Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White V2 CPU Cooler, 120mm TL‑C12CW‑S PWM Fans, 1850RPM, 6 Heat Pipes, for AMD AM4/AM5 & Intel LGA 1700/1851
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AI Verdict
This is a dual-tower air cooler with 6 heat pipes and dual 120mm ARGB fans, delivering 265W TDP cooling for high-performance CPUs on a budget.
This cooler offers exceptional cooling performance for its price, handling up to 265W TDP with dual 120mm fans and 6 heat pipes. It's a strong contender for anyone needing serious CPU cooling without spending a lot, especially for high-wattage CPUs.
If you need even more thermal headroom for extreme overclocking or future high-TDP CPUs, look for coolers with 7+ heat pipes or larger 140mm fans.
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Pros
- Cools CPUs like the i9-12900K and 5800x3d effectively, maintaining 68-69°C on a 12700K under sustained Cinebench R23 load at 1380 RPM fan speed.
- Operates quietly, with reported noise levels of ≤29.5dB(A) and user feedback describing it as 'whisper silent' even under load.
- Features 6x6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology, designed to mitigate inverse gravity effects for consistent performance in any orientation.
- Includes two 120mm TL-C12CW-S PWM fans, each pushing 88.89 CFM airflow at 1850 RPM.
- Compatible with a wide range of modern sockets including Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X and AMD AM4/AM5.
Cons
- The 155mm cooler height can cause RAM clearance issues with tall RAM modules, especially with the right fan installed, limiting RAM height to around 30mm.
- Some users have reported receiving packages missing the LGA 1700 mounting bracket, despite it being listed as included.
- Fan static pressure is 2.21mm/H₂O, which is slightly lower than some premium fans, though adequate for the heatsink's fin density.
- The ARGB lighting requires a motherboard JRAINBOW header for control, which might not be available on all older or budget motherboards.
Dimension Scores
The cooler effectively manages up to 265W TDP, keeping a 12700K at 68-69°C during an hour of Cinebench R23.
With a maximum noise level of ≤29.5dB(A) and user reports of 'whisper silent' operation, it performs very quietly even under load.
It features 6x6mm pure copper heat pipes, an aluminum fin stack, a pure copper base, and a full electroplating reflow welding process.
Each fan has a separate 4-pin PWM power cable and an ARGB cable, which can lead to more cables to manage than single-cable solutions.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with high-end Intel or AMD CPUs (like 12700K, 5800x3d) that need strong cooling without breaking the bank.
- Quiet PC builds where low noise output is a priority, even under heavy CPU loads.
- Users building a white-themed PC setup who want ARGB lighting on their cooler.
- Enthusiasts looking for a high-performance air cooler that rivals more expensive liquid cooling solutions in some scenarios.
Not Recommended For
- Small Form Factor (SFF) cases with limited CPU cooler height clearance (e.g., under 155mm).
- Users with very tall RAM modules (over 30mm) who are unwilling to adjust fan placement or use low-profile RAM.
- Builds where motherboard RGB headers are unavailable or already in use, as it relies on a JRAINBOW header for ARGB control.
Watch Out For
- The cooler's 155mm height means it won't fit in cases with less than 155mm CPU cooler clearance.
- If your RAM modules are taller than 30mm, you might have to raise the front fan, potentially increasing the cooler's overall height or impacting aesthetics.
- Some buyers have reported missing the LGA 1700 mounting bracket, requiring a separate purchase or contact with support.
- The fans use a 4-pin PWM connector for power and a separate ARGB cable for lighting, which needs a compatible motherboard header.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 814256019279 |
| ASIN | B0DQWMPH5W |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Style | PA120SE ARGB White V2 |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Wattage | 3 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 3.23 pounds |
| Noise Level | 29.5 Decibels |
| Part Number | PA120-SE-ARGB-W-V2 |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 88.89 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | PA120-SE-ARGB-W-V2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.92"L x 5.31"W x 6.1"H |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Included Components | PA120 SE ARGB White V2 CPU cooler，TF7 thermal paste, mounting parts |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1850 RPM |
What Buyers Say
What's wild about this cooler is how much performance you get for the price; people are constantly comparing it to coolers three times its cost and finding it holds its own, even with high-power CPUs like the i9-12900K. Users consistently report low temperatures and surprisingly quiet operation, which is a huge win for a budget cooler. The main things to watch out for are its 155mm height and potential RAM clearance issues if you have really tall memory. Also, double-check the box for all the mounting brackets, as some have been missing the LGA 1700 one.
“Dude, this thing is a beast for the money, my 12700K barely breaks a sweat even when I'm hammering it, but seriously, check your RAM height before you buy, I almost had to send it back.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low, even on demanding processors like the 5800x3d and 12700K.
- Fans run very quietly, even when the CPU is under heavy load.
- Provides cooling performance comparable to much more expensive coolers.
- Installation is straightforward for most users.
- The white ARGB fans look clean and provide customizable lighting.
Common Complaints
- The cooler's 155mm height can interfere with tall RAM modules, requiring fan adjustment or specific RAM.
- Some packages arrived without the LGA 1700 mounting bracket, causing installation delays.
- The two separate cables per fan (PWM and ARGB) can make cable routing a bit more involved.
Ownership Tips
- The included thermal paste is actually decent, no need to immediately buy aftermarket paste.
- The fan clips can be a bit fiddly to attach, especially with the second fan over RAM.
- The ARGB lighting is bright and syncs well with motherboard software, but make sure you have an available 3-pin header.
- Even with the fans running at higher RPMs, the noise profile is more of a gentle whoosh than an annoying whine.
- The cooler's weight feels substantial, giving confidence in its construction, but make sure your motherboard can handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cooler come with thermal paste?
Yes, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White V2 includes a medium-sized tube of thermal paste in the package.
Is this cooler compatible with Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets?
Yes, it supports both Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, with corresponding mounting hardware provided.
Will this cooler fit in my PC case?
The cooler has a height of 155mm. You need to check your PC case's specifications for maximum CPU cooler clearance to ensure it fits.
How do I control the ARGB lighting?
The ARGB lighting connects via a dedicated cable to a JRAINBOW or similar 3-pin 5V ARGB header on your motherboard, allowing software control.
What is the difference between the 'SE' and non-'SE' versions?
The 'SE' version is slightly shorter (155mm vs 157mm) and lighter, with slightly different fans (TL-C12C vs TL-C12) and fewer fins, though performance differences are often negligible.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, especially air coolers like this one, you're basically trying to get rid of the heat your CPU generates. The bigger the heatsink and the more heat pipes it has, generally the better it can do this. Fans push air through those fins to carry the heat away. For you, this means keeping your CPU from getting too hot, which prevents it from slowing down (thermal throttling) and ensures it lasts longer.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number tells you how much heat, in watts, the cooler is designed to dissipate. If your CPU's TDP is higher than the cooler's rating (265W for this one), it won't cool effectively. Think of it like a car's towing capacity – you don't want to overload it.
Cooler Dimensions (Height)
This is super important for case compatibility. A 155mm tall cooler like this needs your PC case to have at least that much clearance. It's like trying to park a tall truck in a garage with a low ceiling – measure first!
Fan RPM, Airflow (CFM), and Static Pressure
RPM is how fast the fan spins. Airflow (CFM) is how much air it moves. Static pressure is how well it pushes air through resistance, like dense heatsink fins. Higher numbers generally mean better cooling, but also potentially more noise. This cooler's fans push 88.89 CFM at 1850 RPM with 2.21mm/H₂O static pressure, which is a good balance.
Alternatives
If this cooler is too tall for your case, look for single-tower air coolers or low-profile liquid coolers. If you need even more cooling for extreme overclocking, search for coolers with larger radiators or triple-fan setups.
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