Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE

The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE is an efficient air cooler featuring four heat pipes and a TL-C12C PWM fan for optimal cooling performance. Designed for compatibility with AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700 sockets, it effectively manages heat output with its aluminium heatsink cover and AGHP technology.

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$17.9

In Stock

Popularity: Low

Performance:

34%

Specifications:

Model: Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE

Type: Air

Compatibility:

RGB: ARGB Connector: 3 PIN 5V

Dimensions: L120 mm x W46 mm x H148 mm

Weight: 630g

Operating Ambient Temperature:

Cold Plate Material:

Radiator Material:

Radiator Dimensions: L120 mm x W120 mm x H25 mm

Radiator Fan Speed Range: 1550 RPM±10% (MAX)

Radiator Fan Air Flow: 66.17 CFM (MAX)

Radiator Fan Static Pressure: 1.53mm H2O (MAX)

LED Connector Type: 4 Pin (PWM Fan connector)

Radiator Fan Current and Voltage: 0.20 A

Radiator Fan Connector Type:

Manufacturer Page: Link

Review

The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE is an economical air cooler that offers commendable performance for its price. With a design that incorporates four heat pipes and a TL-C12C PWM fan, this cooler is targeted at users seeking efficient cooling without breaking the bank. Its compatibility with AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700 sockets further highlights its versatile nature.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE boasts a sleek aluminium heatsink cover, contributing not only to aesthetic appeal but also to heat dissipation efficiency. Weighing in at 630g and measuring L120 mm x W46 mm x H148 mm, it offers a compact form factor that fits easily into a variety of cases. The ARGB lighting feature, enabled through a 3-pin 5V connector, adds a subtle touch of customization, allowing users to match their system aesthetics.

Cooling Performance

On the performance front, the Assassin X120 Refined SE excels in maintaining reasonable temperatures during regular use. According to a review on LDLC, the cooler maintains a temperature of 50°C during light tasks such as word processing and internet browsing. It handles gaming scenarios efficiently as well, keeping temperatures at around 70°C when running World of Warcraft at medium settings (quality 7) and at a resolution of 1080p.

Limitations and Considerations

While the Assassin X120 Refined SE offers satisfactory performance for most consumer-level tasks, it encounters limitations under full-load scenarios. In situations demanding high processing power, such as video compression in x265, temperatures can soar to 95°C, leading to thermal throttling of the processor (LDLC). This indicates that while the cooler is a cost-effective solution for general applications, it may not meet the demands of high-end, power-intensive tasks.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE stands as a formidable contender in the budget cooling market. Its attractive price, approximately 17.9 USD, combined with solid baseline performance, makes it an excellent option for users who immerse themselves in casual computing or mid-range gaming. Nevertheless, potential buyers ought to consider the constraints posed by its cooling capacity during intense workloads. For those whose needs fall within these boundaries, the Assassin X120 provides an excellent blend of affordability and functionality.