Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
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 148mm tall air cooler with four 6mm heat pipes and a 1550 RPM fan, ideal for budget builds needing better-than-stock cooling for CPUs up to 65W TDP.
This cooler is a strong fit for anyone building a budget PC or upgrading from a stock cooler, especially for CPUs up to 65W TDP. Its 148mm height and effective four 6mm heat pipe design provide substantial cooling performance for its price, fitting into most cases without RAM interference.
If you're pushing a higher TDP CPU or want more thermal headroom, look for coolers with more heat pipes (e.g., 6 or 7) or a dual-tower design.
Regret Score™
Very Low RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Outperforms AMD's Wraith Stealth cooler, showing lower temperatures and better benchmark scores.
- Maintains CPU temperatures low enough to allow for reduced fan speeds, contributing to quieter operation.
- Features a 120x120x25mm PWM fan with an S-FDB bearing, rated for up to 20,000 hours of service life.
- The 148mm height allows it to fit into most medium-sized computer cases without RAM clearance issues.
- Installation is straightforward with included metal fasteners for Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 platforms.
- Includes a tube of thermal compound, so you don't need to buy it separately.
Cons
- The fan, while quiet at lower speeds, can produce noticeable airflow noise when operating at 100% of its 1550 RPM maximum.
- Mounting bars and fastening bars are not painted white, contrasting with the white-coated heatsink.
- Some comparable budget coolers offer ARGB fans or a RAM clearance offset at a similar price point, which this model lacks.
Dimension Scores
The cooler effectively dissipates heat from CPUs up to 65W TDP, outperforming stock coolers and maintaining lower temperatures under load.
Rated at ≤25.6dB(A), the fan is quiet at lower RPMs, though it can produce audible airflow noise when operating at its maximum 1550 RPM.
It features four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technique, an S-FDB bearing fan rated for 20,000 hours, and aluminum fins that users report as sturdy.
The single 4-pin PWM fan connector is standard and easy to manage, but there are no integrated cable routing features on the cooler itself.
Best For
- Budget PC builds needing an upgrade from a stock CPU cooler for a 65W TDP processor.
- Users prioritizing low noise levels during light to moderate CPU loads.
- Compact or medium-sized PC cases where a 148mm cooler height is a limiting factor.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs with TDPs significantly exceeding 65W, especially for sustained heavy workloads.
- Enthusiasts who require integrated ARGB lighting for aesthetic customization.
- Users who demand absolute silence even under maximum CPU load.
Watch Out For
- The fan's noise level, while rated at ≤25.6dB(A), can become audible as air flow noise when it spins near its 1550 RPM maximum.
- While the heatsink is white, the mounting hardware is not, which might detract from a fully uniform white aesthetic.
- Some users noted that other budget coolers offer an offset design for RAM clearance, which this cooler does not, though it generally clears RAM due to its compact design.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 772123556213 |
| ASIN | B0C4FFDYHL |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 15 watts |
| Material | Aluminum,Metal,Silicone |
| Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Noise Level | 15 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | AX120 SE White |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.92"L x 2.8"W x 5.83"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1200 RPM |
What Buyers Say
What really stands out is how often people mention this cooler's performance for its price; it consistently beats out stock coolers, even for CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600X, keeping temperatures significantly lower. Many users were surprised by how quiet it is during normal use, though some noted the fan can be heard when it ramps up to its 1550 RPM maximum. The installation process is frequently described as straightforward, with clear instructions and all necessary hardware included for both Intel and AMD platforms.
“Dude, I swapped this in for my stock AMD cooler and my temps dropped like 15 degrees, it's actually quiet now, and it was like twenty bucks. Just buy it.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures lower than stock coolers, even for 65W TDP CPUs.
- Fan operates with minimal noise during typical usage, often described as 'virtually silent'.
- Installation is easy and includes all necessary mounting hardware for various sockets.
- The 148mm height fits into a wide range of PC cases and provides good RAM clearance.
- Exceptional value for money, frequently cited as a top budget cooler.
Common Complaints
- Fan can become audible at higher RPMs, producing a whooshing sound from airflow.
- Mounting hardware is not white, which breaks the aesthetic of the white heatsink.
- Some users wished for an ARGB fan option or a RAM clearance offset, which other budget coolers sometimes offer.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, the thermal paste included with the cooler holds up well, no immediate need to replace it.
- The fan clips are easy to work with if you ever need to remove or replace the fan.
- The white coating on the heatsink seems durable and hasn't shown signs of chipping or discoloration.
- Even in a warmer room, the cooler manages to keep a 65W CPU well within safe operating temperatures without the fan constantly spinning at max.
- The compact size really helps with cable management around the CPU socket area, unlike some larger dual-tower coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, it includes a small tube of thermal compound in the box, so you won't need to purchase it separately for installation.
Will this cooler fit in my PC case?
With a height of 148mm, it's designed to fit in most medium-sized computer cases. It's generally considered to have good RAM clearance.
Is this CPU cooler compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets?
Yes, it supports a wide range of sockets including Intel LGA 1700/17XX/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5, with corresponding mounting hardware provided.
How loud is the fan on this cooler?
The fan is rated for a noise level of ≤25.6dB(A) and is often described as quiet at lower speeds. At its maximum 1550 RPM, users report it produces noticeable airflow noise rather than rattling.
Can this cooler handle overclocking?
While it's a capable cooler for its price, it's primarily designed for CPUs up to around 65W TDP and outperforms stock coolers. For significant overclocking, you'd generally want a cooler with more cooling capacity.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, you're basically trying to get heat away from your processor so it can run fast and stable. This cooler uses air, which means it has a metal heatsink with fins and a fan to blow air through those fins. You need to make sure it fits your case and your CPU socket, and that it can handle the heat your CPU puts out.
Heat Pipes (4x6mm)
These are copper tubes filled with a liquid that vaporizes at the CPU's heat, carrying that heat up to the fins. More and thicker heat pipes mean more efficient heat transfer. Four 6mm pipes are a solid amount for a budget cooler, especially with the AGHP technique to improve performance in different orientations.
Fan Speed (1550 RPM)
This is how fast the fan spins. Higher RPMs generally mean more airflow and better cooling, but also more noise. A 1550 RPM fan is a good balance for this cooler, providing enough airflow without being excessively loud at lower speeds.
Noise Level (≤25.6dB(A))
This measures how loud the fan is. Lower numbers are quieter. 25.6dB(A) is pretty quiet, especially compared to many stock coolers, meaning you'll likely hear less fan noise during everyday tasks.
Cooler Dimensions (148mm height)
This is crucial for case compatibility. Many PC cases have a maximum CPU cooler height. 148mm is relatively compact for an air tower cooler, allowing it to fit into a wider range of cases, including some micro-ATX builds.
Alternatives
If this cooler isn't enough, look for models with 6 or more heat pipes, a dual-tower design for more surface area, or larger fans (140mm) for increased airflow at lower RPMs.
You Might Also Like
Micro ATX PC Case | Mini Tower Computer case | Pre-Installed 120mm*1 RGB Fan | ITX Desktop Chassis for MATX/ITX | 240 RAD | 280mm GPU | 160mm CPU Cooler Height - White S6
$0-$49This MAQUY S6 is a budget Micro ATX case with a pre-installed 120mm RGB fan, supporting 280mm GPUs and 240mm top radiators for entry-level builds.
Micro ATX Case, Mini PC ITX Desktop Computer Case MATX Case Support ATX PSU/250mm GPU/135mm CPU Cooler/1x 3.5’’HDD or 2X 2.5’’SSD/USB 3.0 Port
$0-$49This is a compact 38.5x19.5x32.5cm Micro ATX case supporting 250mm GPUs and 135mm CPU coolers, designed for budget workstation builds.
Small PC Case, ITX Mini Computer Case with 360 Degree Ventilation, 10.5L Compact Design for ITX Motherboard, SFX Power Supply, 4 x 2.5 Inch SSDs
$50-$99This 10.5L acrylic ITX case supports SFX/SFX-L PSUs, ITX motherboards, and GPUs up to 210mm, designed for compact builds.
Micro ATX PC Case | Mini Tower Computer case Support Vertical GPU Mount | Pre-Installed 120mm*1 RGB Fan | ITX Desktop Chassis for MATX/ITX | 240 RAD | 320mm GPU | 165mm CPU Cooler Height-Black
$0-$49A budget Micro ATX case with a mesh front, tempered glass, and support for 320mm GPUs and 240mm AIOs, but only one pre-installed 120mm RGB fan.