6 Best Alternatives to the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (2026)

How each alternative compares

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB Cooler shares the same dual-tower design and six heat pipes as the original. It maintains the standard 155mm height and 120mm fan configuration. This model includes ARGB lighting and supports the same broad range of sockets, including AM5 and LGA1700. You get comparable cooling performance for 120W to 245W loads. The main difference is the specific model variant and potential minor aesthetic tweaks. It remains a strong option for users who prioritize established dual-tower efficiency and visible lighting effects in a standard form factor without needing the latest SE revisions.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

This white variant keeps the dual-tower structure and six heat pipes found in the original. It offers the same socket compatibility for AM5 and LGA1700 platforms. The primary distinction is the white color scheme, which suits builds with matching aesthetics. The dimensions remain similar, ensuring it fits in most mid-tower cases. You retain the ARGB lighting features and fan performance characteristics. This choice is ideal if you want the proven cooling capacity of the Peerless Assassin series but prefer a white appearance over the standard black or silver options. It delivers reliable thermal results for modern high-performance CPUs.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE White ARGB

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE White ARGB is a white-colored version of the original SE model. It retains the six heat pipes and dual 120mm fans. The cooler supports AM5, LGA1851, and LGA1700 sockets. Its height is 155mm, matching the original for case compatibility. You get ARGB lighting and the same aluminum heatsink construction. This alternative is best for users building white-themed PCs who want the specific SE features like the offset layout. It offers identical cooling potential to the black version while providing a cohesive look for monochromatic builds without sacrificing thermal performance or socket support.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB

This standard black ARGB model mirrors the original Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB in almost every way. It features six heat pipes and dual 120mm fans for robust cooling. The dimensions and socket compatibility are identical, supporting AM5 and LGA1700. You receive the same ARGB lighting effects and aluminum construction. The weight is slightly higher at 2.14 pounds compared to some variants. This option is suitable for users who want the classic dual-tower design with modern socket support. It provides reliable thermal performance for Intel and AMD processors, making it a direct alternative for those who prefer the standard aesthetic over white or specialized SE revisions.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB Cooler presents another variant of the dual-tower design. It uses six heat pipes and dual 120mm fans to deliver strong cooling capacity. The cooler supports AM5, LGA1851, and LGA1700 sockets. Its dimensions match the original, ensuring it fits in standard cases. You get ARGB lighting and an aluminum heatsink. This model is designed for users with spacious cases who prioritize cooling power over compactness. It offers a solid alternative for those seeking the proven Peerless Assassin performance. The specifications remain consistent with the original, providing reliable thermal management for high-wattage CPUs without significant changes to the core design or mounting system.

Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler differs significantly by using a single fan and four heat pipes instead of six. It is much shorter at 71mm, making it ideal for compact cases. This cooler sacrifices some cooling capacity for a lower profile. It still supports modern sockets like AM5 and LGA1700, along with older LGA1150 and LGA1151. You get ARGB lighting and a lighter weight of 1.39 pounds. This option is best for users with small form-factor builds who cannot accommodate a 155mm dual-tower cooler. It provides adequate cooling for lower-power CPUs where space is the primary constraint rather than extreme thermal performance.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB Cooler

Best for: AM5 and Intel LGA1700 builds

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200

Cooler Height

155mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB Cooler

This dual-tower air cooler uses six 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat efficiently. It includes two 120mm PWM fans running at 1550 RPM, delivering 66.17 CFM of airflow while staying under 25.6 dB. The design supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. It fits most cases with a height of 155mm and offers ARGB lighting for your build.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
• Dual 120mm PWM fans with 66.17 CFM max airflow
• ARGB lighting and 1550 RPM fan speed
• Compatible with AM4, AM5, LGA1700, and LGA1200 sockets

Cons

• 155mm height may block tall RAM modules
• Requires motherboard backplate for AMD installation
• No app or software control for lighting mentioned

Good fit if

• You need strong cooling for AM5 or Intel 1700 platforms
• You want ARGB lighting without extra hubs
• You have a case that fits 155mm coolers

Skip if

• You have very tall RAM that blocks 155mm coolers
• You prefer single-tower designs for small cases
• You need silent operation below 25.6 dB

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB delivers solid dual-tower cooling for AM5 and Intel users. It fits well if you value airflow and lighting over extreme silence.

2 Best budget

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB Cooler

Best for: Standard towers needing strong cooling

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1700, 115X, 1851, 1200

Cooler Height

155mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Double tower

Fan Size

120mm

TDP Rating

120 to 245W

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB Cooler

This air cooler uses a dual-tower design with six 6mm copper heat pipes and AGHP technology to handle TDP ratings between 120W and 245W. It includes two 120mm PWM fans that move 66.17 CFM of air while staying under 25.6 dB. The unit supports AM4, AM5, and LGA sockets. You get ARGB lighting and a 155mm height that fits most cases.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technique
• Dual 120mm PWM fans providing 66.17 CFM airflow
• ARGB lighting and support for AM5 and LGA1700 sockets
• 155mm height leaves room for RAM modules

Cons

• 155mm height may not fit smaller cases
• Fans are rated at 1500 RPM max
• No software control for ARGB lighting mentioned

Good fit if

• You need strong cooling for high-TDP CPUs
• You want ARGB lighting without extra hubs
• You have a standard ATX case

Skip if

• You have a compact ITX build
• You need silent operation below 20 dB
• You want software-controlled fan curves

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB delivers solid cooling for 120W to 245W loads. It fits users who need broad socket support and visible lighting in a standard tower form factor.

3 Best premium

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

Best for: White builds with AM5 or LGA 1700 CPUs

Cooler Height

157 mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120 mm

TDP Rating

245 W

Fan Speed

1500 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

This is a white dual-tower air cooler with six 6mm heat pipes and ARGB lighting. It supports up to 245W TDP and fits AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets. The 120mm fans run at 1500 RPM with a noise level under 25.6 dB. You get a 157mm height and 66.17 CFM airflow. It suits builds needing white aesthetics and strong cooling for modern CPUs.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 245W TDP rating for high-end processors
• ARGB lighting with synchronized motherboard control
• Dual-tower design with 9600cm² heat dissipation area
• Compatible with AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets

Cons

• 157mm height may block tall RAM modules
• 1.02kg weight requires sturdy motherboard support
• Aluminum heatsink is lighter than all-copper designs

Good fit if

• You want a white cooler for an all-white build
• You need ARGB lighting sync with your motherboard
• You have an AM5 or LGA 1700 CPU

Skip if

• You have very tall RAM sticks under 157mm
• You prefer a black cooler instead of white
• You need a single-tower for small cases

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB fits users who need strong 245W cooling and white aesthetics for AM5 or LGA 1700 platforms. It is a solid choice for builds where RGB sync and dual-tower performance matter.

4 Also great

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE White ARGB

Best for: White-themed builds with modern sockets

Socket Compatibility

Intel 115X/1200/1700/1851, AMD AM4/AM5

Cooler Height

155 mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE White ARGB

This is a dual-tower air cooler with a white finish and ARGB lighting. It uses six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively in any orientation. The unit includes two 120mm PWM fans that spin at 1550 RPM. It supports Intel LGA 1700/1200/115X/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. You get a solid cooling solution that matches white-themed builds.

Pros

• Six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• Dual 120mm PWM fans for strong airflow
• White color with ARGB lighting effects
• Supports Intel 1851 and AMD AM5 sockets

Cons

• 155 mm height may interfere with tall RAM modules
• Aluminum fins limit total heat dissipation capacity
• Fans are not included with the cooler base

Good fit if

• You need a white-themed cooler for your build
• You want ARGB lighting on your CPU cooler
• You use modern Intel or AMD sockets

Skip if

• You have very tall RAM sticks in the first slot
• You prefer a black color scheme
• You want a single-tower design for small cases

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White offers reliable dual-tower cooling with white aesthetics. It fits users who want ARGB lighting and support for the latest sockets.

5 Also great

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB

Best for: Modern Intel and AMD CPU cooling builds

Cooler Height

155 mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120 mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

Lighting

ARGB

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB

This air cooler uses six 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat efficiently in any orientation. It includes two 120mm PWM fans that deliver up to 66.17 CFM of airflow while staying under 25.6 dB. The dual-tower design fits most Intel and AMD sockets. You get reliable cooling performance and ARGB lighting for a balanced build.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technique
• Dual 120mm PWM fans with up to 66.17 CFM airflow
• ARGB lighting effects for visual customization
• Compatible with LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5 sockets

Cons

• Requires motherboard backplate for AM4 and AM5 installation
• Heavier build at 2.14 pounds
• Standard 4-pin fan power connection

Good fit if

• You need strong cooling for Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 CPUs
• You want ARGB lighting to match your system theme
• You prefer a dual-tower design for better heat dissipation

Skip if

• You are using an AM4 or AM5 board without a backplate
• You need a compact cooler for small form factor cases
• You prefer silent operation below 25.6 dB noise levels

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB delivers solid cooling performance with its six heat pipes and efficient fans. It fits best for users building on modern Intel or AMD platforms who value reliable thermal results and customizable lighting.

6 Also great

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB Cooler

Best for: Users needing strong dual-tower cooling performance

Socket Compatibility

AM4/AM5, LGA1700/115X/1155/1200/1851

Cooler Height

155mm

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Double tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB Cooler

This double-tower air cooler uses six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively. It includes two 120mm PWM fans that reach 1550 RPM and deliver 66.17 CFM of airflow. The unit stands 155mm tall and features ARGB lighting. It fits Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. This model suits builders who need strong cooling performance and standard 120mm fan support.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
• Double tower design for enhanced cooling surface
• Two 120mm PWM fans with 1550 RPM max speed
• ARGB lighting effects on the fans
• Supports Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets

Cons

• 155mm height may block tall RAM modules
• Requires original motherboard backplate for AMD installation
• Noise level reaches 25.6 dB at max speed

Good fit if

• You need a high-performance dual-tower cooler
• You have a case that fits 155mm coolers
• You want ARGB lighting on your fans

Skip if

• You have very tall RAM that blocks the fans
• You need a single-tower compact design
• You want a cooler under 150mm in height

Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB delivers robust cooling through its six heat pipes and dual 120mm fans. It is a solid choice for users with spacious cases who prioritize cooling capacity over compactness.

7 Best lga 1150

Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB CPU Cooler

Best for: Compact cases needing AM5 or LGA1700 support

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200

Cooler Height

148 mm

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120 mm

TDP Rating

125 to 225 W

Fan Speed

1550 RPM

View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB CPU Cooler

This 120mm single-fan air cooler uses four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat. It supports TDP ratings from 125W to 225W and fits sockets like AM5 and LGA1700. The unit stands 148mm tall, making it suitable for medium-sized cases. You get ARGB lighting and a 120mm fan that runs at 1550 RPM. It is a practical option if you need a compact cooler with modern socket support.

Pros

• Four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• Supports TDP up to 225W
• Compatible with AM5 and LGA1700 sockets
• Includes ARGB lighting effects
• Compact 148mm height for medium cases

Cons

• Only four heat pipes compared to six in top alternatives
• Single 120mm fan limits airflow potential
• Aluminum heatsink material

Good fit if

• You have a medium-sized PC case with limited height clearance
• You need compatibility with newer AMD AM5 or Intel LGA1700 sockets
• You want ARGB lighting in a single-fan design

Skip if

• You require maximum cooling performance for high-TDP CPUs
• You prefer a dual-fan configuration for better airflow
• You have a small form-factor case with strict height limits

Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB fits users who need a compact, single-fan solution for modern sockets. It sacrifices some cooling capacity for a lower profile and four heat pipes.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions