides 66.17 CFM of airflow at its maximum 1550 RPM fan speed.
- The 148mm height fits into most medium-sized computer cases.
- Offers broad compatibility with Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/17XX/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Cons
- The 0.52kg product weight might indicate less dense fin stacks compared to heavier coolers.
- Relies on a single 120mm fan, which may limit ultimate cooling capacity for high-end, heavily overclocked CPUs.
- No explicit mention of included thermal paste, requiring a separate purchase.
- ARGB lighting control method isn't specified, potentially relying solely on motherboard headers without a dedicated controller.
Dimension Scores
The cooler features 5x6mm heatpipes with AGHP III technique and a 66.17 CFM fan, supporting up to 235W TDP, which is above average for a single-tower budget cooler.
With a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A) at 1550 RPM, the fan is quieter than many competitors in its price band.
Constructed with aluminum fins, a pure copper base, and an S-FDB bearing fan rated for 20,000 hours, it indicates above-average durability for its price.
As a single-fan cooler with a 4-pin PWM and ARGB cable, cable management is straightforward but not exceptional, offering standard routing options.
Best For
- PC builds in medium-sized cases requiring a cooler under 150mm height.
- Systems with CPUs generating up to 235W TDP, like mainstream Intel and AMD processors.
- Users prioritizing ARGB lighting to match their system's aesthetic.
- Budget-conscious builders needing a compatible cooler for AM4/AM5/LGA1700 platforms.
Not Recommended For
- Small form factor (SFF) cases with strict CPU cooler height restrictions below 148mm.
- Extreme overclocking scenarios on high-TDP CPUs where dual-tower or liquid cooling is typically required.
- Users who prefer a completely silent system, as 25.6dB(A) is audible under load.
Watch Out For
- The cooler's 148mm height might still be too tall for some compact micro-ATX or mini-ITX cases, so measure your case clearance carefully.
- Installation can be tricky if your motherboard's VRM heatsinks or RAM modules are unusually tall, potentially requiring careful maneuvering.
- You'll likely need to purchase thermal paste separately, as it's not listed as an included accessory.
- ARGB synchronization depends on your motherboard's ARGB header and software, lacking a standalone controller for systems without this feature.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B1CZ6FR7 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.6 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Metal, Silicone |
| Item Weight | 1.15 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 | AK120 SE 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 Assassin King 120 SE ARGB cooler punches above its weight class for its price, consistently delivering effective cooling for mainstream CPUs. Users frequently highlight its ARGB lighting as a significant visual upgrade for their builds. The 148mm height is a recurring positive, allowing it to fit into more cases than larger coolers. Its fan operates quietly, even under load, which is a common point of satisfaction.
“Dude, this cooler is actually pretty sick for the money, my CPU temps dropped like 15 degrees and the lights look awesome, just wish it came with paste, had to run to Best Buy.”
Common Praise
- The ARGB lighting effects are vibrant and sync well with motherboard software.
- Keeps CPU temperatures lower than stock coolers, even under sustained loads.
- The fan produces minimal audible noise during typical use, staying below 25.6dB(A).
- The 148mm cooler height fits inside many mid-tower cases without clearance issues.
- Mounting hardware is compatible with a wide range of current Intel and AMD sockets.
Common Complaints
- Installation can be a bit fiddly, especially when securing the mounting bracket to the motherboard.
- The lack of included thermal paste means an extra purchase is necessary.
- Some users find the single fan's cooling capacity insufficient for heavily overclocked, high-core-count CPUs.
- The ARGB cable might be short for some larger cases, requiring an extension.
Ownership Tips
- The fan's S-FDB bearing maintains its low noise profile even after several months of continuous operation.
- Dust accumulation on the aluminum fins is noticeable over time, requiring regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
- The ARGB LEDs have shown consistent color and brightness without flickering or dead spots after extended use.
- The metal mounting hardware feels sturdy and hasn't loosened, keeping the cooler firmly seated on the CPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It supports Intel LGA115X, 1200, 1700, 17XX, 1851, and AMD AM4, AM5 sockets.
How tall is the cooler?
The cooler has a height of 148mm (5.83 inches), making it suitable for most medium-sized PC cases.
Does it come with ARGB lighting?
Yes, it features colorful ARGB light effects on its TL-C12C-S PWM fan, supporting ARGB divine light synchronization.
What is the maximum noise level of the fan?
The fan operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A).
Is thermal paste included with the cooler?
The product specifications do not explicitly mention the inclusion of thermal paste, so you should plan to purchase it separately.
Buying Guide
When buying a CPU air cooler, you're essentially looking for a big metal heatsink with a fan that pulls heat away from your processor. The goal is to keep your CPU from getting too hot, which can slow down your computer or even damage components. You need to make sure it fits in your case and is powerful enough for your CPU's heat output.
Heatpipes
These copper tubes contain a liquid that vaporizes at the CPU's heat, travels up the pipe, condenses, and returns, efficiently moving heat away from the CPU to the fins. More heatpipes, or larger ones like the 5x6mm in this model, generally mean better heat transfer.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number, like the 235W for this cooler, indicates the maximum amount of heat, in watts, that the cooler is designed to dissipate. Match this to your CPU's TDP to ensure adequate cooling; a higher CPU TDP needs a higher cooler TDP.
Cooler Height
This is crucial for case compatibility. A 148mm cooler, like this one, needs at least that much clearance from your CPU socket to the side panel of your PC case. Measure your case's maximum CPU cooler height before buying.
Noise Level (dB(A))
Measured in decibels, this tells you how loud the fan will be. Lower numbers mean quieter operation. 25.6dB(A) is relatively quiet, but not silent, especially compared to ambient room noise.
Alternatives
If this cooler isn't enough, look for models with dual towers, larger 140mm fans, or a higher number of heatpipes for increased cooling capacity. For even higher performance, consider 240mm or 360mm All-In-One (AIO) liquid coolers.
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