Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dual Review (2026): A Spec-Based Look
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This thermalright assassin spirit 120 v2 review examines the AS120 V2 Plus. It is a dual-fan CPU air cooler designed for efficient heat transfer. The unit features four 6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology to manage heat in any orientation. It also includes two 120mm PWM fans for balanced airflow. These core specs define its cooling approach. The cooler measures 154mm in height, fitting most mid-tower cases. It supports major Intel and AMD sockets. This design focuses on practical cooling performance without unnecessary complexity.
What stands out
- Dual 120mm PWM fans with 1500 RPM speed
- 4x6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
- 154mm height fits mid-size cases
- Compatible with AM4, AM5, and LGA sockets
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this cooler if you need reliable cooling for modern processors. The dual fans provide strong airflow, reaching up to 66.17 CFM. This helps manage heat in standard desktop builds. The 154mm height ensures it fits in most medium-sized computer cases. It works well with AM4, AM5, and LGA1700 sockets. If you want a straightforward, high-performance air cooler without RGB lighting, this model suits your setup.
Who should skip it
You might want to look elsewhere if you need a low-profile build. The 154mm height exceeds the limit for many small form factor cases. It is also not ideal if you prefer silent operation below 25.6 dB. The fans are standard 120mm units, not the larger 140mm size some users prefer. If your case cannot accommodate a 154mm cooler, this product will not fit your hardware constraints.
Verdict: The Thermalright AS120 V2 Plus offers solid cooling performance for mid-tower builds. Its dual fans and heat pipe design make it a practical choice for standard desktops.
Key Specs Explained
Fan Size: 120mm
The fans measure 120mm across, which is the standard size for most mid-tower cases. This allows you to install the cooler in a wide range of computer chassis without fitting issues. You can easily find replacement fans or additional case fans of the same size later. If your case supports 120mm fans, this cooler will likely fit without needing to swap out other components.
Fan Speed: 1500 RPM ± 10%
The fans operate at 1500 revolutions per minute, with a small margin of variation. This speed balances airflow and noise levels effectively. You get sufficient air movement to cool the CPU while keeping sound output low. When comparing coolers, this speed suggests a quiet operation profile. It is ideal for users who prioritize a silent computing environment during daily tasks or gaming sessions.
Heat Pipes: 4
The cooler uses four heat pipes to transfer heat from the CPU to the aluminum fins. More pipes generally mean better heat dissipation capacity. This setup helps move thermal energy away from the processor core efficiently. You benefit from stable temperatures under load. When shopping, this count is common for mid-range air coolers, offering a reliable balance between performance and cost for standard desktop usage.
Cooler Height: 154mm
The unit stands 154mm tall, which determines if it fits inside your case. You must check your case specifications to ensure it supports coolers up to this height. Many mid-tower cases accommodate this size, but some compact or low-profile cases may not. This measurement is critical for compatibility. Always measure the available space above your motherboard socket before purchasing to avoid installation conflicts with RAM or side panels.
Design And Build Analysis
The Thermalright AS120 V2 Plus measures 120 by 98 by 154 millimeters. This height of 154 millimeters makes it suitable for medium-sized computer cases. You should verify your case clearance before installation. The cooler uses an all-aluminum fin stack paired with a pure copper base. This combination increases the overall heat dissipation area. The listing notes that the design does not obstruct memory sticks. This is a practical detail for builds with tall RAM modules.
Four 6mm heat pipes connect the base to the fins. These pipes use AGHP technology to solve inverse gravity effects. This means the cooler performs consistently whether mounted vertically or horizontally. The base features HDT3.1 direct contact technology. This ensures better thermal transfer from the CPU surface. The top cover has an anodic frosted finish. This adds a distinct look to the build.
The unit includes two 120mm PWM fans. One uses positive blades and the other reverse blades. This pairing aims for efficient cooling with low noise. The fans connect via a 4-pin PWM port. You can control speed through your motherboard. The bearings are S-FDB type, which suggests long service life. The materials are industrial strength PBT and PC plastic. This construction supports durability for daily use.
Setup And Daily Use Guide
Installation begins with the included metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms. The cooler supports sockets AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, and LGA1151. Thermalright designed the heat sink to avoid obstructing memory sticks. You should check your RAM clearance before securing the unit. The cooler stands 154 millimeters tall. This height fits most medium-sized computer cases. Verify your case specifications to ensure adequate vertical space. The dual PWM fans connect via standard 4-pin ports. Each fan measures 120 by 120 by 25 millimeters. You can adjust the speed using your motherboard’s PWM settings. The listed speed is 1500 RPM with a ten percent variance. Airflow reaches up to 66.17 CFM. Noise levels stay at or below 25.6 decibels. The fans use positive and reverse blades for efficient cooling. This setup provides quiet operation during daily tasks. The S-FDB bearings ensure long service life. The heat pipes use AGHP technology to handle gravity effects in vertical or horizontal positions. This means you can mount the cooler in various orientations without losing performance. The anodic frosted top cover and HDT3.1 direct contact technology help transfer heat from the CPU to the aluminum fins. You simply attach the fans and connect the power cables. The system then manages heat based on your workload. The cooler handles standard desktop computing needs effectively.
Before You Buy This Cooler
You should verify your RAM clearance before installing this unit. The heat sink is designed not to obstruct memory sticks, but you must check your specific stick height. This cooler stands 154 millimeters tall. You need to confirm your computer case supports this height. It fits medium-sized cases, but large towers may block the side panel. The dual fans operate at 1500 RPM. You may want to check your case fan layout for optimal airflow. This model uses S-FDB bearings. You likely will not need to replace them for many years. The AGHP technology helps move heat efficiently in any orientation. You do not need to worry about gravity affecting performance. This cooler sits among other air coolers by offering dual fans. You get better cooling than single-fan models. It remains a practical choice for most builds. You should ensure your motherboard supports the included sockets. No extra software is required for the PWM fans. You can control speed directly from your BIOS.
Check before you buy
- Check your RAM stick height for clearance.
- Confirm your case supports 154mm cooler height.
- Verify your motherboard socket is listed.
- Ensure your case has enough side clearance.
- Check your BIOS for PWM fan control.
The product at a glance
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dual Fan Cooler
Best for: Medium cases needing quiet, easy-install cooling
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, 1150, 1151, 1200
- Cooler Height
- 154mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500 RPM ± 10%
- Features
- Fan
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dual Fan Cooler Affiliate link
The Thermalright AS120 V2 Plus is a dual-fan CPU air cooler featuring four 6mm heat pipes and a 154mm height. It includes pre-applied thermal paste and uses AGHP technology to manage heat in various orientations. The unit comes with two 120mm PWM fans that balance airflow and noise levels. It supports major Intel and AMD sockets. This cooler suits users needing efficient cooling in medium-sized cases without excessive bulk.
Pros
- Includes pre-applied thermal paste for easier installation
- Dual 120mm PWM fans provide up to 66.17 CFM airflow
- Four 6mm heat pipes use AGHP technology to reduce gravity effects
- Anodic frosted top cover and HDT3.1 direct contact technology
Cons
- 154mm height may not fit in smaller computer cases
- All-aluminum fin construction limits peak heat dissipation compared to copper-heavy designs
- Maximum fan speed is capped at 1500 RPM, limiting high-RPM airflow potential
Good fit if
- You need a cooler that fits in a medium-sized case
- You want pre-applied thermal paste to simplify assembly
- You prefer a quiet operation with noise levels under 25.6 dB
Skip if
- You require a cooler taller than 154mm
- You need support for older sockets like LGA 1155 or 1366
- You prefer a single-fan design for minimal case obstruction
Verdict: The Thermalright AS120 V2 Plus Air Cooler offers solid dual-fan performance and convenient pre-applied thermal paste for standard builds. It fits users who prioritize quiet operation and easy installation in medium-sized cases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Dual Fan Cooler |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, 1150, 1151, 1200 |
| Cooler Height | 154mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 |
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Fan Speed | 1500 RPM ± 10% |
| Features | Fan |
| Dimensions | 4.72 × 3.86 × 6.06 inches |
| Model | AS120 V2 PLUS |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright AS120 V2 Plus include pre-applied thermal paste?
Yes, this model comes with thermal paste already applied to the base. This feature simplifies the initial setup process for standard builds. You can install the cooler directly without needing to purchase or apply paste separately. This convenience is helpful for users who want a straightforward installation experience.
What is the maximum height of the AS120 V2 Plus cooler?
The cooler has a maximum height of 6.06 inches, or approximately 154 millimeters. This dimension makes it suitable for medium-sized computer cases. You should verify your case specifications to ensure there is sufficient vertical clearance. Larger full-tower cases will accommodate this height without issue.
Which AMD sockets are compatible with this cooler?
The Thermalright AS120 V2 Plus supports both AM4 and AM5 sockets. These are common platforms for AMD Ryzen processors. The included mounting hardware allows for secure attachment to these specific AMD bases. You do not need to buy separate brackets for these standard AMD configurations.
How many heat pipes does the AS120 V2 Plus use?
This cooler features four 6mm heat pipes. These pipes utilize AGHP technology to transfer heat efficiently from the base to the fins. The technology allows the cooler to maintain performance regardless of its orientation in your case. This design helps manage thermal loads effectively.
Is this cooler compatible with Intel LGA 1700?
Yes, the unit supports the Intel LGA 1700 socket. It also works with older sockets like LGA 1200, 1151, and 1150. The package includes the necessary metal fasteners for Intel platforms. You can install it on modern Intel motherboards without needing additional adapters.
What is the width of the heat sink assembly?
The width of the cooler is 3.86 inches. This dimension is standard for dual-fan configurations. It fits well within most mid-tower case layouts. You should ensure that your case supports this width to avoid clearance issues with side panels or other components.