6 Best Alternatives to the Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB (2026)

How each alternative compares

Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB CPU Cooler shares the same four heat pipes and 120mm fan size as the original. It offers the same ARGB lighting and socket compatibility for AM4, AM5, and LGA platforms. The primary difference lies in the model designation, which suggests minor internal revisions to the fan or mounting mechanism. You get identical cooling performance for mid-range CPUs. The dimensions remain compact, fitting easily into most mid-tower cases. If you want the same reliable single-tower performance with potentially updated components, this is a direct substitute. It maintains the low-noise profile while keeping the aesthetic appeal for your build.

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB

The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB steps up with six heat pipes compared to the original's four. This additional thermal mass allows for better heat dissipation under heavier loads. It retains the 120mm fan size and ARGB lighting, ensuring it fits in similar cases. The tower design remains single, but the increased pipe count provides more thermal headroom for mid-range CPUs. You gain cooling capacity without significantly increasing the footprint. The width is slightly narrower, which may help with RAM clearance. If your processor runs hotter than the original cooler could handle, this extra pipe count is a practical upgrade while keeping the same aesthetic and form factor.

Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB features five heat pipes, one more than the original. This extra pipe improves thermal transfer for moderate loads. It uses a 120mm fan with ARGB lighting, matching the original's aesthetic approach. The cooler is available in white, offering a different visual option for your build. The dimensions are comparable, fitting standard mid-tower cases. You get slightly better cooling performance due to the additional heat pipe. The socket compatibility covers all major platforms, just like the original. If you need a bit more cooling power for a higher-end CPU while maintaining a clean look, this five-pipe design is a logical step up.

Thermalright Assassin King 120 White ARGB

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 White ARGB also includes five heat pipes, surpassing the original's four. This provides enhanced thermal capacity for sustained workloads. It maintains the 120mm fan size and ARGB lighting for consistent aesthetics. The white color scheme offers a distinct visual alternative. The physical dimensions are similar, ensuring compatibility with standard cases. You benefit from improved heat dissipation without needing a larger cooler. The socket support remains comprehensive, covering both AMD and Intel platforms. If your build requires better cooling for a powerful processor while keeping a unified white theme, this model offers the necessary thermal headroom over the base Assassin X design.

Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower

The Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower significantly increases capacity with seven heat pipes. This dual-tower design offers substantially more cooling potential than the original's single tower. It still uses a 120mm fan and includes ARGB lighting. The wider profile may require checking case clearance, as it is bulkier than the original. You gain the ability to cool high-TDP processors that the original might struggle with. The socket compatibility is identical, supporting all modern platforms. If you prioritize raw cooling performance over compact size, this seven-pipe dual-tower is the superior choice. It handles heavier loads while maintaining the aesthetic lighting features you value.

Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO

The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO retains the four heat pipes of the original. It uses a 120mm fan with ARGB lighting, keeping the visual style consistent. The cooler is designed for mainstream CPUs, offering similar thermal performance to the original. The dimensions are comparable, fitting easily into most cases. You get reliable cooling without the need for a larger cooler. The socket compatibility covers all major platforms, ensuring broad usability. If you want a direct replacement with potentially updated fan technology, this EVO version is a practical choice. It maintains the compact single-tower form factor while providing the same level of cooling for standard use cases.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler

Best for: Quiet mid-range CPU cooling with ARGB lighting

Cooler Height

148 mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Single-Tower

Fan Size

120 mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

Lighting

ARGB

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler

This single-tower air cooler uses four 6mm copper heat pipes and a 120mm fan to dissipate heat. The fan spins at 1550 RPM, moving 66.17 CFM of air while staying under 25.6 dB. It includes ARGB lighting and fits AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. You get efficient cooling in a compact 148mm height design suitable for medium cases.

Pros

• Four 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 120mm PWM fan delivers 66.17 CFM airflow
• Quiet operation at 25.6 dB maximum noise level
• ARGB lighting effects on the included fan
• Supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA 1700/1851 sockets

Cons

• Single-tower design with only four heat pipes
• 148mm height may not fit all small cases
• Lower airflow compared to dual-tower competitors

Good fit if

• You need a quiet cooler for standard desktop builds
• You have a medium-sized case with 148mm clearance
• You want ARGB lighting on a budget single-tower cooler

Skip if

• You require dual-tower cooling for high-end CPUs
• Your case has less than 148mm CPU cooler clearance
• You need a cooler taller than 148mm for airflow

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE ARGB fits users who prioritize quiet operation and ARGB aesthetics in a compact single-tower form factor. It is a practical option for mid-range processors where extreme cooling performance is not the primary requirement.

2 Best budget

Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB CPU Cooler

Best for: Budget 120 mm builds with ARGB needs

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200

Cooler Height

148 mm

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120 mm

TDP Rating

125 to 225 W

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB CPU Cooler

This 120 mm air cooler uses four 6 mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively. It includes a 120 mm PWM fan that moves up to 66.17 CFM of air while staying under 25.6 dB. The aluminum heatsink supports sockets like AM5 and LGA1700. You get ARGB lighting and a compact 148 mm height. This model suits users who need reliable cooling for mid-tower cases without excessive bulk.

Pros

• Four 6 mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• ARGB lighting on the 120 mm PWM fan
• Low noise level of 25.6 dB at maximum speed
• Supports modern sockets including AM5 and LGA1700

Cons

• Only four heat pipes compared to six or seven in other options
• Aluminum heatsink material instead of copper
• 148 mm height may not fit all compact cases

Good fit if

• You want ARGB lighting on a budget-friendly cooler
• You have a mid-tower case with 148 mm clearance
• You use AM5 or LGA1700 sockets

Skip if

• You need more than four heat pipes for high TDP CPUs
• Your case requires a cooler taller than 148 mm
• You prefer copper heat pipes for maximum heat transfer

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB fits users who want ARGB lighting and solid 120 mm cooling in a compact form. It works well for mid-tower builds on AM5 or LGA1700 platforms.

3 Best premium

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB

Best for: mid-range CPUs in compact 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

The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB is a single-tower air cooler designed for efficient heat dissipation. It features six pure copper heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan that spins up to 1550 RPM. The cooler includes ARGB lighting and supports modern sockets like AM5 and LGA1700. With a height of 154 mm, it fits medium-sized cases. This unit offers quiet operation at 25.6 dB while maintaining a compact footprint for standard builds.

Pros

• Six pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 120mm PWM fan with 66.17 CFM airflow
• ARGB lighting and quiet 25.6 dB operation
• Supports AM5 and LGA1700 sockets

Cons

• Single-tower design limits cooling capacity for high-end CPUs
• 154 mm height may not fit all compact cases
• Aluminum fins provide less thermal mass than all-copper designs

Good fit if

• You need a budget-friendly cooler for mid-range processors
• You have a medium-sized case with 154 mm clearance
• You want ARGB lighting without dual-tower bulk

Skip if

• You require maximum cooling performance for overclocked CPUs
• Your case has less than 154 mm cooler clearance
• You prefer all-copper heat sink construction

Verdict: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB is a practical single-tower option for users who need reliable cooling in a compact form factor. It suits builders who prioritize fit and lighting over extreme thermal headroom.

4 Also great

Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB

Best for: White-themed builds with moderate cooling needs

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

This white ARGB air cooler uses five 6mm heat pipes with AGHP III technology to manage heat in vertical or horizontal positions. It includes a 120mm PWM fan that moves 66.17 CFM of air at a maximum speed of 1550 RPM. The unit stands 148mm tall and supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. It suits users who want a clean white build with efficient cooling for medium-sized cases.

Pros

• Five 6mm heat pipes with AGHP III technology
• 120mm PWM fan delivers 66.17 CFM airflow
• Quiet operation at 25.6 dB(A) max noise
• Compatible with AM4, AM5, and LGA 1700/1851 sockets
• White ARGB lighting for aesthetic builds

Cons

• Only five heat pipes compared to six or seven in competitors
• Single fan design limits total cooling capacity
• 148mm height may not fit all small form factor cases

Good fit if

• You need a white CPU cooler for a matching build
• You prefer a single 120mm fan for quiet operation
• You have a medium-sized case with 148mm clearance

Skip if

• You require maximum cooling performance for high-end CPUs
• You need a dual-fan design for better heat dissipation
• Your case has less than 148mm CPU cooler clearance

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB offers solid cooling with five heat pipes and a quiet 120mm fan. It fits users building white-themed PCs who prioritize aesthetics and moderate cooling performance over maximum thermal headroom.

5 Also great

Thermalright Assassin King 120 White ARGB

Best for: White-themed builds with medium cases

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

This single-tower air cooler features a 120mm fan and five pure copper heat pipes. It uses AGHP III technology to manage heat in any orientation. The unit reaches 1550 RPM with noise levels under 25.6 dB. It supports modern sockets like AM5 and LGA 1700. The white finish suits clean builds. It fits medium-sized cases due to its 148mm height.

Pros

• Five 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP III technology
• Low noise level of 25.6 dB(A) at max speed
• ARGB lighting with 12V PWM fan control
• Supports latest AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets

Cons

• Only five heat pipes compared to six or seven in rivals
• Single tower design offers less surface area than dual towers
• 148mm height may not fit all compact cases

Good fit if

• You need a white cooler for a matching build
• You have a medium-sized case with 148mm clearance
• You want quiet operation under 26 dB

Skip if

• You require a dual-tower design for extreme cooling
• You have a small form factor case under 148mm
• You prefer more than five heat pipes

Verdict: Thermalright AK120 SE White ARGB provides reliable cooling for standard CPUs with a focus on aesthetics. It suits users prioritizing a clean white look and quiet performance over maximum thermal headroom.

6 Best 7 heat pipes

Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 120mm Dual Tower

Best for: High TDP CPUs in standard 120mm cases

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

The Thermalright PS120SE ARGB is a 120mm air cooler featuring seven heat pipes and dual 120mm fans. It supports up to 280W TDP and includes ARGB lighting. The unit measures 154mm in height, which may limit fit in smaller cases. It works with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This cooler suits users seeking high heat dissipation capacity in a standard 120mm form factor.

Pros

• Seven 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology
• Supports up to 280W TDP rating
• Dual 120mm PWM fans with ARGB lighting
• Compatible with AM5 and LGA1700 sockets

Cons

• 154mm height limits compatibility with small cases
• Only includes one ARGB fan connection cable
• Aluminum fin construction may be less durable than all-copper designs

Good fit if

• You need high cooling performance for a 120mm case
• You use an AMD AM5 or Intel LGA1700 processor
• You want ARGB lighting without complex software

Skip if

• You have a case with less than 154mm CPU cooler clearance
• You prefer a dual-tower design for maximum airflow
• You need compatibility with older LGA115x sockets

Verdict: Thermalright PS120SE ARGB 7-Heatpipe Cooler delivers strong thermal performance for high-TDP CPUs in a standard 120mm size. It is a solid choice for users with mid-tower cases who need reliable cooling for modern AMD or Intel platforms.

7 Also great

Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO

Best for: mainstream CPUs needing RGB sync

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

The Thermalright AS120 EVO is a 120mm air cooler featuring four 6mm heat pipes and a 2000RPM PWM fan. It uses an all-aluminum fin stack and a copper base for heat transfer. The unit includes 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting that syncs with motherboards. It supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. This cooler suits builders who want reliable cooling with addressable RGB effects in a compact 156mm height.

Pros

• Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 2000RPM PWM fan for efficient airflow
• 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting with motherboard sync
• All-aluminum fin construction for maximum surface area
• Supports LGA 1700/1851 and AM5 sockets

Cons

• Single 120mm fan limits cooling potential compared to dual-fan models
• Aluminum fin stack offers lower thermal mass than copper
• 156mm height may not fit in smaller chassis

Good fit if

• You need ARGB lighting that syncs with your motherboard
• You are building on a modern Intel or AMD platform
• You prefer a compact single-fan cooler design

Skip if

• You require dual-fan performance for high-end CPUs
• You have a small form factor case with height limits under 156mm
• You want copper fins for maximum heat dissipation

Verdict: The Thermalright AS120 EVO 120mm ARGB Air Cooler provides solid cooling for mainstream processors while adding synchronized RGB lighting. It is a practical option for users who prioritize aesthetics and socket compatibility over maximum thermal headroom.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions