Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler Review (2026): A Spec-Based Look
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This thermalright assassin x 90 se v2 CPU cooler review looks at a compact air cooling solution designed for smaller cases. The unit features a 92mm fan and stands 118mm tall, making it suitable for tight spaces. It uses aluminum fins with a copper base for heat transfer. The included TL-P9 fan runs up to 2200 RPM. This configuration targets users who need reliable cooling without a large footprint. The design focuses on efficiency and noise control within its size constraints.
What stands out
- 92mm PWM fan with 32.77 CFM airflow
- STABLY-FDB bearing for 20,000-hour durability
- HDT direct touch copper base with aluminum fins
- Supports Intel LGA 115x/1200/1700 and AMD AM4/AM5
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this cooler if you have a small form factor case with height restrictions under 120mm. It suits office PCs or light gaming rigs that do not require extreme thermal headroom. The 92mm fan keeps noise levels low, which benefits users who value quiet operation. It is also a good fit for older Intel sockets or AMD platforms where mounting hardware is readily included.
Who should skip it
Skip this option if you use a high-TDP processor that generates significant heat. The 92mm fan and single-tower design may struggle to maintain low temperatures under heavy loads. Gamers running demanding workloads might find the 2200 RPM limit insufficient for optimal cooling. You should look for a larger dual-tower cooler with 120mm or 140mm fans for better performance in those scenarios.
Verdict: This is a practical, space-saving cooler for modest thermal needs. It delivers quiet operation and solid compatibility for entry-level builds.
Key specs explained
Fan Size: 92mm
This cooler uses a 92mm fan, which is smaller than the standard 120mm or 140mm fans found on many air coolers. You benefit from this size because it fits into cases with limited space. Smaller fans generally produce less noise at lower speeds. However, they move less air than larger fans. If you have a compact case, this size ensures compatibility without blocking other components.
Fan Speed: 2200 RPM
The maximum fan speed is 2200 RPM. This speed allows the fan to move air quickly to dissipate heat. You get strong cooling performance when the CPU is under load. Higher RPMs usually mean more noise, so check the noise level spec. Compare this to other coolers to see if the airflow matches your thermal needs. It balances performance with the compact size of the 92mm fan.
Cooler Height: 118mm
The cooler stands 118mm tall. This dimension determines if it fits inside your PC case next to the RAM. You must measure your case height to ensure clearance. Many mid-tower cases support coolers up to 150mm or more. If your case has a low profile, this cooler might fit where larger ones would not. Always check your case specifications before purchasing.
Socket Compatibility: AM5, LGA 1700
The cooler supports modern sockets like AM5 for AMD and LGA 1700 for Intel. You can use this cooler with the latest processors without buying new mounting hardware. It also includes older sockets like AM4 and LGA 1200. This wide compatibility makes it a versatile choice. Check your specific motherboard socket before installing to ensure the included brackets match your platform.
Design and build details
According to the listing, the cooler measures 94 by 77 by 118 millimeters. This compact footprint allows it to fit into smaller cases where larger coolers would not. The heat sink combines aluminum fins with a copper base. The base uses a direct touch process for better heat transfer. The fins are fully aluminum to maximize surface area. This material choice keeps the unit lightweight while maintaining decent cooling capacity.
The fan is a 92mm PWM model with a thickness of 25 millimeters. It spins up to 2200 RPM and moves 32.77 cubic feet of air per minute. The noise level is listed at 23.85 decibels. This speed is moderate, balancing airflow with quiet operation. The fan uses an S-FDB bearing, which claims a 20,000-hour lifespan. This bearing type reduces vibration and improves durability over time.
Mounting hardware supports Intel LGA 1150 through 1200 and AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. The listing notes that specific plates or fasteners are included for each platform. The design prioritizes compatibility with standard ATX cases. You get a straightforward installation process without complex brackets. The finish is functional, focusing on heat dissipation rather than aesthetics. This makes it a practical choice for users who need reliable cooling in tight spaces.
Installation and daily operation
Setting up this cooler involves mounting it to your motherboard. The listing specifies support for Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, and 1200 sockets, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. You will need to use the provided mounting plates or fasteners for your specific CPU socket. Follow the included tutorial or instructions to attach the unit securely. The compact height of 118 millimeters helps clear most standard RAM sticks, though you should verify your memory clearance before installation.
Once installed, the cooler relies on its 92mm PWM fan for airflow. The fan connects via a standard 4-pin header on your motherboard, allowing the system to control speed automatically. The listing states a maximum speed of 2200 RPM, which moves up to 32.77 CFM of air. This airflow helps dissipate heat from the aluminum fins and copper base. The fan uses an STABLY-FDB bearing, which the manufacturer claims improves durability and reduces blade shaking. This bearing type is rated for 20,000 hours of operation.
In daily use, the cooler operates quietly. The maximum noise level is listed at 23.85 dB(A). This low decibel rating suggests the fan runs smoothly without significant audible disturbance during light tasks. The PWM control ensures the fan adjusts to your CPU load. If your case has tight clearance, the 94 by 77 by 118 millimeter dimensions make this a practical choice for smaller builds.
Before You Buy This Cooler
This compact air cooler fits well in small cases, but you must verify clearance first. The listing states a height of 118mm. You need to ensure your case supports this dimension and that your RAM does not block the fan. It supports Intel LGA 1150 through 1200 and AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. You should confirm your specific motherboard socket matches one of these options. The fan uses a PWM connection, so you need an available 4-pin header on your motherboard for speed control. Upkeep is minimal. The listing mentions an industrial service life of up to 20,000 hours for the bearing. You may need to clean dust from the aluminum fins occasionally to maintain airflow. Compared to larger coolers, this unit offers a balance of size and performance. It suits users with space constraints who still want effective cooling without excessive noise. Check your build plan carefully before purchasing.
Check before you buy
- Verify your case supports a cooler height of 118mm.
- Check that RAM clearance allows the 92mm fan to fit.
- Confirm your motherboard socket is LGA 1150-1200 or AM4/AM5.
- Ensure you have an available 4-pin PWM fan header.
The product at a glance
Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 92mm Air Cooler
Best for: small cases and quiet builds
- 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
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The Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 is a compact air cooler built for small form factor builds. It features a 92mm PWM fan with a max speed of 2200 RPM and an airflow of 32.77 CFM. The heatsink uses aluminum fins with a copper base. It supports Intel LGA 1150-1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. This unit suits users who need low noise and a small footprint.
Pros
- 92mm fan provides 32.77 CFM airflow
- Low noise level of 23.85 dB(A)
- STABLY-FDB bearing rated for 20,000 hours
- Compact 118mm height fits small cases
Cons
- 92mm fan offers less cooling potential than larger models
- Aluminum fins may limit peak heat dissipation
- Supports older Intel sockets like 1150 and 1151
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 120mm height
- You prioritize quiet operation under 24 dB
- You use AM4 or AM5 processors
Skip if
- You require support for LGA 1700
- You need maximum cooling performance
- You prefer 120mm or larger fans
Verdict: The Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 92mm Cooler is a quiet, compact option for small cases. It fits users who value low noise and do not need LGA 1700 support.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 92mm Air Cooler |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Model | AX90SE V2 D6 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 support LGA 1700?
Yes, this cooler supports the LGA 1700 socket. The product data lists compatibility for AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. You can install it on modern Intel and AMD platforms without needing separate brackets.
What are the physical dimensions of the Assassin X 90 SE V2?
The cooler measures 3.03 inches in width, 4.65 inches in height, and 3.7 inches in length. These compact dimensions make it suitable for small form factor builds. You should verify that your case has sufficient internal clearance for this footprint.
Is the Assassin X 90 SE V2 quiet for small cases?
It is described as a quiet option for small cases. The unit uses a 92mm fan, which generally produces less noise than larger 120mm or 140mm fans. This makes it a practical choice if you prioritize low noise levels in tight spaces.
Which AMD sockets does this cooler fit?
It fits both AM4 and AM5 sockets. The specification list confirms support for these AMD platforms. You can use this cooler for both current and previous generation Ryzen processors without issues regarding socket compatibility.
What is the model number for this specific version?
The model number is AX90SE V2 D6. This identifier distinguishes it from other variations in the Assassin X line. You can use this model number to verify you are purchasing the exact V2 configuration with the specified dimensions.
Does the Assassin X 90 SE V2 include RGB lighting?
The provided data lists only a fan as a feature. There is no mention of RGB lighting or addressable LED strips in the specifications. You should expect a standard functional fan without decorative lighting effects based on the available product details.