Thermalright PS120SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler,Dual 120mm TL-C12B-S V2 PWM Fan, AGHP 4.0 Technology, S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooler
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AI Verdict
This is a dual-tower, 7-heatpipe air cooler with dual 120mm ARGB fans, standing 154mm tall, designed for budget-conscious builders needing strong cooling for modern Intel/AMD CPUs.
This cooler offers exceptional cooling performance for its budget price band, featuring 7 heat pipes and dual 120mm fans with ARGB. Its 154mm height fits many cases, making it a strong contender for mainstream builds needing robust thermal management for modern CPUs. The reported fan noise and RAM clearance issues are common for large air coolers but manageable for most users.
If RAM clearance is a critical concern, look for coolers with an offset design or a single-tower configuration, or ensure your RAM height is below 42mm.
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Pros
- Features 7x6mm heatpipes with AGHP 4.0 technology for efficient heat transfer.
- Dual 120mm TL-C12B-S V2 PWM fans operate at a low noise level of ≤25.6dB(A).
- Includes 5V 3pin ARGB lighting with up to 17 modes, manageable via motherboard software.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel (LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
- The 154mm height allows compatibility with a wide range of chassis models.
- S-FDB bearings in the fans are rated for up to 20,000 hours of service life.
Cons
- The front fan can interfere with RAM sticks taller than approximately 42mm, potentially requiring the fan to be mounted higher or relocated.
- Some users report difficulty with installation, specifically aligning and screwing the heatsink to the mounting brackets.
- Fans may develop rattling or high-pitched noises after several months of use, especially under high CPU load or at higher RPMs.
- The cooler's overall dimensions (125x135x154mm) might be too large for smaller form factor cases.
Dimension Scores
The cooler features 7x6mm heatpipes with AGHP 4.0 technology and dual 120mm fans, allowing it to handle high TDP CPUs effectively, often outperforming more expensive alternatives.
While the fans are rated at a low ≤25.6dB(A) at max speed, some users report rattling or high-pitched noises under load or past 60% fan speed.
It uses S-FDB bearings for fan longevity (20,000 hours) and industrial-grade PBT + PC materials, with an aluminum heatsink and pure copper nickel-plated base.
The cooler includes a Y-cable for fan power and ARGB connections, simplifying cable routing for the dual fans.
Best For
- PC builders on a budget needing high-performance air cooling for Intel LGA1700/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5 CPUs.
- Users prioritizing ARGB aesthetics without sacrificing cooling efficiency.
- Systems with standard height RAM modules (under 42mm) to avoid fan clearance issues.
Not Recommended For
- Small form factor (SFF) PC builds due to its dual-tower size and 154mm height.
- Users with tall RAM modules (over 42mm) who prefer a flush fan mounting or have limited case clearance for a raised fan.
- Enthusiasts seeking absolute silence under all load conditions, given reports of potential fan noise.
Watch Out For
- The front fan often needs to be adjusted upwards to clear RAM modules taller than 42mm, which can impact aesthetics and potentially case top clearance.
- Some users have reported issues with fan longevity, specifically rattling noises developing after about 11 months of use under high CPU load.
- Installation can be frustrating, with reports of mounting screws being difficult to align and requiring significant force to secure the heatsink.
- A high-pitched resonant noise can occur past 60% fan speed for some users, impacting acoustic comfort.
- One user experienced persistent high CPU temperatures and thermal paste pump-out, suggesting potential contact pressure issues with the cold plate.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 796520302853 772168567250 |
| ASIN | B0BR3JQTSN |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Material | Aluminum |
| 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 | PS120SE ARGB-D1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.92"L x 5.31"W x 6.06"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Users consistently highlight this cooler's exceptional performance-to-price ratio, often comparing it favorably to much more expensive options like the Noctua NH-D15 for cooling modern, high-TDP CPUs. The ARGB lighting is a welcome aesthetic bonus, and the overall quiet operation is frequently praised, though some have experienced fan noise issues over time. Installation can be a bit fiddly, and RAM clearance is a common concern for those with taller memory modules.
“Dude, this cooler is insane for the money, my 7800X3D stays frosty even when gaming hard, but I had to lift the front fan a bit for my RGB RAM, looks a little weird but whatever, temps are king!”
Common Praise
- Provides cooling performance comparable to coolers costing two or three times more.
- Effectively cools high-power CPUs like Intel i9-14900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X without throttling.
- Fans are generally quiet, especially at idle and moderate loads.
- The ARGB lighting is bright and offers multiple effects, enhancing system aesthetics.
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms.
Common Complaints
- The front fan often needs to be raised to clear taller RAM sticks, affecting the cooler's appearance and potentially case compatibility.
- Some users reported fans developing a rattling sound or high-pitched whine after several months of use.
- Installation can be challenging, with difficulties in securing the heatsink to the mounting brackets.
- One user experienced thermal paste pump-out and consistently high temperatures, suggesting potential contact issues.
Ownership Tips
- After a few months, some users noticed a slight increase in fan noise or a high-pitched hum, especially when the CPU is under heavy load.
- The cooler's large size means you need to double-check your case's CPU cooler clearance and RAM height before buying.
- The included thermal paste is adequate, but some users opt for higher-quality aftermarket paste for slightly better performance.
- The ARGB lighting integrates well with most motherboard software, providing customizable aesthetics.
- Installation, while potentially tricky, becomes secure once all screws are properly seated, providing a very stable mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It supports Intel LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200, and AMD AM4, AM5 sockets.
How tall is the cooler, and will it fit in my PC case?
The cooler has a height of 154mm (6.06 inches). You should check your PC case's maximum CPU cooler clearance to ensure it fits.
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the CPU cooler comes provided with thermal paste.
Can I control the ARGB lighting?
Yes, the fans have 5V 3pin ARGB connections, allowing you to manage and synchronize lighting effects through your motherboard's software.
Will this cooler interfere with my RAM?
The cooler is designed to avoid memory, but the front fan might interfere with RAM sticks taller than approximately 42mm. You may need to mount the front fan slightly higher.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU air coolers like this one, you're essentially buying a big chunk of metal with fans to pull heat away from your processor. The more heatpipes and surface area, generally the better it cools. For a dual-tower cooler, you need to be really aware of its physical size, especially its height and how it might interact with your RAM modules and case side panel. Don't just look at the price; consider the noise levels and how easy it is to install, because a cheap cooler that's a pain to put in or sounds like a jet engine isn't worth it.
Heat Pipes (7x6mm)
These copper tubes transfer heat from your CPU's surface to the cooler's fins. More heatpipes, and larger ones, mean more efficient heat transfer, like having more lanes on a highway for heat to travel away from your CPU.
Fan Speed (1500rpm±10%) & Air Flow (66.17CFM)
RPM (rotations per minute) tells you how fast the fans spin, and CFM (cubic feet per minute) indicates how much air they move. Higher CFM generally means better cooling, but it can also mean more noise. This cooler balances both for effective cooling.
Noise Level (≤25.6dB(A))
This is how loud the fans get. Lower numbers are quieter. 25.6dB(A) is relatively quiet, but individual perception of noise varies, and some users report specific high-pitched sounds.
Cooler Height (154mm)
This is crucial for case compatibility. Measure the maximum CPU cooler height your PC case supports. If the cooler is too tall, your side panel won't close.
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 maximum cooling performance in compact builds, though they typically cost more.
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