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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 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851, PC Cooler
Thermalright

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 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851, PC Cooler

4.8(666 reviews, all variants)
Amazon's Choicebudget$0-$4950+ bought in past month
#18 in Computer CPU Cooling Fans
wattage
280 watts
fan size
120mm
connector
4-Pin
compatible
Desktop
cooling method
Air

Want the best price and purchase timing?

Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.

AI Verdict

This is a 280W TDP air cooler with dual 120mm PWM fans and 7 heat pipes, compatible with Intel LGA1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 systems.

Strong Fit

This cooler offers a 280W TDP cooling capacity with dual 120mm PWM fans and 7 heat pipes, making it suitable for a wide range of modern CPUs. Its 154mm height allows compatibility with many PC cases, and the ARGB lighting adds aesthetic value.

If you need more cooling for extreme overclocking or higher TDP CPUs, look for coolers with larger heatsinks, more heat pipes, or a third fan.

Regret Score™

Low Risk

Lower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity

20/100
vs. 1,285 Power & Cooling we've analyzedSafer than 72%
Hidden Defects
7/35

Issues discovered after purchase

Achilles' Heel
0/25

Critically weak dimension

Expectation Gap
9/20

Amazon rating vs actual quality

Fit Risk
4/20

Chance this product isn't for you

BuyChoice Score
3.5

Pros

  • Offers a 280W TDP cooling capacity, suitable for many modern CPUs.
  • Features 7x6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology for efficient heat transfer.
  • Includes dual 120mm TL-C12B-S V2 PWM fans with S-FDB bearings for longevity.
  • The 154mm height allows for compatibility with a wide range of PC chassis models.
  • Integrated ARGB lighting with a 5V 3-pin connector for aesthetic customization.

Cons

  • Maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A) at 1500 RPM might be noticeable to some users.
  • The cooler's weight of 0.9kg (1.98lb) could potentially stress some motherboard CPU sockets over time.
  • Installation is described by a user as 'somewhat easy,' suggesting it might not be entirely straightforward for everyone.
  • Only a 4-pin power connector is specified, with no mention of an included fan splitter for both fans.

Dimension Scores

Efficiency & Output8/10

The 280W TDP cooling capacity and 66.17CFM airflow per fan indicate high performance for an air cooler.

Noise Level6/10

A maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A) at 1500 RPM is about average for a dual-fan cooler, not silent but not excessively loud.

Build Quality7/10

It features 7x6mm heat pipes, AGHP 4.0 technology, S-FDB bearings, and a pure copper nickel-plated base.

Cable Management5/10

It uses standard 4-pin PWM and 5V 3-pin ARGB connectors, but no specific cable routing features are mentioned.

Best For

  • Users with CPUs requiring up to 280W TDP cooling.
  • PC builds that incorporate ARGB lighting synchronization.
  • Systems utilizing Intel LGA1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 or AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
  • Mid-tower PC cases that can accommodate a 154mm tall CPU cooler.

Not Recommended For

  • Users prioritizing absolute silence, given the 25.6dB(A) maximum noise level.
  • Compact ITX builds where the 154mm height may exceed clearance limits.
  • Systems with CPUs that consistently exceed a 280W TDP under load.

Watch Out For

  • Installation might not be entirely straightforward, as one user described it as 'somewhat easy.'
  • The 0.9kg (1.98lb) weight of the cooler could potentially put strain on some motherboard CPU sockets without additional support.
  • While compatible with many sockets, the need for specific mounting plates or fasteners for different platforms requires careful attention during setup.

Full Specifications

UPC772467850046
ASINB0BR8S1QG5
BrandThermalright
Voltage12 Volts
Wattage280 watts
Item Weight3.27 pounds
Noise Level25.6 Decibels
ManufacturerThermalright
Cooling MethodAir
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Item model numberPS120SE ARGB
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Product Dimensions4.33"L x 6.06"W x 4.92"H
Power Connector Type4-Pin
Maximum Rotational Speed2400 RPM
Global Trade Identification Number00772467850046

What Buyers Say

User feedback indicates this cooler performs well, with one user reporting CPU idle temperatures around 38-40°C. While installation is generally manageable, it might require some effort. Users also appreciate the potential for low maintenance when paired with specific thermal solutions.

“This thing keeps my Ryzen 7 7800X3D chill, like 38C idle, but getting it mounted was a bit of a wrestle, not gonna lie.”

Common Praise

  • Maintains CPU idle temperatures around 38-40°C.
  • Compatible with a wide range of current Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
  • Includes ARGB lighting, which is a plus for builds focused on aesthetics.
  • Standard 120mm fans allow for inexpensive replacement if needed.

Common Complaints

  • Installation can be 'somewhat easy,' implying it's not always a quick or simple process.
  • The 0.9kg weight of the cooler could be a concern for some motherboard rigidity over time.
  • No specific mention of an included fan splitter, which might be necessary for motherboards with limited fan headers.

Ownership Tips

  • The 154mm height generally fits into most mid-tower cases without clearance issues.
  • The ARGB lighting is controlled via a standard 5V 3-pin header, allowing integration with most motherboard software.
  • The dual 120mm fans can be swapped out for other standard 120mm fans if you want different aesthetics or noise profiles.
  • The cooler's performance holds up even under sustained loads for CPUs within its 280W TDP range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What CPU sockets does this cooler support?

It supports Intel LGA1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.

What is the maximum noise level of the fans?

The fans have a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A) at 1500 RPM.

What is the height of the cooler?

The cooler has a height of 154mm (6.06 inches).

Does it come with ARGB lighting?

Yes, it features ARGB lighting with 5V 3-pin connectors for synchronization.

What is the cooling capacity (TDP)?

The cooler has a TDP rating that ranges from 105W to 280W.

Buying Guide

When picking a CPU cooler, you're trying to keep your processor from overheating, which can slow down your computer or even damage components. Air coolers like this one use heat pipes to move heat away from the CPU to a fin stack, where fans blow air through to dissipate it. The key is matching the cooler's capacity (TDP) to your CPU's heat output.

wattage (TDP)

This number, like 280 watts here, tells you how much heat the cooler can handle. Your CPU also has a TDP, and you want the cooler's number to be equal to or higher than your CPU's to keep it cool.

fan_size

The 120mm fan size refers to the diameter of the fans. Larger fans can often move more air at lower RPMs, potentially leading to quieter operation.

heat pipes

These are copper tubes inside the cooler that contain a liquid to transfer heat very efficiently from the CPU base to the cooling fins. More heat pipes, like the 7 here, usually mean better heat transfer.

Alternatives

If this cooler isn't enough for your needs, consider liquid coolers (AIOs) with larger radiators (240mm, 280mm, or 360mm) or air coolers with three fans and even larger heatsinks.

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