Thermalright Assassin X120 120mm Air Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How these alternatives compare

Thermalright Assassin X 120 RGB CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 RGB keeps the same four heat pipes and aluminum construction as the original. It adds RGB lighting for visual customization. The model is listed as the AX120 SE V2. It shares the 148mm height and 2.8-inch width. This makes it compatible with standard mid-tower cases. You gain aesthetic appeal without changing the physical footprint. However, the RGB feature does not improve thermal performance. It is a practical choice if you want lighting effects. The socket support includes modern platforms like AM5 and LGA1851. It serves users who prioritize appearance alongside standard cooling needs.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual-Tower Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 upgrades to a dual-tower design. It uses six heat pipes instead of four. This increases the surface area for heat dissipation. The cooler is wider at 5.31 inches and taller at 6.1 inches. You get significantly better thermal headroom for high-performance builds. The trade-off is size. It requires more clearance in your case. It is ideal for users who prioritize cooling power over compactness. The socket compatibility remains broad, supporting AM4, AM5, and LGA1851. It fits users who need robust airflow and quiet operation. It is not suitable for small form factor cases. You should choose this if raw performance is your main goal.

Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Air Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB includes a digital display and ARGB lighting. It retains the four heat pipes and standard fan setup. The model is the AX120R D ARGB BLACK. It focuses on aesthetics and visible technology. The cooling performance is comparable to the original. It suits users who value sync capabilities and visual feedback. The display adds a unique element to your build. It does not offer superior thermal specs. It is best for builds where moderate performance and strong aesthetics matter equally. Socket support covers AM4, AM5, and LGA1851. You get the same practical cooling with added visual flair. It is a niche choice for enthusiasts who want to showcase their hardware.

Thermalright 47mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler

The Thermalright AXP90 X47 Low-Profile Cooler is designed for ITX cases. It stands only 47mm tall. This is much lower than the original 148mm height. It uses a different mounting approach for compact builds. It handles moderate loads without blocking memory slots. It is ideal for small form factor systems. You sacrifice some cooling capacity for space savings. It supports standard sockets like AM4, AM5, and LGA1851. It is a practical solution when standard coolers do not fit. You should pick this if your case height is limited. It delivers adequate cooling for ITX builds. It is not suitable for high-performance desktops. It fits users who prioritize compactness over maximum thermal headroom.

Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler

The Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low-Profile Cooler is even smaller at 36mm height. It is designed for ultra-compact ITX builds. It supports modern sockets like AM5 and LGA1851. It offers a practical solution for low CPU TDP systems. You gain maximum space efficiency. The cooling performance is lower than the original. It is best for users with minimal thermal requirements. It fits cases where every millimeter counts. It does not block memory slots in tight spaces. It is a niche option for extreme compact builds. You should choose this if your case is very small. It provides quiet operation for light workloads. It is not suitable for high-performance tasks. It serves builders who need the smallest possible footprint.

Thermalright 53mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler

The Thermalright AXP90 X53 Low-Profile Cooler stands 53mm tall. It is slightly taller than the X36 but still much lower than the original. It supports AM4, AM5, and LGA1851 sockets. It delivers adequate cooling for compact systems. It is a practical choice for space-constrained builds. You get more thermal capacity than the X36. It fits under 53mm height limits. It is ideal for small form factor cases. It does not block memory slots. It is suitable for moderate loads. You should pick this if your case height is between 36mm and 47mm. It balances size and performance. It is not for high-performance desktops. It serves users who need a reliable low-profile solution.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Thermalright Assassin X120 120mm Air Cooler

Best for: Standard ATX cases with modern sockets

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200

Cooler Height

148 mm

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120 mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

Material

Aluminum

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X120 120mm Air Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE is a 120mm air cooler designed for standard ATX cases. It uses four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat efficiently. The included TL-C12C PWM fan runs at 1550 RPM and produces up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. It supports modern sockets like AM5 and LGA1851. This cooler suits users who need reliable cooling without excessive height.

Pros

• Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• Supports AM5 and LGA1851 sockets
• Quiet operation at 25.6 dB(A)
• 120mm PWM fan included

Cons

• Aluminum heatsink limits heat dissipation compared to copper
• 148mm height restricts case compatibility
• Single fan configuration offers less airflow than dual fans

Good fit if

• You need a cooler that fits in medium-sized cases
• You use AM5 or LGA1851 processors
• You prefer quiet operation under 26 dB

Skip if

• You have a low-profile ITX case
• You require RGB lighting effects
• You need high-end cooling for extreme overclocking

Verdict: The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE 120mm Air Cooler fits users with standard cases and modern sockets who value quiet performance. It provides adequate cooling for most mainstream builds without taking up excessive space.

2 Best budget

Thermalright Assassin X 120 RGB CPU Cooler

Best for: Mid-tower cases needing RGB and 148mm clearance

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200

Cooler Height

148mm

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

Lighting

RGB

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120 RGB CPU Cooler

This 120mm air cooler features four 6mm copper heat pipes and a 148mm height. It includes an RGB PWM fan running at 1550 RPM. The S-FDB bearing ensures quiet operation at 25.6 dB. It fits AM5, AM4, and LGA1700 sockets. You get efficient cooling in a compact form factor suitable for most mid-size cases.

Pros

• Four 6mm copper heat pipes for direct heat transfer
• RGB lighting with a shared power and lighting interface
• S-FDB bearing reduces noise and extends fan life
• 148mm height avoids blocking standard memory modules

Cons

• Only four heat pipes compared to six-pipe rivals
• 1550 RPM max speed limits peak airflow potential
• 120mm fan size restricts total cooling capacity

Good fit if

• You need RGB lighting without extra controllers
• You have a mid-tower case with 148mm clearance
• You use an AM5 or LGA1700 processor

Skip if

• You require a low-profile cooler under 40mm
• You need extreme overclocking performance with high airflow
• You want a cooler with digital ARGB control

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE V2 RGB fits users who want basic RGB and solid cooling for standard builds. It is a practical option for mid-tower cases where memory clearance matters.

3 Best premium

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual-Tower Cooler

Best for: High-performance desktops needing strong airflow

Socket Compatibility

LGA1851/1700/1200, AM4/AM5

Cooler Height

155mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

2000 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual-Tower Cooler

This dual-tower air cooler uses six 6mm heat pipes and two 120mm PWM fans running up to 2000 RPM. It features a 155mm height and AGHP technology to manage heat in any orientation. You get 70.84 CFM of airflow with noise under 29.8 dB. It fits Intel LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets. This design offers higher capacity than single-tower alternatives.

Pros

• Six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• Dual 120mm fans reach 2000 RPM
• Airflow of 70.84 CFM
• Noise level stays under 29.8 dB

Cons

• 155mm height may block tall RAM sticks
• Aluminum fin stack limits total heat capacity
• No RGB lighting on this specific version

Good fit if

• You need strong cooling for modern CPUs
• You want quiet operation under load
• You have a mid-tower case with 155mm clearance

Skip if

• You have a small form factor case
• You need RGB lighting for your build
• You require a low-profile cooler for ITX

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 provides robust cooling for high-performance builds. You should buy it if you prioritize thermal headroom and quiet fans over compact size.

4 Best argb

Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Air Cooler

Best for: Users wanting digital display and ARGB sync

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1700/1851/1150/1151/1200

Cooler Height

151 mm

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Speed

2000 RPM

Lighting

ARGB

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Air Cooler

This cooler uses four 6mm heat pipes and a 2000 RPM PWM fan to manage CPU temperatures. It stands 151 mm tall and includes a digital screen powered by a 9-pin USB connection. The ARGB lighting syncs with your motherboard. It fits AM4, AM5, and LGA sockets. You get performance and visual effects in one unit.

Pros

• 2000 RPM PWM fan speed for strong airflow
• Digital screen controlled via motherboard USB and software
• 4x6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting synchronization

Cons

• Requires motherboard USB header and TRCC software for screen
• 151 mm height may block tall RAM sticks
• Only four heat pipes compared to six-pipe alternatives

Good fit if

• You want digital display features on your cooler
• You need ARGB lighting that syncs with your build
• You have a mid-tower case with 151 mm clearance

Skip if

• You have RAM taller than 151 mm
• You prefer a simpler cooler without software dependencies
• You need higher cooling capacity than four pipes provide

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB suits users who value visible tech and lighting sync over maximum raw cooling power. It fits builds where aesthetics and moderate performance matter equally.

5 Also great

Thermalright 47mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler

Best for: Small ITX cases with standard RAM

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA115x/1200/1700/1851

Cooler Height

47mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Low-Profile

Fan Size

92mm

System Type

ITX

View on Amazon: Thermalright 47mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler

This is a 47mm low-profile air cooler designed for ITX builds. It uses four 6mm heat pipes and a 92mm PWM fan. The unit supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. It features a black nickel-plated aluminum tower. The fan operates at a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA. It is built for small form factor cases where height is limited.

Pros

• 47mm total height fits tight cases
• Four 6mm heat pipes for heat transfer
• 92mm PWM fan with low noise output
• Supports AM4, AM5, and Intel sockets
• Black nickel plating for corrosion resistance

Cons

• 47mm height restricts RAM compatibility
• 92mm fan moves less air than 120mm units
• No ARGB lighting included in this model

Good fit if

• You need a cooler under 50mm tall
• You are building a small ITX PC
• You use standard height RAM modules

Skip if

• You require high-end gaming performance
• You have tall RAM sticks installed
• You want RGB lighting effects

Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 X47 Low-Profile Cooler fits small ITX cases where standard coolers will not fit. It handles moderate loads in compact builds without blocking memory slots.

6 Also great

Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler

Best for: Compact ITX builds with low CPU TDP

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851

Cooler Height

36mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Low-Profile

System Type

ITX

Features

Fan

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

This low-profile air cooler stands 36mm tall, making it ideal for compact ITX builds where space is tight. It uses four 6mm AGHP heat pipes to move heat efficiently from the CPU to the fins. The included TL-9015 slim PWM fan operates quietly at 22.4 dBA. It fits modern Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA1851 and AM5, ensuring compatibility with recent hardware.

Pros

• Ultra-compact 36mm height fits small form factor cases
• Four 6mm AGHP heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
• Quiet operation at 22.4 dBA with PWM support
• Compatible with AM5 and LGA1851 sockets

Cons

• Low-profile design limits cooling capacity for high-TDP CPUs
• Only one fan included in the package
• Smaller heatsink surface area compared to tower coolers

Good fit if

• You are building an ITX PC with limited CPU cooler clearance
• You need a cooler that fits under low-profile RAM modules
• You prioritize quiet operation over maximum cooling performance

Skip if

• You have a high-TDP processor that requires robust cooling
• You are building a standard ATX tower case with ample space
• You want a cooler with multiple fans for better airflow

Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low-Profile Cooler is a practical solution for ITX builders who need a compact cooler that supports modern sockets like AM5 and LGA1851 without compromising on noise levels.

7 Also great

Thermalright 53mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler

Best for: small form factor builds under 53mm

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA115x, LGA1200, LGA1851

Cooler Height

53mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Low-Profile

Fan Size

90mm

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Thermalright 53mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler

This low-profile air cooler stands 53mm tall, making it ideal for small form factor cases. It uses four 6mm heat pipes to transfer heat efficiently. The included 90mm PWM fan operates quietly, with noise levels at or below 22.4 dBA. It supports modern sockets like AM5 and LGA1851. You get a compact, all-metal build with a back plate for secure installation on compatible motherboards.

Pros

• 53mm height fits tight cases
• Four 6mm heat pipes for heat transfer
• Quiet 90mm PWM fan operation
• Supports AM5 and LGA1851 sockets

Cons

• 90mm fan moves less air than standard 120mm fans
• Limited to low-profile chassis constraints
• Smaller cooling surface area than tower coolers

Good fit if

• You need a cooler under 60mm height
• You are building in a small form factor case
• You use AM5 or LGA1851 sockets

Skip if

• You require maximum cooling performance for high-end CPUs
• You have a full-size ATX case with space for larger coolers
• You need a 120mm or 140mm fan for higher airflow

Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 X53 Low-Profile Cooler is a practical solution for builders with space constraints. It delivers adequate cooling for compact systems without sacrificing socket compatibility or noise levels. You should choose this if your case height limits your options.

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