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9 Best Thermalright CPU Coolers with 120mm Fan, Compared

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Finding the right Thermalright CPU cooler with 120mm fan depends on your case clearance, heat pipe count, and motherboard socket. We compared 9 models based on the specifications published on their listings.

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler leads the lineup because its pure copper base and six heat pipes provide balanced cooling across both AMD and Intel sockets. This guide helps you choose the best heatsink height, heat pipe layout, and clearance profile for your specific desktop build.

Quick picks

#ProductBest forPrice
1 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler Best overall balanced dual-fan air cooling performance Check price of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler on Amazon
2 Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler Best premium high-airflow dual-tower desktop PC cooling Check price of Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler on Amazon
3 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower Also great Standard mid-tower dual-fan CPU cooling Check price of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower on Amazon
4 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black Best black compact all-black PC builds Check price of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black on Amazon
5 Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler Best budget tall RAM clearance in compact cases Check price of Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler on Amazon
6 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White Best white white PC builds needing dual-tower cooling Check price of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White on Amazon
7 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Cooler Also great dual-fan cooling in standard mid-tower PC cases Check price of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Cooler on Amazon
8 Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler Also great High-airflow cooling on modern multi-core processors Check price of Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler on Amazon
9 Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Air Cooler Also great high-TDP processors in standard clearance cases Check price of Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Air Cooler on Amazon

The best fit for you

Our 9 picks

Best overall

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler

Best for: balanced dual-fan air cooling performance

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Cooler Height
157mm
Heat Pipes
6
Tower Design
Double tower
Fan Speed
1550rpm±10%
Socket Compatibility
AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is a dual-tower CPU air cooler built for balanced airflow and thermal transfer. It features six 6mm copper heat pipes, an aluminum heatsink, and two 120mm PWM fans that push up to 66.17 CFM of airflow at 1550 RPM. At 157mm tall, it fits standard mid-tower chassis while keeping noise below 25.6 dB(A). It suits you if you need reliable dual-fan cooling on modern AMD or Intel desktop sockets.

Pros

  • Dual 120mm PWM fans rated up to 66.17 CFM
  • Six 6mm pure copper sintered heat pipes
  • Pure copper base with electroplating reflow welding
  • Maximum noise level specified at 25.6 dB(A)

Cons

  • Overall 157mm height requires adequate chassis clearance
  • No integrated ARGB lighting on fans or heatsink

Good fit if

  • You want a dual-fan cooler that fits cases with at least 157mm of CPU cooler clearance.
  • You need broad socket compatibility across mainstream Intel and AMD desktop motherboards.

Skip if

  • You build in a compact small-form-factor case with restricted vertical clearance.
  • You want built-in RGB illumination on your cooler.

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual-Tower Cooler provides strong multi-pipe cooling performance with dual 120mm PWM fans for mainstream AMD and Intel builds. Its pure copper base and balanced airflow make it a dependable standard configuration.

Best premium

Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler

Best for: high-airflow dual-tower desktop PC cooling

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Socket Compatibility
AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200
Cooler Height
155 mm
Heat Pipes
6
Tower Design
Dual-Tower
Fan Speed
1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Cooler delivers high-output air cooling with two 120mm TL-C12C PWM fans and six 6mm copper heat pipes. Its twin aluminum heatsink towers stand 155mm tall, pushing up to 66.17 CFM of airflow while keeping noise at or below 25.6 dB(A). If you run modern Intel or AMD processors and want strong dual-fan airflow without liquid lines, this heatsink fits your desktop build.

Pros

  • Twin-tower aluminum heatsink with six 6mm copper heat pipes
  • Dual 120mm PWM fans pushing up to 66.17 CFM of airflow
  • Quiet operation rated at 25.6 dB(A) maximum noise level
  • Wide socket compatibility including Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5

Cons

  • Requires the original stock motherboard backplate for AMD builds
  • Total height of 155mm requires verifying PC case clearance
  • Lacks integrated RGB lighting on the base model

Good fit if

  • You need dual-tower air cooling for Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 sockets.
  • You have a PC case with at least 155mm of cooler height clearance.
  • You already retain the original stock backplate on an AMD motherboard.

Skip if

  • You use a compact chassis with less than 155mm of vertical space.
  • You missing the original stock AMD motherboard backplate.
  • You want built-in ARGB illumination on your cooler fans.

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Cooler pairs six copper heat pipes with two 120mm PWM fans to deliver dependable heavy-duty air cooling. It provides balanced, quiet thermal management for builders with standard chassis clearance.

Also great

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower

Best for: Standard mid-tower dual-fan CPU cooling

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Socket Compatibility
AM4/AM5, LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
Cooler Height
155mm
Heat Pipes
6
Tower Design
Dual-Tower
Fan Speed
1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower

This dual-tower CPU air cooler pairs two 120mm PWM fans with six 6mm heat pipes and an aluminum fin array. Standing 155mm tall, it fits cases that accommodate standard 120mm tower designs while delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow at 1,550 RPM. It suits you if you want dual-fan cooling across modern Intel or AMD sockets below a 25.6 dB(A) noise threshold.

Pros

  • Dual 120mm PWM fans push up to 66.17 CFM of airflow
  • Six 6mm sintered copper heat pipes with pure copper base
  • Moderate 155mm height fits standard mid-tower enclosures
  • Rated maximum noise ceiling of 25.6 dB(A)

Cons

  • Front fan position can reduce clearance over tall memory modules
  • Lacks integrated RGB or lighting components

Good fit if

  • You need a dual-tower heatsink that fits within 155mm of clearance.
  • You run an AMD AM4/AM5 or Intel LGA 1700/1851 processor.
  • You want dual 120mm fans that stay at or below 25.6 dB(A).

Skip if

  • You need clearance for tall memory modules without adjusting the front fan.
  • You want integrated lighting or ARGB elements out of the box.

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower delivers balanced dual-fan cooling with six 6mm heat pipes in a 155mm frame. It provides dependable thermal transfer for Intel and AMD builds without extra noise.

Best black

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black

Best for: compact all-black PC builds

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Cooler Height
135 mm
Heat Pipes
6
Fan Speed
1500 RPM
Socket Compatibility
AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151
Color
Black

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black is an all-black air cooler built for compact builds. It features six 6mm heat pipes and a single 120mm PWM fan rated up to 1,500 RPM, pushing 66.87 CFM at 25.6 dB(A). Standing 135mm tall, it offers lower clearance demands than standard twin towers. This unit suits you if you need dark aesthetics and dependable CPU cooling inside tighter computer chassis.

Pros

  • Six 6mm black-plated AGHP heat pipes
  • Compact 135mm heatsink height fits tighter cases
  • 120mm PWM fan delivers up to 66.87 CFM airflow
  • Maximum noise rating capped at 25.6 dB(A)

Cons

  • Includes one 120mm fan rather than a dual-fan setup
  • Fan bearing lifespan rated at 20,000 hours

Good fit if

  • You want an all-black heatsink with matching black heat pipes.
  • You need a 135mm profile to clear smaller case dimensions.
  • You run an Intel LGA 1700/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5 motherboard.

Skip if

  • You prefer dual fans for increased air pressure.
  • You want integrated RGB lighting on the fan or heatsink.

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black delivers six heat pipes and quiet 120mm fan performance in an all-black 135mm profile. It gives you dependable thermal control without requiring excessive vertical case clearance.

Best budget

Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler

Best for: tall RAM clearance in compact cases

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Socket Compatibility
AM4/AM5, LGA1851/1700/115X/1200
Cooler Height
155mm
Heat Pipes
6
Tower Design
Dual Towers
Fan Speed
1800RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler

The Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler is an offset twin-tower heatsink built for tall memory modules. It pairs six 6mm copper heat pipes with two 120mm fans: a full-width center unit and an 1800 RPM slim front fan. Standing 155mm tall, it fits compact mid-tower cases while clearing RAM slots without fan adjustments. You will appreciate this layout if you use tall memory sticks on AM4, AM5, or Intel LGA1700 motherboards.

Pros

  • Offset crooked-neck tower design eliminates interference with tall RAM
  • Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes built with AGHP 5.0 technology
  • Slim 1800 RPM front fan maintains clearance without needing vertical repositioning
  • 155mm overall height fits compact mid-tower enclosures

Cons

  • Requires the original AMD motherboard backplate for AM4 and AM5 installation
  • Uses mismatched fan thicknesses rather than two identical fan frames

Good fit if

  • You use tall RAM modules and do not want to raise the front fan.
  • You have a PC case restricted to 155mm of CPU cooler height.
  • You need an included Y-adapter cable to power dual fans from one header.

Skip if

  • You misplaced your original AMD stock backplate.
  • You prefer identical standard-thickness fans on both towers.

Verdict: Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler provides dual-heatsink cooling with an offset design tailored specifically to prevent RAM interference. Its 155mm height and slim front fan make it a practical fit for compact cases.

Best white

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White

Best for: white PC builds needing dual-tower cooling

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Socket Compatibility
AM4/AM5, LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1200
Cooler Height
157mm
Heat Pipes
6
Tower Design
Dual-Tower
Fan Speed
2000RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White

This is a dual-tower CPU air cooler designed in an all-white finish with matching fans. It features six copper heat pipes, aluminum fins, and two 120mm PWM fans running up to 2000 RPM to push 70.84 CFM of airflow. At 157mm tall, it fits cases that accommodate standard mid-size tower coolers. It suits you if you want high-speed dual-fan cooling matched to a white-themed system build.

Pros

  • Dual 120mm PWM fans deliver up to 70.84 CFM airflow and 2000 RPM
  • Six plated copper heat pipes with a micro-engraved copper base
  • Moderate 157mm height fits standard mid-tower computer cases
  • S-FDB bearings with vibration-reducing silicone corner pads

Cons

  • Noise level reaches up to 29.8 dB(A) at maximum fan speed
  • Lacks ARGB lighting on the fans and top cover
  • Requires original motherboard backplate for AMD socket mounting

Good fit if

  • You are assembling an all-white desktop build and want matching components.
  • You need high static pressure of 2.63 mm H2O and up to 70.84 CFM airflow.
  • You have a PC chassis with at least 157mm of cooler height clearance.

Skip if

  • You want integrated ARGB illumination on your CPU cooler.
  • You no longer have your original AMD motherboard backplate.
  • You require an ultra-quiet fan curve below 25 dB(A) at top speed.

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White provides robust dual-tower heat dissipation and high airflow in a clean, all-white aesthetic. Its 157mm height and dual 2000 RPM fans balance case compatibility with strong thermal performance.

Also great

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Cooler

Best for: dual-fan cooling in standard mid-tower PC cases

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Socket Compatibility
LGA1700/1851/1200/1150/1151, AM4/AM5
Cooler Height
155mm
Heat Pipes
6
Tower Design
Dual tower
Fan Speed
1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Cooler

This dual-tower air cooler features six 6mm copper heatpipes and two 120mm PWM fans running up to 1550 RPM. Standing 155mm tall, it delivers up to 66.17 CFM of airflow while keeping rated noise at or below 25.6 dB(A). Fin cutouts provide clearance for your memory modules. You get broad socket support spanning modern Intel and AMD platforms, making it suitable if you need reliable dual-fan cooling in standard mid-tower cases.

Pros

  • Dual 120mm PWM fans generate up to 66.17 CFM airflow
  • Six 6mm copper heatpipes soldered to a copper base
  • Cutout design on fins allows clearance for RAM modules
  • Quiet operation rated at 25.6 dB(A) or lower

Cons

  • Requires your motherboard's original backplate for AM4 and AM5 installation
  • Total height of 155mm will not fit compact or slim PC cases

Good fit if

  • You want dual 120mm fans with up to 66.17 CFM airflow for twin-tower cooling.
  • You have at least 155mm of vertical CPU cooler clearance inside your case.
  • You still have your factory AMD motherboard backplate for AM4 or AM5 mounting.

Skip if

  • You are building in a small-form-factor case with less than 155mm cooler height.
  • You misplaced your original AMD AM4 or AM5 backplate.

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Cooler combines a dual-tower heatsink with six 6mm heatpipes and two PWM fans for robust airflow. It handles mainstream Intel and AMD processors effectively if your enclosure supports its 155mm height.

Also great

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler

Best for: High-airflow cooling on modern multi-core processors

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Socket Compatibility
AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200
Cooler Height
157 mm
Heat Pipes
7
Tower Design
Dual-Tower
Fan Speed
2150 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler is a dual-tower heatsink equipped with seven 6mm heatpipes and two 120mm PWM fans. It stands 157mm tall, offering broad case fit alongside an offset base designed to clear graphics cards and memory slots. With fans reaching 2,150 RPM and delivering up to 69 CFM of airflow, this unit suits you if you run heavy computing workloads on modern Intel or AMD processors.

Pros

  • Seven 6mm AGHP copper heatpipes for high thermal transfer
  • Twin 120mm PWM fans reaching up to 2,150 RPM and 69 CFM
  • Compact 157mm total height to fit standard mid-tower cases
  • Supports modern sockets including AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1851

Cons

  • Maximum noise level reaches up to 27 dB(A) under peak speed
  • Requires 135mm of horizontal width clearance across motherboard components

Good fit if

  • You want seven heatpipes and dual 120mm fans for demanding CPU loads.
  • You need a dual-tower cooler that stays within a 157mm height limit.
  • You use an Intel LGA1700/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5 motherboard.

Skip if

  • You require an ultra-quiet fan profile operating below 27 dB(A) at maximum load.
  • You have an ultra-compact chassis that cannot accommodate a 157mm heatsink height.

Verdict: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler delivers robust cooling through seven heatpipes and twin 2,150 RPM fans without exceeding 157mm in height. It provides reliable airflow and socket compatibility across the latest desktop platforms.

Also great

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Air Cooler

Best for: high-TDP processors in standard clearance cases

Fan Size
120mm Fan (what this guide is about)
Socket Compatibility
AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200
Cooler Height
154 mm
Heat Pipes
7
TDP Rating
280 W
Fan Speed
1500 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Air Cooler

This dual-tower air cooler uses seven 6mm heat pipes and a pure copper base to handle processors rated between 105W and 280W TDP. At 154mm tall, it fits cases with limited vertical clearance while providing two 120mm PWM fans moving up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. You get broad socket support across modern AMD AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA 1700 or 1851 platforms for demanding thermal loads.

Pros

  • Seven 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
  • Compact 154mm total height fits many cases
  • Rated for CPU loads between 105W and 280W TDP
  • Dual 120mm PWM fans deliver up to 66.17 CFM each

Cons

  • No integrated RGB lighting on the base model
  • Width of 135mm can overhang nearby memory slots

Good fit if

  • You have a PC chassis with a maximum cooler height clearance near 154mm.
  • You run a high-load processor requiring cooling capacity up to 280W TDP.

Skip if

  • You want pre-installed addressable RGB lighting on your fans.
  • You need ultra-slim single-tower dimensions for unrestricted RAM access.

Verdict: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Dual Fan Cooler provides robust cooling performance through its seven heat pipes and twin fans while staying at a compact 154mm height. It is a capable cooling option for high-wattage desktop processors.

Specifications side by side

Spec Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Cooler Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Air Cooler
Socket Compatibility not specified AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200 AM4/AM5, LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851 not specified AM4/AM5, LGA1851/1700/115X/1200 AM4/AM5, LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1200 LGA1700/1851/1200/1150/1151, AM4/AM5 AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200 AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200
Cooler Height 157mm 155 mm 155mm 135 mm 155mm 157mm 155mm 157 mm 154 mm
Heat Pipes 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7
Tower Design Double tower Dual-Tower Dual-Tower not specified Dual Towers Dual-Tower Dual tower Dual-Tower not specified
Fan Size 120mm 120 mm 120mm 120mm 120mm 120mm 120mm 120 mm 120 mm
TDP Rating not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified 280 W
Fan Speed 1550rpm±10% 1550 RPM 1550 RPM 1500 RPM 1800RPM 2000RPM 1550 RPM 2150 RPM 1500 RPM
Lighting not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified ARGB not specified
Color PA120 PA120 SE PA120 SE Black not specified White PA120 SE PS120 EVO PS120SE
Compatible Device not specified not specified not specified not specified RAM not specified not specified not specified not specified
Features not specified not specified not specified Fan not specified not specified not specified Fan Fan
Dimensions 6.18 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches 6.1 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches 4.92 × 5.31 × 6.1 inches 4.33 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches 4.8 × 4.49 × 6.1 inches 4.92 × 5.31 × 6.18 inches 4.92 × 5.31 × 6.1 inches not specified not specified
Weight 1 pounds 2 pounds 2.14 pounds 3.53 ounces not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified
Size PA120 series PA120 SE series 6 Heatpipes not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified
Model LM-PA 120 PA120 SE PA120 SE 1700-d6 PA120 MINI BLACK Royal Knight 120 SE PA120 WHITE V3-D2 not specified not specified not specified

How to Choose the Right Thermalright Cooler

  1. Measure Cooler Vertical Clearance

    Check your PC case specifications for maximum CPU cooler height before buying. Thermalright dual-tower designs range from 135mm on compact models up to 157mm on taller units. If you build in a slim chassis or compact mid-tower, a taller heatsink can press against the side panel or prevent the case from closing completely. Compare the published height dimension directly against your chassis clearance. Choosing a model like the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Air Cooler gives you a 154mm profile that fits tighter enclosures while retaining dual-fan cooling.

  2. Evaluate RAM Slot Clearance

    Check the physical layout around your motherboard processor socket to avoid clearance issues with your memory modules. Standard symmetric dual-tower heatsinks position the front 120mm fan directly over the RAM slots. If you install tall memory heatspreaders, you might need to raise the front fan or relocate it, which increases overall cooler height. To prevent hardware interference completely, look for an asymmetrical heatsink layout. The Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler uses an offset design with a slim front fan specifically engineered to clear tall memory sticks.

  3. Compare Maximum Fan Speeds

    Examine the maximum fan RPM ratings listed on the cooler specifications to match your airflow requirements. Higher fan speeds move more air through dense dual-tower fins under heavy system loads, though they generate more sound when running at full velocity. If your system runs sustained heavy computing tasks, higher-speed fans offer stronger thermal exhaust. For example, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler includes twin fans rated up to 2,150 RPM for increased airflow. If you prefer quieter everyday desktop operation, select models equipped with standard PWM fans.

  4. Select Matching Color Finishes

    Inspect the color specification if you want your CPU cooler to coordinate with your motherboard and case interior. Standard dual-tower models feature bare aluminum fins with exposed copper or silver-toned heat pipes. If you are building a themed system with a tempered glass window, exposed metal might clash with your hardware. Manufacturers offer specialized color coatings across the top plates, fin stacks, and fans. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White provides an all-white aesthetic across its assembly, making it a direct match for clean, monochrome, or bright component configurations.

  5. Verify LGA 1700 Compatibility

    Review the supported socket specification carefully if you are assembling an Intel system. While newer sockets like LGA 1851 and legacy platforms like LGA 1200 appear across most spec sheets, support for LGA 1700 is not universal across every variant. Choosing a cooler lacking the appropriate mounting bracket out of the box will delay your installation. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler explicitly lists LGA 1700 alongside AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, and older Intel sockets, ensuring your mounting hardware matches the motherboard mounting pattern without tracking down separate parts.

Frequently asked questions

Do Thermalright 120mm CPU coolers support Intel LGA 1700 motherboards?

Most Thermalright 120mm coolers support LGA 1700, but compatibility varies by model. Models like the Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan and Phantom Spirit 120 EVO explicitly include LGA 1700 hardware. However, specific configurations such as the Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black, Royal Knight 120, and Peerless Assassin 120 White do not list LGA 1700 compatibility in their specifications. Always verify socket listings before selecting a cooler for your build.

What is the difference between Thermalright Peerless Assassin and Phantom Spirit coolers?

The primary difference between these series is the total heat pipe count. Standard Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 models use six heat pipes to transfer heat away from the base. In contrast, Phantom Spirit 120 models, including the EVO and SE variants, feature seven heat pipes for increased thermal contact. Both lineups utilize dual 120mm fan configurations and fit mainstream Intel and AMD desktop sockets.

How much vertical case clearance do you need for a Thermalright 120mm cooler?

Required case clearance ranges from 135mm up to 157mm depending on your chosen heatsink. For instance, the compact Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black requires just 135mm of vertical space. Standard options like the Peerless Assassin 120 SE stand at 155mm, while the Phantom Spirit 120 SE measures 154mm. Taller units, including the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO and Peerless Assassin 120 White, require 157mm of chassis clearance.

Which Thermalright 120mm cooler is best for preventing RAM clearance issues?

The Thermalright Royal Knight 120 Dual Tower Cooler is built specifically to address tall RAM interference. It features an offset dual-heatsink structure alongside a slim front fan to clear memory modules without blocking your motherboard slots. It measures 155mm in height and includes six heat pipes. This design allows you to install tall memory modules while still maintaining a dual-tower cooling setup inside compact enclosures.

What fan speeds do Thermalright 120mm dual-tower coolers operate at?

Published fan speeds vary across the Thermalright 120mm lineup based on the specific cooler model. For example, the Peerless Assassin 120 White is equipped with dual fans capable of reaching 2000 RPM. The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO features higher-speed twin fans rated up to 2150 RPM for increased airflow. Other standard dual-fan models use PWM-controlled 120mm fans that adjust speed according to your processor temperatures.

Do Thermalright 120mm coolers support the AMD AM5 socket?

Yes, all 9 Thermalright 120mm coolers in this comparison provide native AM5 socket compatibility. Whether you select a seven-pipe model like the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, a compact unit like the Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black, or the Royal Knight 120, AM5 mounting is supported. Every model also supports AM4 motherboards, ensuring consistent hardware mounting if you use modern AMD desktop processors.

Are Thermalright 120mm coolers available in different colors?

Yes, Thermalright produces 120mm coolers in dedicated colorways to match different desktop aesthetics. For dark or stealth themes, the Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black provides an all-black finish. For bright or all-white builds, the Peerless Assassin 120 White offers an all-white aesthetic with matching components. Other units, such as standard Peerless Assassin and Phantom Spirit models, come in classic metallic and dual-tone designs.

See also