15 Best Thermalright CPU Coolers Under $50, Compared
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Finding the right thermalright CPU cooler under 50 depends on your case clearance, motherboard socket, and thermal requirements. We compared 15 models based on the specifications published on the listings.
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler leads the list because it combines six copper heat pipes with two 120mm PWM fans to deliver dependable dual-tower cooling. This guide helps you choose the right heatsink height, fan setup, and socket compatibility for your desktop build.
Our top pick: Thermalright Dual Tower 5-Heatpipe CPU Cooler.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You use tall memory modules on a high-TDP processor Thermalright Dual Tower 5-Heatpipe CPU Cooler Thick 8mm heat pipes support 275W TDP while preserving clearance for tall memory modules.
Our 15 picks
Thermalright Dual Tower 5-Heatpipe CPU Cooler
Best for: high-TDP processors needing tall RAM clearance
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1150, LGA1200, LGA1700
- Cooler Height
- 160 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 5
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120 mm, 140 mm
- TDP Rating
- 275 W
View on Amazon: Thermalright Dual Tower 5-Heatpipe CPU Cooler
This dual-tower CPU air cooler pairs a 120mm fan and a 140mm fan with five 8mm heat pipes to handle thermal loads up to 275W TDP. It measures 160mm tall and uses an offset asymmetric layout to clear the primary graphics card slot and memory up to 62mm. It suits you if you need heavy cooling capacity for demanding desktop processors in a standard case.
Pros
- Rated for thermal loads up to 275W TDP
- Five 8mm heat pipes with anti-gravity technology
- Dual PWM fans move up to 95.5 CFM of airflow
- Offset layout accommodates RAM up to 62mm tall
Cons
- Heatsink height of 160mm requires a wide chassis
- Substantial overall weight of 1.34 kg
- No integrated RGB lighting features
Good fit if
- You run a high-heat processor requiring up to 275W dissipation.
- You use memory modules up to 62mm in height.
- You have a computer chassis with clearance for a 160mm cooler.
Skip if
- You have a compact case with less than 210mm of overall width.
- You want built-in RGB lighting for your build.
Verdict: Thermalright 140mm Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler provides 275W TDP capacity through thick 8mm heat pipes and dual high-airflow fans. It delivers heavy-duty thermal performance while maintaining clearance for tall memory modules.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White
Best for: all-white mid-tower desktop PC builds
- Cooler Height
- 157 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White CPU Cooler is a dual-tower heatsink finished in white nanoscale paint. You get six 6mm copper heat pipes paired with two 120mm PWM fans that push up to 66.17 CFM at 25.6 dB(A). With an asymmetric layout and a 157mm height, it fits standard mid-tower cases while keeping memory clearance open. It suits you if you need balanced dual-fan cooling for an Intel or AMD build.
Pros
- Six 6mm copper sintered heat pipes with AGHP technology
- Dual 120mm PWM fans reaching up to 66.17 CFM airflow
- Asymmetric dual-tower layout avoids memory and PCIe slot blockage
- Total noise output rated at or below 25.6 dB(A)
Cons
- Standing height of 157mm excludes compact or low-profile cases
- Total weight of 1.02 kg adds notable load to the motherboard
Good fit if
- You need a dual-tower cooler that clears memory chips and your primary graphics card slot.
- You are building an all-white system on supported AMD AM4/AM5 or Intel LGA 1700/1851 sockets.
Skip if
- You build in a small form factor chassis that requires a cooler shorter than 157mm.
- You want a single-fan or ultra-lightweight cooling solution.
Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White CPU Cooler pairs a dual-tower heatsink with two 120mm PWM fans to handle mainstream Intel and AMD processors. Its offset design prevents memory crowding while delivering high airflow across six copper heat pipes.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual-Tower Cooler
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851
- Cooler Height
- 157mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500 RPM ± 10%
View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual-Tower Cooler
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851
- Cooler Height
- 157mm
- Heat Pipes
- 7
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500 RPM
- Dimensions
- 6.18 × 4.92 × 4.3 inches
View on Amazon: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler,Dual TL-K12 PWM Fan, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooling,with 2150RPM Speed,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/2011/1851, PC Heatsink Cooler
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851
- Cooler Height
- 157mm
- Heat Pipes
- 7
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 2150 RPM
- Features
- Fan
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1700/1851/1200/2011/2066, AM4, AM5
- Cooler Height
- 157mm
- Heat Pipes
- 7
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 2150 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler
Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler
- Cooler Height
- 53mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- Fan Speed
- 2700 RPM
- System Type
- ITX
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, 115X, 1200
- Cooler Height
- 157mm
- Heat Pipes
- 7
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 2150 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 White CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851, AM4/AM5
- Cooler Height
- 158mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Twin-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm, 140mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500rpm±10%
View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 White CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 White CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes PC Cooling, Dual Towers and Dual PWM Fans, Computer CPU Air Cooler for AMD:AM4 AM5&Intel LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851,White
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851, AM4/AM5
- Cooler Height
- 158mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual Towers
- Fan Size
- 120mm, 140mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500rpm±10%
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black Cooler
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5/AM4, LGA 1700/1851/1150/1151/1200
- Cooler Height
- 158mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Double Towers
- Fan Size
- 120mm, 140mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black Cooler
Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 White Cooler
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1851/1700/115X, AM4/AM5
- Cooler Height
- 156mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 White Cooler
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler, Dual Towers and Dual Fans Cooling, CPU Air Cooler, Digital Display Top Cover,1850RPM+10%, for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700, 5V ARGB LED
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4/AM5, LGA1851/1700
- Cooler Height
- 162mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1850RPM
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover,6 Heatpipes Computer CPU Cooler, for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooler-Black ARGB
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4/AM5, LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200
- Cooler Height
- 162mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1850RPM
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White V2 CPU Cooler, 1850RPM
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4/AM5, LGA1851/1700/1200/115X
- Cooler Height
- 155 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- Fan Speed
- 1850 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White V2 CPU Cooler, 1850RPM
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Dual Tower 5-Heatpipe CPU Cooler | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual-Tower Cooler | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Air Cooler, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler,Dual TL-K12 PWM Fan, 7 Heat Pipes CPU Cooling,with 2150RPM Speed,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/2011/1851, PC Heatsink Cooler | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler | Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 White CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 White CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes PC Cooling, Dual Towers and Dual PWM Fans, Computer CPU Air Cooler for AMD:AM4 AM5&Intel LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851,White | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black Cooler | Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 White Cooler | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler, Dual Towers and Dual Fans Cooling, CPU Air Cooler, Digital Display Top Cover,1850RPM+10%, for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700, 5V ARGB LED | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover,6 Heatpipes Computer CPU Cooler, for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooler-Black ARGB | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White V2 CPU Cooler, 1850RPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1150, LGA1200, LGA1700 | not specified | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851 | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851 | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851 | LGA1700/1851/1200/2011/2066, AM4, AM5 | not specified | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, 115X, 1200 | LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851, AM4/AM5 | LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851, AM4/AM5 | AM5/AM4, LGA 1700/1851/1150/1151/1200 | LGA1851/1700/115X, AM4/AM5 | AM4/AM5, LGA1851/1700 | AM4/AM5, LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200 | AM4/AM5, LGA1851/1700/1200/115X |
| Cooler Height | 160 mm | 157 mm | 157mm | 157mm | 157mm | 157mm | 53mm | 157mm | 158mm | 158mm | 158mm | 156mm | 162mm | 162mm | 155 mm |
| Heat Pipes | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Tower Design | Dual-Tower | Dual-Tower | Dual-Tower | not specified | not specified | Dual-Tower | Low-Profile | Dual-Tower | Twin-Tower | Dual Towers | Double Towers | Dual-Tower | Dual-Tower | Dual-Tower | Dual-Tower |
| Fan Size | 120 mm, 140 mm | 120 mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 92mm | 120mm | 120mm, 140mm | 120mm, 140mm | 120mm, 140mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120 mm |
| TDP Rating | 275 W | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Fan Speed | 1850 RPM | 1500 RPM | 1500 RPM ± 10% | 1500 RPM | 2150 RPM | 2150 RPM | 2700 RPM | 2150 RPM | 1500rpm±10% | 1500rpm±10% | 1500RPM | 1500RPM | 1850RPM | 1850RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Lighting | not specified | ARGB | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | ARGB | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB |
| System Type | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | ITX | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Desktop | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Color | Black | White | Black | not specified | not specified | PS120 EVO | AXP90 X53 FULL | not specified | White | White | Black | White | Black | Black | White |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Features | Fan | Fan | Fan | not specified | Fan | Fan | not specified | Fan | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 6.3 × 5.75 × 5.51 inches | 6.18 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches | 6.18 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches | 6.18 × 4.92 × 4.3 inches | 4.92 × 5.3 × 6.18 inches | 5.3 × 4.92 × 6.18 inches | 3.74 × 2.09 × 3.72 inches | 4.72 × 0.98 × 4.72 inches | 5.51 × 4.72 × 6.22 inches | 5.51 × 6.22 × 6.18 inches | 5.51 × 1.06 × 5.51 inches | 4.88 × 4.02 × 6.14 inches | 5.43 × 4.92 × 6.38 inches | 5.43 × 4.92 × 6.38 inches | 4.92 × 5.31 × 6.1 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 2 pounds | not specified | not specified | not specified | 3.53 ounces | not specified | not specified | not specified | 3.94 pounds | not specified | not specified | not specified | 3.53 ounces | not specified |
| Size | 5 Heat Pipes | not specified | 6 Heatpipes | not specified | not specified | not specified | 53mm | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Model | FC140 BLACK | PA120 White-D2 | PA120 BLACK-D6 | Phantom-Spirit-120 | PS120 EVO D6 | PS120 EVO | AXP90 X53 FULL | not specified | Peerless Assassin 140 White | PA140 WHITE | PA140 BLACK | not specified | PA120 Digital Black ARGB | PA120 Digital ARGB Black | PA120-SE-ARGB-W-V2 |
How to Choose the Best Thermalright Cooler
-
Verify Motherboard Socket Support
Check your processor socket before selecting a heatsink. Thermalright models vary across generations. While many coolers support Intel LGA 1700, LGA 1851, and AMD AM5, some models omit specific brackets. For example, the Thermalright AXP120-X67 Low Profile Cooler lists compatibility for AMD AM4 alongside multiple Intel sockets, but it does not specify AM5 support. Confirm that your exact motherboard platform appears on the spec sheet so you receive the correct mounting hardware without needing additional bracket kits.
-
Compare Heat Pipe Count
Evaluate the number of heat pipes to match your CPU heat output. Across the lineup, heat pipe counts range from four up to seven pipes. More heat pipes provide broader surface contact to transfer thermal energy away from the processor base. If you run a high-draw processor, prioritize higher heat pipe density. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE provides seven heat pipes rated for up to 280W TDP. For moderate workloads, six or four heat pipes provide sufficient heat transfer.
-
Check Memory Clearance Needs
Dual-tower heatsinks spread across a wide motherboard footprint. When you use memory modules with tall heat spreaders, wide heatsinks can block memory slots or force you to mount the front fan higher. Check whether a model features an offset base or dedicated memory cutouts. The Thermalright Dual Tower 5-Heatpipe CPU Cooler is explicitly designed to maintain clearance for tall memory modules. Selecting a cooler engineered for memory clearance prevents physical interference between the cooling fins, fans, and your RAM sticks.
-
Evaluate Heatsink Construction Material
Thermalright coolers typically use aluminum fin stacks with copper heat pipes, but select compact units feature full copper construction. Copper offers higher thermal conductivity than aluminum, which helps maximize heat transfer within tight physical boundaries. The Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full Copper Cooler utilizes dense copper fins and pipes throughout its structure. If you need maximum thermal performance in a small form factor without increasing cooler dimensions, choose copper. If overall system weight is your primary concern, aluminum designs remain much lighter.
-
Decide on Lighting Features
Consider whether your build requires integrated illumination or a muted appearance. Standard models feature plain black or white fans with no illumination, which avoids extra cable routing. If you want illuminated aesthetics, look for models with addressable RGB lighting. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE White ARGB includes ARGB fans that synchronize with lighting controllers. Choosing between lighted and non-lighted options comes down to your personal aesthetic preference and whether your motherboard has the appropriate 3-pin ARGB header to manage illumination.
Frequently asked questions
Which Thermalright cooler has the highest heat pipe count?
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE features the highest count among these models with seven heat pipes. This design targets higher thermal output, carrying a rating up to 280W TDP alongside two 120mm fans. Most alternative dual-tower models on this list rely on six heat pipes instead.
What is the difference between the Peerless Assassin 120 and the AXP120-X67?
Form factor and overall layout set them apart. The Peerless Assassin 120 uses a dual-tower structure with two 120mm fans intended for standard desktop enclosures. In contrast, the AXP120-X67 measures 67mm tall. It employs a slim low-profile configuration designed specifically to clear tighter spaces in small-form-factor systems.
Do Thermalright dual-tower coolers include addressable RGB lighting?
You can find both illuminated and non-illuminated options across the lineup. Models like the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White ARGB include integrated addressable RGB lighting on the fans. If you prefer a plain aesthetic, the standard Peerless Assassin 120 and Peerless Assassin 120 Black use unlit fans and heatsinks instead.
What is the rated noise level of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120?
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 features a rated acoustic output at or below 25.6 dB(A). It achieves this low noise profile using two 120mm PWM fans that regulate their speed according to system heat. This keeps the dual-tower cooler relatively quiet during routine desktop tasks and standard operation.
Which Thermalright coolers support the AMD AM5 socket?
Most models on this list support AM5, but you must check specific listings. The Peerless Assassin 120 series, the Dual Tower 5-Heatpipe cooler, and the 47mm Full Copper ITX cooler list AM5 compatibility. However, certain compact options like the AXP120-X67 only list AM4 alongside various Intel sockets.
What materials are used to construct Thermalright CPU coolers?
Thermalright utilizes copper, aluminum, or a mix of both depending on the model. Standard heatsinks like the Peerless Assassin and Dual Tower 5-Heatpipe pair aluminum fin stacks with copper heat pipes. Specialized compact units like the AXP90-X47 Full Copper use dense all-copper construction across the heatsink body.
How much airflow does the Thermalright 67mm low-profile cooler provide?
The Thermalright 67mm Low-Profile White ARGB Cooler produces 59 CFM of airflow. That specification allows the compact unit to circulate air through its six heat pipes and dense fin array. You get dedicated airflow intended for tight mini-ITX enclosures where larger dual-tower coolers cannot physically fit.