Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Air Cooler, 2000RPM Speed,4 Heatpipes, 12cm Quiet PWM Fan CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover,for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooling
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AI Verdict
This is a 151mm tall air cooler with four heatpipes, a 120mm 2000RPM PWM fan, and a digital screen for CPU/GPU stats, designed for budget to mid-range CPUs up to 150W TDP.
This cooler is a situational fit because its 150W TDP rating and single-tower design make it suitable for mid-range CPUs, but not for high-performance builds. The digital screen is a unique feature for its price band, but relies on specific motherboard headers and software.
If you need more cooling power, look for coolers with a higher TDP rating, more heatpipes (6 or 8), or a dual-tower design.
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Pros
- Digital screen top cover displays CPU temperature, CPU usage, graphics card temperature, and graphics card occupancy via TRCC software and a 9-pin USB interface.
- 151mm overall height allows compatibility with most PC cases.
- Includes four 6mm heatpipes utilizing AGHP 4th generation technology for heat transfer.
- Compatible with a broad range of Intel (LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
- Equipped with a 12cm PWM fan that adjusts speed up to 2000RPM based on temperature.
- ARGB lighting on the fan synchronizes with 5V 3pin motherboard headers.
Cons
- Digital screen requires a 9-pin USB header on the motherboard for power and data, which some older or budget motherboards might lack.
- TRCC software must be installed and run in the background for the digital screen functionality.
- AMD platform installation requires using the motherboard's original backplate.
- Rated for CPUs up to approximately 150W TDP, limiting its use with higher-end, power-hungry processors.
- Single-tower design may offer less cooling capacity compared to larger dual-tower air coolers.
Dimension Scores
Rated for CPUs up to ~150W TDP, which is adequate for mid-range processors but not top-tier.
Users report 'low noise levels' and 'virtually silent' operation for similar Assassin X models.
Constructed from aluminum, plastic, copper, rubber, and glass, with 4 heatpipes and AGHP technology, which is standard for its price band.
Requires a 9-pin USB cable for the digital screen and a 4-pin PWM fan cable, which adds to internal cable routing.
Best For
- Budget PC builds needing a visual CPU temperature display.
- Mid-range Intel i5/i7 non-K or AMD Ryzen 5/7 systems.
- Users prioritizing aesthetics with ARGB lighting and a functional digital screen.
- Compact case builds that can accommodate a 151mm tall cooler.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs (e.g., Intel i9, Ryzen 9) or heavily overclocked systems exceeding 150W TDP.
- Users who prefer a completely software-free cooling solution.
- Motherboards without an available 9-pin USB header for the digital screen.
Watch Out For
- The digital screen requires a 9-pin USB header on your motherboard; without it, the screen won't function.
- AMD installations specifically need you to reuse your motherboard's original backplate, so don't toss it.
- You'll need to download and run the TRCC software constantly in the background for the digital display to show CPU/GPU stats.
- While it has ARGB, it needs a 5V 3pin header on your motherboard to sync with other components; otherwise, you might be stuck with default lighting.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 769047390788 |
| ASIN | B0DMVWF5S7 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Material | Aluminium, Plastic, Copper, Rubber, Glass |
| Item Weight | 1.9 pounds |
| Noise Level | 29.8 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | THERMALRIGHT |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 70.84 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | AX120R D BLACK |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72"L x 2.8"W x 5.94"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2000 RPM |
What Buyers Say
What's really cool about this budget air cooler is the digital screen on top, which is something you usually only see on much pricier liquid coolers. It's a single-tower design with four heatpipes and a 120mm fan, so it's not going to tame a scorching hot CPU, but it handles mid-range chips like a champ. Installation seems straightforward, though AMD users need to remember their original backplate. The ARGB lighting is a nice touch if your motherboard supports it.
“Dude, for the money, this thing is actually pretty sick with that screen, keeps my i5 cool enough and looks way more expensive than it was, just make sure you have that USB header free!”
Common Praise
- Digital screen displaying CPU and GPU stats is a unique feature for the price.
- Provides sufficient cooling for Ryzen 5/7 and Intel i5/i7 non-K CPUs.
- Operates with low noise levels, even under load.
- Compatible with a wide range of current Intel and AMD sockets.
- 151mm height fits into many PC cases without clearance issues.
Common Complaints
- Requires an available 9-pin USB header on the motherboard for the digital screen to work.
- TRCC software needs to be installed and running for the digital display functionality.
- AMD installation requires reusing the motherboard's stock backplate.
- Not suitable for high-TDP CPUs or heavy overclocking beyond 150W.
Ownership Tips
- The digital screen is a constant conversation starter, showing real-time temps without extra software on your main display.
- The TRCC software is lightweight and doesn't seem to hog resources running in the background.
- The fan is surprisingly quiet, even when the CPU is under a decent load.
- Installation on an AM5 board was simple, but remembering to use the original backplate is key.
- The ARGB syncs up perfectly with my motherboard's software, making the lighting cohesive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
The product specifications do not explicitly mention the inclusion of thermal paste. It's advisable to assume it's not included or to purchase some separately.
Can I control the ARGB lighting?
Yes, the ARGB lighting on the fan can be synchronized with your motherboard's 5V 3pin ARGB header, allowing control through your motherboard's lighting software.
What information does the digital screen display?
The digital screen can display CPU temperature, CPU usage, graphics card temperature, and graphics card occupancy, provided the TRCC software is running.
Is this cooler compatible with Intel's latest 14th/15th Gen CPUs?
Yes, it is compatible with Intel LGA 1851/1700 sockets, which support Intel 14th and 15th Gen processors.
Do I need a special motherboard for the digital screen?
You need a motherboard with an available 9-pin USB interface to power and transmit data for the digital screen.
How tall is the cooler?
The overall height of the heatsink cooler is 151mm.
Buying Guide
When buying a CPU air cooler, you're looking for something that can pull heat away from your processor efficiently. The key is matching the cooler's capacity (often measured in TDP or Thermal Design Power) to your CPU's heat output. You also need to consider its physical size to ensure it fits in your PC case and doesn't block RAM slots. Noise levels are also a big deal; a powerful cooler isn't much fun if it sounds like a jet engine.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number tells you the maximum amount of heat, in watts, that the cooler is designed to dissipate. If your CPU generates more heat than the cooler can handle, your system will overheat and throttle performance. Think of it like a car's engine size – a small engine won't pull a heavy load well.
Heatpipes
These are copper tubes filled with a liquid that vaporizes at the hot end (CPU) and condenses at the cool end (fins), transferring heat very efficiently. More heatpipes, generally, mean better heat transfer. It's like having more lanes on a highway for heat to travel.
Fan Speed (RPM) and PWM
RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) indicates how fast the fan spins, directly affecting airflow and cooling. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) means the motherboard can control the fan's speed based on temperature, making it quieter when your system isn't working hard. It's like your car's accelerator – you don't always need to go full throttle.
Cooler Height
This is crucial for case compatibility. A cooler that's too tall simply won't fit inside your PC case, preventing you from closing the side panel. Always measure your case's CPU cooler clearance before buying.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't meet your needs, look for options with a higher TDP rating (e.g., 200W+), a dual-tower heatsink design, or larger 140mm fans for increased cooling capacity and potentially lower noise at similar performance levels.
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