Review

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black stands as a compelling choice for those seeking a proficient air cooling solution. This cooler exhibits a strategic blend of performance, size, and pricing, making it an inherently attractive offering, especially for users who are not looking to invest heavily in premium cooling solutions.

Design and Features

At first glance, the Peerless Assassin 120 Black is designed with practicality in mind. As a dual-tower cooler, it features two fin stacks measuring a combined 125 mm x 135 mm x 157 mm and accommodates six, 6 mm thick copper heat pipes. These are responsible for efficient heat transference from the base to the fin stacks. Unlike larger and pricier models, this product opts for a more compact build facilitating compatibility across most motherboard layouts [TechPowerUp].

The base is constructed with nickel-plated copper, a common material used due to its effective heat dissipation properties. Additionally, the cooler’s adept use of PWM technology allows the fans to adjust speed dynamically, maintaining a balance between performance and silence [Tom's Hardware].

Performance

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is equipped with two TL-C12B fans, which are capable of spinning at speeds up to 1550 RPM. Together, they provide an airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a quiet operation with a noise output of just 25.6 dBA. The static pressure offered is sufficient to ensure effective cooling, making it apt for CPUs generating moderate thermal loads [Tom's Hardware].

Benchmark reports from dispersed sources suggest that while the Peerless Assassin 120 might not match the performance of top-tier models like the Noctua NH-D15, it delivers impressively close performance for its size and price category. For example, this cooler effectively managed an Intel i7 13700K, a task demanding significant thermal dissipation [Forum Tom's Hardware].

Compatibility

Another noteworthy aspect of the Peerless Assassin 120 Black is its broad compatibility. It supports various socket types, including AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/2066/2011, offering flexibility for future system upgrades. This feature makes it a versatile choice for builders who are looking for a cooling solution that can be carried over to their next build [Thermalright].

Price and Value

Currently priced at $43.79, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black positions itself as a cost-effective cooling solution. It effectively serves consumers who are cautious about budget but refuse to compromise heavily on cooling performance. The level of quality, combined with its affordable pricing, offers remarkable value, especially for gamers and enthusiast builders seeking reliability without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In summary, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU cooler is a noteworthy contender in its price segment. It manages to deliver a balance of cooling efficiency, compatibility, and affordability. While it may not dethrone ultra-premium models in performance metrics, it offers sufficiently competitive cooling capabilities, making it an ideal choice for a majority of mainstream users. As such, it stands out as an exemplar of value-oriented cooling solutions [Forum Tom's Hardware].