Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This thermalright peerless assassin 140 black CPU cooler review covers a dual-tower air cooler built for efficient heat dissipation. It features six pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology and high-performance dual PWM fans. The design includes a symmetrical mecha-shaped fin array and a precision reflow soldered copper base. You get a cooler that measures 158mm in height, fitting most mid-tower cases. The black nano-painted finish adds a sleek look to your build. It supports modern Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile choice for new or upgraded systems.
What stands out
- Six pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
- Dual PWM fans with 1500 RPM speed
- 158mm height for medium chassis compatibility
- Support for Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM5
- Black nano-painted twin-tower fin design
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this cooler if you have a mid-tower case with at least 160mm of CPU cooler clearance. It suits users with Intel LGA 1700 or 1851, and AMD AM4 or AM5 processors who want reliable cooling without liquid. The dual fan setup helps manage heat from moderate to high-end CPUs. Its broad socket support makes it a good fit for both new builds and retrofits. The 158mm height ensures it fits in most standard cases without blocking RAM.
Who should skip it
You should skip this option if your case has tight CPU cooler clearance under 158mm. It is not suitable for small form factor builds or mini-ITX cases with limited space. If you need RGB lighting, note that the data does not mention addressable RGB features on the fans or fins. Users with very high-end, power-hungry CPUs might find air cooling less effective than a large AIO. Check your case specifications carefully before purchasing to ensure physical fit.
Verdict: The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black is a solid, spec-driven air cooler for standard mid-tower builds. It offers good value through its dual-tower design and broad socket compatibility.
Key specs explained for you
Fan Size: 120mm, 140mm
This cooler uses two fans of different sizes. The 120mm and 140mm dimensions allow for varied airflow patterns. Larger fans generally move more air at lower speeds. This setup helps you balance cooling performance with system noise levels. You should check your case dimensions to ensure both fan sizes fit without blocking other components or memory modules during installation.
Fan Speed: 1500RPM
The fans spin at up to 1500 revolutions per minute. This speed provides strong air movement to push heat away from the fins. It is a moderate speed that avoids excessive noise. You get efficient cooling without the loud whine of high-RPM fans. Compare this to other air coolers to see if higher speeds are needed for your specific CPU thermal output.
Heat Pipes: 6
There are six pure copper heat pipes inside the cooler. These pipes transfer heat from the CPU base to the aluminum fins quickly. More pipes generally mean better heat distribution across the tower. You benefit from stable temperatures under load. When shopping, compare this count with other coolers to ensure sufficient thermal capacity for your processor's power requirements.
Tower Design: Double Towers
The cooler features a dual-tower structure with fins on both sides. This design doubles the surface area for heat dissipation. You get better cooling efficiency than single-tower designs. The symmetrical layout helps balance airflow. Check your case compatibility to ensure there is enough vertical space to accommodate the height of these twin towers without interference.
Cooler Height: 158mm
The total height of the unit is 158 millimeters. This dimension determines whether the cooler fits inside your computer case. You must measure your case's maximum CPU cooler clearance before buying. Tall coolers offer more cooling power but may block tall RAM sticks. Verify your case specs to avoid installation conflicts with memory or side panels.
Design and build details
According to the listing, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black features a twin-tower body with symmetrical mecha-shaped fins. The base is pure copper, precision reflow soldered with micro-engraving for direct CPU contact. Six heat pipes use AGHP technology to move heat from the base to the large aluminum fin stacks. This layout maximizes surface area for efficient thermal transfer. The black nano-paint finish covers the buckled aluminum fins and heat pipes, providing a uniform aesthetic for modern builds.
The cooler stands 158mm tall, which the listing notes is suitable for large and medium-sized chassis. This height allows compatibility with high-profile memory modules and graphics cards. The dual fan setup includes a 120mm and a 140mm PWM fan. These standard sizes offer flexibility in airflow direction. The fans operate at 1500 RPM, delivering up to 66.17 CFM of air volume while keeping noise at or below 25.6 dB(A). This balance helps you maintain cooling performance without excessive system noise.
Mounting support covers Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851 sockets, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. The mounting kit includes appropriate plates and fasteners for each socket type. You can follow the included tutorials for installation. The 4-pin power interface connects directly to your motherboard for speed control. This design ensures broad compatibility across current and previous-generation processors, making it a practical choice for various PC configurations.
Setup and everyday use
Installation requires matching the mounting hardware to your specific CPU socket. The listing supports Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851. It also covers AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. You must use the included kit for your platform. The cooler stands 158mm tall. This height fits most medium and large chassis. You need to check case clearance before buying. The tall design allows space for high-profile RAM modules. It also avoids blocking graphics cards in many builds.
The fans use a 4-pin PWM interface. This connects directly to your motherboard. The TL-C12B V2 and TL-D14CB fans run at 1500 RPM. They provide up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. Noise stays at or below 25.6 dB. This level is quiet for daily tasks. The dual fan setup pushes air through the twin towers. The black nano-paint finish resists fingerprints. It keeps the cooler looking clean.
Daily use involves the fans adjusting speed based on CPU load. The pure copper base absorbs heat quickly. The six heat pipes move it to the aluminum fins. The fans then dissipate that heat into the case. You get stable temperatures under load. The 120mm and 140mm fan sizes offer balanced airflow. This setup is practical for standard desktop use. It does not require extra software. You control fan curves through your BIOS.
Check Compatibility Before Buying
Before you install this Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black, verify your case clearance. The listing states a height of 158mm. This dimension matters for your RAM and GPU clearance. Ensure your motherboard socket matches the supported list, including LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5. You will need to check if your case accommodates the dual-tower design without blocking side panels. The fans operate at 1500RPM. You may need to adjust fan curves in your BIOS for optimal noise levels. Dust accumulation on the mecha-shaped fins can reduce efficiency over time. Plan for periodic cleaning to maintain performance. This cooler sits among other high-end air solutions. Its dual-tower structure offers substantial cooling area. Compare its specifications against other options in CPU Air Coolers & Thermal Paste to find the best fit for your build. Proper fitment ensures stable temperatures and reliable operation.
Check before you buy
- Verify your PC case supports a 158mm cooler height.
- Confirm your CPU socket is on the compatibility list.
- Check RAM height clearance next to the twin towers.
- Ensure GPU length allows space for the fan array.
The product at a glance
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black Cooler
Best for: High-performance air cooling in mid-tower cases
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5/AM4, LGA 1700/1851/1150/1151/1200
- Cooler Height
- 158mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Double Towers
- Fan Size
- 120mm, 140mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black Cooler Affiliate link
This cooler uses a twin-tower design with six pure copper heat pipes and dual PWM fans. The base senses CPU temperature and disperses heat to large aluminum fins. The fans spin at 1500 RPM, moving 66.17 CFM of air. It stands 158mm tall, fitting most mid-size cases. You get strong airflow and broad socket support for Intel and AMD platforms.
Pros
- Twin-tower body with six AGHP heat pipes
- Dual fans provide 66.17 CFM max airflow
- Supports AM4, AM5, LGA 1700, and LGA 1851 sockets
- Nano-painted black finish for a clean look
Cons
- 158mm height may block tall RAM modules
- Fans operate at 1500 RPM, not high-end speeds
- Noise level reaches 25.6 dB under load
Good fit if
- You need broad socket compatibility for modern CPUs
- You have a mid-tower case with 158mm clearance
- You want strong passive cooling performance
Skip if
- You have a small ITX case with low CPU clearance
- You require silent operation below 20 dB
- You need RGB lighting or fan control software
Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black delivers reliable cooling through its six-heat-pipe twin-tower design. It fits users who prioritize raw thermal performance and socket versatility over aesthetics or silence.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black Cooler |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM5/AM4, LGA 1700/1851/1150/1151/1200 |
| Cooler Height | 158mm |
| Heat Pipes | 6 |
| Tower Design | Double Towers |
| Fan Size | 120mm, 140mm |
| Fan Speed | 1500RPM |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 5.51 × 1.06 × 5.51 inches |
| Model | PA140 BLACK |
Frequently asked questions
What sockets does the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black support?
This cooler supports a wide range of modern and legacy sockets. It is compatible with AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. For Intel users, it fits LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1151, and LGA 1150. This versatility allows you to use the same cooler across multiple system upgrades without needing new mounting hardware.
How many heat pipes are in the Peerless Assassin 140 Black?
The cooler features six heat pipes. These pipes use AGHP technology to move heat efficiently from the copper base to the fin array. This design helps dissipate thermal energy quickly, which is essential for maintaining stable CPU temperatures under load without relying solely on fan speed.
What are the physical dimensions of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black?
The unit measures 5.51 inches in length and height, with a width of 1.06 inches. The total height is 158mm. You must check your case specifications to ensure these dimensions fit. The height clearance is critical for avoiding interference with tall RAM modules or side-mounted GPUs.
Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black suitable for mid-tower cases?
Yes, this cooler is designed for high-performance air cooling in mid-tower cases. Its twin-tower structure provides robust heat dissipation. However, you need to verify internal clearance. The 158mm height requires adequate space between the motherboard and the case side panel to install the unit properly.
What color is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black cooler?
The cooler is finished in black. This color matches most modern PC builds and aesthetic themes. The black finish covers the twin-tower fin array and the fan frames. It provides a uniform look that blends well with black or dark-colored computer cases and components.
Does the Peerless Assassin 140 Black use pure copper?
Yes, the base is made of pure copper. It is precision reflow soldered to the heat pipes. This material choice ensures excellent thermal conductivity. The direct contact with the CPU surface helps transfer heat away from the processor quickly, improving overall cooling efficiency compared to aluminum alternatives.