Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB 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
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AI Verdict
This is a 151mm tall CPU air cooler with a 2000RPM PWM fan and 4x6mm heat pipes, designed for budget builds needing a digital screen and ARGB.
This cooler is a situational fit, offering a digital display and ARGB for budget-conscious builders. Its 4x6mm heat pipes and 2000RPM PWM fan provide adequate cooling for mid-range CPUs, but it won't handle the heat from top-tier processors.
If you need more cooling power, look for coolers with 6+ heat pipes or a dual-tower design, especially for high-TDP CPUs.
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Pros
- The 151mm height allows compatibility with most PC cases.
- Features a digital screen top cover for real-time monitoring and aesthetic appeal.
- Includes ARGB lighting that synchronizes with 5V 3-pin motherboard headers.
- Equipped with a 2000RPM PWM fan that adjusts speed based on motherboard temperature.
- Utilizes AGHP 4th generation heat pipe technology to counter anti-gravity effects in various mounting orientations.
- S-FDB bearing and silicone corner pads on the fan aim to reduce noise and fan blade shaking.
Cons
- The digital screen requires a 9-pin USB interface on the motherboard and separate TRCC software for functionality.
- Cooling performance, while adequate for Ryzen 5/7 and Intel i5/i7 non-K CPUs, may not be sufficient for higher-TDP processors like a 5800x.
- The fan size is listed as 151mm in specs, but described as a 12cm fan in the title, which could be confusing for users expecting a specific fan diameter.
Dimension Scores
The 4x6mm AGHP heat pipes and 2000RPM PWM fan provide sufficient cooling for mid-range CPUs up to around 150W TDP.
The fan features S-FDB bearings and silicone corner pads, aiming to reduce noise, and the product description highlights its 'quiet' operation.
Constructed with PBT+PC material and nickel-plated anti-oxidation heat pipes, indicating a focus on durability.
Requires a 4-pin PWM connector for the fan, a 5V 3-pin ARGB connector, and a 9-pin USB header for the digital screen, which adds to cable routing complexity.
Best For
- Budget PC builds where aesthetics with a digital display are a priority.
- Systems with CPUs like Ryzen 5/7 or Intel i5/i7 non-K/moderate-K needing air cooling.
- Users who want ARGB lighting synchronized with their motherboard.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs with significant overclocking or high TDPs (e.g., Intel i9, Ryzen 9, or a 5800x).
- Minimalist builds that prioritize stealth over RGB lighting and digital displays.
- Users who prefer plug-and-play functionality without additional software for cooler features.
Watch Out For
- The digital screen's functionality depends on installing TRCC software and connecting a 9-pin USB cable to the motherboard, which isn't always straightforward.
- While the fan has silicone pads, some users might still find the 2000RPM maximum speed audible under full load.
- The 151mm cooler height, while compatible with most cases, might still be a tight fit in smaller micro-ATX or ITX enclosures, requiring careful measurement.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 769047390795 |
| ASIN | B0DMVY11QR |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Material | Pbt+Pc |
| Item Weight | 1.91 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 ARGB 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
This cooler is a popular choice for budget builds, often praised for its digital screen and ARGB lighting, which adds a premium touch without a premium price. Users frequently mention its ability to handle mid-range CPUs effectively, making it a strong contender for systems like Ryzen 5/7 or Intel i5/i7 non-K builds. The 151mm height is also a recurring positive, fitting into many cases where larger coolers might struggle. However, the need for specific software and a USB header for the digital display is a common point of discussion.
“Dude, for the price, this thing looks sick with the screen and the RGB, and it actually keeps my 7600X cool enough, but that software for the screen was kinda annoying to get going.”
Common Praise
- The digital screen on top provides real-time CPU temperature readings.
- ARGB lighting integrates well with motherboard synchronization.
- Fits into many PC cases due to its 151mm height.
- Keeps CPUs like Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 at acceptable temperatures.
- The fan operates quietly under typical loads.
Common Complaints
- Digital screen requires a 9-pin USB header and TRCC software, which can be a hassle to set up.
- Cooling performance might not be enough for high-end, overclocked processors.
- The number of cables (PWM, ARGB, USB) can make cable management tricky.
Ownership Tips
- The digital screen's brightness and color can usually be adjusted through the TRCC software once installed.
- The cooler's black finish and ARGB lighting make it a focal point in builds with tempered glass side panels.
- Installation is generally straightforward, similar to other tower air coolers, but the extra USB cable needs careful routing.
- The fan's noise profile is generally low during web browsing or light gaming, but it ramps up audibly during heavy CPU loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It's compatible with a broad range of Intel sockets including LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1150, LGA1151, and LGA1200, as well as AMD's AM4 and AM5 sockets.
Does the digital screen show CPU temperature?
Yes, the digital screen on the top cover can display information, likely including CPU temperature, and requires the TRCC software and a 9-pin USB connection to function.
How is the ARGB lighting controlled?
The ARGB lighting synchronizes with your motherboard's 5V 3-pin header, allowing you to control the lighting effects through your motherboard's software.
What is the maximum fan speed?
The included PWM fan can reach a maximum speed of 2000RPM, adjusting automatically based on your CPU's temperature.
Will this cooler fit in my PC case?
The cooler has an overall height of 151mm, which is designed to be compatible with most PC cases, but it's always a good idea to check your case's CPU cooler clearance before purchasing.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, you're basically trying to find something that can pull heat away from your processor fast enough to keep it from getting too hot. This isn't just about preventing damage; a cooler CPU often means better performance. Air coolers like this one use heat pipes to transfer heat from the CPU to a fin stack, and then a fan blows air through those fins to dissipate the heat. The bigger the cooler and the more heat pipes it has, generally the better it'll cool.
Heat Pipes (4x6mm)
These are copper tubes filled with a liquid that vaporizes at the hot end (CPU) and condenses at the cool end (fins), transferring heat super efficiently. More and thicker heat pipes usually mean better cooling, like having more lanes on a highway for heat to travel.
PWM Fan (2000RPM)
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) means your motherboard can control the fan's speed based on CPU temperature, so it only spins as fast as needed. A higher RPM means it can move more air for better cooling, but also potentially more noise, like a car engine revving higher.
151mm Height
This is crucial for case compatibility. You need to check your PC case's maximum CPU cooler height specification to make sure this cooler will actually fit inside without hitting the side panel, like making sure a tall piece of furniture fits through a doorway.
Alternatives
If this cooler isn't enough, look for air coolers with 6 or more heat pipes, a dual-tower design, or consider liquid coolers (AIOs) with a 240mm or larger radiator for significantly higher cooling capacity.
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