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Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Air Cooler - 6 Heat Pipes Aluminium Heatsink Cover | 1850RPM PWM 120mm Fans, for Intel 1851/1700/115X/1200, AMD AM4/AM5
- V2 Performance Upgrade: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is the upgraded version of the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, combining a dual-tower heatsink with a higher-airflow fan system to provide extra cooling headroom for gaming, content creation, and sustained desktop workloads
- Product Specifications: The cooler measures 125(L) x 135(W) x 155(H) mm (4.92 x 5.31 x 6.1 inches); the front fan can be raised to clear taller RAM, which increases the overall cooler height, so check both RAM height and the maximum CPU cooler height listed for your case
- Dual 28mm PWM Fans: The two TL-C12C-X28 V2 120mm fans are 28mm thick and run at speeds up to 1850RPM±10%, delivering up to 88.89CFM airflow and 2.21mm H2O static pressure with a rated maximum noise level of 29.5dBA; the 4-Pin PWM connection lets users adjust the fan curve through the motherboard BIOS or fan-control software, lowering fan speed and noise under light loads while allowing the fans to ramp up when more cooling is needed
- AGHP Gen 5.0 Technology: Six 6mm heat pipes help maintain heat transfer whether the case is used vertically or horizontally, while the pure copper base and fully electroplated, reflow-soldered construction distribute heat across both aluminum fin stacks
- Compatibility: The cooler supports Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X and AMD AM5/AM4; mounting plates, fasteners, TF7 thermal paste, and an installation manual are included, and AM4/AM5 installations reuse the motherboards original AMD backplate
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Overview
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Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Air Cooler - 6 Heat Pipes AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology | 1850RPM PWM 120mm Fans, for Intel 1851/1700/115X/1200, AMD AM4/AM5
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The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is a dual-tower CPU air cooler with six 6mm copper heat pipes and two 120mm PWM fans, making it suitable for high-performance Intel or AMD desktop builds that need strong air cooling.
Recommended For
- DIY builders assembling mainstream gaming PCs with Ryzen 5/7 or Core i5/i7 processors who want strong sustained cooling without installing a liquid cooler. The dual-tower design performs well in CPU-load testing and is commonly used as a value-focused alternative to entry-level AIOs.
- Value-conscious users upgrading from a stock or small single-tower CPU cooler, especially those running demanding games, compiling code, rendering, or other sustained CPU workloads. Reviews and testing consistently position the Peerless Assassin 120 SE as a high-performing budget air cooler rather than a basic replacement cooler.
- Users building or upgrading standard ATX or mid-tower systems with at least 155 mm of CPU-cooler clearance. The cooler is a conventional dual-tower air design with broad Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 support, making it suitable for common desktop platforms when case clearance is verified.
- Desktop users who prefer the lower maintenance and straightforward failure profile of air cooling over an AIO pump and radiator. The Peerless Assassin uses a passive heatsink and two PWM fans, so it fits builds where long-term simplicity matters more than radiator-based cooling.
- Builders comfortable checking component fit before purchase and making minor fan-height adjustments for taller memory modules. Community build reports commonly describe moving the front fan upward or repositioning it when using tall RGB or high-profile RAM.
Real-World Use Scenarios
- A gamer is building a mid-range or high-end desktop and wants air cooling instead of an AIO; the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 should handle sustained gaming loads without requiring a pump, while fan noise may become noticeable during long, CPU-heavy sessions. ([tomshardware.com](https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-se?utm_source=openai))
- A content creator is editing video, compiling software, or rendering projects and needs consistent CPU cooling for extended workloads; the dual-tower design is commonly used with mainstream 8- to 12-core processors, but the hottest unrestricted flagship CPUs may benefit from stronger cooling or power limits. ([gamersnexus.net](https://gamersnexus.net/coolers/champ-41-thermalright-peerless-assassin-cpu-cooler-review-benchmarks?utm_source=openai))
- A builder is replacing a stock cooler or small single-tower cooler on an AM4, AM5, or compatible Intel system; the Peerless Assassin 120 SE family generally provides substantially more thermal headroom, helping the CPU sustain boost behavior with less risk of temperature-related throttling. ([tomshardware.com](https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-se?utm_source=openai))
- A user wants a quiet desktop for office work, browsing, or media playback; the cooler can remain unobtrusive at light loads, but the default fan curve may produce noticeable speed changes during short CPU spikes, so a silent or custom motherboard fan profile can improve the experience. ([pcgamesn.com](https://www.pcgamesn.com/thermalright/peerless-assassin-120-se-argb-review?utm_source=openai))
- A budget-focused builder is assembling a new AM4, AM5, or compatible Intel PC and wants a durable alternative to liquid cooling; the cooler offers broad socket support and avoids pump-related maintenance, but the 155 mm height requires a case with sufficient CPU-cooler clearance and may compete with tall memory modules. ([thermalright.com](https://www.thermalright.com/tw/product/peerless-assassin-120-se-v2/?utm_source=openai))
Spec Summary
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Best For | Desktop CPU cooling with an air cooler, heatsink, fan, and included mounting hardware |
| Cooling Performance | Supports CPUs with a 255W TDP rating and provides up to 88.89 CFM airflow |
| Fan And Power | 120mm fan with a maximum speed of 1850 RPM ±10%, 29.5dBA noise level, 4-pin power connection, 12V DC voltage, and 2.4W wattage |
| Heatsink Construction And Dimensions | Aluminum-and-copper heatsink measuring 125 × 135 × 155mm, with horizontal fan mounting |
| CPU Socket Compatibility | Compatible with AMD Socket AM5 |
| Model Identifiers | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU air cooler |
Reference Q&A
Q: Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 better than the DeepCool AK620?
A: Choose the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 when you want comparable dual-tower cooling with a 155 mm height and a value-focused design. Choose the AK620 when its mounting system, styling, or slightly different memory and case-clearance characteristics fit your build better. Professional testing has placed the Peerless Assassin and AK620 very close in high-load cooling, so the decision usually depends more on case compatibility, noise preference, and price than on a major performance gap.
Q: Should I buy the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 or the Noctua NH-D15?
A: Choose the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 for a lower-profile, dual-tower air-cooling design that targets high sustained CPU loads without requiring a large liquid-cooling system. Choose the NH-D15 when Noctua’s fan acoustics, mounting hardware, warranty support, and long-term accessory availability are more important than minimizing cooler size or cost. Testing of the Peerless Assassin family shows performance in the same general class as the NH-D15, but results vary with the CPU, fan speed, and test method.
Q: Is the Phantom Spirit 120 SE a worthwhile upgrade over the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2?
A: The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the higher-tier choice for users who want additional thermal headroom from a similar dual-tower format. Its official specification lists seven 6 mm heat pipes, compared with the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2’s six. The practical improvement is generally modest rather than transformational, so choose the Peerless Assassin when it is meaningfully less expensive or already meets your CPU’s cooling needs; choose the Phantom Spirit for higher-power processors, sustained workloads, or a small performance margin.
Q: Should I get the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 or a smaller single-tower cooler?
A: Choose a smaller single-tower cooler for a compact case, lower-power processor, or build where memory and component access are priorities. Choose the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 for sustained rendering, compiling, streaming, gaming workloads, or higher-power CPUs where the dual-tower heatsink and two 120 mm fans provide more cooling capacity. The trade-off is physical space: this model is 155 mm tall and requires more room around the CPU socket than a basic single-tower cooler.
Q: Is the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 better than a 240 mm or 280 mm liquid cooler?
A: Choose the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 when you prefer a simpler air-cooling system with no pump or radiator and strong performance for its size. Choose a 240 mm or 280 mm liquid cooler when maximum sustained thermal headroom, lower temperatures under very high CPU power, or radiator placement flexibility is the priority. Professional testing shows that capable 280 mm liquid coolers can outperform the Peerless Assassin at high heat loads, while the air cooler avoids pump-related components and uses a straightforward heatsink-and-fan design.
Q: Will this CPU cooler fit in my PC case?
A: It will fit only in cases that support CPU coolers at least 155 mm tall. Because this is a large dual-tower cooler, also check clearance around tall RAM modules, the graphics card, and motherboard heatsinks before buying. Retail CPU-cooler Q&A pages frequently identify case height and component clearance as key compatibility concerns. ([bestbuy.com](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/be-quiet-dark-rock-pro-5-quiet-cpu-cooler-black/10132453?utm_source=openai))
Q: Is this cooler compatible with my CPU and motherboard?
A: The cooler supports Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, and LGA 115X, plus AMD AM4 and AM5. It includes Intel and AMD mounting hardware, but buyers should still verify the exact socket and motherboard layout before installation. Socket compatibility is one of the most common CPU-cooler questions on retail product pages. ([newegg.com](https://www.newegg.com/p/13C-000Y-000J3?cm_sp=SP-_-2586064-_-0-_-6-_-9SIBVHXK8D7532-_-thermalright-_-thermalright-_-12&utm_source=openai))
Q: Is this a good choice for a high-performance gaming or desktop PC?
A: It is designed for demanding desktop CPUs and uses two 120 mm PWM fans, six 6 mm copper heat pipes, and an aluminum fin stack. The listed thermal design rating is 255 W, while the product description states cooling capacity up to 265 W. Actual temperatures depend on the processor, case airflow, ambient temperature, fan settings, and installation quality, so it is best suited to systems whose case and motherboard can accommodate a large tower cooler. ([newegg.com](https://www.newegg.com/p/13C-000Y-000J3?cm_sp=SP-_-2586064-_-0-_-6-_-9SIBVHXK8D7532-_-thermalright-_-thermalright-_-12&utm_source=openai))
Q: How loud is this CPU cooler?
A: The fans are rated at up to 29.5 dBA and 1,850 RPM, with 4-pin PWM control. That means the motherboard can reduce fan speed during light workloads and increase it under load; perceived noise will vary with CPU temperature, fan curves, case acoustics, and workload. Noise level and fan speed are recurring decision questions for CPU coolers on retail sites. ([newegg.com](https://www.newegg.com/p/13C-000Y-000J3?cm_sp=SP-_-2586064-_-0-_-6-_-9SIBVHXK8D7532-_-thermalright-_-thermalright-_-12&utm_source=openai))
Q: Does it include the mounting hardware needed for installation?
A: The product information states that the cooler includes metal mounting fasteners for supported Intel and AMD platforms. Buyers should confirm that the package contains the correct hardware for their socket and follow the installation instructions, since mounting-bracket availability is a frequent retail Q&A concern. ([newegg.com](https://www.newegg.com/p/13C-000Y-000J3?cm_sp=SP-_-2586064-_-0-_-6-_-9SIBVHXK8D7532-_-thermalright-_-thermalright-_-12&utm_source=openai))
Q: Is the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 suitable for a mainstream gaming PC?
A: Yes. Its dual-tower design, six heat pipes, and two 120 mm fans make it a suitable choice for many mainstream gaming CPUs, including typical Ryzen 7 and Core i5 systems. It is less appropriate when a high-end CPU is run at sustained unrestricted power.
Q: Is the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 enough for an Intel Core i7-14700KF?
A: It may handle gaming or reduced-power operation, but it is not the safest choice for sustained unrestricted workloads on a Core i7-14700KF. The discussion around this CPU favors a larger dual-tower cooler or a 360 mm liquid cooler, especially when avoiding thermal throttling is a priority.
Q: Will the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 fit in my case?
A: Check the case's internal CPU-cooler clearance before buying. The cooler is 155 mm tall, so the case should provide at least 155 mm of CPU-cooler clearance, preferably with a small margin. External case width measurements are not sufficient to confirm fit.
Q: Does the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 interfere with tall RAM?
A: It can overlap the memory area because of its large dual-tower layout. The front fan can usually be raised to clear taller RAM, but doing so increases the cooler's effective height and may cause a case-clearance problem. Check both RAM height and case clearance.
Q: Is the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 a practical replacement for a stock CPU cooler?
A: Yes, when the case supports its 155 mm height and the motherboard uses a listed socket. Community upgrade reports describe a straightforward installation and substantially lower temperatures than small or OEM coolers. Confirm the correct mounting hardware and keep the fan clear of tall memory modules.