Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE White V2 CPU Air Cooler, TL‑C12CW 120mm PWM Fans, 1850RPM, 6 Heat Pipes, AMD AM4/AM5 & Intel LGA 1700/1851
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AI Verdict
This is a 265-watt TDP air cooler with dual 120mm PWM fans, perfect for high-performance CPUs on a budget.
This cooler is a strong fit for anyone needing serious CPU cooling on a budget, capable of handling up to 265 watts TDP. Its dual-tower design with six heat pipes and dual 120mm fans delivers performance comparable to much pricier options. Just be aware of its substantial 155mm height and potential RAM clearance issues.
If 155mm height is too much, look for single-tower coolers or those specifically designed for low-profile RAM clearance.
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Pros
- Handles CPUs with up to 265 watts TDP, keeping a Core i7 14700K under control during gaming.
- Features 6x6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology for efficient heat transfer.
- Dual 120mm TL-C12CW PWM fans operate at up to 1850 RPM, moving 88.89 CFM of air.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel (LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets.
- Users report it performs comparably to more expensive coolers, making it a strong value.
Cons
- Cooler dimensions of 125x135x155mm can cause RAM clearance issues with tall memory modules.
- Its large size can make motherboard installation tricky, potentially blocking access to screws or ports if installed before the motherboard is in the case.
- Some users have reported a whining sound from the fan between the fin stacks at 1000+ RPM on a similar model.
- The packaging is a nondescript brown cardboard box, which might temper initial expectations.
Dimension Scores
The cooler handles up to 265 watts TDP and keeps a Core i7 14700K under control during gaming, performing on par with more expensive coolers.
With a maximum noise level of ≤29.5dB(A) at 1850 RPM, users report it runs quietly, even under load.
It features 6x6mm pure copper heat pipes, an aluminum fin stack, and a pure copper base with full electroplating reflow welding, indicating robust construction.
The dual PWM fans use 4-pin connectors, and a fan splitter is included, which helps manage the fan cables.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with power-hungry CPUs like the Intel Core i7 14700K or AMD Ryzen 7000 series.
- PC builders looking for maximum cooling performance without spending a lot of money.
- Systems where case clearance for a 155mm tall cooler is confirmed.
Not Recommended For
- Compact PC builds or small form factor cases due to its 155mm height and overall bulk.
- Users with tall RAM heat spreaders who prioritize aesthetics or easy installation.
- Anyone expecting premium packaging or extensive accessories beyond the essentials.
Watch Out For
- The cooler's 155mm height can interfere with case side panels or top-mounted fans in smaller cases.
- Installing the cooler before the motherboard is mounted in the case can make accessing motherboard screws difficult.
- Tall RAM modules (over 30mm) might be obstructed by the front fan, requiring fan adjustment or low-profile RAM.
- One user experienced a fan whining sound at 1000+ RPM on a related model, which could be a concern for noise-sensitive users.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 814256019262 |
| ASIN | B0DWKCNZCG |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Style | PA120SE White V2 |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Wattage | 265 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper |
| Item Weight | 3.19 pounds |
| Noise Level | 29.5 Decibels |
| Part Number | PA120-SE-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-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 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
This cooler is consistently praised for its cooling power, often outperforming much pricier options, which is a big deal for budget builds. People are genuinely surprised by how well it handles high-wattage CPUs without sounding like a jet engine. The main headaches come from its sheer size, with many users warning about potential RAM clearance issues and the difficulty of installing it once the motherboard is already in the case. It's definitely not a 'set it and forget it' kind of install if you have a compact case or tall RAM.
“Dude, this thing is a beast for the money, my 14700K barely breaks a sweat gaming, but seriously, measure your case and RAM first, I almost couldn't close my side panel and had to move a fan up a bit.”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures low even on demanding processors like the i7-14700K.
- Performs similarly to or better than more expensive coolers from other brands.
- Fans are quiet, even at higher RPMs, contributing to a low-noise system.
- Exceptional cooling performance for its low price point.
- Installation process is straightforward for both Intel and AMD platforms.
Common Complaints
- The cooler's large dimensions (155mm height) can cause fitment issues in many cases.
- Tall RAM modules can be obstructed by the front fan, requiring adjustments or low-profile memory.
- Installing the cooler after the motherboard is in the case makes accessing motherboard screws difficult.
- One user reported a fan whining noise at 1000+ RPM on a similar model.
Ownership Tips
- The sheer size means you might need to install the cooler onto the motherboard *before* putting the motherboard into the case to avoid installation headaches.
- If you have RGB RAM, you might lose some of that aesthetic appeal if the fan needs to be raised to clear the modules.
- The included thermal paste is adequate, but some users opt for aftermarket paste for marginal gains.
- Despite the basic packaging, the cooler itself is well-protected and arrives without damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this cooler fit in my case?
The cooler is 155mm tall. You'll need to check your PC case's maximum CPU cooler height specification to ensure it fits without interfering with the side panel.
Is this compatible with Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5?
Yes, it supports both Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, and includes the necessary mounting hardware for these platforms.
Will this cooler block my RAM slots?
With its 135mm width, the cooler can cause RAM clearance issues, especially if you have tall RAM modules or RGB heat spreaders. Low-profile RAM is recommended to avoid obstruction.
How loud are the fans?
The TL-C12CW fans have a maximum noise level of ≤29.5dB(A) at 1850 RPM. Users have described it as quiet, even under load.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, a tube of thermal compound is included in the box, along with the mounting hardware and fan clips.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU coolers, especially air coolers, you're trying to get heat away from your processor. This is super important because a cooler CPU runs faster and lasts longer. You need to make sure the cooler fits your case and doesn't block other components like your RAM. Also, how loud it gets is a big deal if you want a quiet PC.
wattage (TDP)
cooler dimensions (height)
noise level (dB(A))
fan size (mm)
Alternatives
If this cooler is too large, look for single-tower air coolers or those with offset designs for better RAM clearance. If you need even more cooling for extreme overclocking, consider a 360mm liquid cooler.
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