Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Extrem CPU Air Cooler with 6 Heat Pipes, Dual PWM Fans, AGHP heatpipe Technology, 154mm High Cooling, for AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200
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AI Verdict
This is a dual-tower, dual-fan air cooler with 6 heat pipes and 154mm height, designed for CPUs up to AM5/LGA1851 on a budget.
This cooler is a strong fit for most mainstream to high-end desktop builds, offering substantial cooling capacity with its dual-tower, 6-heat pipe design and dual 120mm fans. Its 154mm height is standard for many mid-tower cases, and the memory avoidance design helps with compatibility.
If you need more cooling for extreme overclocking or higher TDP CPUs, look for coolers with more heat pipes (e.g., 7 or 8) or larger fin stacks, or consider a 240mm/360mm AIO liquid cooler.
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Pros
- Features 6 fully electroplated anti-oxidation heat pipes for efficient heat transfer.
- Equipped with dual 120mm PWM fans, each spinning up to 1850RPM and moving 82CFM of air.
- Designed with a chamfered profile to avoid memory modules, allowing for fan adjustment if memory height is excessive.
- Offers broad compatibility with Intel LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
- Users report a straightforward installation process.
- Provides excellent cooling performance with efficient heat dissipation.
Cons
- Fan noise can be disruptive at high RPMs for users seeking silent operation.
- Not designed for extreme overclocking scenarios where higher-end thermal management might be needed.
- The aesthetic design may not appeal to users prioritizing visually striking components.
- At 154mm tall, it might not fit in all PC cases, especially smaller form factors.
Dimension Scores
The dual-tower, 6-heat pipe design with dual 1850RPM 82CFM fans provides excellent heat dissipation for a wide range of CPUs.
With an operating noise level of ≤ 29.6dB(A), it's not silent at full speed, but many users find it acceptable for its cooling performance.
It features a black anodized top plate, 6 fully electroplated anti-oxidation heat pipes, and an aluminum fin stack with a copper bottom.
The dual PWM fans use standard 4-pin connectors, which are easy to manage, but the cooler itself doesn't offer specific cable routing features.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs needing robust air cooling.
- System builders looking for a cost-effective cooling solution for AM5 or LGA1700 platforms.
- Users upgrading from stock coolers who require significantly improved thermal performance.
Not Recommended For
- Extreme overclockers pushing high-TDP CPUs to their limits.
- Small form factor (SFF) PC builds with limited cooler clearance.
- Users who prioritize absolute silence under heavy load.
Watch Out For
- The 154mm height can be problematic for cases with less than 160mm CPU cooler clearance, requiring careful case selection.
- While generally quiet, the dual 1850RPM fans can generate up to 29.6dB(A) of noise, which some users find noticeable under load.
- Installation on AMD platforms requires using the original motherboard backplate, which can be an extra step for some builders.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 739538427200 |
| ASIN | B0FQ5MF5D5 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 3.14 pounds |
| Noise Level | 29.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | THERMALRIGHT |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 82 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 6.06"L x 5.31"W x 6.06"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.06 x 5.31 x 6.06 inches |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1850 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Even though this specific 'Extrem' model has a future availability date, its core design is very similar to the highly-rated Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, which users praise for its cooling capabilities. Many report it keeps even demanding CPUs cool without breaking the bank. Installation is generally considered straightforward, which is a relief for such a large cooler. However, some users note that while it's quiet for its performance, the fans can become audible at their maximum 1850RPM, especially in very quiet environments. It's not the flashiest cooler, but it gets the job done effectively.
“Dude, this thing just WORKS. My 7800X3D barely hits 70C in games, and I paid like nothing for it. Yeah, the fans spin up a bit when I'm rendering, but who cares when your CPU isn't throttling?!”
Common Praise
- Keeps CPU temperatures significantly lower than stock coolers.
- Installation is quick and doesn't require advanced technical skills.
- The cooler's height of 154mm fits into a wide variety of mid-tower cases.
- Memory clearance is not an issue due to the chamfered fin design.
- Provides cooling performance comparable to more expensive options.
Common Complaints
- Fans can be heard when running at full speed under heavy CPU load.
- The aesthetic is functional but lacks RGB lighting or premium finishes found on some competitors.
- It's a large cooler, and some users might struggle with its size during installation in cramped cases.
- Not ideal for extreme overclocking, as it might not handle the absolute highest heat loads.
Ownership Tips
- The included thermal paste is usually sufficient, but some users opt for aftermarket paste for marginal gains.
- Ensuring proper fan orientation is crucial for optimal airflow through the dual towers.
- The mounting pressure is firm, which is good for contact, but double-check your motherboard's backplate on AMD systems.
- Dust accumulation can be more noticeable on the black fins over time, requiring occasional cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It's compatible with Intel LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
What is the height of this cooler?
The overall height of the radiator is 154mm.
Does it come with thermal paste?
The product specifications mention that the cooler can perfectly exert its strongest cooling effect combined with high thermal conductivity thermal paste, implying it's included or expected.
Will this cooler block my RAM slots?
The heat sink features a chamfered design to avoid memory. If your memory is unusually tall, the fan can be adjusted upwards to clear it.
How noisy are the fans?
The operating noise level is specified at ≤ 29.6dB(A). Some users find this noticeable at high RPMs, while others report low noise levels under load.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at CPU air coolers, you're essentially trying to move heat away from your CPU as efficiently as possible. You need to make sure the cooler physically fits in your case and doesn't block your RAM. The number of heat pipes and the size/speed of the fans are the main indicators of how much heat it can handle.
Heat Pipes (6)
Think of heat pipes like tiny, super-efficient expressways for heat. More heat pipes mean more pathways to quickly move heat from your CPU to the cooler's fins, where it can be dissipated. Six is a solid number for high-performance air cooling.
Fan Speed (1850RPM) & Air Volume (82CFM)
RPM is how fast the fan spins, and CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is how much air it pushes. Higher numbers usually mean more cooling power, but also potentially more noise. 1850RPM with 82CFM per fan is a strong combination for moving a lot of air through the heatsink.
Height (154mm)
This is critical for case compatibility. Measure the maximum CPU cooler height your PC case supports before buying. 154mm is a common height for dual-tower coolers, fitting many mid-towers, but always double-check to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Alternatives
If this cooler is too tall, look for single-tower coolers or low-profile options under 150mm. If you need more cooling power, search for coolers with 7+ heat pipes, larger fin arrays, or consider 240mm/360mm liquid coolers.
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