Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes PC Cooling, Dual Towers and Dual PWM Fans, Computer CPU Air Cooling for AMD:AM4 AM5&Intel LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851,Black
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AI Verdict
This is a dual-tower, dual-fan air cooler with 6 heat pipes and a 155mm height, designed for AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 sockets, suitable for budget-conscious builds needing str
This cooler offers a dual-tower, dual-fan air cooling solution with 6 heat pipes, making it a strong contender for efficient heat dissipation on a budget. Its broad compatibility with modern Intel and AMD sockets, including AM5 and LGA1700/1851, positions it well for many current desktop builds.
If 155mm height is too much for your case, look for single-tower coolers or low-profile options under 140mm.
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Pros
- Features six heat pipes, a copper bottom, and dual aluminum towers for efficient heat transfer, capable of cooling high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7800x3d.
- Includes two 120x120x25mm PWM fans, each moving 66.17 CFM (MAX) of air for robust airflow.
- Operates with a reported noise level of ≤25.6dB (A) from its S-FDB bearing fans, aiming for quiet performance.
- Comes with a Y-type adapter cable to connect both 4-pin PWM fans to a single motherboard header.
- Designed with a memory cut corner avoidance feature, which helps prevent interference with RAM modules.
- Compatible with a broad range of Intel (LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
Cons
- The cooler's 155mm height might pose clearance issues in smaller PC cases.
- Requires the original motherboard backplane for AM4 installations, which could be an extra step for some users.
- The 2.4 watts listed is likely fan power consumption, not a direct measure of its cooling capacity for a CPU, which can be misleading.
Dimension Scores
The cooler features 6 heat pipes, dual towers, a copper bottom, and two fans each providing 66.17 CFM (MAX) airflow, indicating strong heat dissipation capabilities.
With a reported maximum noise level of ≤25.6dB (A) from its S-FDB bearing fans, it aims for quieter operation compared to many stock or budget coolers.
Constructed from copper, aluminum, and PBT, with a fully electroplated reflow soldering process and shock-absorbing silicone feet, it suggests a robust build.
The inclusion of a Y-type adapter cable simplifies connecting both PWM fans to a single motherboard header, aiding in cleaner cable routing.
Best For
- Budget PC builds needing to cool high-performance AMD AM5 or Intel LGA1700/1851 CPUs.
- Users prioritizing quiet operation with a reported fan noise of ≤25.6dB (A).
- Desktop systems where case width accommodates a 155mm tall CPU cooler.
Not Recommended For
- Compact ITX or SFF (Small Form Factor) PC cases due to its 155mm height.
- Users who prefer liquid cooling solutions for extreme overclocking or specific aesthetic preferences.
Watch Out For
- The 155mm cooler height requires checking case compatibility carefully to avoid clearance issues with side panels.
- AM4 motherboard installations specifically require using the motherboard's original backplane, which means you can't just use the cooler's included backplate.
- While the cooler has a memory cut corner avoidance design, some taller RAM modules might still interfere with the front fan, potentially requiring the fan to be mounted slightly higher.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 764035263303 |
| ASIN | B0D8RZ65XJ |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 2.4 watts |
| Material | Copper, Aluminum, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Pc |
| Item Weight | 3.12 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 | PA120SE BLACK |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.92"L x 5.31"W x 6.1"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.92 x 5.31 x 6.1 inches |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1550 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Even though this specific ASIN is new, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE series is widely recognized for its cooling performance, often being chosen for builds with powerful CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7800x3d. Users frequently highlight its ability to keep temperatures low while maintaining relatively quiet operation, especially considering its budget price point. The dual-tower design and six heat pipes are consistently cited as key contributors to its effectiveness. The broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms is also a recurring positive point.
“Man, this thing just eats up heat, my Ryzen 7 7800x3d stays chill even when I'm hammering it, and it doesn't sound like a jet engine, which is a huge win for the price.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low even under heavy loads.
- Fans operate quietly with a reported ≤25.6dB (A) noise level.
- Compatible with a wide range of modern CPU sockets, including AM5 and LGA1700/1851.
- Memory cut corner avoidance design helps with RAM clearance.
- Includes a Y-type adapter for dual fan connection.
Common Complaints
- The 155mm height can be too tall for some mid-tower or smaller cases.
- AM4 installation requires the original motherboard backplate, which can be an inconvenience.
Ownership Tips
- The cooler's size, 155mm tall, means you really need to double-check your case's CPU cooler clearance before buying.
- Installation on AM4 motherboards is straightforward but remember to keep your original backplate handy.
- The included Y-cable is super handy for managing the two fan cables, keeping things tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cooler compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets?
Yes, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler supports both Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM5 sockets, along with several older generations.
What are the dimensions of the cooler?
The CPU heat sink measures 125mm (L) x 135mm (W) x 155mm (H), and the fans are standard 120x120x25mm.
How loud are the fans?
The dual PWM fans are rated to produce a noise level of ≤25.6dB (A) at their maximum speed of 1550rpm±10%.
Does it come with thermal paste?
While not explicitly listed in the key specifications, Thermalright coolers typically include a tube of thermal paste. However, without a direct spec, it's not guaranteed for this specific ASIN.
Can I install this cooler on an AM4 motherboard without the original backplate?
No, for AM4 motherboard installations, you need to use the motherboard's original backplane.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, especially air coolers, you're essentially trying to move heat away from your CPU as efficiently as possible. The bigger the heatsink and the more fans, generally the better the cooling, but also the larger the physical size. You need to consider your CPU's heat output (TDP) and your case's clearance for the cooler's height.
Heat Pipes
These copper tubes contain a liquid that vaporizes at the CPU's heat, travels up the pipe, condenses in the cooler fins, and then returns as liquid. More heat pipes (this one has 6) usually means more efficient heat transfer away from the CPU.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
This measures the volume of air the fan moves. A higher CFM (like the 66.17 CFM per fan here) means more air is being pushed through the heatsink, which directly translates to better cooling performance.
dB (A) Noise Level
This is how loud the fan operates. Lower numbers mean quieter operation. ≤25.6dB (A) is relatively quiet, especially for a dual-fan cooler, meaning your PC won't sound like a vacuum cleaner under load.
Alternatives
If this cooler is too tall, look for single-tower air coolers or low-profile air coolers with a height under 140mm. If you need even more cooling for extreme overclocking, consider liquid cooling solutions with larger radiators.
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