Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This thermalright thermalrlght assassin spirit 120 evo CPU cooler review covers a compact air cooling solution designed for modern processors. It features four 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan. The heatsink stands 156mm tall and uses an aluminum fin stack with a copper base. The included TL-S12-S fan runs at 2000 RPM. It also offers 5V ARGB lighting sync. You get a straightforward cooling package that prioritizes direct heat transfer and manageable dimensions for standard cases.
What stands out
- Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
- 120mm PWM fan with 2000 RPM max speed
- 156mm total height for case compatibility
- 5V 3-pin ARGB lighting sync
- Anodic black brushed top cover design
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this cooler if you have a mid-tower case with at least 160mm of RAM clearance. It suits users with AM4, AM5, or LGA1700 sockets who need reliable passive cooling without excessive noise. The 120mm form factor fits most standard builds. If you want a quiet system with synchronized RGB lighting and do not require extreme overclocking headroom, this spec sheet aligns with your needs.
Who should skip it
Skip this option if your case has strict RAM clearance limits below 156mm. It is also not ideal for high-end enthusiast builds requiring maximum thermal performance under heavy sustained loads. The single 120mm fan limits airflow compared to dual-tower designs. If you need a cooler for a large E-ATX board with tight space constraints or prefer silent operation below 20dB, look for a larger heatsink or a different fan profile.
Verdict: This cooler delivers solid base cooling performance for mainstream CPUs. It is a practical choice for standard builds with moderate space requirements.
Key specs explained
120mm Fan Size
This cooler uses a standard 120mm fan, which is the most common size for air coolers. You will find these fans in many cases, making installation easier. A 120mm fan balances airflow and noise well. It fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases without blocking RAM or side panels. When shopping, check that your case supports 120mm fans in the front or top for best results.
4 Heat Pipes
The unit includes four 6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology. These pipes move heat from the CPU base to the aluminum fins. Four pipes are standard for mid-range coolers. They help spread heat evenly across the fin stack. This design works well for most desktop processors. When comparing, look for similar pipe counts in this price range to ensure adequate thermal transfer for your specific CPU model.
156mm Cooler Height
The heatsink stands 156mm tall. This height determines if the cooler fits inside your computer case. You must check your case specifications to ensure it supports at least 156mm of CPU cooler clearance. Taller coolers often offer better cooling but may block RAM slots. Measure the space above your motherboard socket before buying to avoid fitment issues with your specific chassis.
2000 RPM Fan Speed
The fan spins up to 2000 RPM. This speed moves air through the fins to cool the CPU. Higher speeds increase cooling performance but also raise noise levels. This cooler lists a maximum noise level of 28.2dB at this speed. You get efficient cooling without extreme loudness. When shopping, compare this RPM and noise rating with other 120mm fans to find the best balance for your workspace environment.
Build quality and physical design
According to the listing, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO uses an all-aluminum fin stack for the main body. This material choice maximizes the heat dissipation surface area. The cooler relies on a copper base with direct touch technology to transfer heat from the CPU to the four 6mm heat pipes. These pipes utilize AGHP technology to manage heat flow regardless of orientation. The construction aims for durability with industrial-strength materials and low-grade safety insulation. You get a solid, efficient heat transfer path without unnecessary weight.
The physical dimensions are compact, measuring 120 x 120 x 25 mm for the fan and 156 mm in total height. This height makes it compatible with many chassis models, though you should verify clearance in smaller cases. The top cover features an anodic black brushed finish, which adds a clean aesthetic to the build. The fan itself is a 120mm PWM unit with S-FDB bearings, noted for long service life. This bearing type suggests quieter operation over time compared to standard sleeve bearings.
Controls are straightforward. The fan connects via a standard 4-pin PWM header, allowing your motherboard to adjust speed based on temperature. The ARGB lighting connects to a 5V 3-pin header for synchronization. You can link multiple units to avoid running out of motherboard headers. The design prioritizes functional compatibility and easy integration into standard PC builds. You do not need special software to manage the cooling performance, as the PWM signal handles fan speed adjustments automatically.
Setup and everyday use
Installation begins with mounting the cooler to your motherboard. The listing confirms compatibility with AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA17XX, LGA1200, LGA1150, and LGA1151 sockets. You must check your case clearance against the 156mm height. The cooler measures 120 x 73 x 156 mm. This compact footprint fits most mid-tower cases. Connect the 4-pin PWM fan header to the motherboard. This allows the system to control the fan speed. The fan runs at up to 2000 RPM. It delivers 68.9 CFM of airflow. You will hear up to 28.2 dB of noise. This is quiet for daily tasks. The ARGB lighting requires a 5V 3-pin header. Sync it with your motherboard software for color changes. You can daisy-chain multiple fans to save headers. The AGHP technology helps the four 6mm heat pipes move heat efficiently. This works in both vertical and horizontal orientations. The Seiko HDT base ensures good contact with the CPU. Daily use involves minimal maintenance. The S-FDB bearings suggest long life. You do not need to adjust settings often. The PWM fan handles load changes automatically. The brushed aluminum cover adds a clean look. It does not require special cleaning. Just keep the fins free of dust. This setup is straightforward for most builders. The specs provide clear guidance for connections and fitment.
Check Before You Buy
Before purchasing the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO, you must verify case compatibility. The 156mm height requires sufficient clearance in your chassis. You should also check motherboard ARGB headers. This cooler uses a 5V 3-pin connector for lighting synchronization. Ensure your board supports this standard to activate the soft light effects. If your motherboard lacks ARGB ports, the fan will still function as a standard PWM unit. You may need a separate hub if you plan to connect multiple ARGB devices. Regular maintenance involves cleaning dust from the aluminum fins. Use compressed air to preserve airflow efficiency. This model competes with other compact air coolers by offering direct touch copper base technology. It suits users who prioritize standard 120mm fan compatibility and modern socket support over extreme performance. It is a practical choice for mid-tower builds where space is limited but cooling needs remain consistent.
Check before you buy
- Verify case clearance allows for the 156mm cooler height
- Confirm motherboard has a 5V 3-pin ARGB header
- Ensure CPU socket matches AM4, AM5, or LGA1700
- Check if you need an ARGB hub for extra lights
The product at a glance
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO ARGB Cooler
Best for: Single-fan AM5 or LGA1700 builds
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA17XX, LGA1200
- Cooler Height
- 156mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO ARGB Cooler Affiliate link
This air cooler uses a 120mm PWM fan and four 6mm heat pipes to manage CPU heat. The aluminum fins and copper base work together to dissipate thermal energy. You get ARGB lighting that syncs with your motherboard. It fits AM4, AM5, and LGA1700 sockets. The 156mm height ensures compatibility with many cases. This setup offers solid cooling for standard builds.
Pros
- Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
- 120mm PWM fan reaches 2000 RPM
- ARGB lighting syncs via 5V 3-pin header
- Compatible with AM4, AM5, and LGA1700 sockets
Cons
- 156mm height may block tall RAM modules
- Single 120mm fan limits total airflow
- Noise level reaches 28.2 dB at max speed
Good fit if
- You need a cooler for AM5 or LGA1700 sockets
- You want ARGB lighting that syncs with your motherboard
- You have a mid-tower case with 156mm clearance
Skip if
- You require dual 120mm fans for maximum cooling
- You have tall RAM that exceeds 156mm height
- You prefer a cooler without RGB lighting effects
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO provides reliable cooling for single-fan builds on modern sockets. It suits users who value ARGB synchronization and standard socket support.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA17XX, LGA1200 |
| Cooler Height | 156mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 |
| Fan Size | 120mm |
| Fan Speed | 2000 RPM |
| Lighting | ARGB |
| Features | Fan |
| Dimensions | 4.72 × 2.87 × 6.14 inches |
| Color | AS120 EVO |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO support AM5 sockets?
Yes, this cooler supports the AM5 socket. The product data lists compatibility with AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, and LGA1151. This wide range allows you to use it on modern AMD Ryzen platforms and recent Intel LGA1700 systems without needing a different mounting bracket.
How tall is the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO cooler?
The cooler has a height of 6.14 inches. This measurement is critical for checking your PC case clearance. You must ensure your case side panel can close properly over a 156mm tall heatsink. Exceeding this limit may prevent the side panel from fitting or block RAM slots.
What type of lighting does the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO use?
The ARGB version includes addressable RGB lighting features. You connect the lighting cable to a 5V 3-pin header on your motherboard. This allows you to synchronize the fan lights with other compatible components. Always verify that your motherboard supports this specific connector type before purchasing.
How many heat pipes does the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO have?
It features four heat pipes. These pipes transfer heat from the copper base to the aluminum fin stack. The four-pipe design helps dissipate thermal energy efficiently for single-fan configurations. This setup is sufficient for standard cooling needs on modern processors without requiring additional fans.
Is the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO good for Intel LGA1700?
Yes, it is compatible with the LGA1700 socket. The specifications confirm support for this Intel platform alongside AMD AM5 and older sockets. You can install it on recent 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs. The mounting hardware is designed to secure the cooler firmly to these boards.
What are the dimensions of the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO?
The cooler measures 4.72 inches in length, 2.87 inches in width, and 6.14 inches in height. These dimensions define its footprint on the motherboard and its height within the case. You should measure your case interior to ensure the 6.14-inch height does not interfere with RAM or side panels.
Does the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO come with a fan?
Yes, the product listing includes a fan as part of the features. It is a 120mm PWM fan that controls speed based on temperature. This single fan provides airflow across the fin stack. You do not need to purchase a separate fan for basic operation, though you can add more if your case allows.