Thermalright Royal Knight 120 SE CPU Air Cooler,6 Heat Pipes Dual Towers Cooler,with Dual PWM Fans,1500RPM Speed,Desktop Cooler for Intel 1700/1851/115X/1200,AMD:AM4/AM5
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AI Verdict
A 155mm tall, dual-tower CPU air cooler with 6 copper heat pipes and dual PWM fans, designed for high heat dissipation on a budget without blocking RAM.
This cooler is a strong fit for anyone building a performance-oriented PC on a tight budget. Its dual-tower, 6-heat pipe design and dual PWM fans deliver cooling capacity comparable to more expensive options, making it suitable for demanding CPUs without breaking the bank. The thoughtful inclusion of a slim front fan also ensures compatibility with tall RAM, a common headache with large air coolers.
If you need even more cooling headroom, look for coolers with 7+ heat pipes or consider a 240mm or 360mm All-In-One (AIO) liquid cooler.
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Pros
- Features a dual-tower design with 6x 6mm pure copper heat pipes for efficient heat transfer.
- Includes a thinner 120x15mm front fan, preventing interference with tall RAM modules.
- Reported to handle CPUs drawing up to 225W, with some users noting performance similar to the Peerless Assassin 120.
- Comes with two PWM fans (1500RPM and 1800RPM) providing up to 66.17 CFM airflow.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel (LGA1851/1700/115X/1200) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
Cons
- The 155mm cooler height may not fit in all PC cases, especially smaller form factor builds.
- AMD installations require using the original motherboard backplate, which can add a step to the process.
- While specified as quiet, dual high-speed fans can still produce audible noise under heavy load (up to 26.1 dB(A)).
- The dual-tower design is physically large, potentially making installation in cramped cases more challenging.
Dimension Scores
The dual-tower design with 6x 6mm copper heat pipes and dual PWM fans allows it to handle CPUs up to 225W, with a user reporting a 9950x3D staying in the high 60s under heavy load.
The fans are rated at a maximum of 25.6 dB(A) and 26.1 dB(A) respectively, which is below average for dual-fan coolers but can still be audible at full speed.
Constructed with aluminum fins, a copper base, and 6 pure copper heat pipes, it uses materials typical of higher-end air coolers, and Thermalright has a reputation for quality budget products.
It includes a Y-cable to connect both fans to a single 4-pin PWM header, simplifying fan cable routing to one connection point.
Best For
- Budget PC builds requiring high-performance CPU cooling for processors like the i7-14700K or Ryzen 9 9950x3D.
- Systems with tall RGB RAM modules where clearance is a concern.
- Users seeking an air cooling solution that rivals more expensive options in thermal performance.
Not Recommended For
- Small form factor (SFF) PC cases with limited CPU cooler height clearance.
- Users prioritizing absolute silence during peak CPU loads.
Watch Out For
- AMD users need to retain and utilize their motherboard's original backplate for installation, which isn't always clearly communicated in general cooler instructions.
- The 155mm cooler height is a hard limit for many cases; measure your case's CPU cooler clearance before buying.
- While the fans are rated below 27 dB(A), some users might find the combined sound of two fans at 1500/1800 RPM noticeable under sustained heavy loads.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 764035267066 |
| ASIN | B0DCNY3D3R |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 3.03 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.8"L x 4.49"W x 6.1"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The Thermalright Royal Knight 120 SE is generating buzz on Reddit for its surprising performance at a low price, with many users comparing it favorably to more established, pricier coolers like the Peerless Assassin 120. Builders are finding it capable of cooling high-end CPUs, even those pushing 225W, while maintaining acceptable temperatures. A standout feature is its RAM clearance, achieved by using a slimmer front fan, which is a big win for those with tall memory modules. However, its 155mm height means you absolutely need to check your case's compatibility before committing.
“Dude, this thing is a beast for what I paid, my 9950x3D isn't even breaking a sweat and my RGB RAM actually fits! Seriously, just measure your case first.”
Common Praise
- Provides cooling performance similar to more expensive dual-tower coolers like the Peerless Assassin 120.
- Effectively cools high-TDP CPUs, with a user reporting a 9950x3D at high 60s under heavy load.
- The slim front fan design ensures 100% compatibility with tall RAM, including RGB modules.
- Offers exceptional performance for its budget price point.
Common Complaints
- The 155mm height can be a tight fit or incompatible with some PC cases.
- AMD installation requires the use of the original motherboard backplate, which can be an extra step.
- Some users might find the dual fans audible at their maximum 1500/1800 RPM, despite low dB ratings.
Ownership Tips
- The cooler's sheer size, while beneficial for cooling, can make working around the motherboard a bit fiddly after installation.
- The included thermal paste is functional, but some users might opt for a higher-performance paste for marginal gains.
- The fan cables, while managed by a Y-cable, still need careful routing to keep the build clean.
- The black aesthetic with the frosted top cover looks cleaner in a build than some bare aluminum coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs is this cooler compatible with?
It's compatible with Intel LGA1851, 1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200 sockets and AMD AM4, AM5 sockets.
Will this cooler block my RAM slots?
No, the cooler is designed with a thinner 120x15mm front fan specifically to provide clearance for tall RAM modules, including those with RGB lighting.
How tall is this CPU cooler?
The cooler has a height of 155mm (6.1 inches). Make sure your PC case has at least this much clearance for the CPU cooler.
How does its performance compare to other Thermalright coolers?
Users on Reddit suggest its performance is 'incredibly similar' to the Peerless Assassin 120, a well-regarded cooler, and can handle high TDP CPUs like the i7-14700K and 9950x3D.
Is installation difficult?
Installation involves mounting brackets for Intel and AMD platforms. For AMD, you'll need to use the original motherboard backplate. The cooler includes a Y-cable for connecting both PWM fans to a single CPU_FAN header.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, you're essentially trying to get heat away from your processor as fast as possible. Air coolers like this one use metal fins and heat pipes to pull heat from the CPU, then fans to blow that heat away. The bigger the heatsink and the more heat pipes, generally the better the cooling. Fan speed and airflow also play a big role in how quickly heat gets moved.
Heat Pipes (6x 6mm copper)
Think of heat pipes like tiny, super-efficient highways for heat. The more pipes, and the thicker they are (like 6mm), the faster heat can travel from your CPU to the cooler's fins, preventing your CPU from overheating. Six copper pipes is a lot for a budget cooler.
Fan Airflow (CFM) and Air Pressure (MM H2O)
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) tells you how much air the fan moves, like how much wind it generates. MM H2O (millimeters of water) measures how well the fan can push air through resistance, like dense heatsink fins. High numbers in both mean the fan is effective at getting air through the cooler and out of your case.
Cooler Height (155mm)
This is crucial! It's the total height from your CPU to the top of the cooler. If your PC case doesn't have enough clearance, the side panel won't close. Always check your case's maximum CPU cooler height specification before buying.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your case or you need even more cooling, look for air coolers with a lower height (under 150mm) or consider 240mm/360mm liquid coolers for maximum thermal performance.
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