When we look at the world of PC cooling, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a standout option. It’s known for its affordability coupled with impressive performance. We’ve found that it maintains peace and quiet while efficiently handling heat dissipation. This cooler claims a spot in competitive builds, offering a less-than-$40 cooling solution that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Our initial experiences with the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE are quite positive. It accommodates a range of sockets, showing versatility for both AMD and Intel platforms. The packaging includes everything needed for installation, simplifying the setup process. The design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with dual towers that contribute to its efficient cooling capability.
With an automatic adjustment of the fan speed, it strikes a fine balance between cooling efficiency and noise levels. Anyone looking for an effective cooling solution without making a substantial financial commitment will likely appreciate what the Peerless Assassin 120 SE has to offer.
Contents
Design and Build Quality
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE stands out with its robust construction and thoughtful cooling design. We’re going to explore the design intricacies, weighing its compact form against its cooling capabilities.
Cooling Design and Material
Our heatsink is constructed of aluminum, featuring a nickel-plated finish for an added durability and aesthetic sheen. The design incorporates multiple heatpipes which ensure efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the fins. The heatpipes are meticulously aligned to maximize the heat dissipation area, making the cooler not only sturdy but also remarkably effective in cooling.
- Heatsink: Aluminum
- Finish: Nickel-plated
- Heatpipes: High-conductivity copper
Dimensions and Weight
Fitting into a variety of PC cases, our cooler’s dimensions strike a balance between size and performance. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is crafted to offer substantial cooling without overwhelming the internal space of a chassis. The weight is a reflection of the quality materials used, heavy enough to feel substantial but not so heavy as to stress the motherboard.
| Length | Width | Height |
| 122 mm | 77 mm | 158 mm |
Fan Specifications
Accompanying our heatsink are the fans, engineered for optimal airflow and minimal noise. The fans’ specifications provide fast cooling while maintaining whisper-quiet operation, due in part to the well-designed blades and high-quality bearings.
| Fan Size | Speed Range | Noise Level |
| 120 mm | 600 – 1500 RPM | 15.2 – 25.6 dB(A) |
Installation and Compatibility
Ensuring your new CPU cooler is compatible with your motherboard and provides an easy installation process is crucial. We’ll take you through both aspects for the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE.
Installation Process
The step-by-step instructions have clear illustrations, which definitely eased the process. The mounting system is straightforward, and whether you’ve installed a cooler before or this is your first time, we found the whole process quite simple and manageable. Just make sure to have thermal paste applied on the CPU before mounting the cooler.
Compatibility with Sockets and RAM
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE demonstrates excellent compatibility. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Intel Sockets | AMD Sockets | RAM Clearance |
| LGA1200 | AM4 | Memory modules with large heat sinks can fit under the fan. |
| LGA1151 | AM3+ | Ensure heat spreaders are not excessively tall. |
| And others, check manual | And others, check manual | It’s advisable to check specifics for tight builds. |
Especially for AMD Ryzen users, we found that it fits perfectly on the AM4 socket, securing a tight and efficient contact to keep those CPUs cool. For Intel, it easily aligns with LGA1200 and many other common Intel sockets.
RAM compatibility is often a concern for users with high-profile memory. With the Assassin 120 SE, we noticed that RAM clearance is usually not an issue. The cooler’s design allows for most memory sticks—even those with taller heat spreaders—to fit underneath the fan comfortably. However, for extremely tight builds, we suggest checking clearances closely to avoid any surprises.
Performance and Noise Level
We’ve rigorously tested the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE to gauge its cooling efficiency and acoustic performance. In our assessment, we prioritized achieving a balance between superior air cooling capacity and maintaining a low noise output, showcasing its capability to handle intensive tasks without creating a distraction.
Cooling Efficiency
With a challenging load applied by Prime95 and OCCT, our tests reveal that the Assassin 120 SE maintains impressive thermal control. Even during prolonged stress testing, temperatures remained firmly in check. When it comes to overclocking scenarios, such as pushing a CPU beyond its standard specifications in Cinebench runs, this cooler performed admirably, with the processor sitting at stable temperatures, suggesting that the cooling tower is proficient in heat dissipation.
Acoustic Performance
The device operates on an impressively silent level. Throughout our extensive testing under different workloads, the noise emitted by the cooler’s fans remained unobtrusive. Air flow and air pressure are well-managed through the optimized design of the cooling tower, which contributes to the reduced acoustic footprint. Even when the fans ramped up to higher RPMs, the noise level did not become a disturbance, which signifies a well-balanced acoustic design.
Value and Conclusions
In assessing the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, we find its value proposition exceptional. The cooler’s performance relative to its cost sets it apart in a competitive market.
Price and Value
Market Comparison
| Cooler Model | Performance | Price Range |
| Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE | High | Under $40 |
| Arctic Freezer Series | Moderate to High | $20-$60 |
| Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240 Atmos | High | $100+ |
When compared to other products on the market such as the Arctic Freezer series and the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240 Atmos, our Thermalright model retains its standing as one of the best-performing, especially within its price bracket. Considering its price-to-performance ratio, it’s clear that this cooler is a reliable, cost-effective option.