Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler, TL-C12C 120mm Fans, 1850RPM, 6 Heat Pipes, for AMD AM4/AM5 & Intel LGA 1700/1851
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AI Verdict
This is a 265W TDP dual-tower air cooler with two 120mm fans, ideal for budget-conscious builders needing serious cooling for high-performance CPUs.
This cooler is a strong fit for anyone needing serious cooling power for CPUs up to 265W TDP without breaking the bank. Its dual-tower design and six heat pipes deliver performance often seen in much pricier options.
If 265W TDP isn't enough, look for coolers with larger radiators (140mm fans or triple-fan setups) or consider an AIO liquid cooler for even higher thermal loads.
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Pros
- Handles up to 265W TDP, making it suitable for demanding CPUs like the Intel i9-12900K.
- Features 6x6mm heat pipes with AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology for efficient heat transfer regardless of orientation.
- Includes two 120mm TL-C12C-X28 V2 PWM fans with a maximum speed of 1850 RPM.
- The 155mm cooler height can fit in more compact cases compared to larger dual-tower coolers.
- Comes with mounting hardware for Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Cons
- Noise level can reach up to 29.5dB(A) at maximum fan speed, which isn't the quietest for some users.
- The cooler's large size (125x135x155mm) can obstruct RAM slots, especially with taller memory modules.
- Installation can be tricky due to its bulk, making it hard to access motherboard screws if the cooler is mounted before the board is in the case.
- Packaging is a basic brown cardboard box, which doesn't reflect the product's performance.
Dimension Scores
The cooler manages up to a 265W TDP with 6 heat pipes and dual 120mm fans, outperforming many more expensive air coolers.
With a maximum noise level of 29.5dB(A) at 1850 RPM, it's not silent but is competitive for its cooling capacity in the budget segment.
It features an aluminum fin stack on a copper bottom, 6 pure copper heat pipes, and metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms, indicating robust construction for its price.
As an air cooler, cable management is limited to the two 4-pin PWM fan cables, which can be managed with the included fan splitter.
Best For
- Gaming PCs running high-end Intel or AMD CPUs that generate significant heat.
- Workstations needing sustained cooling for CPU-intensive tasks like video rendering or scientific simulations.
- Budget PC builds where cooling performance is prioritized over aesthetics or brand name.
Not Recommended For
- Small Form Factor (SFF) cases with strict CPU cooler height restrictions under 155mm.
- Users who demand near-silent operation under full load and are sensitive to fan noise above 25dB(A).
- Builders who prefer a tool-less or extremely straightforward installation process.
Watch Out For
- The cooler's 155mm height, while relatively compact for a dual-tower, still requires checking case clearance to avoid fitment issues.
- Installing the cooler with the motherboard already in the case can make it difficult to reach and tighten motherboard screws.
- Some users report that the fans, while effective, can be audible at higher RPMs, reaching up to 29.5dB(A).
- On AMD platforms, the cooler requires using the original motherboard backplane for installation, which might be an extra step for some.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 814256019248 |
| ASIN | B0DP23NF7T |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Style | PEERLESS ASSASSIN 120 SE V2 |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Wattage | 2.4 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 3.14 pounds |
| Noise Level | 29.5 Decibels |
| Part Number | PA120-SE-V2 |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 88.89 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | PEERLESS ASSASSIN 120 SE V2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.92 x 5.31 x 6.1 inches |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Included Components | CPU Air Cooler |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1850 RPM |
What Buyers Say
People are genuinely surprised by how much cooling performance this thing delivers for the money. It's constantly compared to coolers twice its price, often holding its own even against high-end Noctua models for most workloads under 250W. The biggest recurring theme is its incredible value, though you might need to wrestle with it a bit during installation due to its sheer size.
“Dude, I can't believe this thing is so cheap! My i7-13700K used to hit 90°C in Cinebench, now it barely touches 75°C, and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg. Installation was a bit of a pain, but totally worth it.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low even under heavy loads, often below 70°C on demanding CPUs.
- Offers cooling performance comparable to or exceeding much more expensive coolers.
- The fans are relatively quiet for the cooling power they provide.
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware for current Intel and AMD sockets.
- The 155mm height allows it to fit in a wider range of cases than some larger dual-tower coolers.
Common Complaints
- The large size makes installation a bit of a puzzle, especially getting to motherboard screws.
- RAM clearance can be an issue, particularly with memory modules that have tall heatspreaders.
- The packaging is very plain, which doesn't give a premium first impression.
- Some users noted that while quiet for the price, the fans aren't 'whisper silent' at higher RPMs.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, I realized how much headroom this cooler gives my CPU for overclocking without thermal throttling.
- The fan noise is noticeable during intense gaming sessions, but it blends into the background with headphones on.
- I had to reseat my RAM to make sure it wasn't touching the front fan, which was a minor annoyance.
- The plain brown box it came in made me think I bought a dud, but the performance proved me wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs can this cooler handle?
It's rated for up to 265W TDP, making it capable of cooling high-performance CPUs like the Intel i9-12900K and other demanding processors on LGA 1700/1851 and AM4/AM5 sockets.
Will this cooler fit in my PC case?
The cooler has a height of 155mm. You need to check your PC case's maximum CPU cooler clearance to ensure it fits, especially if you have a compact or SFF case.
Is the installation difficult?
Installation involves a backplate and brackets, and while not overly complex, its large size can make it challenging to access motherboard screws if you install the cooler before the motherboard is seated in the case.
How loud are the fans?
The included 120mm fans have a maximum noise level of 29.5dB(A) at 1850 RPM. While generally considered quiet for their performance, they can be audible under heavy load.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, it typically includes a medium-sized tube of thermal paste in the package.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, you're basically trying to keep your processor from getting too hot, which can slow down your whole system. Air coolers like this one use heat pipes to pull heat away from the CPU and then fans to blow that heat off a big metal fin stack. The bigger the cooler and the more heat pipes it has, generally the better it can cool. You need to match the cooler's capacity (TDP) to your CPU's heat output and make sure it physically fits in your case.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number, like the 265W for this cooler, tells you the maximum amount of heat your cooler can effectively dissipate from your CPU. If your CPU generates more heat than the cooler can handle, it'll run hot and potentially throttle performance. Think of it like the horsepower rating for a car – more horsepower means it can handle more demanding tasks.
Heat Pipes
These are copper tubes inside the cooler that contain a liquid which vaporizes, carries heat up, and then condenses, releasing heat. More heat pipes (this one has 6x6mm) generally mean more pathways for heat to move away from your CPU, leading to better cooling. It's like having more lanes on a highway for traffic to flow.
Cooler Dimensions (Height)
The height (155mm for this model) is crucial because your PC case has a maximum clearance for CPU coolers. If the cooler is too tall, your side panel won't close. Always measure your case's clearance before buying a large air cooler.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your case, look for single-tower air coolers or low-profile options. If you need even more cooling, search for 240mm or 360mm AIO liquid coolers.
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