Thermalright Thermalrlght Peerless Assassin 140 White CPU Cooler Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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The thermalright thermalrlght peerless assassin 140 white CPU cooler is a dual-tower air cooler designed for broad compatibility and efficient heat dissipation. It features six heat pipes and dual PWM fans to manage thermal output. The unit measures 140 x 157 x 158 mm, fitting most mid-tower cases. Its white nano-painted aluminum fins and copper base provide a clean aesthetic. This cooler supports Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. It uses standard 4-pin PWM connections for fan control. The design prioritizes airflow and mounting ease for various platforms.
What stands out
- Six heat pipes connect the copper base to the aluminum fins for efficient heat transfer.
- Dual PWM fans deliver up to 66.17 CFM of airflow with noise levels at or below 25.6 dB(A).
- Compatible with Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
- Includes a Y-type adapter cable to connect both fans to a single motherboard header.
- White nano-painted finish on buckled aluminum fins and heat pipes for a uniform look.
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should choose this cooler if you need a versatile solution for modern Intel or AMD processors. The broad socket support makes it ideal for upgraders or builders using LGA 1700, 1851, or AM5 platforms. The dual-tower design and six heat pipes suit users who want strong passive cooling without excessive noise. It also fits well in cases that can accommodate its 158 mm height. The included adapter cable helps those with limited fan headers on their motherboard.
Who should skip it
You might want to look elsewhere if your case has a strict height limit below 158 mm. The dual-tower design requires sufficient clearance for RAM modules, so tall memory sticks may not fit. If you prefer a single-tower cooler for smaller cases, this unit is too large. Users seeking RGB lighting effects should note this is a non-ARGB model. Additionally, AM4 installations require the motherboard's original backplane, which adds a step for some builders.
Verdict: The Thermalright PA140 White offers strong cooling performance through its six heat pipes and dual fans. Its wide socket compatibility makes it a practical choice for many modern builds.
Key specs explained
6 Heat Pipes
This cooler uses six copper heat pipes to move heat from the CPU base to the aluminum fins. More pipes generally mean better heat transfer capacity. This helps maintain lower temperatures under heavy loads. You should compare this count with other dual-tower coolers, as many standard models use five. A higher pipe count often supports higher TDP CPUs effectively.
140x157x158 mm
The physical dimensions determine if the cooler fits inside your case and clears your RAM sticks. The 158 mm height is the critical clearance measurement. You must check your case specifications to ensure this height does not interfere with side panels. Compare this size against standard 120 mm fan coolers, which are often shorter but less powerful. Proper clearance ensures stable airflow and easy installation.
1500rpm±10%
This rating indicates the maximum rotational speed of the included fans. Higher RPMs push more air through the fins, improving cooling performance. However, speed also correlates with noise levels. You can adjust this speed via motherboard PWM controls. Compare this maximum speed with other 140 mm fans, which often spin slower but move more air at lower speeds for quieter operation.
≤25.6dB (A)
This decibel rating measures the maximum noise output under load. A value below 26 dB is considered very quiet for high-performance air cooling. This allows you to run the cooler aggressively without distracting background noise. Compare this figure with budget coolers that may exceed 30 dB. Lower noise levels are essential for users who prioritize a silent computing environment during gaming or work.
AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151
This list shows the compatible CPU sockets for both AMD and Intel platforms. It covers current and previous generation processors. You can use this cooler for new builds on AM5 or LGA 1700/1851, as well as older LGA 115x systems. Verify your specific motherboard socket before purchasing. Broad compatibility makes this a versatile choice for upgrading or building across different hardware ecosystems.
Design and Build Analysis
The listing describes a dual-tower structure finished in white. The fins are white-painted buckled aluminum, while the base is precision reflow soldered micro-engraved copper. This combination aims to balance surface area for heat dissipation with efficient thermal transfer from the processor. The cooler includes six heat pipes embedded in this assembly. According to the listing, all-metal fasteners and an SS2 buckle system secure the components. This mounting approach suggests a focus on rigid stability across different CPU sockets rather than quick-release mechanisms.
The physical dimensions are 140 x 157 x 158 mm. You must check your case clearance to ensure this dual-tower profile fits without blocking RAM slots. The unit supports Intel LGA 1150 through 1851 and AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. The mounting kit provides specific plates for these platforms, indicating broad compatibility. This layout means you can use the cooler on most modern desktop systems, provided your chassis accommodates the height.
Two fans are included: a 120mm TL-C12W V2 and a 140mm TL-D14CW. Both are standard PWM fans with 4-pin interfaces. The listing notes a Y-type adapter cable connects them in series, which helps if your motherboard lacks sufficient fan headers. The white finish matches specific aesthetic builds. The aluminum and copper materials are standard for this class of air cooler, prioritizing thermal performance over exotic lightweight alloys.
Setup and everyday use guide
Installing the Thermalright PA140 White requires matching the included hardware to your specific CPU socket. The listing confirms support for Intel LGA1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. For each socket, the mounting kit provides the appropriate plate or fasteners. You must follow the provided tutorials to ensure correct installation. Note that AM4 motherboards require the use of the original motherboard backplane. The cooler uses all-metal fasteners with an SS2 buckle system, which the manufacturer states makes installation easier across multiple specifications.
For power connections, the unit includes a Y-type adapter cable. This cable connects one end to a 3-pin header and the other to a 4-pin header. This allows you to link the two fans in series if your motherboard lacks sufficient fan headers. The fans themselves use standard 4-pin PWM interfaces and operate at 12V. The TL-C12W V2 and TL-D14CW fans run at 1500 RPM with a tolerance of plus or minus ten percent. They deliver up to 66.17 CFM of airflow while maintaining noise levels at or below 25.6 dB(A). In daily use, these dual fans provide stronger airflow to improve heat dissipation. The physical dimensions are 140 x 157 x 158 mm. You should verify that this size fits within your case before installation.
Before You Buy This Cooler
Before you buy, verify your case dimensions. The PA140 White measures 140 x 157 x 158 mm. You need sufficient clearance for the dual towers and fans. RAM height can also interfere with the fins, so check your memory compatibility. The listing includes a Y-type adapter cable to daisy-chain the two PWM fans. This helps if your motherboard lacks enough fan headers. You should plan to clean the dust filters or fins periodically to maintain airflow efficiency. This cooler sits alongside other high-performance air options. It offers a white aesthetic without adding RGB lighting to the main unit. If you prefer a clean build, this fits well. However, if you need extreme overclocking headroom, you might look at larger models. Ensure your socket matches the supported list, including LGA1851 and AM5. Proper installation is key to getting the advertised performance. Keep the area around the CPU clear for optimal airflow.
Check before you buy
- Check case clearance for 158 mm height
- Verify RAM does not block fins
- Confirm socket support like LGA1700 or AM5
- Ensure motherboard has enough fan headers
The product at a glance
Thermalright PA140 White Dual Tower Cooler
Best for: White-themed builds needing strong airflow
- Cooler Height
- 158 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120 mm, 140 mm
- Fan Speed
- 1500 RPM
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151
View on Amazon: Thermalright PA140 White Dual Tower Cooler Affiliate link
This dual-tower air cooler features six heat pipes and a white nano-painted aluminum fin stack. It includes two PWM fans, a 120mm TL-C12W V2 and a 140mm TL-D14CW, delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. The unit measures 158 mm in height and supports Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. It suits builders who need strong cooling performance in a clean aesthetic.
Pros
- Six heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
- Dual fans provide up to 66.17 CFM airflow
- White nano-painted aluminum fins and heat pipes
- Includes Y-type adapter for easy fan connection
- Supports wide range of Intel and AMD sockets
Cons
- 158 mm height may not fit in smaller cases
- Fans are not ARGB equipped in this white model
- AM4 installation requires original motherboard backplane
Good fit if
- You want a high-performance cooler with a white finish
- You have a mid-tower or full-tower case with sufficient clearance
- You use Intel LGA 1700/1851 or AMD AM5 sockets
Skip if
- You need ARGB lighting on the fans
- Your case height clearance is less than 158 mm
- You are building in a compact ITX case
Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 White delivers strong cooling through its six heat pipes and dual fans. It is a solid choice for white-themed builds that prioritize airflow over RGB aesthetics.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright PA140 White Dual Tower Cooler |
|---|---|
| Cooler Height | 158 mm |
| Heat Pipes | 6 |
| Tower Design | Dual-Tower |
| Fan Size | 120 mm, 140 mm |
| Fan Speed | 1500 RPM |
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151 |
| Color | White |
| Dimensions | 5.51 × 6.18 × 6.22 inches |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright PA140 White support the latest Intel sockets?
Yes, it supports LGA 1851. The cooler also covers older Intel platforms like LGA 1200, 1150, and 1151. This broad compatibility ensures it works with both new and previous generation processors without needing separate mounting kits for most common boards.
Is this cooler compatible with AMD AM5 motherboards?
It is fully compatible with AMD AM5. The mounting hardware also supports the AM4 socket. This means you can use the same cooler for both current and previous AMD Ryzen generations, making it a versatile choice for platform upgrades.
How wide is the Thermalright PA140 White cooler?
The unit is 6.18 inches wide. You must ensure your PC case has enough internal width to accommodate this dimension. The dual-tower design requires adequate space on the sides of the CPU socket to prevent interference with case panels or components.
Does the PA140 White include RGB lighting?
The product data does not mention RGB features. It is described as a solid choice for builds prioritizing airflow over aesthetics. The white finish focuses on visual coordination with other white components rather than providing dynamic lighting effects or programmable color changes.
What is the height of the dual-tower design?
The cooler stands 6.22 inches tall. You need to check your case specifications for maximum CPU cooler clearance. Exceeding this limit may prevent the side panel from closing or interfere with nearby components like RAM modules or VRM heatsinks.
How many heat pipes does this model have?
It features six copper heat pipes. These pipes transfer heat from the base to the aluminum fins efficiently. This configuration helps maintain lower temperatures under heavy loads by distributing thermal energy across a larger surface area for dissipation.
Is the Thermalright PA140 White suitable for white-themed builds?
Yes, it is specifically designed for white-themed builds. The entire unit, including the dual towers and fans, is finished in white. This ensures visual consistency with other white components in your case, avoiding the contrast often seen with standard black coolers.
What is the length of the cooler assembly?
The length is 5.51 inches. This dimension runs parallel to the motherboard. You should verify that this length does not obstruct other components or cables in your case. Proper clearance ensures optimal airflow and prevents physical interference during installation.