Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 CPU Cooler, TL‑C12C‑S 120mm 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, capable of cooling CPUs up to 265W TDP, for budget-focused builds.
This cooler is a strong fit for users needing serious cooling power for modern, high-TDP CPUs up to 265W, especially when working with a tight budget. Its dual-tower design, 6 heat pipes, and dual 120mm fans deliver performance typically found in much pricier options. The ARGB fans add visual flair without compromising its core function.
If case size or RAM clearance is a concern, look for coolers with a height under 150mm or single-tower designs.
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Pros
- Handles CPU TDPs up to 265W with its 6x6mm heat pipes and dual 120mm fans, outperforming many more expensive coolers.
- Includes two 120mm TL-C12C-S PWM fans with ARGB lighting, spinning up to 1850 RPM.
- Compatible with a broad range of Intel (LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
- Features AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology with 6 pure copper heat pipes to mitigate inverse gravity effects.
- Uses S-FDB bearings in its fans, which can contribute to longer lifespan.
Cons
- Its 155mm height and dual-tower design can interfere with tall RAM modules, requiring careful component selection.
- While rated at ≤29.5dB(A), users report noise levels up to 46dB at full load, which is noticeably audible.
- Installation can be challenging due to the cooler's large size, making it difficult to access motherboard screws.
- Fan noise can be erratic, with speeds fluctuating and creating an inconsistent sound profile for some users.
Dimension Scores
The cooler manages up to 265W TDP with 6 heat pipes and dual 120mm fans, performing comparably to significantly more expensive options.
While rated at ≤29.5dB(A), user reports indicate noise levels can reach 46dB at full load, which is average for a budget cooler at max RPM.
It features an aluminum fin stack, pure copper heat pipes and base, and an S-FDB bearing in the fans, which is above average for its price point.
The dual fans require two 4-pin PWM cables and two ARGB cables, which is standard for a dual-fan ARGB cooler and offers no specific management features.
Best For
- Cooling high-TDP CPUs like the Intel i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 7800X3D on a restricted budget.
- PC builds where maximizing cooling performance per dollar is the primary concern.
- Gaming systems that benefit from effective air cooling without the complexity of liquid solutions.
- Users who want ARGB lighting without a significant price premium.
Not Recommended For
- Small form factor (SFF) PC cases due to its 155mm height and wide footprint.
- Builds with tall RAM heat spreaders where clearance is critical.
- Users who prioritize absolute silence under all load conditions.
Watch Out For
- The 155mm cooler height can cause clearance issues with some PC cases and side panels.
- Tall RAM modules might not fit under the front fan, potentially requiring the fan to be raised or removed.
- Installation can be a struggle; some users found it hard to access motherboard mounting screws once the cooler is in place.
- Despite a stated noise level of ≤29.5dB(A), actual noise can reach up to 46dB at full speed, which is louder than expected.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 814256019255 |
| ASIN | B0DQWSPZ8L |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Style | PA120SE ARGB Black V2 |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Wattage | 3 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 3.21 pounds |
| Noise Level | 29.5 Decibels |
| Part Number | PA120-SE-ARGB-B-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-B-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 Black 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 really stands out is how this cooler punches way above its weight class, handling high-end CPUs like a 7800X3D or 12900K without breaking a sweat, especially considering its price. However, users frequently mention its sheer size, which can make installation a bit of a puzzle and sometimes cause issues with RAM clearance. While the specs claim it's quiet, many report that the fans can get pretty loud when they ramp up, sometimes with erratic speed changes.
“Dude, this thing cools my 7800X3D like a champ for what I paid, but seriously, getting it mounted was a nightmare and the fans can sound like a jet engine sometimes, especially when it's just idling and randomly revs up.”
Common Praise
- Keeps high-TDP CPUs cool under load, even for chips like the i9-12900K.
- Provides exceptional cooling performance for its low cost.
- ARGB lighting adds visual appeal to the build.
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware for current Intel and AMD sockets.
Common Complaints
- The cooler's large dimensions (155mm height) can block RAM slots, especially with tall heat spreaders.
- Fans can be noisy at higher RPMs, exceeding the stated noise level.
- Installation can be frustrating due to the cooler's bulk, making it hard to reach motherboard screws.
- Some users experience erratic fan speed fluctuations, leading to inconsistent noise.
Ownership Tips
- You might need low-profile RAM if you want both fans installed without interference.
- Adjusting fan curves in BIOS or software is almost a must to manage noise levels, as default behavior can be erratic.
- The sheer weight and size mean you should install it carefully, possibly before mounting the motherboard in the case.
- The ARGB lighting is a nice touch, but ensure your motherboard has a compatible 3-pin header.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cooler compatible with Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets?
Yes, the cooler includes mounting hardware for both Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 platforms.
What are the dimensions of this CPU cooler?
The cooler measures 125mm (L) x 135mm (W) x 155mm (H) with the fans installed.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, a medium-sized tube of thermal paste is included in the package.
How loud are the fans?
The fans are rated for a noise level of ≤29.5dB(A), but in testing, they can reach up to 46dB at full speed in an open case.
Will this cooler fit in most standard PC cases?
At 155mm tall, it should fit in many standard mid-tower cases, but it's always best to check your case's CPU cooler clearance spec.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, you need to think about how much heat your CPU generates, measured in TDP (Thermal Design Power). This cooler can handle up to 265W, which is a lot, so it's good for powerful processors. Fan speed (RPM) tells you how fast the fans spin, affecting both cooling and noise. More heat pipes generally mean better heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, and the cooler's height is crucial for fitting inside your PC case.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
This number tells you the maximum heat your CPU can put out that the cooler is designed to handle. If your CPU's TDP is higher than the cooler's rating, your CPU will run hot and throttle performance.
Fan Speed (RPM)
Revolutions Per Minute indicate how fast the fan blades spin. Higher RPM usually means more airflow and better cooling, but also more noise. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fans can adjust their speed based on CPU temperature, balancing noise and performance.
Heat Pipes
These are small tubes filled with a liquid that vaporizes at the hot end (CPU) and condenses at the cool end (heatsink fins), efficiently moving heat away from your CPU. More heat pipes, especially thicker ones, generally improve cooling capacity.
Cooler Height
This is the total height of the cooler from the CPU socket to the top. It's critical to check this against your PC case's maximum CPU cooler clearance to ensure it fits without the side panel pressing against it.
Alternatives
If this cooler is too large for your case or you need quieter operation, look for single-tower air coolers with fewer heat pipes for smaller builds, or consider liquid coolers for maximum performance in compact spaces.
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