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DeepCool AK400 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 DeepCool AK400 scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE at 6.8/10.

The DeepCool AK400 leads on cooling and compatibility and fit.

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE leads on noise.

They score the same on value and build and installation.

DeepCool AK400

DeepCool AK400

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The DeepCool AK400 is for builders who want a low-cost air cooler for a mainstream Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits anyone who wants current socket support, including LGA1851 and AM5, without paying for a bigger tower or an AIO. It is a sensible pick for mid-range builds, and less so for chips that draw well above its 220 W rating.

Typically about £20.50 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

CriterionWeightDeepCool AK400Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE
Cooling35%7/106/10
Noise25%6/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%8/107/10
Value15%8/108/10
Build and installation10%7/107/10
Overall7.1/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecDeepCool AK400Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, four 6 mm copper heat pipes, one 120 mm fanSingle-tower air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155; AMD AM5/AM4Intel 115x/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)155 mm total (L×W×H); heatsink 152 mm148 mm
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)Up to 220 Wnot listed
Fans included and their sizeOne 120×120×25 mm FDB fan, 500–1850 RPM ±10%, 4-pin 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)≤29 dB(A) (manufacturer rating)25.6 dBA maximum (manufacturer figure)
Warranty (years)3 years (per Hwbusters spec list; not confirmed by DeepCool)3 years

Strengths and weaknesses

DeepCool AK400

  • + Strong cooling for the money, per owners
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • + Easy installation reported by owners
  • − Reported 8% throttling on an 11900K in the FPU test
  • − 42 dBA at full 1850 RPM in KitGuru's figures
  • − Mounting kit and pre-applied paste draw criticism

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a hot, high-power CPU that sits near or above 220 W under sustained load
  • Anyone with a compact case that can't take a 155 mm cooler
  • Buyers who want quiet full-speed operation without setting a fan curve
Read the full DeepCool AK400 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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