THERMALRLGHT Thermalright TR Assassin X or THERMALRLGHT Thermalright 47mm Low Profile? Which THERMALRLGHT Model to Buy
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You are deciding between the thermalrlght thermalright tr assassin x vs thermalright tr axp90 x47. Both coolers use aluminum heatsinks and PWM fans for automatic speed control. They share broad socket support for modern Intel and AMD platforms. The main difference is form factor. The Assassin X is a standard tower cooler. The AXP90 X47 is a low-profile unit designed for small cases.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black | Thermalright 47mm Low Profile Black ITX Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Height | 151mm | 47mm |
| Fan Size | 120mm | 92mm |
| Tower Design | Standard Tower | Low-Profile |
| Lighting | ARGB with Digital Screen | None listed |
| Heat Pipes | Not listed | 4x 6mm |
| System Type | Standard | ITX |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black if
- You need a cooler for a standard ATX case with high clearance.
- You want ARGB lighting and a digital display on the cooler.
- You prefer a larger 120mm fan for potentially lower noise at high speeds.
Choose Thermalright 47mm Low Profile Black ITX Cooler if
- You are building in a small ITX or HTPC case with limited height.
- You need a low-profile design that avoids blocking tall RAM modules.
- You require explicit heat pipe specifications for your build.
Verdict: The Assassin X suits standard builds where case height is not a constraint. The AXP90 X47 is the necessary choice for compact ITX systems. Select based on your case dimensions first.
Specs: Assassin X vs AXP90 X47
Cooler height
The Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black stands 151mm tall. This standard tower height fits most mid-tower cases without issue. The Thermalright 47mm Low Profile Black ITX Cooler is significantly shorter at just 47mm. This compact design is essential for small form factor builds like ITX cases. It also works well in HTPC setups where vertical clearance is limited. You must check your case specifications carefully. A standard tower may not fit in tight spaces, while the low-profile option ensures compatibility with restricted heights.
Fan size
The Assassin X uses a 120mm fan. This larger fan can move more air at lower speeds, potentially reducing noise. The AXP90 X47 uses a smaller 92mm fan. Smaller fans often need to spin faster to move the same amount of air. The Assassin X fan speed is rated at 2000 RPM. The AXP90 X47 fan speed is higher at 2700 RPM. The larger fan size on the Assassin X generally allows for better airflow efficiency. This can lead to quieter operation under similar cooling loads compared to the smaller fan.
Lighting
The Assassin X features digital ARGB lighting. It includes a digital screen powered by a 9-pin USB interface from the motherboard. This allows for customizable visual effects and display information via software. The AXP90 X47 does not list any lighting features in its specifications. It is a functional black cooler without aesthetic illumination. If you want visible RGB effects or a digital display, the Assassin X is the clear choice. For a purely utilitarian look without lights, the AXP90 X47 suffices.
Heat pipes
The AXP90 X47 explicitly lists four 6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology. This technology helps manage heat transfer regardless of orientation. The Assassin X specifications do not explicitly state the number of heat pipes in the provided data. Both use aluminum heatsinks. However, the explicit mention of four heat pipes on the AXP90 X47 gives you more information about its thermal design. Without specific pipe counts for the Assassin X, we cannot fully compare the internal thermal transfer mechanisms based solely on these specs.
Air volume
The Assassin X provides an air volume of 70.84 CFM. This higher airflow capacity helps dissipate heat more aggressively. The AXP90 X47 provides 42.58 CFM. This lower airflow is expected due to the smaller fan size and compact design. Higher CFM generally supports better cooling performance for high-power CPUs. The AXP90 X47 prioritizes low noise at 22.4 dB compared to the Assassin X's 29.8 dB. You choose based on whether you prioritize maximum airflow or quiet operation.
System type
The AXP90 X47 is designed specifically for ITX systems. Its low profile makes it ideal for compact builds where space is at a premium. The Assassin X is a standard tower cooler. It is better suited for ATX or mid-tower cases where height is not a constraint. The Assassin X also supports newer Intel sockets like LGA 1851. The AXP90 X47 supports LGA 1700 but does not list LGA 1851 in its key specs. Your case size and motherboard platform will dictate which system type fits your build.
Which Thermalright Cooler Fits Your Build
Standard ATX desktop builders
The Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black fits standard mid-tower cases. Its 151mm height provides ample surface area for heat dissipation. The 120mm fan delivers 70.84 CFM of airflow. You get digital ARGB lighting via a 9-pin USB header. This model suits users who prioritize cooling capacity and aesthetics in a standard form factor.
Small form factor ITX builders
The 47mm Low Profile Black ITX Cooler is designed for tight spaces. Its 47mm height clears low-profile memory modules easily. The 92mm fan spins up to 2700 RPM for strong pressure. It uses four heat pipes with AGHP technology. This compact cooler is ideal for HTPC or small ITX cases where space is limited.
Users needing high fan speed
If you need maximum airflow in a small package, the AXP90 X47 is the choice. Its 92mm fan reaches 2700 RPM, which is faster than the Assassin X. This higher speed generates 1.33 mmH2O of static pressure. It ensures efficient cooling in restricted airflow environments. The slim design allows for better integration in compact builds.
The products compared
Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black
Best for: Standard cases needing 120mm fan cooling
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1700/1851/1200/1150/1151, AM4/AM5
- Cooler Height
- 151mm
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black Affiliate link
This is a 120mm tower CPU air cooler with a 151mm height. It uses a 120mm PWM fan that reaches 2000 RPM. The unit features a digital display screen powered by a 9-pin USB interface. It supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. You should choose this if you need standard tower cooling with visible RGB lighting and a digital readout.
Pros
- 120mm PWM fan with 2000 RPM speed
- 151mm height fits most standard cases
- Digital display screen via 9-pin USB
- Compatible with LGA 1700/1851 and AM4/AM5
Cons
- 151mm height is taller than the 47mm AXP90 X47
- Requires motherboard 9-pin USB header for display
- Digital screen needs specific software installation
Good fit if
- You have a mid-tower case with 151mm clearance
- You want a 120mm fan for standard airflow
- You prefer a digital display on the cooler
Skip if
- You need a low-profile cooler under 50mm
- Your case has less than 151mm CPU clearance
- You do not want to use a USB header
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB suits builders with standard cases who want a 120mm fan and a digital display. It is not for small form factor builds requiring low height.
Thermalright 47mm Low Profile Black ITX Cooler
Best for: compact ITX and HTPC system builds
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150
- Cooler Height
- 47 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 92 mm
- Fan Speed
- 2700 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright 47mm Low Profile Black ITX Cooler Affiliate link
The Thermalright AXP90 X47 is a low-profile air cooler designed for compact ITX and HTPC builds. It stands just 47mm tall, fitting in small cases without blocking RAM. The unit uses four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively in any orientation. It includes a 92mm TL-9015B PWM fan that reaches 2700 RPM. This cooler supports Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. You get reliable cooling in a space-saving design.
Pros
- 47mm total height fits tight ITX cases
- 4 heat pipes use AGHP to prevent heat loss
- 92mm fan supports 2700 RPM for airflow
- Compatible with LGA1700 and AM5 sockets
Cons
- 47mm height limits use to low-profile builds
- 92mm fan may be noisy at max speed
- Smaller cooler size than standard tower designs
Good fit if
- You build in an ITX case with limited height
- You need a cooler under 50mm tall
- You use an AM5 or LGA1700 CPU
Skip if
- You have a high-TDP CPU needing massive cooling
- You have a standard ATX case with no height limits
- You require RGB lighting or digital control
Verdict: The Thermalright AXP90 X47 47mm Low Profile is a practical solution for ITX builders who need a compact cooler. It fits cases where standard towers will not, provided your CPU does not generate excessive heat.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black | Thermalright 47mm Low Profile Black ITX Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | LGA1700/1851/1200/1150/1151, AM4/AM5 | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150 |
| Cooler Height | 151mm | 47 mm |
| Heat Pipes | not stated | 4 |
| Tower Design | not stated | Low-Profile |
| Fan Size | 120mm | 92 mm |
| Fan Speed | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Lighting | ARGB | not stated |
| System Type | not stated | ITX |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Features | Fan | Fan |
| Dimensions | 5.94 × 4.72 × 5.94 inches | 3.72 × 3.74 × 1.85 inches |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright Assassin X 120R fit in small cases?
No. This model stands 5.94 inches tall. It is designed for standard cases needing 120mm fan cooling. Small form factor builds requiring low height will not fit this cooler. You need a case with sufficient clearance for its 151mm tower profile to install it properly.
Is the 47mm Low Profile cooler good for gaming?
It is practical for ITX builders who need a compact cooler. It fits cases where standard towers will not. However, it is only suitable if your CPU does not generate excessive heat. High-performance gaming loads may exceed its cooling capacity due to its smaller size.
Which cooler supports the latest Intel sockets?
The Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black supports LGA 1851. The 47mm Low Profile model does not list this socket in its compatibility data. If you are building on a new Intel platform requiring LGA 1851, the Assassin X is the compatible choice for your system.
Do both coolers include fans?
Yes. Both products list a fan as a primary feature. The Assassin X includes a 120mm fan for airflow. The low-profile model includes a fan sized for its compact design. Both use PWM fans for automatic speed control based on system temperatures.
Can I use the 47mm cooler with AMD AM5?
Yes. The Thermalright 47mm Low Profile Black ITX Cooler supports AM4 and AM5 sockets. It is a practical solution for ITX builders. Ensure your case height allows for its 47mm profile before purchasing for an AMD Ryzen system.
Does the Assassin X have RGB lighting?
Yes. This model features Digital ARGB lighting in black. The digital display adds visual customization to your build. It is suitable for builders who want aesthetic effects alongside standard 120mm fan cooling performance in mid-tower cases.
Which is better for a compact HTPC?
The 47mm Low Profile is better for compact HTPC system builds. Its 47mm height fits where standard towers will not. The Assassin X is too tall for most small form factor enclosures. Choose the low-profile model for space-constrained home theater PCs.
Are the dimensions different for width?
Yes. The Assassin X is 4.72 inches wide. The 47mm Low Profile is 3.74 inches wide. The low-profile model is narrower, making it easier to fit in tight spaces. Consider your case interior width when choosing between these two Thermalright models.