Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler
Thermalright
CPU Cooler

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black CPU Cooler

MSRP: $39
Amazon

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer
Thermalright
Color
Black
MSRP
$39
Socket Compatibility
AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1200
Height
155
Fan Speed
1,550
Noise Level
25.6
Airflow
66.17
Cooling Type
Air
Fans
2
Rgb Lighting
No

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent cooling performance for both mid-range and high-end CPUs, including recent Intel and AMD models
  • Quiet operation even under heavy loads; suitable for noise-sensitive environments
  • Competitive price point compared to other dual-tower coolers with similar performance
  • Universal compatibility with most ATX and microATX cases due to moderate height
  • Easy installation process with clear instructions and solid mounting hardware
  • Good RAM clearance for most mainstream motherboards
  • Inclusion of high-quality fans with PWM control for fine-tuned cooling

Cons

  • Bulky size may obstruct access to nearby motherboard components in compact cases
  • Aesthetic design is plain, lacking RGB or premium visual features for show builds
  • May require removal for motherboard maintenance or RAM upgrades in some systems
  • Limited color options—only available in black, which may not suit all build themes

Community Insights

  • Users frequently discuss how the Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black offers exceptional cooling performance rivaling much more expensive air coolers (like the Noctua NH-D15), despite its affordable price point. This cooler is often recommended as the best value for both gaming and productivity builds.
  • Community members praise its low noise levels, even under load, and its compatibility with a wide range of modern CPU sockets and RAM configurations. The sleek black aesthetic and compact design are also commonly highlighted as positives for various build styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What CPU sockets does the Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black support?
The cooler supports a broad array of sockets, including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115x, and AMD AM5/AM4 platforms.
Will the Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black fit in my case and clear my RAM?
It is 155mm tall, fitting most mid-tower cases, and its design provides good RAM clearance on most motherboards, but users should check both their case’s CPU cooler height limit and RAM height for compatibility.

Performance Guide & Use Cases

Best For
Gaming PCs using Intel Core i5/i7/i9 (12th, 13th, 14th gen) or AMD Ryzen 5/7/9 (5000/7000 series)
Workstations focused on rendering, video editing, or other sustained multi-core workloads
Silent PC builds where low noise is a priority alongside high cooling efficiency
Budget-conscious builds needing premium cooling without the premium price tag
Potential Bottlenecks
Extreme overclocking scenarios with flagship CPUs (e.g., i9-14900K, Ryzen 9 7950X) may push the cooler to its thermal limits during stress tests
Small form factor (SFF) cases may not accommodate the cooler due to height and width constraints
Overkill Scenarios
Entry-level CPUs (e.g., Intel i3, Ryzen 3) or low-power builds, where a stock or budget cooler would suffice
Systems running at stock settings with low TDP processors
Avoid For
Mini-ITX builds or ultra-compact cases, where cooler clearance and airflow are severely restricted
Showcase builds prioritizing RGB or flashy aesthetics over performance
Portable or LAN-party systems where weight and size are critical concerns
Back to Components

PCHelperAI may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links to participating retailers on this site. This compensation does not influence the products shown, pricing, or the order in which prices appear. For more details, please see our full disclosure.