Looking Beyond the upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How the alternatives compare

upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler

This model shares the same dual-tower architecture and six heat pipes as the original upHere cooler. It adds support for LGA 1151 sockets, which the base model does not list. The fan speed remains unspecified, but it targets quiet operation for standard desktops. If you need LGA 1151 compatibility, this version is a direct upgrade. Otherwise, the thermal performance should be nearly identical. It is a safe choice if you want the same cooling style with slightly broader socket support. The black finish matches the original aesthetic. You get the same dual-tower design without extra features.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini is significantly more compact than the upHere dual-tower. Its dimensions are 5.31 by 4.92 by 4.33 inches, making it ideal for small cases. It also uses six heat pipes and 120mm fans for modern sockets like AM5 and LGA 1851. You trade some height clearance for a smaller footprint. If your case has tight RAM or CPU clearance limits, this mini version fits where the larger upHere cooler might not. It offers similar heat pipe counts in a reduced size. It is best for builders prioritizing fitment over maximum tower height.

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Cooler

The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO is a low-profile single-tower design, unlike the upHere dual-tower. It stands 6.14 inches tall but is only 4.02 inches wide. It supports AM5 and LGA 1851 with six heat pipes. You give up the second tower and extra fins for a narrower profile. This makes it suitable for cases with limited width or tall RAM sticks. It does not list fan RPM, focusing on clean aesthetics and modern socket support. If you need a cooler that fits in tighter spaces without sacrificing too much height, this is a practical alternative. It prioritizes compatibility over raw dual-tower performance.

Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler

The Thermalright AXP90 is a low-profile cooler designed specifically for ITX builds. It stands only 36mm tall, which is much shorter than the upHere dual-tower. It supports AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets with a compact 3.74-inch width. You sacrifice significant cooling capacity for the ability to fit in small form factor cases. This cooler is not for high-end gaming rigs but for compact systems. It uses a single fan and fewer heat pipes. If you are building an ITX PC, this is the only viable option among these alternatives. It ensures your CPU stays cool in tight spaces where a standard air cooler cannot fit.

upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler

This upHere model includes ARGB lighting, which the standard black version lacks. It features a 120mm fan and supports AM5 and LGA 1700 sockets. The height is 6.1 inches, similar to the original. You get visual customization without changing the core cooling structure. It is ideal for users who want quiet operation and RGB effects. The thermal performance should be comparable to the non-ARGB version. If you prioritize aesthetics alongside cooling, this is the better choice. It maintains the same socket compatibility while adding lighting features. It is a good fit for builds where visual style is as important as airflow.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black V3

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black V3 runs its fan at 2000 RPM, which is faster than the upHere’s 1600 RPM. It uses six heat pipes and a dual-tower design for robust cooling on AM5 and LGA 1851. You gain higher airflow and potentially better temperatures at the cost of increased noise. It is 6.18 inches tall, slightly taller than the upHere. This cooler is best for users who prioritize maximum thermal performance over quiet operation. It offers a practical solution for high-performance builds. The dual-tower design ensures efficient heat dissipation, making it a strong alternative for demanding workloads.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler

Best for: Quiet dual-tower cooling on modern sockets

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1600 RPM

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1150

Color

Black

View on Amazon: upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler Affiliate link

This upHere air cooler uses a dual-tower design with six 6mm heat pipes to move heat away from your processor. It includes two 120mm fans that spin up to 1600 RPM. The unit delivers 68.2 CFM of airflow while staying under 25.6 dB. It fits many Intel and AMD sockets. The black build offers memory clearance for tall RAM sticks.

Pros

• Dual-tower structure with six 6mm heat pipes
• Two 120mm fans provide 68.2 CFM airflow
• Noise level stays below 25.6 dB at max speed
• Supports AM5, AM4, and multiple Intel LGA sockets

Cons

• Max fan speed of 1600 RPM limits peak cooling potential
• No ARGB lighting on the standard black model
• Height of 6.06 inches may block some RAM slots

Good fit if

• You need strong cooling for AM5 or LGA 1700 CPUs
• You prefer a quiet build under 26 dB
• You want universal socket support without extra adapters

Skip if

• You require RGB lighting effects on the cooler
• You have very tall RAM that exceeds clearance limits
• You need maximum airflow above 1600 RPM

Verdict: upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler delivers solid thermal performance for mainstream processors. It suits users who prioritize low noise and broad socket compatibility over flashy lighting.

2 Best dual tower

upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler

Best for: Quiet standard desktop cooling

Socket Compatibility

AM5, AM4, LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1650 RPM

Color

Black

View on Amazon: upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler Affiliate link

The upHere dual tower cooler uses six heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan to manage CPU temperatures. It reaches 1650 RPM with noise capped at 25 dB. The design supports AM5, AM4, and LGA 1700 sockets. It fits most builds without blocking RAM. You get reliable airflow for standard desktop tasks.

Pros

• Dual-tower design with six heat pipes
• Supports AM5, AM4, and LGA 1700 sockets
• Quiet operation at 25 dB max
• RAM clearance friendly

Cons

• Single fan limits peak airflow compared to dual-fan models
• No ARGB lighting included
• Basic black finish only

Good fit if

• You need a budget-friendly dual-tower cooler
• You have standard ATX cases with good airflow
• You prioritize quiet operation over extreme overclocking

Skip if

• You require RGB lighting for your build
• You need a low-profile cooler for small cases
• You want a dual-fan setup for maximum cooling

Verdict: upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler offers solid cooling for standard builds. It suits users who want quiet performance without extra features.

3 Also great

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black

Best for: compact cases with modern Intel and AMD sockets

Cooler Height

135 mm

Heat Pipes

6

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1500 RPM

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black Affiliate link

This 120mm air cooler uses six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat efficiently. It includes a 120mm PWM fan that reaches 1500 RPM and produces up to 66.87 CFM of airflow. The unit stands 135 mm tall and features a blackened aluminum body with a copper base. It supports Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. You should choose this if you need a compact dual-tower solution.

Pros

• Six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
• 120mm PWM fan reaches 1500 RPM
• Max airflow of 66.87 CFM
• Supports LGA 1851 and AM5 sockets
• Compact 135 mm height

Cons

• Single fan configuration limits total airflow
• 1500 RPM max speed is modest for high TDP CPUs
• Aluminum fins may offer less thermal mass than all-copper designs

Good fit if

• You have limited case height clearance under 135 mm
• You use an Intel LGA 1700/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5 CPU
• You prefer a low-profile dual-tower design

Skip if

• You need maximum cooling performance for high-end CPUs
• You require dual fans for higher airflow capacity
• Your case height exceeds 135 mm and you want a larger cooler

Verdict: Thermalright PA120 Mini 120mm Black fits builders who need a compact cooler for modern sockets. It balances size and heat pipe count for mid-range processors.

4 Also great

Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Cooler

Best for: Modern builds needing LGA1851/AM5 support

Cooler Height

156mm

Heat Pipes

6

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1500 RPM ± 10%

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 EVO Cooler Affiliate link

The Thermalright BA120 EVO Dark is a dual-fan air cooler with a brushed black finish. It uses six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology to manage heat effectively. The unit includes two 120mm fans running at 1500 RPM, providing up to 66.17 CFM of airflow. At 156mm tall, it fits most mid-tower cases. It supports Intel LGA1851 and AMD AM5 sockets, making it a versatile option for modern builds.

Pros

• Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP 4.0 technology
• Dual 120mm fans provide up to 66.17 CFM airflow
• Non-blocking memory design with 102mm width
• Supports Intel LGA1851 and AMD AM5 sockets

Cons

• Maximum fan speed of 1500 RPM is lower than 1600+ RPM competitors
• 156mm height may not fit in smaller cases
• No RGB lighting included in this specific dark variant

Good fit if

• You need broad support for latest Intel and AMD platforms
• You prefer a subtle black finish without RGB lighting
• You have standard mid-tower case dimensions

Skip if

• You require RGB lighting effects for your build
• Your case has a CPU cooler height limit under 156mm
• You want maximum fan speed above 1500 RPM

Verdict: The Thermalright BA120 EVO Dark 120mm Air Cooler offers reliable cooling for modern sockets without flashy lighting. It is a solid choice for users prioritizing compatibility and a clean aesthetic over maximum airflow speeds.

5 Best budget

Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler

Best for: ITX builds requiring low-profile cooling

Socket Compatibility

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

Cooler Height

36mm

Heat Pipes

4

Tower Design

Low-Profile

Fan Size

92mm

System Type

ITX

View on Amazon: Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler Affiliate link

This low-profile cooler stands 36mm tall, making it ideal for small form factor ITX builds. It uses four 6mm heat pipes and a 92mm PWM fan to manage heat. The unit supports AM4, AM5, and LGA sockets. Its compact 3.74-inch width fits tight cases. You get reliable cooling without the bulk of a dual-tower design.

Pros

• Ultra-compact 36mm height fits small cases
• Four 6mm heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
• Quiet operation at 22.4 dBA
• Supports AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets

Cons

• Single 92mm fan limits maximum cooling potential
• Low-profile design restricts airflow compared to towers
• Only four heat pipes versus six in competitors

Good fit if

• You need a cooler under 40mm tall
• You build in a compact ITX case
• You use AM5 or LGA 1851 sockets

Skip if

• You require maximum cooling for high-end CPUs
• You have a standard ATX case with height limits
• You prefer dual-tower designs for better airflow

Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low Profile is the right pick for ITX builders who need a 36mm tall cooler. It fits tight spaces while supporting modern sockets like AM5.

6 Best lga 1700

upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Best for: quiet builds with LGA 1700 or AM5

Socket Compatibility

AM5/AM4, LGA 1851/1700/1200/1155/1156

Cooler Height

6.1 inches

Heat Pipes

4

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

1650rpm ±10%

Lighting

ARGB

View on Amazon: upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler Affiliate link

This upHere air cooler uses four 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm fan to manage CPU temperatures. The fan spins up to 1650rpm, delivering 68.2CFM of airflow with noise below 26dB. It supports LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets. You get ARGB lighting and a compact 2.87-inch width. It suits users needing quiet operation and easy RAM clearance.

Pros

• Four 6mm heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation
• Fan speed reaches 1650rpm with 68.2CFM airflow
• Noise level stays under 26dB(A)
• ARGB lighting adds visual customization
• Non-disassembly fan design simplifies installation

Cons

• Only four heat pipes compared to six in competitors
• No PWM control mentioned in specifications
• Height of 6.1 inches limits case compatibility

Good fit if

• You need a quiet cooler under 26dB
• You want ARGB lighting for your build
• You use LGA 1700 or AM5 sockets

Skip if

• You require six heat pipes for high TDP CPUs
• You need PWM fan speed control
• Your case cannot fit a 6.1-inch height

Verdict: upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Cooler offers solid cooling with quiet operation and RGB lighting. It fits users prioritizing noise levels and visual style over maximum thermal headroom.

7 Best premium

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black V3

Best for: high-performance cooling on modern AM5 and LGA 1851 platforms

Socket Compatibility

AM4/AM5, LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1200

Heat Pipes

6

Tower Design

Dual-Tower

Fan Size

120mm

Fan Speed

2000RPM

Color

Black

View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black V3 Affiliate link

This dual-tower air cooler uses six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology and a precision reflow soldered copper base. It pairs these with a 2000RPM PWM fan for strong cooling performance. The design includes memory avoidance cut corners and fits AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets. It suits users who need high airflow and broad socket compatibility in a black finish.

Pros

• Dual-tower design with six fully plated heat pipes
• High 2000RPM PWM fan speed for active cooling
• AGHP technology prevents heat pipe sagging in any orientation
• Cut corner design avoids obstruction from tall RAM modules

Cons

• No ARGB lighting included in the black V3 model
• Requires original AMD motherboard backplate for AM4/AM5 installation
• 2000RPM fan speed may produce noticeable noise under load

Good fit if

• You need broad compatibility with AM5 or LGA 1851 sockets
• You want a high-performance dual-tower cooler without RGB lighting
• You have tall RAM sticks that require clearance

Skip if

• You require addressable RGB lighting effects on the cooler
• You are building in a case with limited CPU cooler height
• You prefer a single-tower design for smaller cases

Verdict: The Thermalright PA120 Black V3 Dual-Tower Cooler delivers robust cooling through its six heat pipes and 2000RPM fan. It is a practical choice for users prioritizing thermal performance and socket compatibility over aesthetic lighting.

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Frequently asked questions

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