Looking Beyond the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The thermalright assassin spirit 120 evo CPU cooler alternatives list helps you find options that match its core specifications. This cooler uses four 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm fan to deliver efficient single-tower cooling. It supports modern sockets like LGA 1851 and AM5 while offering ARGB lighting for aesthetic customization. Its compact 156mm height fits into most standard ATX cases without blocking RAM modules.
You might want a different option if you need more heat pipes, a lower profile, or a specific color scheme. This guide includes 6 alternatives chosen because their specs overlap with the original. Some models offer six or seven heat pipes for higher thermal headroom. Others provide low-profile designs for small form factor builds. You will also find white variants for those prioritizing a clean aesthetic. Each selection maintains broad socket compatibility and includes ARGB features. This approach ensures you can compare practical differences in size, pipe count, and design without guessing.
How alternatives compare to this cooler
Thermalright Assassin X 120 White ARGB
The Thermalright Assassin X 120 White ARGB uses the same four heat pipe count as the original, but it swaps the standard black aesthetic for a white finish. It maintains ARGB lighting support and broad socket compatibility, including LGA 1851 and AM5. You gain a quieter fan profile suited for low-noise environments, though you trade some raw thermal headroom for that silence. This model fits white-themed builds where visual consistency matters. It offers a practical balance for users who prioritize aesthetics and quiet operation over maximum cooling capacity in a compact single-tower design.
Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB
The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB increases heat pipe count to six, compared to the original's four. This addition improves heat transfer efficiency for mainstream processors. It retains single-tower form factor and ARGB lighting while supporting the same modern sockets like LGA 1851 and AM5. You get better thermal performance for heavier workloads without needing a dual-tower footprint. The design remains compatible with standard mid-size cases. This option suits gamers who want more cooling power than the base model provides, while keeping installation simple and maintaining synchronized lighting effects across their system components.
Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB
The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB features five heat pipes, one more than the original. It offers a white aesthetic with ARGB lighting and supports all major sockets including LGA 1851 and AM5. The design emphasizes quiet operation, making it suitable for users who value low noise levels. You gain slightly improved heat dissipation capacity due to the extra pipe. The cooler fits well in mid-tower cases with adequate clearance. This choice works best for builders seeking a balance between enhanced thermal performance and a clean, quiet white build theme without moving to a bulkier dual-tower solution.
Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler
The Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler uses six heat pipes but adopts a low-profile design. Its height is significantly lower than the original, making it ideal for small form factor cases with strict height limits. It supports sockets like LGA 1851 and AM5, though compatibility varies by specific model version. You sacrifice raw cooling capacity for extreme case compatibility. The white ARGB finish matches modern minimalist builds. This option is strictly for users who cannot accommodate the original's 156mm height. It provides essential cooling for compact systems where standard air coolers simply will not fit inside the chassis.
Thermalright Assassin King 120 White ARGB
The Thermalright Assassin King 120 White ARGB includes five heat pipes, offering more thermal mass than the original's four. It features a white color scheme with ARGB lighting and supports all key sockets including LGA 1851 and AM5. The design focuses on quiet operation and clean aesthetics for mid-tower builds. You gain slightly better heat dissipation capabilities while maintaining a single-tower footprint. This model suits users who want a refined white look with improved cooling performance over the base EVO version. It remains compatible with standard CPU sockets and fits well in cases that allow for its specific dimensions.
Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower
The Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower jumps to seven heat pipes and a dual-tower design. This significantly increases cooling capacity compared to the original's single tower. It supports mainstream TDPs up to 280W, making it suitable for high-end LGA 1700 and AM5 processors. The white ARGB lighting matches the aesthetic theme. You gain substantial thermal performance but require more case clearance due to the larger size. This option is for users needing maximum cooling in a 120mm fan footprint. It sacrifices compactness for raw power, ideal for heavy workloads where the original cooler might struggle under sustained loads.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO
Best for: Standard ATX builds needing LGA 1851 support
- Cooler Height
- 156 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Affiliate link
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO is a single-fan air cooler featuring four 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan. It reaches 2000 RPM for steady airflow and includes 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting. The aluminum fins and copper base provide efficient heat transfer. It fits Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. This cooler suits users who want reliable cooling with customizable lighting in a standard 156mm height chassis.
Pros
- Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology for improved heat transfer
- 2000 RPM PWM fan for adjustable cooling performance
- 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting with motherboard synchronization
- Compatible with latest LGA 1851 and AM5 sockets
Cons
- Single 120mm fan limits total airflow compared to dual-fan models
- 156mm height may not fit in smaller computer cases
- All-aluminum fin construction may have lower thermal mass than copper
Good fit if
- You need a cooler that supports new Intel LGA 1851 sockets
- You want ARGB lighting that syncs with your motherboard
- You have a mid-tower case with sufficient height clearance
Skip if
- You require a dual-fan design for maximum heat dissipation
- Your case height clearance is under 156mm
- You prefer a cooler with a copper fin stack
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Air Cooler offers solid performance for modern sockets like LGA 1851 and AM5. It is a practical choice for builders who value ARGB lighting and standard single-fan efficiency.
Thermalright Assassin X 120 White ARGB
Best for: White builds needing quiet 120mm cooling
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 115X, 1200, 1700, 1851
- Cooler Height
- 148 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- TDP Rating
- 125-225 W
- Fan Speed
- 1550 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120 White ARGB Affiliate link
This Thermalright air cooler features four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively. It includes a 120mm PWM fan rated for 66.17 CFM and operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB. The unit supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. It offers ARGB lighting and a white finish. This cooler suits users seeking quiet performance and visual customization within a standard tower form factor.
Pros
- Four 6mm heat pipes utilize AGHP technology to mitigate gravity effects.
- 120mm PWM fan delivers up to 66.17 CFM of airflow.
- Noise level stays at or below 25.6 dB(A) under load.
- Compatible with Intel LGA 115X/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
- Includes ARGB lighting and a white aluminum heatsink finish.
Cons
- Cooler height of 148mm may restrict fit in smaller cases.
- Only four heat pipes compared to six or seven in competitors.
- TDP rating of 225W max may limit high-end overclocking.
Good fit if
- You want a white ARGB cooler for a visible build.
- You need quiet operation with noise levels under 26 dB.
- You have a standard mid-tower case with 148mm clearance.
Skip if
- You require more than four heat pipes for extreme cooling.
- Your case clearance is less than 148mm in height.
- You prioritize maximum TDP capacity over aesthetic lighting.
Verdict: Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White provides efficient cooling with low noise for standard builds. It fits users who value white aesthetics and quiet fans over maximum thermal headroom.
Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB
Best for: mainstream gaming PCs with medium cases
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200
- Cooler Height
- 154 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Single-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- Fan Speed
- 1550 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB Affiliate link
This single-tower CPU air cooler features six 6mm copper heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan. It reaches 1550 RPM with a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining noise levels at or below 25.6 dB. The 154mm height fits most medium cases. It supports modern Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA1700 and AM5.
Pros
- Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
- PWM fan speed up to 1550 RPM for efficient cooling
- Low noise output of 25.6 dB(A) at maximum speed
- Broad socket compatibility including LGA1700, LGA1851, and AM5
Cons
- Single-tower design offers less cooling capacity than dual-tower alternatives
- 154mm height may not fit in smaller computer cases
- Fan speed is capped at 1550 RPM, limiting peak performance
Good fit if
- You need ARGB lighting for your build
- You have a medium-sized computer case
- You use an Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5 processor
Skip if
- You require a dual-tower cooler for high-end CPUs
- Your case height is less than 154mm
- You prefer silent operation below 25.6 dB
Verdict: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB Single Tower provides reliable cooling for mainstream processors with efficient heat pipe transfer. It suits users who want ARGB lighting and broad socket support without needing the bulk of a dual-tower design.
Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB
Best for: Quiet cooling in white-themed mid-size builds
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, 1851, 1200, 115X
- Cooler Height
- 148mm
- Heat Pipes
- 5
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1550 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB Affiliate link
This air cooler uses five 6mm heat pipes with AGHP III technology to manage heat effectively in various orientations. The included 120mm PWM fan delivers up to 66.17 CFM of airflow while maintaining a noise level of 25.6 dB. It features white ARGB lighting and supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. The 148mm height fits medium-sized cases. You get reliable cooling with a focus on low noise and aesthetic integration.
Pros
- Five 6mm heat pipes with AGHP III technology
- 120mm PWM fan with 66.17 CFM max airflow
- Low noise level of 25.6 dB(A)
- White ARGB lighting effects
- Supports AM4, AM5, and LGA 1700/1851 sockets
Cons
- Five heat pipes provide less cooling capacity than six-heat-pipe models
- 148mm height limits compatibility with some compact cases
- No mention of software control for ARGB lighting
Good fit if
- You want a white-themed build with ARGB lighting
- You prioritize quiet operation under 26 dB
- You have a medium-sized case with 148mm clearance
Skip if
- You need maximum cooling performance for high-end CPUs
- Your case has less than 148mm CPU cooler clearance
- You require software control for fan or light speeds
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB fits users who value quiet operation and a clean white aesthetic. It offers solid cooling for mid-range builds where case clearance allows for its 148mm height.
Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler
Best for: small form factor builds with height limits
- Cooler Height
- 67mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1800 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler Affiliate link
This is a low-profile air cooler designed for small form factor cases. It stands 67mm tall, allowing it to fit under restrictive CPU cases. The unit uses six 6mm copper heat pipes with sintered technology. It includes a 120mm PWM fan that reaches 1800 RPM. White ARGB lighting adds visual appeal. It supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM4 sockets.
Pros
- 67mm total height for small cases
- Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes
- 120mm PWM fan with 1800 RPM speed
- White ARGB lighting support
- AGHP technology for heat pipe efficiency
Cons
- Limited socket support excludes newer Intel platforms like LGA 1851 in some variations
- Low-profile design restricts maximum heat dissipation compared to full towers
- Single fan configuration limits airflow options
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 70mm for a compact case
- You use an Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM4 processor
- You prefer a white aesthetic with ARGB lighting
Skip if
- You require support for Intel LGA 1851 sockets
- You need maximum cooling performance for high-TDP CPUs
- You prefer a black color scheme over white
Verdict: Thermalright AXP120-X67 Low-Profile Cooler is a specialized solution for builders with height restrictions. It fits users who prioritize case compatibility over raw cooling capacity.
Thermalright Assassin King 120 White ARGB
Best for: Mid-tower cases with white ARGB themes
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200
- Cooler Height
- 148mm
- Heat Pipes
- 5
- Tower Design
- Single-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1550rpm±10%
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin King 120 White ARGB Affiliate link
This single-tower air cooler features a 120mm fan and five pure copper heat pipes. It reaches a maximum speed of 1550 RPM with noise levels up to 25.6 dB. The white ARGB design fits modern builds. It supports AM4, AM5, and LGA sockets. The 148mm height requires a medium case. It offers quiet cooling for standard desktop use.
Pros
- Five pure copper heat pipes for heat dissipation
- ARGB lighting with 120mm PWM fan
- Supports AM4, AM5, and LGA 1700/1851 sockets
- Quiet operation at 25.6 dB maximum
Cons
- Single-tower design limits high-end performance
- 148mm height restricts case compatibility
- 5 heat pipes fewer than some competitors
Good fit if
- You need a white ARGB cooler for a mid-tower case
- You use a standard desktop CPU with moderate loads
- You prefer quiet operation under 26 dB
Skip if
- You require a dual-tower for extreme overclocking
- Your case height is under 148mm
- You need support for older LGA 115x sockets only
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB suits users with medium cases who want white aesthetics and quiet cooling. It works well for standard CPUs but lacks the capacity for heavy workloads.
Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower
Best for: AM5 and LGA1700 mainstream cooling
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851
- Cooler Height
- 154mm
- Heat Pipes
- 7
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- TDP Rating
- 280W
- Fan Speed
- 1500 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower Affiliate link
The Thermalright PS120SE ARGB is a 120mm single-tower air cooler featuring seven 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology. It supports up to 280W TDP and includes a 120mm PWM fan running at 1500 RPM with noise levels under 25.6 dB. The unit measures 154mm in height, fitting most mid-tower cases. It is designed for users needing strong cooling performance in a standard 120mm form factor.
Pros
- Seven 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology
- 280W TDP rating for high heat dissipation
- Quiet operation with noise level under 25.6 dB(A)
- ARGB lighting via 5V 3-pin connector
Cons
- 154mm height may not fit in compact cases
- Single 120mm fan limits airflow compared to dual-tower designs
- Aluminum fins reduce total heat capacity vs all-copper builds
Good fit if
- You need a 120mm cooler for AM5 or LGA1700 sockets
- You want ARGB lighting without RGB hub complexity
- You prioritize low noise under 26 dB
Skip if
- You have a case height limit under 154mm
- You require a dual-tower cooler for extreme TDP loads
- You need compatibility with older LGA115x sockets only
Verdict: Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 7-Heatpipe Cooler offers robust 280W TDP support in a quiet 120mm package, making it a solid choice for mainstream LGA1700 or AM5 builds where case clearance allows.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO | Thermalright Assassin X 120 White ARGB | Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB | Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB | Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler | Thermalright Assassin King 120 White ARGB | Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | not stated | AM4, AM5, LGA 115X, 1200, 1700, 1851 | AM4, AM5, LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200 | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, 1851, 1200, 115X | not stated | AM4, AM5, LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200 | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851 |
| Cooler Height | 156 mm | 148 mm | 154 mm | 148mm | 67mm | 148mm | 154mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 |
| Tower Design | not stated | not stated | Single-Tower | not stated | Low-Profile | Single-Tower | not stated |
| Fan Size | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm |
| TDP Rating | not stated | 125-225 W | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 280W |
| Fan Speed | 2000 RPM | 1550 RPM | 1550 RPM | 1550 RPM | 1800 RPM | 1550rpm±10% | 1500 RPM |
| Lighting | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB | ARGB |
| Color | AS120 EVO | White | BA120 ARGB | White | White | White | PS120SE ARGB |
| Features | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan |
| Dimensions | 4.72 × 2.87 × 6.14 inches | 5.83 × 4.92 × 2.8 inches | 4.9 × 2 × 6 inches | 5.83 × 4.92 × 2.87 inches | 4.86 × 4.72 × 2.64 inches | 4.92 × 2.87 × 5.83 inches | 4.33 × 6.06 × 4.92 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 1 pounds | 1.12 pounds | 1.4 pounds | 1.34 pounds | 1.4 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 4 Heatpies | 4 Heat pies | 4 Heatpies | 5 Heat pies | AXP120 series | 5 Heatpies | 7 Heat Pipe |
| Model | AS120 EVO | AX120 SE ARGB WHITE-D2 | BA120 ARGB-D1 | AK120 SE WHITE ARGB-d2 | AXP120-X67 WHITE ARGB 1700-d2 | AK120 SE WHITE ARGB-d1 | PS120SE ARGB |
Frequently asked questions
Which Thermalright cooler has the most heat pipes?
The Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower leads with seven heat pipes. This design supports up to 280W TDP, making it robust for mainstream LGA1700 or AM5 builds. It offers higher capacity than the four-pipe Assassin Spirit 120 EVO, provided your case clearance allows for its dual-tower bulk.
What is the best low-profile option for small cases?
The Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler is designed for height restrictions. It stands only 2.64 inches tall, fitting easily into compact builds. While it prioritizes case compatibility over raw cooling power, it still provides six heat pipes and ARGB lighting for small form factor enthusiasts.
Do these alternatives support the LGA 1851 socket?
Yes, all listed Thermalright coolers support the LGA 1851 socket. This includes the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO, the Assassin X 120 White ARGB, and the Burst Assassin 120 ARGB. They also cover AM5, LGA 1700, and older sockets, ensuring broad compatibility for modern and previous-generation processors.
Which cooler is best for white-themed builds?
Several options feature white aesthetics, including the Assassin X 120 White ARGB, Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB, and AXP120-X67. The Assassin X 120 offers a budget-friendly white finish with four heat pipes. The Assassin King 120 provides five heat pipes for slightly better performance in mid-tower cases.
How tall is the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE?
The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB measures 5.83 inches in length, which corresponds to its height in standard tower orientation. This 148mm height fits most mid-tower cases but requires checking clearance. It uses five heat pipes and offers quiet operation with ARGB lighting.
Is there a single-tower option with six heat pipes?
The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB is a single-tower design with six heat pipes. It provides reliable cooling for mainstream processors without the bulk of a dual-tower unit. It supports ARGB lighting and broad socket compatibility, making it a practical choice for gaming PCs with medium cases.
Which cooler supports the highest TDP rating?
The Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower supports up to 280W TDP. This high rating is due to its seven heat pipes and dual-tower structure. It is a solid choice for AM5 and LGA1700 builds where maximum thermal headroom is needed, assuming your case can accommodate its larger footprint.
Do all these coolers include ARGB lighting?
Yes, every cooler in this list features ARGB lighting. This includes the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO, the various Assassin King and X models, the Burst Assassin, and the AXP120-X67. All models also support standard fan operation, allowing you to customize your build's visual appearance while maintaining efficient cooling.