Thermalright Royal Knight Dual-Tower Cooler Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This thermalright royal knight dual tower cooler review focuses on a 155mm high air cooler designed for desktop systems. It features six heat pipes and dual 120mm fans. The setup uses an aluminum fin tower with a copper base. One fan runs at 1500RPM, while the thinner front fan reaches 1800RPM. This combination aims to balance airflow and pressure. The cooler leaves space for RAM modules, ensuring your memory sticks do not block the fans. It supports multiple Intel and AMD sockets. You get a standard dual-tower design that fits most mid-tower cases.
What stands out
- Six heat pipes connect to a copper base for efficient heat transfer.
- Dual 120mm fans provide up to 66.17 CFM of airflow.
- Thinner front fan allows clearance for tall RAM modules.
- Supports Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
- S-FDB bearings are rated for long service life.
Who it fits
Good fit for
This cooler suits users with mainstream CPUs on AM4, AM5, or Intel LGA 1700/1851 platforms. The dual-tower design helps dissipate heat from moderate to high loads. The thin front fan is ideal if you use tall RAM kits. You will appreciate the PWM control for adjusting noise levels. It is a practical choice for builders who need wide socket compatibility without sacrificing RAM clearance.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you have a very small case. The cooler stands 155mm tall, which may not fit in compact chassis. If you require extreme overclocking performance, this air cooler may not match liquid cooling solutions. Users needing RGB lighting on the cooler itself should note that the top cover is frosted aluminum. This model focuses on function rather than aesthetic customization for the cooler body.
Verdict: The Thermalright Royal Knight offers solid cooling performance with good RAM clearance. It is a reliable option for standard desktop builds.
Key specs explained
Dual Towers, 6 Heat Pipes
This configuration uses two aluminum fin stacks connected by six copper heat pipes. The dual-tower design increases surface area for heat transfer, while the heat pipes move thermal energy from the CPU base to the fins. This setup suits higher-TDP processors by spreading heat more effectively than single-tower models. You benefit from stable cooling under sustained loads, making it a practical choice for performance desktop builds.
155mm Height
The cooler stands 155mm tall, which is a standard mid-range height for dual-tower air coolers. This dimension ensures it fits inside most mid-tower and full-tower cases without requiring excessive internal clearance. You must verify your case supports coolers up to this height before purchase. It balances cooling performance with physical compatibility, avoiding the clearance issues common with larger 170mm or 180mm premium air coolers.
120mm Fan Size
The fans measure 120mm by 120mm, a standard size for desktop air cooling. This size allows for efficient airflow at lower rotational speeds compared to smaller 92mm fans. You gain the ability to move more air while maintaining lower noise levels. This spec is a baseline for compatibility, ensuring the fans fit standard mounting positions on the radiator towers and work with typical motherboard fan headers.
1800RPM Fan Speed
The front fan operates at up to 1800RPM, providing higher static pressure to push air through the dense fin stack. This speed helps maintain cooling efficiency when the CPU is under load. You should expect slightly higher noise levels at maximum speed compared to slower fans. This spec indicates the cooler prioritizes thermal performance, making it suitable for users who need reliable temperature control during intensive tasks.
AM4/AM5, LGA1700/1851 Compatibility
The cooler supports current and recent platforms, including AMD AM4 and AM5, and Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851 sockets. This broad compatibility means you can use it across multiple system generations without buying new mounting hardware. You benefit from future-proofing your purchase if you upgrade your CPU within these supported families. Always check your specific motherboard manual to confirm the mounting hole pattern matches the included brackets.
Design and Build Details
The listing describes a dual-tower structure built from aluminum fins and six copper heat pipes. The base uses a copper process with reflow soldering to connect the pipes to the metal. This material choice aims to move heat from the CPU into the large fin stacks efficiently. The top cover is anodic and frosted, while the pipes are fully electroplated. These finishes protect the metal and provide a uniform look without adding significant weight. You get a solid metal block that relies on surface area rather than heavy mass for cooling.
The cooler stands 155mm tall, which is 6.1 inches. This height requires checking your RAM clearance. The design leaves space between the towers for memory modules, so you do not need to raise the front fan. The front fan is thinner, measuring 120 by 120 by 15mm, allowing it to sit lower. This layout helps you fit high-profile RAM sticks without blocking their lighting or airflow. The main tower fan is the standard 25mm thickness.
Dimensions are 122 by 114 by 155mm. The fans are 120mm models with PWM control. One runs at 1500RPM and the other at 1800RPM. The thinner front fan spins faster to push air through the dense fins. This speed difference helps balance airflow across both towers. The S-FDB bearings in the fans are listed for long service life. You can adjust fan speed via your motherboard to control noise and cooling performance.
Setup And Everyday Use
Installing this cooler involves mounting it to your motherboard using the included grommets. You must follow the instruction manual or the provided video for guidance. Intel users can attach it to LGA 1700, LGA 1851, LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, or LGA 1200 sockets. AMD users must use the original motherboard backplane for AM4 and AM5 installations. The physical dimensions are 155mm in height, 114mm in width, and 122mm in depth. This height may interfere with tall RAM modules. However, the design leaves space between the towers. The front fan is thinner at 15mm, while the rear fan is standard 25mm. This offset allows high-profile memory to remain visible without needing to raise the front fan. In daily operation, the dual PWM fans adjust speed based on thermal load. The rear TL-C12B V2 fan runs at 1500RPM, and the front TL-C12015B fan reaches 1800RPM. Both fans connect via 4-pin PWM headers for precise speed control. The S-FDB bearings in the fans are designed for long service life. The front fan generates higher airflow at 59 CFM, while the rear fan provides 66.17 CFM. Noise levels stay under 26.1 dB. You get stable cooling performance without manual fan curve adjustments. The anodic frosted top cover and electroplated heat pipes do not affect installation but add to the visual profile. The cooler is built for desktop systems and requires adequate case airflow to maintain efficiency.
Before You Buy This Cooler
Before you buy, check your case dimensions. The Royal Knight stands 155mm tall, so you need sufficient clearance for your side panel. Verify RAM height, as the design leaves space for memory sticks without blocking light. The cooler supports AM4, AM5, and Intel sockets like LGA 1700 and 1851. Ensure your motherboard includes the necessary mounting hardware. You must use the original AMD backplate for installation. Upkeep is minimal, but dust accumulation on the aluminum fins can reduce efficiency over time. Clean the unit gently with compressed air every few months. This dual-tower option sits alongside other high-performance air coolers in the CPU Air Coolers & Thermal Paste guide. It suits users who prioritize tall, wide coolers for maximum heat dissipation. If you have a compact case or low-profile RAM, this might not be the best fit. Consider smaller single-tower models if space is tight. The included PWM fans offer control over noise and speed.
Check before you buy
- Verify your case supports 155mm cooler height
- Check RAM height for clearance issues
- Confirm motherboard socket compatibility for your CPU
- Ensure you have the AMD backplate ready
The product at a glance
Thermalright Royal Knight Dual-Tower Cooler
Best for: Standard ATX cases with tall RAM
- Socket Compatibility
- Intel 1700/1851/115X/1200, AMD AM4/AM5
- Cooler Height
- 155mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual Towers
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1800RPM
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This dual-tower air cooler uses six heat pipes and two 120mm fans to manage CPU temperatures. The design includes a thinner front fan running at 1800 RPM, which prevents interference with tall RAM modules. It supports Intel LGA 1700 and 1851 sockets, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. The cooler offers wide compatibility and stable performance for standard desktop builds.
Pros
- Six fully electroplated heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
- Thinner front fan prevents RAM blockage
- Supports Intel LGA 1700 and 1851 sockets
- S-FDB bearings for long fan service life
Cons
- Requires original AMD motherboard backplane for installation
- 155mm height may not fit small cases
- No mention of RGB lighting on fans
Good fit if
- You have a standard ATX case with room for 155mm coolers
- You use Intel LGA 1700 or 1851 motherboards
- You have tall RAM modules that need clearance
Skip if
- You are building in a compact ITX case
- You want pre-installed RGB lighting on the fans
- You need a cooler under 155mm in height
Verdict: Thermalright Royal Knight 120 SE Dual-Tower is a practical choice for users with standard mid-tower cases who need to clear tall RAM sticks. It fits well on Intel and AMD platforms where height is not a constraint.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Royal Knight Dual-Tower Cooler |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | Intel 1700/1851/115X/1200, AMD AM4/AM5 |
| Cooler Height | 155mm |
| Heat Pipes | 6 |
| Tower Design | Dual Towers |
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Fan Speed | 1800RPM |
| System Type | Desktop |
| Dimensions | 4.8 × 4.49 × 6.1 inches |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Thermalright Royal Knight compatible with AM5 processors?
Yes, it supports AM5 sockets. The product data lists AM5 alongside AM4 and Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, and LGA 1200. You can mount it on modern AMD platforms without issue, provided your motherboard and case allow for the physical dimensions.
Does this cooler block tall RAM sticks?
No, it is designed to clear tall RAM. The best-for attribute specifies it is ideal for standard ATX cases with tall memory. The dual-tower layout leaves space for memory modules, so you can use high-profile sticks without interference from the fin stacks.
What is the physical size of the Royal Knight cooler?
The cooler measures 4.49 inches in width, 6.1 inches in height, and 4.8 inches in length. These dimensions determine the clearance needed in your case. You must verify that your chassis has enough vertical space for the 6.1-inch height before installation.
How many heat pipes does the Thermalright Royal Knight have?
It features six copper heat pipes. These pipes connect the dual aluminum fin towers to the copper base. This configuration moves thermal energy from the CPU to the fins, increasing the surface area for heat dissipation compared to single-tower designs.
Can I install this cooler on an Intel LGA 1700 motherboard?
Yes, it is compatible with LGA 1700. The socket compatibility list includes LGA 1700 along with LGA 1851 and LGA 1200. You can use the included mounting hardware to secure it to your Intel platform, assuming the case height permits.
Is this cooler suitable for a small form factor case?
It is likely not suitable for very small cases. The 6.1-inch height requires a standard mid-tower or full-tower chassis. The best-for attribute notes it fits standard ATX cases. You should check your specific case specifications to ensure it accommodates this height.