Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›
all judged against CPU coolers at a similar priceThe Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE scores 7.8/10 overall, ahead of the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 at 5.6/10.
The Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 leads on build and installation.
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE leads on cooling, compatibility and fit and value.
They score the same on noise.
The biggest difference is cooling, where the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE scores 9/10 to the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5's 4/10.
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.
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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
| Criterion | Weight | Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling | 35% | 4/10 | 9/10 |
| Noise | 25% | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Compatibility and fit | 15% | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Value | 15% | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Build and installation | 10% | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Overall | 5.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Spec | Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size) | Low-profile top-flow air cooler | Dual-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) | 155 mm (L125 × W110 × H155 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 | Two TL-C12C 120 × 120 × 25 mm 4-pin PWM fans, 1550 RPM ±10%, 66.17 CFM max, 0.20 A each |
| Noise level (dBA) | 23.6 dB(A) maximum; 14.8 dB(A) with Low-Noise Adaptor | 25.6 dBA (rated, per fan spec) |
| Warranty (years) | 6 years | Premium dual-tower air cooler series (including Peerless Assassin): 3–6 year limited warranty; no figure stated for this model |
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