Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How alternatives differ from the Burst Assassin 120 EVO Dark

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE uses a dual-tower design with a width of 5.31 inches, compared to the 4.02-inch width of the Burst Assassin 120 EVO Dark. This extra mass provides greater thermal capacity for higher-end processors. It shares the same six heat pipes and socket compatibility list, including AM5 and LGA 1851. The height drops to 4.92 inches, which aids RAM clearance. You gain cooling performance but lose the compact single-tower footprint. This pick suits standard ATX builds where space allows for a larger heatsink. It is ideal if you prioritize raw thermal headroom over minimal chassis intrusion.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler

This Peerless Assassin variant also features a dual-tower structure with a width of 5.31 inches and a height of 6.1 inches. It retains the six heat pipes found in the original Burst Assassin. The primary difference is the physical footprint. The dual towers occupy more lateral space on the motherboard. This cooler fits standard ATX cases well and supports the same socket lineup. You trade the low-profile single-tower design for increased surface area. The extra mass helps dissipate heat more effectively under sustained loads. This option is best for users who have ample case width and need stronger cooling for demanding workloads without switching fan sizes.

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB

The Burst Assassin 120 ARGB keeps the single-tower form factor but adds addressable RGB lighting. Its height is 6 inches, slightly shorter than the 6.14-inch EVO Dark. The width is narrower at 2 inches, offering a more compact lateral profile. It still uses six heat pipes and supports the same socket array. You gain aesthetic customization at the cost of some height clearance. The design is optimized for mid-range CPUs in medium cases. This version suits builders who want visual flair without sacrificing the single-tower simplicity. It is a practical choice for those who prioritize appearance alongside standard cooling performance in standard chassis environments.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower

This Peerless Assassin 120 SE model features a dual-tower design with a width of 5.31 inches and a height of 6.1 inches. It includes six heat pipes, matching the original specification. The dual-tower construction provides significantly more cooling surface area than the single-tower Burst Assassin. It supports the same socket compatibility, including AM5 and LGA 1851. You gain superior thermal capacity for high-wattage CPUs. The trade-off is increased width and weight. This cooler is best for standard ATX builds that can accommodate a larger heatsink. It is the right pick if you need robust cooling for intensive tasks and have the case space to support a dual-tower architecture.

Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler

The Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB is a low-profile cooler with a height of only 2.64 inches. This is drastically shorter than the 6.14-inch Burst Assassin 120 EVO Dark. It retains six heat pipes and supports most sockets, excluding AM5 in some configurations. The width is 4.72 inches. This cooler is designed for small form factor builds with strict height limits. You sacrifice significant cooling capacity for extreme compactness. It fits users who prioritize case size constraints over maximum thermal performance. This pick is ideal for mini-ITX systems where standard air coolers do not fit. It offers a viable cooling solution for low-power processors in tight spaces.

Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO

The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO is a single-tower cooler with a height of 6.14 inches, matching the Burst Assassin. Its width is 2.87 inches, narrower than the original. It uses four heat pipes instead of six. This reduction in heat pipe count affects thermal capacity. It supports the same socket lineup and includes ARGB lighting. You gain a slightly more compact width but lose cooling potential. This model suits compact cases and standard cooling needs for mid-range CPUs. It is a practical alternative if you prioritize height clearance and aesthetic lighting over peak thermal performance. The trade-off is clear: less mass for a narrower profile in space-constrained builds.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 Dual-Fan CPU Cooler

Best for: AM5 and LGA 1851 builds without RGB needs

Socket Compatibility

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

Cooler Height

156mm

Heat Pipes

6

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1500 RPM ± 10%

Dimensions

4.88 × 4.02 × 6.14 inches

View on Amazon: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 Dual-Fan CPU Cooler

This tower cooler uses six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology to manage heat in vertical or horizontal orientations. It includes dual 120mm fans running at 1500 RPM, delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. The all-aluminum fin stack stands 156mm tall. It supports modern AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets alongside older Intel and AMD platforms.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology
• Dual 120mm fans provide up to 66.17 CFM airflow
• S-FDB bearings rated for 20,000 hours of service life
• Compatible with AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets
• Noise levels remain at or below 25.6 dB

Cons

• 156mm height requires checking case clearance
• No ARGB lighting included in this dark version
• Only 120mm fan size compared to dual 120mm competitors

Good fit if

• You need reliable support for AM5 or LGA 1851 sockets
• You prefer a non-RGB dark aesthetic for your build
• You have a mid-tower case with sufficient height clearance

Skip if

• You require addressable RGB lighting effects
• Your case has a CPU cooler height limit under 156mm
• You are building in a small form factor case

Verdict: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Dark Air Cooler fits users who prioritize raw cooling capacity and socket compatibility over visual flair. It delivers strong performance for AM5 and LGA 1851 systems without adding RGB distractions.

2 Best premium

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler

Best for: Standard desktop builds needing strong cooling

Socket Compatibility

AM4/AM5, LGA1700/1200/2011/1851

Cooler Height

157mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Double tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1550rpm±10%

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler

This dual-tower air cooler uses six pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat efficiently. It includes two 120mm PWM fans that spin at 1550rpm, delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow while staying under 25.6 dB. The 157mm height fits most standard cases. It supports major Intel and AMD sockets, making it a solid option for general desktop builds.

Pros

• Six 6mm heat pipes use AGHP technique to prevent heat loss
• Dual 120mm PWM fans provide 66.17 CFM airflow
• Supports LGA 1851, LGA 1700, AM5, and AM4 sockets
• Noise level stays at or below 25.6 dB

Cons

• 157mm height may block tall RAM modules
• No ARGB lighting included in the base model
• Weight of 1 pound requires secure mounting

Good fit if

• You need strong cooling for modern Intel or AMD CPUs
• You want a quiet fan profile under 26 dB
• You have a mid-tower case with enough clearance

Skip if

• You have low-profile cases under 160mm height
• You need RGB lighting effects for your build
• You are building a small form factor PC

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE offers reliable double-tower cooling for mainstream processors. It fits users who prioritize performance and silence over visual flair.

3 Also great

Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler

Best for: Standard ATX cases with AM5 or LGA1700 CPUs

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200

Cooler Height

155 mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120 mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler

This dual-tower air cooler uses six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively. It includes two 120mm PWM fans running at 1550 RPM for steady airflow. The design measures 155 mm in height and supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. It suits users who need reliable cooling performance without excessive bulk or noise.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
• Dual 120mm PWM fans with 1550 RPM speed
• Supports AM4, AM5, and LGA1700 sockets
• Aluminum and copper construction for durability

Cons

• 155 mm height may not fit in smaller cases
• No ARGB lighting included in this specific model
• Requires motherboard backplate for AMD installation

Good fit if

• You have a mid-tower case with sufficient CPU cooler clearance
• You use an AM5 or LGA1700 processor
• You prefer silent operation under 25.6 dB

Skip if

• You have a compact ITX case with low height limits
• You want RGB lighting effects on the cooler
• You need a single-tower solution for easier installation

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower Cooler delivers solid cooling for mid-range CPUs in standard ATX cases. It fits users who prioritize thermal performance and socket compatibility over aesthetic lighting.

4 Best budget

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB

Best for: Mid-range CPUs in medium 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

This single-tower air cooler uses six 6mm copper heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan to dissipate heat. It reaches 1550 RPM with 66.17 CFM airflow while staying under 25.6 dB. The 154mm height fits medium cases. It supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. You get efficient cooling and low noise for standard builds.

Pros

• Six 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 120mm PWM fan delivers 66.17 CFM airflow
• Noise level stays at 25.6 dB or lower
• Supports AM4, AM5, and LGA 1700/1851 sockets
• Includes ARGB lighting for system aesthetics

Cons

• Single-tower design limits cooling capacity for high-end CPUs
• 154mm height may not fit all compact cases
• Fan speed is capped at 1550 RPM

Good fit if

• You need reliable cooling for mid-range processors
• You want ARGB lighting in your build
• You have a medium-sized computer case

Skip if

• You require dual-tower performance for overclocking
• Your case has a CPU cooler height limit under 154mm
• You prefer silent operation below 20 dB

Verdict: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB provides solid single-tower cooling for users who value quiet operation and RGB lighting. It fits best in standard mid-tower cases with mid-range processors.

5 Also great

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower

Best for: Standard ATX builds needing strong dual-tower cooling

Socket Compatibility

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

Cooler Height

155mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower

This dual-tower air cooler uses six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat efficiently. It includes two 120mm PWM fans that reach 1550 RPM for strong airflow. The design measures 155mm in height and supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. It suits users who need reliable cooling performance without excessive bulk.

Pros

• Dual-tower design with six pure copper heat pipes
• AGHP technology prevents heat pipe sagging
• Dual 120mm PWM fans provide 66.17 CFM airflow
• Supports AM4, AM5, and LGA 1700/115x sockets

Cons

• 155mm height may not fit in smaller cases
• Fans are not ARGB equipped in this SE model
• Noise level reaches up to 25.6 dB(A)

Good fit if

• You have a standard ATX case with sufficient RAM clearance
• You use an AM5 or LGA 1700 processor
• You prefer passive cooling reliability over RGB lighting

Skip if

• You are building in a small form factor case under 155mm height
• You require silent operation below 20 dB(A)
• You want integrated addressable RGB lighting on the fans

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower Cooler is a solid mid-range option for users who prioritize cooling capacity and socket compatibility over aesthetic lighting features.

6 Best white

Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler

Best for: small form factor builds with height limits

Cooler Height

67mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Low-Profile

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1800 RPM

Lighting

ARGB

View on Amazon: Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Cooler

This is a low-profile air cooler designed for small cases. It stands 67mm tall with a 120mm PWM fan. The unit features six 6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology. It includes white ARGB lighting and supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM4 sockets. You should choose this if your case has tight clearance limits above the CPU socket.

Pros

• 67mm total height fits low-profile cases
• Six 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP
• 120mm PWM fan with ARGB lighting
• Supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM4

Cons

• Limited to 67mm height restricts use in standard towers
• Only supports AM4 and older Intel sockets
• Single fan design limits airflow compared to dual-tower coolers

Good fit if

• You need a cooler under 70mm tall
• You use an Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM4 socket
• You want white ARGB lighting in a small build

Skip if

• You require support for newer Intel sockets like LGA 1851
• You need a dual-tower cooler for high TDP CPUs
• You prefer a black color scheme over white

Verdict: Thermalright AXP120-X67 White ARGB Low-Profile Cooler is a compact solution for small form factor builds. It fits users who prioritize height constraints over maximum cooling potential.

7 Also great

Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO

Best for: compact cases and standard cooling needs

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 single-tower air cooler with a 120mm fan and four 6mm heat pipes. It uses AGHP technology to manage heat effectively in various orientations. The unit stands 156mm tall and supports ARGB lighting. It fits Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This cooler suits users who need a compact, quiet solution with visual customization for mid-sized cases.

Pros

• Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 120mm PWM fan reaches 2000 RPM
• 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting support
• 156mm height fits most chassis

Cons

• Single fan limits cooling potential compared to dual-tower designs
• All-aluminum fin set reduces heat capacity
• No included fan hub for daisy-chaining ARGB

Good fit if

• You need a low-profile cooler under 160mm
• You want ARGB lighting synchronization
• You build in a compact mid-tower case

Skip if

• You require maximum cooling for high-TDP CPUs
• You prefer dual-tower heat pipe designs
• You need a cooler with a copper base

Verdict: Thermalright AS120 EVO 120mm Single Tower offers adequate cooling for standard processors in space-constrained builds. It is a practical pick for users prioritizing height clearance and lighting over peak thermal performance.

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