Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›
all judged against CPU coolers at a similar priceThe Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 at 5.6/10.
The Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 leads on build and installation.
The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE leads on cooling, compatibility and fit and value.
They score the same on noise.
The biggest difference is value, where the Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE scores 8/10 to the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5's 5/10.
The Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 is for AM5 builders who need a low-profile cooler for a small case. It suits 65 W-class Ryzen chips and buyers who put quiet running ahead of cooling headroom. It is not aimed at overclockers or higher-end processors.
Typically about £49.99 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
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
| Criterion | Weight | Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 | Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling | 35% | 4/10 | 6/10 |
| Noise | 25% | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Compatibility and fit | 15% | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Value | 15% | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Build and installation | 10% | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 5.6/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Spec | Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 | Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE |
|---|---|---|
| Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size) | Low-profile top-flow air cooler | Single-tower air cooler |
| Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700) | AM5 | Intel 115x/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5 |
| Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO) | 37 mm with fan (23 mm without fan) | 148 mm |
| Rated cooling capacity (W TDP) | 65 W (Noctua rating as stated by Vividrepairs; quietpc lists 95 W maximum TDP, so sources conflict) | not listed |
| Fans included and their size | 1 x 92x92x14 mm NF-A9x14 PWM | One 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) | 23.6 dB(A) maximum; 14.8 dB(A) with Low-Noise Adaptor | 25.6 dBA maximum (manufacturer figure) |
| Warranty (years) | 6 years | 3 years |
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