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Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE scores 7.8/10 overall, ahead of the Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE at 6.8/10.

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

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE leads on cooling and value.

They score the same on noise and compatibility and fit.

The biggest difference is cooling, where the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE scores 9/10 to the Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE's 6/10.

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

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

7.8/10verdict: buy

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SEThermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
Cooling35%6/109/10
Noise25%7/107/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/107/10
Value15%8/109/10
Build and installation10%7/105/10
Overall6.8/107.8/10

Specifications

SpecThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SEThermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air coolerDual-tower air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel 115x/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5Intel 115X/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)148 mm155 mm (L125 × W110 × H155 mm)
Fans included and their sizeOne 120 x 120 x 25 mm TL-C12C PWM fan, 1550 RPM max, 66.17 CFM max, 1.53 mm H2O max, S-FDB bearingTwo TL-C12C 120 × 120 × 25 mm 4-pin PWM fans, 1550 RPM ±10%, 66.17 CFM max, 0.20 A each
Noise level (dBA)25.6 dBA maximum (manufacturer figure)25.6 dBA (rated, per fan spec)
Warranty (years)3 yearsPremium dual-tower air cooler series (including Peerless Assassin): 3–6 year limited warranty; no figure stated for this model

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

  • + Led Tom's Hardware's air cooler results at 200W
  • + Rated 25.6 dBA with two PWM fans
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM4 and AM5
  • − Installation described as fiddly, with one reviewer reporting an hour
  • − 155 mm height and tall RAM need clearance checks
  • − One owner reported 92°C peaks on a Ryzen 7 7600X

Skip it if:

  • Builders with compact cases that cannot take a 155 mm tower
  • Anyone who wants a quick, simple cooler installation
  • Buyers who plan to use tall RAM modules without checking clearance
Read the full Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE review ›

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