Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dark Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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In this thermalright assassin spirit 120 evo review, we look at a compact air cooler designed for efficient heat dissipation. The unit features a 120mm PWM fan that spins at up to 1850 RPM. It uses four heat pipes to transfer heat from the CPU to the aluminum fin stack. The cooler measures 156mm in height, making it suitable for standard mid-tower cases. This configuration balances airflow and noise levels for everyday computing tasks.
What stands out
- 120mm PWM fan with 1850 RPM speed
- Four heat pipes with direct touch copper base
- 156mm height fits most mid-tower cases
- Supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets
Who it fits
Good fit for
This cooler suits users with mid-range CPUs who need reliable cooling without excessive noise. The 1850 RPM fan provides sufficient airflow for standard workloads while staying under 27dB. Its 156mm height allows installation in cases with limited clearance above the RAM slots. It is ideal for builders using Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 platforms who want a straightforward, no-frills cooling solution.
Who should skip it
You should skip this option if you have a high-end CPU that generates significant heat. The 120mm fan and aluminum fins may struggle with extreme thermal loads. Users with tall RAM sticks should check clearance, as the 156mm height might interfere. It is not suitable for those seeking RGB lighting or advanced fan control features, as this model focuses on basic performance and durability.
Verdict: The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark offers solid cooling performance for mid-range processors. It is a practical choice for standard builds that prioritize value and compatibility over aesthetics.
Key specs explained for this cooler
Fan Size: 120mm
The fan measures 120 by 120 by 25 millimeters. This standard size fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases. It allows for good airflow without taking up excessive space. You can easily swap it for other 120mm fans later. This dimension is common in budget air coolers, making it a versatile choice for standard builds.
Fan Speed: 1850 RPM
The fan spins at up to 1850 revolutions per minute. This speed balances cooling power with noise levels. Higher RPMs move more air but generate more sound. At 1850 RPM, the unit stays relatively quiet while pushing 70.4 CFM of air. This makes it suitable for users who want effective cooling without loud operation.
Heat Pipes: 4
The cooler uses four copper heat pipes. These pipes transfer heat from the CPU base to the aluminum fins. More pipes generally mean better heat distribution. This setup helps maintain lower temperatures under load. It is a standard configuration for entry-level to mid-range air coolers, offering reliable performance for most mainstream processors.
Cooler Height: 156mm
The total height of the cooler is 156 millimeters. This dimension determines if the unit fits inside your case. You must check your case specifications to ensure there is enough vertical clearance. It also affects RAM compatibility, as tall RAM sticks might interfere with the fan. This height is typical for single-fan air coolers.
Design and build details
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark features an all-aluminum fin stack. This material choice maximizes the surface area for heat dissipation. The cooler stands 156 millimeters tall with a width of 120 millimeters. This compact profile allows it to fit in most mid-tower cases. You should check your RAM height clearance before installation. The unit weighs approximately 2.87 pounds according to the listing dimensions. This light weight reduces stress on the motherboard socket.
The base uses a Seiko HDT direct touch copper design. Four heat pipes are fully plated and painted black. They connect directly to the base to transfer heat to the aluminum fins. The top cover uses an anodic black brushed finish. This design gives the cooler a uniform dark look. It matches other black components in your build. The aesthetic is simple and does not rely on RGB lighting.
Controls come from the included TL-E12B V2 fan. It is a 120mm PWM unit with a 4-pin connector. The fan spins at up to 1850 RPM. This speed provides airflow while keeping noise below 27 dB. You can control the speed via your motherboard’s fan headers. The cooler supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. It also covers older platforms like LGA 1151 and AM4. This broad compatibility makes it suitable for many systems.
Setup and everyday use details
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. It also fits AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. For AM4 and AM5 motherboards, you must use the original backplate included with the motherboard. The package includes corresponding fasteners for each platform. You should follow the provided tutorial or installation instructions to ensure correct attachment. The cooler height is 156 millimeters. This dimension matters for RAM clearance. Tall memory modules may interfere with the fin stack. The 120mm fan connects via a standard 4-pin PWM header. This allows your motherboard to control speed based on temperature. The fan operates at 1850 RPM with a maximum airflow of 70.4 CFM. Noise levels are listed at or below 27 dB(A). This suggests quiet operation under normal loads. The all-aluminum fins and four heat pipes work together to move heat away from the CPU base. The base features a Seiko HDT direct touch copper design. This construction helps distribute heat evenly across the pipes. Daily use involves the fan adjusting its speed automatically. You do not need to install additional software or drivers. The system relies on standard BIOS or UEFI fan curves. The dark anodic brushed top cover is purely aesthetic. It does not affect performance. The compact size makes it suitable for smaller cases where space is limited. Ensure your case supports a cooler of this height before purchase.
Before you buy this cooler
You need to verify your case can fit a 156 millimeter tall cooler. The 120 millimeter fan requires 25 millimeters of clearance on all sides. Check your RAM height, as tall memory sticks may block the fan. This cooler uses a standard 4-pin PWM connector. You must connect it to a motherboard header that supports fan control. The listing includes hardware for Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 17XX sockets. It also supports AMD AM4 and AM5. For AMD platforms, you must use the original motherboard backplate. This is a basic air cooler. You do not need extra software. Just ensure your case has enough airflow. It fits well alongside other compact options if you prioritize low noise. Keep the fins clean. Dust buildup reduces cooling efficiency over time. Wipe them gently with compressed air. This model offers a straightforward solution for standard builds.
Check before you buy
- Check if your case supports 156 millimeter cooler height.
- Verify RAM clearance for the 25 millimeter fan depth.
- Confirm your motherboard has a 4-pin PWM header.
- Ensure you have the correct mounting hardware for your socket.
The product at a glance
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dark Air Cooler
Best for: Standard mid-tower cases with 120mm fans
- Cooler Height
- 156mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1850 RPM
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151
- Features
- Fan
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dark Air Cooler Affiliate link
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is a 120mm air cooler with a 156mm height. It uses four heat pipes and a 1850 RPM PWM fan to move 70.4 CFM of air. The noise level stays at 27 dB. This cooler supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. It fits well in cases with standard RAM clearance.
Pros
- Four heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
- 120mm PWM fan reaches 1850 RPM
- Airflow rate of 70.4 CFM
- Supports AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets
- All-aluminium fin design
Cons
- 156mm height may block tall RAM
- Single 120mm fan limits cooling potential
- Aluminium fins have lower thermal mass than copper
Good fit if
- You need AM5 or LGA 1700 support
- Your case accepts 156mm cooler height
- You want quiet operation under 27 dB
Skip if
- You have very tall RAM sticks
- You need a 140mm or larger fan
- Your case height limit is under 156mm
Verdict: The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark fits users who need reliable cooling for modern sockets without exceeding 156mm in height.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dark Air Cooler |
|---|---|
| Cooler Height | 156mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 |
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Fan Speed | 1850 RPM |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151 |
| Features | Fan |
| Dimensions | 2.87 × 6.14 × 4.72 inches |
| Model | AS120 EVO DARK |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dark support AM5 sockets?
Yes, this cooler is compatible with AMD AM5 platforms. The published specifications list AM5 alongside AM4, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. You can install it on modern AMD Ryzen processors without needing separate mounting hardware for different socket types.
What is the maximum height of this air cooler?
The unit stands 4.72 inches tall, which converts to 156 millimeters. This height is the critical dimension for case compatibility. You must ensure your computer case has internal clearance greater than 156 millimeters to accommodate the cooler and the attached fan without obstruction.
How many heat pipes does the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark have?
It features four heat pipes. These pipes transfer heat from the CPU base to the aluminum fin stack. This configuration helps dissipate thermal energy efficiently across the cooler's surface area, supporting stable temperatures for standard mid-tower case installations.
Is this cooler suitable for standard mid-tower cases?
Yes, it is designed for standard mid-tower cases that accept 120mm fans. Its compact dimensions allow it to fit within typical chassis constraints. The 120mm fan width and 156mm height are standard profiles that align with most common case specifications found in the market.
What Intel sockets are supported by this model?
The specifications confirm support for LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. This covers a wide range of Intel processors from recent generations to older models. You can use the same mounting hardware for these Intel platforms without additional purchases.
What are the physical dimensions of the cooler?
The cooler measures 6.14 inches in width, 4.72 inches in height, and 2.87 inches in length. These measurements define the space it occupies on your motherboard. You should verify these dimensions against your case's internal layout to ensure proper fitment with other components.