Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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In this thermalright peerless assassin 120 CPU review, we look at a double-tower air cooler built for efficient heat dissipation. The unit relies on six pure copper sintered heat pipes and a solid copper base to move thermal energy away from your processor. It uses two 120mm PWM fans running at 1550rpm to push air through the aluminum fins. This combination creates a robust cooling solution that fits standard ATX cases. The design prioritizes direct contact and uniform heat distribution across the heat sink area.
What stands out
- Six 6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology to prevent heat loss
- Double tower aluminum fin stack for increased surface area
- Two 120mm PWM fans providing up to 66.17 CFM airflow
- Pure copper base with electroplating reflow welding for durability
- Compatible with both Intel LGA and AMD AM5 sockets
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this cooler if you use an AM5 or Intel LGA 1700/1200 processor and need reliable passive cooling without liquid loops. The 157mm height fits most mid-tower cases, and the dual fans offer strong airflow for mid-range chips. The wide RAM clearance ensures your memory sticks install without interference. It suits users who want a straightforward, high-performance air solution that does not require complex setup or maintenance.
Who should skip it
Skip this model if your case has a maximum cooler height below 157mm. The double-tower design is wide, so verify your motherboard has enough clearance on either side. If you prioritize extreme silence, note that the fans reach 1550rpm, which may produce audible noise under load. It is also not ideal for high-end enthusiasts who need the absolute lowest temperatures, as air coolers have limits compared to liquid systems.
Verdict: This cooler delivers strong thermal performance through its six heat pipes and dual fans. It is a practical choice for standard builds that fit within its physical dimensions.
Key specs explained
Fan Size: 120mm
This cooler uses two 120mm fans. This standard size fits most mid-tower cases. It balances airflow and noise well. You get strong cooling without excessive sound. Smaller 92mm fans are louder for the same airflow. Larger 140mm fans move more air but need more space. Check your case dimensions before buying.
Fan Speed: 1550rpm±10%
The fans spin at 1550 RPM with a small variance. This speed is efficient for daily use. It provides good airflow while staying quiet. Higher speeds increase noise levels. Lower speeds reduce cooling performance. PWM control lets your motherboard adjust this speed. You get silent operation under light loads.
Heat Pipes: 6
Six heat pipes transfer heat from the CPU to the fins. More pipes mean better heat distribution. This design helps cool high-end processors. It prevents hot spots on the heat sink. Fewer pipes may struggle with intense workloads. This count is common for dual-tower coolers. It offers a solid baseline for thermal performance.
Tower Design: Double tower
This cooler has two heatsink towers. It doubles the surface area for cooling. This design dissipates heat more effectively than single towers. It suits high-performance CPUs. It requires more case width. Ensure your RAM does not block the fans. This structure is standard for high-end air cooling.
Cooler Height: 157mm
The cooler stands 157mm tall. You must check your case clearance. Tall cases support this height. Shorter cases may not fit this unit. RAM height also matters here. Low-profile RAM works better. Always measure your case before purchasing. This height is common for dual-tower designs.
Design and build details
The listing describes a double-tower layout with six pure copper sintered heat pipes. These pipes use AGHP technology to prevent the inverse gravity effect. This means heat moves efficiently regardless of whether the cooler sits vertically or horizontally. The base is pure copper, and the fins are aluminum. The entire unit undergoes full electroplating and reflow welding. This finish helps with durability and corrosion resistance over time.
According to the listing, the dimensions are 125mm by 135mm by 157mm. The height of 157mm is a key factor. You must check your case clearance to ensure the cooler fits without blocking RAM slots. The fans are 120mm PWM units with a max speed of 1550rpm. They draw 12V and connect via a 4-pin header. This allows your motherboard to control speed based on temperature.
The weight is listed as one pound. This is a moderate weight for a dual-tower design. It does not require heavy-duty mounting brackets. The package includes metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD sockets. This simplifies installation for LGA1150 through LGA1851 and AM4/AM5 platforms. You do not need to buy extra parts. The design prioritizes standard compatibility and straightforward mounting.
Installation and daily operation
Setup begins with matching the included metal fasteners to your specific socket. The cooler supports Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2066, 2011, and 1851. It also fits AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. You must verify that your case can accommodate the cooler’s height. The listing specifies a maximum height of 157mm, which equals approximately 6.18 inches. This dimension is critical for ensuring clearance with your case’s side panel and internal components. The unit weighs 1 pound, making it manageable during placement. The double-tower design requires adequate width within your chassis. You should check for clearance around the RAM slots. The fans are positioned to leave room for memory chips, allowing unrestricted installation of standard height modules. Connection is straightforward via a 4-pin PWM header on your motherboard. This allows your system to control fan speed automatically. The fans operate at 1550rpm with a tolerance of plus or minus 10%. This speed yields an airflow of 66.17 CFM at maximum. Noise levels are rated at or below 25.6 dB(A). This low decibel rating suggests quiet operation during typical workloads. The AGHP heat pipes ensure consistent performance regardless of orientation. You do not need to worry about gravity affecting heat transfer when the cooler is mounted vertically or horizontally. The process involves securing the base to the CPU and attaching the fans to the towers. Once powered, the system manages thermal output efficiently.
Before you buy this cooler
Before you buy, check your RAM clearance. This cooler stands 157mm tall. You need at least 66.17 CFM of airflow to keep noise low. The fans run at 1550 RPM. Verify your case supports this height. Tall memory modules may block installation. The double-tower design is strong but bulky. You must ensure adequate airflow through the case. Check socket compatibility for Intel LGA 1150 through 1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. The included fasteners cover these platforms. You do not need extra tools. Keep the fins clean. Dust buildup reduces cooling efficiency. Clean them every few months. This option fits well if you want high performance without high cost. It sits between budget and premium air coolers. It is ideal for standard builds. Skip it if you have very tight spaces or extreme overclocking needs. It is not for small form factor cases.
Check before you buy
- Verify case height supports 157mm cooler
- Check RAM clearance with tall modules
- Confirm socket matches LGA or AM list
- Ensure case has good front-to-back airflow
The product at a glance
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler
Best for: standard ATX cases with modern CPU sockets
- 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%
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This double-tower air cooler uses six pure copper heat pipes and a copper base to move heat away from your CPU. It includes two 120mm PWM fans that spin at 1550rpm with a maximum airflow of 66.17CFM. The design stands 157mm tall and weighs one pound. It supports Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200 and AMD AM5 sockets. You get effective cooling with low noise levels.
Pros
- Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes use AGHP technology to prevent heat loss.
- Double tower design with two 120mm PWM fans for strong airflow.
- Maximum fan speed of 1550rpm keeps noise under 25.6dB(A).
- Full electroplating reflow welding process on the copper base.
Cons
- 157mm height may block tall RAM sticks in small cases.
- Fans are fixed at 1550rpm with no variable speed control listed.
- Aluminum fins are lighter but less dense than all-copper designs.
Good fit if
- You need a dual-tower cooler for Intel LGA 1851 or AMD AM5.
- You want quiet operation with noise levels under 26dB.
- You have a case that fits coolers up to 157mm tall.
Skip if
- You have low-profile cases that cannot fit 157mm coolers.
- You require RGB lighting or fan speed control software.
- You need a single-tower design for tight clearance.
Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual fits users who need strong cooling for modern sockets without high noise. It is best for builders with standard ATX cases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler |
|---|---|
| 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% |
| Dimensions | 6.18 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches |
| Weight | 1 pounds |
| Size | PA120 series |
| Color | PA120 |
| Model | LM-PA 120 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual fit in standard ATX cases?
Yes, this cooler is designed for standard ATX cases. It measures 6.18 inches in length and 5.31 inches in width. These dimensions allow it to fit within most mid-tower chassis without blocking other components. You should verify your specific case dimensions before purchasing to ensure adequate clearance.
Is the cooler compatible with the latest Intel sockets?
It supports modern Intel platforms including LGA 1851 and LGA 1700. The unit also works with older sockets like LGA 1200, 1151, and 1150. This broad compatibility makes it suitable for both new builds and older systems. You can install it on recent 13th or 14th Gen Intel processors.
Does it support AMD Ryzen platforms?
Yes, the cooler is compatible with AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. You can use it with both older Ryzen CPUs and newer Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series processors. The mounting hardware accommodates these platforms effectively. This makes it a versatile choice for AMD builders looking for efficient air cooling.
How many heat pipes does the Peerless Assassin 120 Dual have?
This model features six pure copper sintered heat pipes. These pipes help transfer heat from the CPU base to the aluminum fins efficiently. The dual-tower design utilizes all six pipes to maximize surface area. This configuration helps maintain lower temperatures under heavy workloads.
What is the weight of this air cooler?
The unit weighs 1 pound. This light weight reduces stress on your motherboard socket. It also makes handling and installation easier during your build process. The compact mass does not compromise structural integrity. You can install it confidently without worrying about excessive weight on your CPU area.
Does it include fans or are they sold separately?
The product listing describes a dual-fan setup with 120mm fans. It is sold as a complete cooler unit. You do not need to purchase fans separately. The included fans are sized to match the dual-tower fin stack for optimal airflow. This provides a ready-to-use cooling solution for your system.