Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This thermalright peerless assassin 120 se CPU cooler review covers the PA120 SE, a dual-tower air cooler from Thermalright. It features six pure copper heat pipes and two 120mm PWM fans. The design uses AGHP technology to manage heat efficiently. The cooler stands 155 mm tall and weighs two pounds. It supports major Intel and AMD sockets. This model offers a straightforward cooling solution without unnecessary complexity. You get solid performance from its core specifications.
What stands out
- Six 6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology
- Dual 120mm PWM fans reaching 1550 RPM
- Dual-tower aluminum heatsink design
- Support for AM4, AM5, and LGA1700 sockets
- Compact 155 mm height for case compatibility
Who it fits
Good fit for
This cooler suits builders with mid-tower cases that can accommodate a 155 mm height. It works well for users on AM4, AM5, or LGA1700 platforms who need reliable cooling without RGB complexity. The dual-tower design helps dissipate heat effectively for standard gaming or productivity workloads. If you prefer a no-nonsense air cooler with strong airflow specs, this model fits your needs.
Who should skip it
You should skip this option if your case cannot fit a 155 mm tall cooler. It is also not ideal if you require ARGB lighting, as the base SE model lacks this feature. Users needing support for older sockets like LGA1150 must check the specific variation, as compatibility varies. Additionally, those seeking liquid cooling solutions will find this air cooler unsuitable for their build.
Verdict: The Thermalright PA120 SE delivers solid dual-tower cooling performance with a practical design. It is a strong choice for users prioritizing specs over aesthetics.
Key Specs Explained for PA120 SE
Fan Size: 120 mm
This cooler uses standard 120 mm fans. You can easily find replacement fans if needed. Standard size fans fit most cases and provide a good balance of airflow and noise. When shopping, check if your case supports 120 mm fans. This size is common in mid-tower and full-tower cases, ensuring broad compatibility for your build without requiring special adapters or modifications.
Fan Speed: 1550 RPM
The fans spin at up to 1550 RPM. This speed helps move air through the heatsink fins to cool the CPU. Higher RPM usually means more cooling but also more noise. You should compare this speed with other coolers to gauge performance. If you need quieter operation, look for models with lower RPM or adjustable fan curves in your BIOS for better control.
Heat Pipes: 6
Six heat pipes transfer heat from the CPU base to the fins. More pipes generally improve heat dissipation. This cooler uses pure copper pipes with AGHP technology to prevent gravity issues. When comparing air coolers, count the pipes. Six pipes are common in high-performance dual-tower coolers, offering reliable thermal transfer for demanding workloads and sustained gaming sessions.
Tower Design: Dual-Tower
The dual-tower design features two heatsink blocks. This increases surface area for heat dissipation. It allows for better cooling than single-tower designs. You benefit from this when running high-end CPUs. When shopping, note that dual-tower coolers are larger. Ensure your case has enough clearance, as they often block RAM slots or require careful placement during installation.
Design and build details
The Thermalright PA120 SE uses a dual-tower layout. The heat sink combines aluminum fins with six pure copper heat pipes. According to the listing, these pipes use AGHP technology. This method helps move heat away from the base even when the cooler is in different positions. The base itself is pure copper. It connects to the pipes via a full electroplating reflow welding process. This construction aims to keep temperatures low under load.
The unit measures 125 x 135 x 155 mm. You must check your case dimensions before buying. The 155 mm height may block tall RAM sticks. The listing notes that the fans leave room for memory chips, but you should verify clearance. The cooler weighs 2 pounds. This weight is manageable for most standard mounting brackets. It includes metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms.
Controls are handled by two 120 mm PWM fans. They run at 1550 RPM. You connect them via a 4-pin header. This allows your motherboard to adjust speed based on temperature. The fans are not RGB, which keeps the design simple. The finish is standard for this price range. It focuses on function rather than flashy aesthetics. This makes it a practical choice for builders who prioritize cooling performance over visual customization.
Setup and everyday use guide
Installing the Thermalright PA120 SE requires checking your case clearance first. The cooler measures 155 mm in height. You must verify that your RAM sticks fit under the dual-tower design. The listing notes that the fans leave room for memory chips, but physical verification is necessary. The package includes metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms. You attach these to secure the cooler to the motherboard. For AMD systems, you must use the original motherboard’s built-in backplate. The backplate is not included with the cooler. This is a critical step for proper installation on AM4 and AM5 sockets. Intel users install the provided mounting hardware directly to LGA1700, LGA1200, and LGA115x sockets. The 4-pin PWM fans connect to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. This allows the fan speed to adjust automatically based on thermal load. The fans run at 1550 RPM max, producing up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. Noise levels stay at or below 25.6 dB(A). In daily use, the six pure copper heat pipes transfer heat from the base to the aluminum fins. The AGHP technology helps maintain this transfer regardless of orientation. You do not need additional software to manage the fans. The motherboard controls the speed via the PWM signal. The cooler operates silently under light loads and increases fan speed when the CPU works harder. This setup provides a straightforward, hardware-based cooling solution without requiring extra cables or controllers.
Before You Buy PA120 SE
Before you buy the Thermalright PA120 SE, verify your case clearance. The dual-tower design stands 155 mm tall. You must ensure your RAM fits under the fans. The listing notes the fans leave room for memory chips, but tall sticks may still interfere. Check motherboard socket compatibility. It supports AM4, AM5, LGA1700, and LGA1200. For AMD, you need the original motherboard backplate. It is not included. Upkeep is minimal. Dust the aluminum fins and copper base periodically with compressed air. This cooler fits well alongside other high-performance air coolers. It offers strong cooling for its size. The dual-tower layout helps manage heat efficiently. You get six heat pipes and two PWM fans. This setup balances performance and noise. It is a practical choice for standard builds. Ensure your case width accommodates the 135 mm width. The fans are 120 mm, which is standard. This makes replacements easy to find if needed. The build focuses on function over flash. It suits users who prioritize cooling efficiency. It is a solid option for most desktops.
Check before you buy
- Check case height clearance for 155 mm cooler.
- Verify RAM sticks fit under 120 mm fans.
- Confirm motherboard socket matches AM4, AM5, or LGA1700.
- Ensure case width allows 135 mm cooler width.
- Have AMD backplate ready if using AMD CPU.
The product at a glance
Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler
Best for: standard ATX cases needing strong dual-tower cooling
- 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 Affiliate link
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a dual-tower air cooler designed for high-performance thermal management. It features six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to improve heat transfer. The unit includes two 120mm PWM fans running at 1550 RPM, delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. It supports major Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA1700 and AM5. This cooler suits users seeking strong cooling capacity in a standard dual-tower form factor.
Pros
- Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
- Dual 120mm PWM fans providing 66.17 CFM airflow
- Supports AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, and LGA1200 sockets
Cons
- Height of 155 mm may interfere with tall RAM modules
- Fans are limited to 1550 RPM maximum speed
- AMD installation requires the motherboard's original backplate
Good fit if
- You need a dual-tower cooler for modern Intel or AMD platforms
- You want pure copper heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation
- You are building a system with standard height RAM sticks
Skip if
- You have a case with less than 155 mm CPU cooler clearance
- You require ARGB lighting or fan speed control software
- You are using a socket not listed in the compatibility range
Verdict: The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual Tower Cooler delivers robust cooling through its six heat pipes and dual fans. It is an ideal fit for builders needing reliable performance on LGA1700 or AM5 platforms without requiring RGB features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Peerless Assassin Dual Tower Air Cooler |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dimensions | 6.1 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Size | PA120 SE series |
| Color | PA120 SE |
| Model | PA120 SE |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright Peerless Assassin fit LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets?
Yes, this cooler supports both AM5 and LGA 1700 platforms. The manufacturer lists compatibility for these modern sockets alongside older options like LGA 1200 and AM4. This makes it a versatile choice for builders upgrading to recent Intel or AMD motherboards without needing new mounting hardware.
What are the physical dimensions of the PA120 SE dual tower cooler?
The unit measures 6.1 inches in length, 5.31 inches in width, and 4.92 inches in height. It weighs approximately 2 pounds. These dimensions indicate a substantial dual-tower design that requires adequate case clearance. You should verify your PC case supports air coolers of this height before purchasing.
How many heat pipes does the Thermalright PA120 SE use?
The cooler features six pure copper heat pipes. These pipes utilize AGHP technology to efficiently transfer heat from the base to the aluminum fins. This configuration helps maintain lower CPU temperatures under load compared to single-tower designs with fewer pipes.
What fan size is included with this dual tower CPU cooler?
The package includes two 120 mm PWM fans. This standard size ensures easy replacement if needed and fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases. The fans work in tandem with the dual-tower fin stack to provide balanced airflow across the entire heat sink surface.
Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin suitable for standard ATX cases?
Yes, it is designed for standard ATX cases needing strong dual-tower cooling. Its 155 mm height fits within most modern chassis limits. However, you must check internal clearance for RAM height and front fan obstruction. The design leaves room for memory modules, but tall sticks may still interfere.
Does this cooler require RGB lighting for operation?
No, RGB features are not required for the cooler to function. The PA120 SE focuses on robust cooling performance through its six heat pipes and dual fans. It is an ideal fit for builders who prioritize reliable thermal performance on LGA1700 or AM5 platforms without needing aesthetic lighting effects.