Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

Comparing the top alternatives

Thermalright 47mm Full Copper CPU Cooler

The Thermalright 47mm Full Copper CPU Cooler is a low-profile option designed for tight ITX cases. At just 47mm tall, it sacrifices significant cooling surface area compared to the 118mm Assassin X 90 SE V2. This model uses a full copper construction, which may offer different thermal characteristics than the aluminum and copper hybrid of the original. It supports modern sockets including LGA 1851 and AM5. You should choose this if your case height limit is under 50mm. The trade-off is reduced heat dissipation capacity for extreme loads. It is best for compact builds where standard towers will not fit.

Thermalright Assassin X 120 White ARGB

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 White ARGB uses a larger 120mm fan instead of the 92mm unit in the original. This increases airflow potential and cooling headroom for mid-range processors. It features four heat pipes and an ARGB lighting feature, which the original lacks. The cooler is slightly taller at 71mm compared to the 118mm original, but wider. It supports the same socket range including AM5 and LGA 1700. You should pick this if you need better thermal performance and a white aesthetic. The larger fan may run quieter at equivalent loads. It is suitable for users who have more case space and want modern lighting features.

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB

The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB includes six heat pipes, providing more thermal transfer capacity than the original. It uses a 120mm fan for higher airflow and supports modern sockets like LGA 1851 and AM5. The cooler features ARGB lighting, which the original does not have. It is taller than the compact original, measuring 152mm in height. This model is designed for medium cases where space allows for a larger tower. You should choose this if you have a high-TDP CPU and need robust cooling. The extra heat pipes and larger fan offer better performance for demanding workloads compared to the budget-friendly original.

Thermalright Assassin King 120 5-Heatpipe Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 5-Heatpipe Cooler offers five heat pipes, providing more thermal mass than the original. It uses a 120mm fan for improved airflow and quieter operation. The cooler supports modern sockets including LGA 1851 and AM5. It is slightly taller at 73mm compared to the original. This model is designed for mainstream desktop builds where quiet operation is a priority. You should pick this if you need reliable cooling for mid-range processors without excessive noise. The larger fan and extra heat pipes offer better thermal performance. It is suitable for standard cases that can accommodate a slightly larger tower.

Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Cooler provides robust cooling for high-TDP CPUs using five heat pipes. It uses a 120mm fan for higher airflow compared to the 92mm original. The cooler supports sockets like AM5 and LGA 1700. It is taller at 148mm, offering more fin surface area. This model is designed for users who prioritize thermal performance over compact size. You should choose this if you have a powerful processor and a mid-tower case. The larger fan and extra heat pipes deliver better cooling headroom. It is ideal for standard builds where space is not a constraint and maximum cooling is needed.

Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB

The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB combines five heat pipes with a 120mm fan for strong cooling performance. It features ARGB lighting and a white color scheme, which the original lacks. The cooler supports modern sockets including LGA 1851 and AM5. It is taller at 73mm, providing more thermal capacity than the compact original. This model is designed for white-themed mid-tower builds. You should pick this if you want a cohesive aesthetic with reliable cooling. The larger fan and extra heat pipes offer better performance for mid-range processors. It is suitable for users who value both appearance and thermal efficiency in a standard case.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 92mm Air Cooler

Best for: Small form factor builds with mid-range CPUs

Cooler Height

118mm

Fan Size

92mm

Fan Speed

2200 RPM

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151

Features

Fan

Dimensions

3.7 × 3.03 × 4.65 inches

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 92mm Air Cooler Affiliate link

The Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 is a compact air cooler designed for small form factor builds. It features a 92mm PWM fan that reaches 2200 RPM and delivers 32.77 CFM of airflow. The cooler stands 118mm tall, making it suitable for cases with limited clearance. It supports Intel LGA 1150-1700 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. This model suits users needing reliable cooling in tight spaces.

Pros

• 92mm PWM fan with 2200 RPM max speed
• Compact 118mm height fits small cases
• S-FDB bearing rated for 20,000 hours
• Supports Intel LGA 1150-1700 and AMD AM5

Cons

• Single 92mm fan limits cooling capacity for high-end CPUs
• Aluminum fin stack offers less thermal mass than copper
• No RGB lighting included in this SE version

Good fit if

• You have a small form factor case with height restrictions
• You use a mid-range CPU that does not require massive cooling
• You need quiet operation under 24 dB noise level

Skip if

• You plan to overclock a high-wattage processor
• You require RGB lighting for your build aesthetic
• You have a large ATX case where size is not a constraint

Verdict: The Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 92mm Air Cooler fits users who prioritize compact dimensions and quiet operation over maximum thermal headroom. It is a practical solution for small builds running standard processors.

2 Best premium

Thermalright 47mm Full Copper CPU Cooler

Best for: compact ITX builds with height limits

Socket Compatibility

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

Cooler Height

47mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Low-Profile

Fan Size

92mm

System Type

ITX

View on Amazon: Thermalright 47mm Full Copper CPU Cooler Affiliate link

This is a low-profile air cooler designed for compact ITX builds. It stands 47mm tall with a 92mm fan and four 6mm heat pipes. The unit supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. It uses a full copper construction for heat transfer. This cooler suits users with small cases who need reliable cooling without exceeding height limits.

Pros

• 47mm total height for small form factor cases
• Four 6mm heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation
• Supports AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets
• Operates at noise levels as low as 22.4 dBA

Cons

• Limited to 92mm fan size
• Only four heat pipes compared to larger towers
• Full copper build adds weight

Good fit if

• You need a cooler under 50mm height
• You are building an ITX system
• You use AM5 or LGA 1700 sockets

Skip if

• You have a standard ATX case with high clearance
• You require RGB lighting effects
• You need cooling for high-end overclocking

Verdict: Thermalright AXP90-X47 Low Profile Cooler is a solid option for ITX builders. It fits cases where space is tight and standard towers will not work.

3 Also great

Thermalright Assassin X 120 White ARGB

Best for: White-themed mid-range builds

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 white air cooler uses a 120 mm fan and four 6 mm heat pipes to handle TDP ratings up to 225 W. The TL-C12CW-S fan runs at 1550 RPM with a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM. It keeps noise levels at or below 25.6 dB(A). The 148 mm height fits most medium-sized cases. It supports modern Intel and AMD sockets.

Pros

• Four 6 mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 120 mm PWM fan with ARGB lighting
• Maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM
• Noise level capped at 25.6 dB(A)

Cons

• 148 mm height may block tall RAM sticks
• Only includes 4 heat pipes
• Does not mention a mounting bracket for LGA 1851

Good fit if

• You want a white cooler for your build
• You need support for modern AM5 or LGA 1700 sockets
• You prefer quiet operation under 26 dB(A)

Skip if

• You have very tall RAM that requires a cooler under 148 mm
• You need a cooler rated for high-end CPUs above 225 W
• You do not want ARGB lighting effects

Verdict: Thermalright AX120 SE ARGB White offers solid cooling for mid-range builds with a quiet 120 mm fan and four heat pipes. It suits users who want a white aesthetic and modern socket support without excessive height.

4 Best 6 heat pipes

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB

Best for: Medium cases with AM5 or LGA1851

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 cooler uses six 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan to dissipate heat. The pure copper base and aluminum fins help manage CPU temperatures. It supports modern AMD AM5 and Intel LGA1851 sockets. The 154mm height fits most medium cases. You get quiet operation with noise levels under 26 dB. It is a practical option for standard builds.

Pros

• Six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• Supports latest AM5 and LGA1851 sockets
• Quiet 120mm fan with max 25.6 dB noise
• ARGB lighting included

Cons

• Single-tower design limits cooling capacity
• 154mm height may not fit small cases
• No mention of software control for ARGB

Good fit if

• You need support for AM5 or LGA1851
• You have a medium-sized computer case
• You want quiet operation under 26 dB

Skip if

• You have a small form factor case
• You need dual-tower cooling performance
• You want software-controlled lighting effects

Verdict: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB fits users with medium cases needing AM5 or LGA1851 support. It offers quiet cooling for standard builds.

5 Also great

Thermalright Assassin King 120 5-Heatpipe Cooler

Best for: Quiet mainstream desktop builds

Socket Compatibility

LGA 1700, 1851, 1200, AM4, AM5

Cooler Height

148 mm

Heat Pipes

5

Tower Design

Single-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin King 120 5-Heatpipe Cooler Affiliate link

This single-tower air cooler uses five pure copper heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan. The fan spins at 1550 RPM to move 66.17 CFM of air while staying under 25.6 dB. It fits LGA 1700, 1851, and AM5 sockets. The 148 mm height suits most medium cases. You get quiet cooling for standard desktop builds.

Pros

• Five pure copper heat pipes with AGHP III technology
• 120mm PWM fan delivers 66.17 CFM max airflow
• Noise level stays at or below 25.6 dB(A)
• Supports LGA 1700, 1851, and AM5 sockets

Cons

• Single tower design limits cooling capacity for high-end chips
• 148 mm height may block tall RAM sticks
• No RGB lighting or ARGB features included

Good fit if

• You need quiet operation under 26 dB
• You build in a standard medium tower case
• You use a mainstream CPU under 150W TDP

Skip if

• You require RGB lighting for your build
• You have very tall RAM that blocks 148 mm coolers
• You run a high-end CPU needing dual-tower cooling

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE offers reliable quiet cooling for mainstream users. It fits best in standard cases with mid-range processors.

6 Best budget

Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Cooler

Best for: High TDP cooling in standard mid-tower cases

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151

Cooler Height

148mm

Heat Pipes

5

Fan Size

120mm

TDP Rating

235W

Features

Fan

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Cooler Affiliate link

The Thermalright AK120 SE is a 120mm air cooler designed for high thermal performance. It features five 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan rated for up to 235W TDP. The unit measures 148mm in height and supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. You get reliable cooling with low noise levels. This model suits users needing strong heat dissipation in a standard tower form factor.

Pros

• Five 6mm AGHP III heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
• 120mm PWM fan delivers 66.17 CFM air flow
• TDP rating of 235W handles high-end processors
• Compatible with AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1150/1151/1200/1700

Cons

• 148mm height may not fit in smaller cases
• Standard white version lacks ARGB lighting
• Fan noise level is specified but not silent

Good fit if

• You need a cooler rated for high TDP loads
• You have a mid-tower case with sufficient clearance
• You want broad socket support for modern platforms

Skip if

• You are building in a compact ITX case
• You require ARGB lighting effects
• You need a low-profile design for small form factors

Verdict: The Thermalright AK120 SE 120mm Air Cooler provides robust cooling for high-TDP CPUs. It fits users who prioritize thermal performance and socket compatibility over aesthetic lighting or compact size.

7 Also great

Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE White ARGB

Best for: White-themed mid-tower 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 120mm air cooler features five heat pipes and a white ARGB fan. It reaches 1550 RPM with a max airflow of 66.17 CFM. The unit stands 148mm tall and weighs 1.4 pounds. It supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. You get efficient cooling with low noise levels. This model suits builds needing a clean white aesthetic.

Pros

• Five 6mm heat pipes with AGHP III technology
• 120mm PWM fan with ARGB lighting
• Noise level capped at 25.6 dB(A)
• Supports Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM5

Cons

• 148mm height limits fit in small cases
• Only includes ARGB, not full RGB
• Single fan limits total airflow compared to dual-fan models

Good fit if

• You want a white-themed CPU cooler
• You need ARGB lighting sync
• You have a mid-tower case with 148mm clearance

Skip if

• You require a low-profile cooler under 120mm
• You need full RGB lighting instead of ARGB
• You have a small form-factor case with tight CPU clearance

Verdict: Thermalright AK120 SE White ARGB delivers quiet 120mm cooling with five heat pipes. It fits users who prioritize a white aesthetic and modern socket support in a standard mid-tower case.

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