6 Best Alternatives to the Thermalright Assassin X 120-A Dark (2026)

How these alternatives compare

Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler

The Thermalright AXP90 X36 is a low-profile solution designed for ITX cases where standard tower coolers do not fit. At only 36mm in height, it sacrifices significant cooling headroom compared to the Assassin X 120-A Dark. You trade the 240W TDP capacity for a compact footprint that fits tight spaces. It supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. This cooler is the right choice if your case clearance is under 151mm. You cannot use it in mid-tower ATX cases where the Assassin X fits easily. It provides essential cooling for modern processors without the bulk of a traditional single-tower design.

Cooler Master i70C ARGB Low-Profile Cooler

The Cooler Master i70C ARGB is a low-profile cooler intended for Intel LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 builds. It features ARGB lighting and a 120mm fan in a compact 70mm height. This model gives up the high airflow of the Assassin X 120-A Dark to prioritize case compatibility and aesthetics. It is rated for 95W TDP processors, which is significantly lower than the 240W rating of the original. You should pick this if you need a short cooler for a small form factor build with lighting. It does not support AMD sockets. The trade-off is clear: you gain visual appeal and reduced height for lower thermal performance.

ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler

The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black is a 120mm single-fan air cooler that offers solid performance for standard ATX builds. It matches the Assassin X 120-A Dark in physical dimensions and fan size but focuses on RAM clearance. The design prioritizes compatibility with tall memory modules over extreme cooling capacity. It uses four heat pipes and a 120mm fan similar to the original. You should choose this if you have tall RAM sticks that might interfere with the Assassin X tower. It provides reliable cooling for standard workloads. The main difference is the specific design focus on memory compatibility rather than the all-black aesthetic or specific airflow metrics of the Thermalright model.

Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Black ARGB Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO adds ARGB lighting to the single-tower design found in the Assassin X 120-A Dark. It shares the same brand heritage and socket support for AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA platforms. This cooler gives you aesthetic customization that the dark model lacks. You trade the clean, non-RGB look for programmable lighting effects. The cooling performance is comparable for standard gaming and multitasking. It is a budget-friendly option if you want visible lighting effects. The physical dimensions are similar, fitting most mid-tower cases. You should pick this if ARGB is important to your build theme and you do not mind the additional visual complexity.

upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler

The upHere Dual Tower CPU Cooler uses a dual-tower design with six heat pipes and two 120mm fans. This configuration provides significantly higher thermal capacity than the single-tower Assassin X 120-A Dark. It is designed for quiet cooling on AM5 and LGA 1700 platforms. You gain cooling performance and lower noise levels at the cost of increased height and width. This cooler is bulkier and requires more case clearance. It is the right choice if you have a large case and need superior cooling for high-end processors. You sacrifice the compact footprint of the original for much higher thermal headroom and a more robust construction.

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Cooler

The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Dark is a single-tower cooler with six heat pipes, compared to the four in the Assassin X 120-A Dark. It offers stronger cooling performance for standard mid-tower cases. The design prioritizes wide compatibility and clear RAM space. It supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. You get better thermal capacity due to the additional heat pipes and improved design. This model is suitable for users who need more cooling headroom than the Assassin X provides. It maintains the dark aesthetic and fits similar case dimensions. You should choose this if you want enhanced performance without switching to a dual-tower design.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Thermalright Assassin X 120 Dark CPU Cooler

Best for: clean all-black builds with 151mm clearance

Socket Compatibility

AM5/AM4, LGA1851/1700/1200/115X

Cooler Height

151mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Single-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

TDP Rating

240W

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120 Dark CPU Cooler

This single-tower air cooler features four 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan running up to 2400RPM. It handles up to 240W TDP and fits cases with 151mm clearance. The all-black design hides heat pipe ends for a clean look. It supports AM5, AM4, and Intel LGA 1851 sockets. You get solid cooling performance for gaming and multitasking tasks.

Pros

• Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP design for efficient heat transfer
• 2400RPM PWM fan delivers 85.35CFM airflow and 2.95mm H2O static pressure
• Continuous-ring fan design improves stability and directs airflow through the heatsink
• All-black aesthetic conceals heat pipe ends for a clean appearance
• Includes TF4 thermal paste and supports multiple modern CPU sockets

Cons

• Single-tower design limits cooling capacity compared to dual-tower alternatives
• 151mm height requires sufficient case clearance for installation
• No RGB lighting included in the all-black model

Good fit if

• You want a clean, all-black build without RGB lighting
• You need a cooler that fits cases with 151mm clearance
• You are using AM5 or Intel LGA 1700/1851 platforms

Skip if

• You need dual-tower cooling for extreme overclocking
• Your case has less than 151mm of CPU cooler clearance
• You prefer RGB lighting or aesthetic customization

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X 120-A Dark offers reliable single-tower performance for standard gaming and multitasking. It suits users who prioritize a clean, dark aesthetic and have adequate case clearance for its 151mm height.

2 Best itx

Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler

Best for: ITX cases with low CPU cooler clearance

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1700, 115X, 1200, 1851

Cooler Height

36mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Low-Profile

Fan Size

92mm

System Type

ITX

View on Amazon: Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler

This is a low-profile air cooler designed for small form factor builds. It stands 36mm tall and uses a 92mm PWM fan to move air. The unit includes four 6mm heatpipes for heat transfer. It supports AM4, AM5, and LGA 1700 sockets. You should choose this if your case has strict height limits for CPU coolers.

Pros

• 36mm total height fits tight cases
• Four 6mm heatpipes for heat dissipation
• 92mm PWM fan with low noise
• Supports AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets

Cons

• Smaller 92mm fan moves less air than 120mm fans
• Low profile design limits cooling headroom
• Single fan configuration reduces airflow potential

Good fit if

• You are building an ITX case with low clearance
• You need a cooler under 40mm in height
• You use an AM5 or LGA 1700 processor

Skip if

• You have a standard ATX case with 150mm clearance
• You need maximum cooling performance for high TDP chips
• You prefer larger 120mm or 140mm fans for airflow

Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low Profile is the right pick for ITX builders who cannot fit a standard tower cooler. It provides essential cooling in a compact footprint for modern sockets.

3 Best budget

Cooler Master i70C ARGB Low-Profile Cooler

Best for: compact Intel LGA 1700/1851 builds under 95W

Socket Compatibility

LGA 1700, LGA 1851

Cooler Height

70mm

Tower Design

Low-Profile

Fan Size

120mm

TDP Rating

95W

Fan Speed

1,800 RPM

View on Amazon: Cooler Master i70C ARGB Low-Profile Cooler

The Cooler Master i70C is a low-profile air cooler designed for Intel LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 sockets. It features a 70mm tower height, making it suitable for compact cases. The unit includes a 120mm PWM fan with adjustable speeds up to 1,800 RPM. It supports CPUs with a 95W TDP rating and includes ARGB lighting. This cooler uses a copper insert base and aluminum fins for heat dissipation.

Pros

• 70mm low-profile tower height for small chassis
• 120mm PWM fan with 1,800 RPM max speed
• ARGB lighting with frosted blade design
• Copper insert base for efficient heat transfer
• Supports Intel LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 sockets

Cons

• Limited to 95W TDP, restricting use with high-end CPUs
• Compatible only with Intel LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 sockets
• Single 120mm fan limits cooling capacity compared to dual-fan models

Good fit if

• You need a cooler under 70mm for a small form factor case
• You are building with an Intel LGA 1700 or LGA 1851 processor
• You want ARGB lighting in a minimalist black design

Skip if

• You require compatibility with AMD AM5 or Intel LGA 1200 sockets
• You plan to use a CPU exceeding 95W TDP
• You need a dual-tower cooler for maximum thermal performance

Verdict: Cooler Master i70C ARGB 120mm Low Profile is a compact solution for Intel LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 builds with 95W TDP processors. It fits users prioritizing case compatibility and aesthetic lighting over extreme cooling headroom.

4 Best premium

ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler

Best for: Standard ATX builds with tall RAM

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120mm

Color

Black

Features

Fan

Dimensions

4.72 × 4.72 × 5.94 inches

Weight

1 pounds

View on Amazon: ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler

The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black is a 120mm CPU air cooler featuring four direct-contact heat pipes. It uses a PWM fan that reaches 70 CFM with a max noise level of 28.9 dBA. The slanted heatsink design avoids interference with RAM modules. It supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This cooler suits users needing reliable heat dissipation in standard ATX or compact mini-ITX builds.

Pros

• Four direct contact heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
• 120mm PWM fan delivers up to 70 CFM airflow
• Slanted heatsink design ensures RAM compatibility
• Supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets

Cons

• Single fan configuration limits cooling headroom compared to dual-fan alternatives
• Max noise level of 28.9 dBA is higher than ultra-quiet competitors
• Heatsink height of 5.94 inches may not fit in very small cases

Good fit if

• You need a cooler that fits alongside tall RAM sticks
• You want support for the latest Intel and AMD sockets
• You prefer a black finish for your build

Skip if

• You require dual fans for maximum thermal performance
• You need an ultra-quiet solution under 25 dBA
• You are building in a case with strict height limits

Verdict: ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black 120mm Air Cooler offers solid single-fan performance for standard builds. It fits users who prioritize RAM clearance and modern socket support over extreme cooling capacity.

5 Also great

Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Black ARGB Cooler

Best for: Budget builds needing ARGB and AM5 support

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

This 120mm air cooler uses four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4th generation technology to manage heat in vertical or horizontal orientations. The included 120mm PWM fan reaches 2000 RPM for 68.9 CFM airflow while staying under 28.2 dB. It features an all-aluminum fin stack and an ARGB-lit top cover. The 156 mm height fits most standard cases and supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets.

Pros

• Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4th generation technology
• 120mm PWM fan reaches 2000 RPM for 68.9 CFM
• ARGB lighting on the brushed black top cover
• Supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets

Cons

• 156 mm height may not fit in smaller cases
• All-aluminum fin stack limits peak heat transfer
• Single 120mm fan restricts total airflow capacity

Good fit if

• You need ARGB lighting on a budget cooler
• You are building for Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5
• You have a standard mid-tower case with 156 mm clearance

Skip if

• You require dual fans for maximum cooling performance
• You have a compact case with less than 156 mm clearance
• You prefer copper fins for better thermal conductivity

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO is a solid 120mm cooler for users who want ARGB lighting and broad socket support without needing dual-fan performance.

6 Also great

upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler

Best for: quiet cooling on AM5 and LGA 1700

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1600 RPM

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1150

Color

Black

View on Amazon: upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler

This upHere cooler uses a dual-tower design with six 6mm heat pipes to move heat away from your processor. It includes two 120mm fans that spin at 1600 RPM, providing 68.2 CFM of airflow while staying under 25.6 dB. The black unit fits most modern Intel and AMD sockets. It offers memory clearance and easy installation without removing the motherboard.

Pros

• Dual-tower structure with six 6mm heat pipes
• Dual 120mm fans for high airflow
• Quiet operation below 25.6 dB
• Clears tall RAM modules
• Supports AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets

Cons

• Fan speed capped at 1600 RPM
• No ARGB lighting on the black model
• Larger footprint than single-tower coolers

Good fit if

• You need strong cooling for AM5 or LGA 1700
• You prefer quiet operation under 26 dB
• You have tall memory sticks

Skip if

• You want high-speed fans over 2000 RPM
• You need RGB lighting effects
• You have a small case with low clearance

Verdict: upHere Dual Tower CPU Cooler provides solid thermal performance for modern sockets. It is a practical choice for users who prioritize low noise and RAM compatibility over flashy lighting.

7 Also great

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Cooler

Best for: Standard mid-tower cases with tall RAM

Cooler Height

156mm

Heat Pipes

6

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1500 RPM ± 10%

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Cooler

This 120mm air cooler features six 6mm copper heat pipes and dual 120mm fans. The fans run at 1500 RPM with a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM. The cooler stands 156mm tall and uses a 102mm wide design to avoid blocking memory. It supports Intel LGA 1851, 1700, and AMD AM4, AM5 sockets. This model offers high cooling performance for standard desktop builds.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology
• Dual 120mm fans provide 66.17 CFM maximum airflow
• 102mm width prevents memory clearance issues
• S-FDB bearings rated for 20,000 hours of service life

Cons

• 156mm height may not fit in smaller cases
• Fans run at 1500 RPM, which is lower than some competitors
• Noise level is specified as 25.6 dB, which is not the quietest option

Good fit if

• You need a cooler that does not block RAM sticks
• You have an Intel LGA 1851 or AMD AM5 motherboard
• You want a black brushed top finish

Skip if

• You have a low-profile case with less than 156mm clearance
• You prefer a single fan design for simplicity
• You need ARGB lighting on the fans

Verdict: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Dark provides strong cooling for standard towers. It fits users who need wide compatibility and clear RAM space. It is a solid option for mid-tower builds.

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Frequently asked questions