4 Heat Pipes or 6 Heat Pipes CPU Coolers? Compared by Specs
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We compare a 4 Heat Pipes vs 6 Heat Pipes CPU cooler to help you decide. Both units use 120mm fans and support modern sockets like AM4 and LGA1200. The main difference lies in heat pipe count and tower structure. The Cooler Master model uses four pipes in a single tower with ARGB lighting. The Thermalright model uses six pipes in a double tower design. More pipes generally improve heat transfer capacity.
Key differences
| Aspect | Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB Air Cooler | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 6 |
| Tower Design | Single tower | Double tower |
| Lighting | ARGB | Not listed |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 | AM4, AM5, LGA1851, LGA1200, LGA1151 |
| Fan Speed | Not listed | 1550rpm±10% |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB Air Cooler if
- You want customizable ARGB lighting effects
- You need a single tower design for tighter RAM clearance
- You prefer a cooler with a slightly larger base surface area due to pipe compression
Choose Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler if
- You need support for newer sockets like AM5 or LGA1851
- You want higher maximum airflow at 66.17 CFM
- You prefer a double tower design for increased heat dissipation surface
Verdict: The Cooler Master is better if you prioritize lighting and a compact single-tower form factor. The Thermalright offers more heat pipes and broader socket support for modern platforms. Choose the Thermalright for maximum cooling potential and compatibility.
4 vs 6 Heat Pipes Specs
Heat Pipe Count
The Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB features four heat pipes, while the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 includes six. More heat pipes generally provide a larger surface area for transferring heat away from the CPU base. The Thermalright unit uses six 6mm pure copper sintered heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage gravity effects. This extra capacity allows the six-pipe design to handle higher thermal loads more effectively than the four-pipe alternative. You get better thermal mass with the Thermalright model.
Tower Design
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 utilizes a double tower design, which offers more fin surface area for heat dissipation. The Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB uses a single tower structure with hexagon hologram aluminum fins. Double tower coolers typically provide superior cooling performance due to the increased airflow path and heat exchange area. The Cooler Master design focuses on a compact single-tower profile with an air-guide armor to direct flow. For maximum cooling potential, the double tower structure is the stronger choice.
Socket Compatibility
Both coolers support modern AMD and Intel sockets. The Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB lists compatibility with AM4, LGA1200, and LGA1151, along with older Intel sockets. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 supports AM4, AM5, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, and LGA1151. The Thermalright model includes support for the newer AM5 and LGA1851 sockets, which the Cooler Master data does not explicitly list. This gives the Thermalright unit broader future-proofing for newer platforms.
Lighting
The Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB includes customizable ARGB lighting with 28 addressable LEDs and a thermal detection sensor that changes colors based on CPU temperature. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 data does not mention any RGB lighting features. If you want visible aesthetic effects and temperature-based color changes, the Cooler Master model provides these features. The Thermalright model appears to be a no-lighting, performance-focused design. You must choose based on whether you value visual customization.
Fan Airflow
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 comes with dual 120mm PWM fans delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. The Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB data lists an airflow of 53.38 CFM. Higher airflow allows the cooler to move more air across the fins, improving heat removal. The Thermalright fans also operate at a lower noise level of 25.6 dB compared to the Cooler Master's 31.0 dB. The Thermalright unit offers stronger airflow and quieter operation.
Which CPU Cooler Fits Your Build
Users wanting quiet operation under load
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 reaches a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A). This is significantly lower than the Cooler Master model, which lists 31.0 decibels. If you prioritize silence while maintaining strong cooling performance, the lower decibel rating makes this six-heat-pipe option the better choice for your system.
Builds with limited RAM clearance
The Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB has a height of 6.1 inches. This is shorter than the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120, which stands 6.18 inches tall. If you use tall memory modules or have a compact case, the lower profile of the four-heat-pipe cooler ensures better compatibility and easier installation.
High-performance desktop users
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 uses a double-tower design with six pure copper heat pipes. This configuration provides greater heat dissipation capacity compared to the single-tower Cooler Master. If you run demanding workloads or want maximum thermal headroom, the additional heat pipes and dual-tower structure offer superior cooling potential.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB Air Cooler | Compact builds needing ARGB lighting and moderate cooling | Check price of Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB Air Cooler on Amazon |
| 2 | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler | Performance-focused builders | Check price of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler on Amazon |
The products compared
Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB Air Cooler
Best for: Compact builds needing ARGB lighting and moderate cooling
- Heat Pipes
- 4 Heat Pipes (what this guide is about)
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Material
- Copper, Aluminum
- Dimensions
- 6.5 × 9.1 × 6.1 inches
- Weight
- 2.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB Air Cooler Affiliate link
The Cooler Master MA410M ARGB is a single-tower air cooler featuring four copper heat pipes and continuous direct contact technology. It includes a 120mm fan delivering 53.38 CFM of airflow with a maximum noise level of 31.0 decibels. The aluminum fin stack uses a hexagon hologram cutout for ARGB lighting that reacts to CPU temperature. It supports Intel LGA1200 and AMD AM4 sockets. This unit suits users who want customizable lighting with a modest cooling footprint.
Pros
- Four copper heat pipes with Continuous Direct Contact Technology 2.0 for improved base surface area.
- ARGB lighting with 28 addressable LEDs that sync with motherboards or change color based on CPU temperature.
- Push-pull MF120R fan configuration providing 53.38 CFM airflow.
- Air-guide armor design helps direct airflow and reduce dead spots.
Cons
- Only four heat pipes, offering less thermal capacity than six-heatpipe competitors.
- Single 120mm fan limits maximum cooling potential compared to dual-fan or larger tower designs.
- Maximum noise level of 31.0 decibels may be noticeable under heavy sustained loads.
Good fit if
- You want ARGB lighting that changes color based on your CPU temperature.
- You are building in a case with limited tower height or need a compact single-fan solution.
- You prioritize visual customization alongside adequate cooling for standard use cases.
Skip if
- You need maximum cooling performance for high-end overclocking or heavy workloads.
- You prefer a quieter operation with noise levels significantly below 31.0 decibels.
- You want a dual-fan cooler for better heat dissipation across a larger fin array.
Verdict: The Cooler Master MA410M ARGB 4-Heatpipe Cooler fits users who value synchronized RGB lighting and compact dimensions over raw thermal headroom. It is a practical option for standard builds where aesthetics and moderate cooling are balanced.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler
Best for: Performance-focused builders
- Heat Pipes
- 6 Heat Pipes (what this guide is about)
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4/AM5, LGA1700/1200/2011/1851
- Cooler Height
- 157mm
- Tower Design
- Double tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1550rpm±10%
View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler Affiliate link
This air cooler uses six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat in any orientation. It includes two 120mm PWM fans spinning at 1550rpm, delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. The double-tower design stands 157mm tall and fits Intel and AMD sockets. It suits users who need strong cooling performance without relying on RGB lighting.
Pros
- Six 6mm pure copper sintered heat pipes
- AGHP technique prevents gravity issues
- Dual 120mm PWM fans included
- Supports AM4, AM5, and LGA 1851
Cons
- No RGB lighting or ARGB support
- 157mm height requires case clearance
- No software control for fan curves
Good fit if
- You want maximum cooling efficiency
- You prefer a simple, no-frills design
- You have a mid-tower case
Skip if
- You need customizable RGB lighting
- Your case supports only 155mm coolers
- You want software fan control
Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 delivers serious cooling power through its six heat pipes and dual fans. It is the right pick for builders who prioritize raw thermal performance over visual effects.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Cooler Master MasterAir MA410M ARGB Air Cooler | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, LGA1200, LGA1151 | AM4/AM5, LGA1700/1200/2011/1851 |
| Cooler Height | not stated | 157mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 6 |
| Tower Design | not stated | Double tower |
| Fan Size | not stated | 120mm |
| Fan Speed | not stated | 1550rpm±10% |
| Lighting | ARGB | not stated |
| Material | Copper, Aluminum | not stated |
| Dimensions | 6.5 × 9.1 × 6.1 inches | 6.18 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches |
| Weight | 2.5 pounds | 1 pounds |
| Size | 4 HeatPipes | PA120 series |
| Color | MA410M ARGB | PA120 |
| Model | MAM-T4PN-218PC-R1 | LM-PA 120 |
Frequently asked questions
Does a 6 heat pipe cooler always run cooler than a 4 heat pipe model?
Not necessarily, but it often handles higher thermal loads better. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 uses six heat pipes to move heat away from the CPU base more efficiently. This design generally offers more raw thermal performance compared to the Cooler Master MA410M, which relies on four heat pipes for moderate cooling needs.
Which socket types do these coolers support?
Both models support modern AMD and Intel platforms. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is compatible with AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. The Cooler Master MA410M supports AM4, LGA 1200, and LGA 1151, making it slightly less versatile for newer Intel sockets.
Are 4 heat pipe coolers suitable for gaming builds?
Yes, they are practical for standard gaming builds. The Cooler Master MA410M fits users who value synchronized RGB lighting and compact dimensions over raw thermal headroom. It provides moderate cooling that balances aesthetics with performance, making it a solid choice for systems that do not require extreme thermal dissipation.
How much space do these coolers take up in a case?
Dimensions vary significantly between the two designs. The Cooler Master MA410M measures 9.1 inches wide, 6.1 inches high, and 6.5 inches long. In contrast, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is more compact at 5.31 inches wide, 4.92 inches high, and 6.18 inches long, which may fit smaller chassis more easily.
Do I need ARGB lighting on my CPU cooler?
This depends on your aesthetic preferences. The Cooler Master MA410M includes ARGB lighting for synchronized visual effects. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 focuses on performance and lacks lighting features. If you prioritize raw thermal power over visual customization, the six-heat pipe model is the more functional choice.
Which cooler is lighter to install?
Weight can affect mounting stress on the motherboard. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 weighs only 1 pound, making it a lightweight option. The Cooler Master MA410M is heavier at 2.5 pounds due to its construction. You should consider case compatibility and mounting bracket strength when installing the heavier unit.