Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Black Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This thermalright assassin spirit 120 evo black CPU cooler review highlights a compact air cooler designed for modern systems. It features a 120mm PWM fan and four heat pipes. The cooler measures 156 mm in height, ensuring it fits into many standard cases. The fan spins at up to 2000 RPM to move air across the aluminum fins. This model supports both Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. The black finish includes ARGB lighting for visual appeal. It uses AGHP 4th generation technology for the heat pipes. The design aims to balance cooling performance with a quiet operation profile for typical desktop builds.
What stands out
- Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4th generation technology to manage heat in various orientations.
- 120mm PWM fan reaching 2000 RPM with a maximum airflow of 68.9 CFM.
- Seiko HDT direct touch copper base for efficient heat transfer from the CPU.
- Compatible with Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
- Compact 156 mm height allows installation in chassis with limited clearance.
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should choose this cooler if you have a mid-range CPU and a case with standard height limits. The 156 mm profile fits most ATX and Micro-ATX towers. It suits users who want ARGB lighting without complex software control. The quiet fan operation makes it good for office PCs or home theater setups. If you need support for the latest Intel and AMD platforms, this model covers the key sockets. It is a practical choice for builders who prioritize fit and basic aesthetic integration over extreme overclocking potential.
Who should skip it
Skip this option if you require a dual-tower design for high-wattage processors. The single 120mm fan and aluminum fin stack may struggle with sustained heavy loads. Users who prefer silent operation below 20 dB will find the max 28.2 dB noise level too loud. If your case has strict height restrictions under 150 mm, this cooler will not fit. You might also look elsewhere if you need RGB lighting that syncs with specific motherboard ecosystems, as this model offers basic ARGB connectivity without detailed software features.
Verdict: The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Black is a solid, compact air cooler for mainstream CPUs. Its specs provide reliable cooling for standard builds without taking up too much space.
Key specs explained for this cooler
Fan Size: 120mm
This size offers a balance between airflow and noise. A 120mm fan spins slower than smaller fans to move the same air. This reduces sound levels while maintaining cooling efficiency. You should choose this size if your case supports standard 120mm mounts. It is the most common fan size for mid-tower cases, ensuring broad compatibility with most PC chassis available today.
Fan Speed: 2000 RPM
This is the maximum rotational speed of the fan. Higher RPMs push more air through the fins for better cooling under load. However, noise increases as speed rises. At 2000 RPM, the fan provides strong airflow but may be audible. You should monitor fan curves to keep speeds lower during idle tasks for a quieter experience.
Heat Pipes: 4
Four heat pipes transfer heat from the CPU base to the aluminum fins. More pipes generally mean better heat distribution across the cooler body. This configuration helps prevent hot spots on the base. You should compare this count with other coolers in this price range. Four pipes are standard for single-fan air coolers aiming at mid-range performance.
Cooler Height: 156 mm
This dimension determines if the cooler fits inside your computer case. A height of 156 mm is relatively compact for a single-fan cooler. You must check your case specifications to ensure it supports coolers up to this height. Taller coolers often offer better performance but limit case choices. This size fits many standard mid-tower and full-tower chassis.
Socket Compatibility: LGA1700/1150/1151/1200, AM4, AM5
This list shows which CPU mounting sockets the cooler supports. It covers recent Intel platforms like LGA1700 and older ones like LGA115x. It also includes AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. You should verify your specific motherboard socket before purchasing. This broad compatibility makes the cooler suitable for many current and previous generation systems without needing extra adapters.
Design and build quality
The listing describes the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Black as a compact air cooler built for standard cases. The main body consists of all-aluminium fins. This material choice maximizes the heat dissipation area while keeping the overall weight manageable. The cooler measures 156 mm in height. This dimension ensures it fits into many mid-tower chassis without blocking taller RAM modules. You should check your case clearance before installation.
The unit features four heat pipes that are black-painted and fully plated. These pipes utilize AGHP 4th generation technology. This design aims to solve the effect of reverse gravity when the cooler is mounted in vertical or horizontal positions. The base is a Seiko HDT direct touch copper unit. This construction allows the heat pipes to make direct contact with the CPU surface for efficient heat transfer.
The top cover uses an anodic black brushed process. This finish gives the cooler a uniform black appearance that matches the fan frame. The fan itself is a 120mm PWM model with ARGB lighting. It connects via a standard 4-pin header. The listing notes that the fan uses S-FDB bearings for a long service life. These components combine to create a sleek, functional design suitable for modern PC builds.
Setup and everyday use guide
Installing this cooler requires matching the mounting hardware to your specific CPU socket. The listing confirms support for Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 17XX platforms. It also supports AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. You will need to use the corresponding mounting plate or fasteners provided for your platform. The installation instructions or tutorial videos should guide you through this process. Ensure you align the cooler correctly before tightening the screws.
The cooler stands 156 mm tall. You must verify that this height fits within your case limits. This dimension allows it to clear most standard RAM modules and fit into many mid-tower and full-tower chassis. The 120 mm fan connects via a 4-pin PWM header on your motherboard. This allows the system to adjust fan speed based on temperature. The fan operates at a maximum of 2000 RPM. It delivers 68.9 CFM of airflow while staying under 28.2 dB of noise.
In daily use, the AGHP 4th generation heat pipes help manage heat transfer efficiently. The S-FDB bearings suggest long-term reliability. The ARGB lighting adds visual appeal to your build. You can sync this lighting with your motherboard software. The black anodic brushed top cover provides a clean look. This cooler is suitable for users who need a quiet, compact solution for modern processors.
Before you buy this cooler
You should verify your case dimensions before purchasing. The listing states the cooler height is 156 mm. This measurement includes the fan. Ensure your chassis has sufficient clearance for this height. You must also check your RAM clearance. Tall memory modules may interfere with the fan blades. The fan speed reaches 2000 RPM. This provides strong airflow but can generate noise. You can adjust this speed using your motherboard’s PWM settings. The cooler supports ARGB lighting. You will need a compatible header on your motherboard to control this feature. If your board lacks an ARGB header, the lights will not function. Regular maintenance involves cleaning dust from the aluminium fins. Use compressed air to remove debris. This helps maintain cooling efficiency over time. This model fits well among other options in CPU Air Coolers & Thermal Paste. It offers a balance of size and performance for standard builds.
Check before you buy
- Check case clearance for 156 mm height
- Verify RAM does not block the fan
- Confirm motherboard has ARGB header
- Ensure socket matches LGA1700 or AM5
The product at a glance
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Black ARGB Cooler
Best for: Mainstream desktop builds with standard case sizes
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1700/1150/1151/1200, AM4, AM5
- Cooler Height
- 156 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Black ARGB Cooler Affiliate link
This single-fan cooler features a 120mm PWM fan and four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4th generation technology. The aluminum fin stack and copper base provide direct heat transfer. It supports modern sockets like LGA1700 and AM5. The design includes ARGB lighting and a black brushed finish. It suits users who need quiet operation under 28.2 dB and reliable cooling for standard desktop builds.
Pros
- Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4th generation technology
- 120mm PWM fan reaches 2000 RPM with 68.9 CFM airflow
- Supports Intel LGA1700/1200/115x and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets
- ARGB lighting and black anodic brushed finish
- S-FDB bearings for long service life
Cons
- Single 120mm fan limits maximum heat dissipation compared to dual-tower designs
- 156 mm height may not fit in small form factor cases
- Aluminum fin material offers less thermal mass than all-copper stacks
Good fit if
- You need a low-profile cooler that fits in standard mid-tower cases
- You want ARGB lighting to match your build aesthetic
- You require support for modern Intel and AMD sockets
Skip if
- You have a high-end CPU that requires dual-tower cooling
- You are building in a compact case with less than 156 mm clearance
- You prefer silent operation below 20 dB under load
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Black delivers solid cooling for mainstream processors with its 120mm fan and AGHP heat pipes. It fits users who value modern socket support and aesthetic lighting without needing extreme thermal headroom.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Black ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | LGA1700/1150/1151/1200, AM4, AM5 |
| Cooler Height | 156 mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 |
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Fan Speed | 2000 RPM |
| Lighting | ARGB |
| Color | Black |
| Features | Fan |
| Dimensions | 4.72 × 2.87 × 6.14 inches |
| Model | AS120 EVO |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Black support AM5 sockets?
Yes, this cooler supports AMD AM5 sockets. The published specifications list compatibility with AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. This wide range of socket support allows you to use the same cooler across multiple generations of Intel and AMD processors. You do not need to buy a new mounting bracket for most modern platforms.
What is the height of the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Black?
The cooler has a height of 6.14 inches, which equals approximately 156 mm. This measurement includes the attached fan. You must ensure your computer case provides at least this much vertical clearance above the CPU socket. Tall RAM modules may interfere with the fan or heat sink fins if your case clearance is tight.
Does this cooler have ARGB lighting?
Yes, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Black features ARGB lighting. The product attributes explicitly list ARGB as a feature. This allows you to synchronize the fan lighting with other compatible components in your build. The black color scheme provides a subtle aesthetic that blends well with dark-themed builds.
What heat pipe technology does the Assassin Spirit 120 use?
The cooler utilizes AGHP heat pipes. These are anti-gravity heat pipes designed to transfer heat more efficiently from the base to the fins. The listing confirms four heat pipes are included. This technology helps maintain consistent cooling performance regardless of the cooler's orientation within your case.
Is the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 suitable for LGA 1700?
Yes, it is compatible with Intel LGA 1700. The specifications confirm support for this modern Intel socket. You can install this cooler on 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors. The mounting hardware is designed to fit this specific socket layout without requiring additional adapters.
What are the dimensions of the fan on this cooler?
The cooler uses a 120mm fan. This standard size offers a balance between airflow volume and noise levels. The fan spins at a speed that optimizes cooling for mainstream processors. It is PWM controlled, allowing your motherboard to adjust the speed based on CPU temperature.