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ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE scores 7.8/10 overall, ahead of the ARCTIC Freezer 36 at 7.1/10.

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 leads on build and installation.

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE leads on cooling and value.

They score the same on noise and compatibility and fit.

ARCTIC Freezer 36

ARCTIC Freezer 36

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 is for builders who want a quiet, low-cost air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits mainstream and upper-mid-range chips rather than the hottest processors at sustained heavy loads. Buyers who want maximum air-cooling performance should look at what sits above it.

Typically about £20.49 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

7.8/10verdict: buy

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is for builders who want strong air cooling on a tight budget. It suits Intel and AMD desktop owners on current sockets who would rather not pay for liquid cooling. It asks for some patience at install time and a case with room for a 155 mm tower.

Typically about £25.41 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightARCTIC Freezer 36Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
Cooling35%7/109/10
Noise25%7/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/107/10
Value15%8/109/10
Build and installation10%6/105/10
Overall7.1/107.8/10

Specifications

SpecARCTIC Freezer 36Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fansDual-tower air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4Intel 115X/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)159 mm155 mm (L125 × W110 × H155 mm)
Fans included and their size2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWMTwo TL-C12C 120 × 120 × 25 mm 4-pin PWM fans, 1550 RPM ±10%, 66.17 CFM max, 0.20 A each
Noise level (dBA)40.3 dBA at full-performance testing (measured by Tom's Hardware; no manufacturer rating published)25.6 dBA (rated, per fan spec)
Warranty (years)6 years (manufacturer-stated in A-RGB spec)Premium dual-tower air cooler series (including Peerless Assassin): 3–6 year limited warranty; no figure stated for this model

Strengths and weaknesses

ARCTIC Freezer 36

  • + Quiet operation praised by owners
  • + Ties Dark Rock Pro 4 in GamersNexus testing
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • − Intel installs require the included contact frame
  • − Peerless Assassin ran 3.3 °C cooler
  • − Failed a 205 W load in Techspot's test

Skip it if:

  • Buyers pairing it with a CPU drawing 200 W or more under sustained load
  • Intel builders who do not want a contact frame on the CPU
  • Anyone chasing the lowest temperatures an air cooler can give
Read the full ARCTIC Freezer 36 review ›

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

  • + Led Tom's Hardware's air cooler results at 200W
  • + Rated 25.6 dBA with two PWM fans
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM4 and AM5
  • − Installation described as fiddly, with one reviewer reporting an hour
  • − 155 mm height and tall RAM need clearance checks
  • − One owner reported 92°C peaks on a Ryzen 7 7600X

Skip it if:

  • Builders with compact cases that cannot take a 155 mm tower
  • Anyone who wants a quick, simple cooler installation
  • Buyers who plan to use tall RAM modules without checking clearance
Read the full Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE review ›

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