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Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS vs Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS at 6.5/10.

The Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS leads on cooling.

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE leads on noise, compatibility and fit, value and build and installation.

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Nautilus 360 RS is for buyers with a case that takes a 360mm radiator and a CPU that runs hot under load. It suits Intel LGA 1851 and LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 and AM4 builds that want a ready-to-fit AIO with paste already applied. It is less suited to compact or poorly ventilated cases.

Typically about £100.99 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 Assassin X 120 Refined SE

Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE

6.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE is for builders who want a low-cost single-tower air cooler for a current Intel or AMD platform. It suits mainstream CPUs in cases with enough height for a 148mm cooler. Owners mostly praise its value, quiet running and easy fitting.

Typically about £15.95 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

CriterionWeightCorsair NAUTILUS 360 RSThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE
Cooling35%7/106/10
Noise25%6/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%6/107/10
Value15%7/108/10
Build and installation10%6/107/10
Overall6.5/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecCorsair NAUTILUS 360 RSThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)AIO liquid cooler with 360mm radiatorSingle-tower air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700; AMD AM5, AM4Intel 115x/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)Radiator 360mm; 396 × 120 × 27mm (length unconfirmed, Corsair comparison page gives 394 × 120 × 27mm)148 mm
Fans included and their sizeThree RS120 fans, 120 × 25mm, 420–2100 RPM ±10%, PWMOne 120 x 120 x 25 mm TL-C12C PWM fan, 1550 RPM max, 66.17 CFM max, 1.53 mm H2O max, S-FDB bearing
Noise level (dBA)Fans 10–36 dBA; pump 20 dBA25.6 dBA maximum (manufacturer figure)
Warranty (years)5 years3 years

Strengths and weaknesses

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

  • + Reported peak of 81°C on an i9-14900K
  • + Quiet at idle and light load, owners say
  • + Five-year warranty and pre-applied XTM60 paste
  • − Installation can be difficult in compact cases
  • − Fan noise rises under sustained heavy load
  • − Higher temperatures reported in small or poorly ventilated cases

Skip it if:

  • Builders with compact cases that struggle to take a 360mm radiator
  • People who need near-silent running during long, sustained heavy loads
  • Owners of small or poorly ventilated cases
Read the full Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS review ›

Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE

  • + Supports Intel 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5
  • + Owners praise value, quiet running and easy installation
  • + 3-year warranty
  • − One owner reports it running warm under heavy load
  • − 148mm height may be too tall for some cases

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a high-power CPU under sustained heavy load
  • Anyone with a compact case or limited CPU cooler height
  • Builders using tall RAM modules who need a confirmed clearance figure
Read the full Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE review ›

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