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DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL 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 AK620 DIGITAL scores 6.9/10 overall, ahead of the Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE at 6.8/10.

The DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL leads on cooling.

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE leads on noise and build and installation.

They score the same on compatibility and fit and value.

DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL

DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL

6.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The AK620 DIGITAL is for builders who want a large dual-tower air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop. It suits anyone who values strong cooling and a visible temperature or load readout in the case. It is best for people willing to set a custom fan curve to manage noise.

Typically about £52.99 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

CriterionWeightDeepCool AK620 DIGITALThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE
Cooling35%8/106/10
Noise25%5/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/107/10
Value15%8/108/10
Build and installation10%6/107/10
Overall6.9/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecDeepCool AK620 DIGITALThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Dual-tower tower air cooler with six 6mm copper heatpipesSingle-tower air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA2066/2011-v3/2011/1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4Intel 115x/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)162 mm overall (heatsink alone 157 mm)148 mm
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)260 W (retailer figure, not confirmed by manufacturer)not listed
Fans included and their sizeTwo 120 × 120 × 25 mm PWM fans, 500–1850 RPM, fluid dynamic bearingsOne 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)28 dBA full-load maximum25.6 dBA maximum (manufacturer figure)
Warranty (years)3 years, limited3 years

Strengths and weaknesses

DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL

  • + Best air-cooler result in APH Networks' test
  • + Wide socket support including LGA1851, LGA1700 and AM5
  • + Three-year limited warranty
  • − Reviewers measured 43.4 to 53 dBA under load
  • − Struggled with a 150W Ryzen 9 7900X at low revs
  • − Display shows only CPU temperature or load

Skip it if:

  • Buyers building a very quiet system who will not tune fan curves
  • Anyone with a compact case that cannot fit a 162 mm cooler
  • People who want a display showing more than CPU temperature or load
Read the full DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL 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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