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Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 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 White
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2(PA120 SE V2)
- [Product specification] Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); Heat sink material: Aluminum fin on copper bottom, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel and AMD platform to achieve better installation.
- [Dual Thickened PWM Fans] TL-C12C-X28 V2 fan; fan size:120x120x28mm (4.7x4.7x1.1 inches); fan speed (RPM):1850rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Air flow:88.19CFM(MAX); Noise Level29.5dB(A).
- [AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology] 6×6mm heat pipes apply GEN 5.0 Technology, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical | horizontal orientation, 6 pure copper heat pipes & PWM fan & Pure copper base&Full electroplating reflow welding process, TDP is is up to 265w, aim to extreme CPU cooling performance.
- [Compatibility] The CPU cooling slot support:Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200/115X; AMD: AM4/AM5.
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Overview
Specs
Reviews (14)
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Heatsink
Dimension: 125MM*135MM*155MM
Heat Pipes: 6mm heatpipe*6 units
Material: Aluminium Fin, Pure CopperHeat Pipes and Base, Nickel Plated
Heatsink Weight: 610g
Connector: 4PIN PWM
Fan
TL-C12C-X28 V2
Dimension:120MM*120MM*28MM
Fan Weight:130g
Rated Speed: 1850 RPM+10%(MAX)
Air Pressure: 2.21mm/HO(MAX)
Air Flow: 88.19 CFM(MAX)
Noise Level: 29.5 DB(A)
Rated Current: 0.20A
Rated Voltage: 12V DC
Connector: 4PIN PWM
Bearing Type : S-FDB bearing
Support
INTEL: LGA:1851/1700/115X/1200
AMD: AM5IAM4
Dimension: 125MM*135MM*155MM
Heat Pipes: 6mm heatpipe*6 units
Material: Aluminium Fin, Pure CopperHeat Pipes and Base, Nickel Plated
Heatsink Weight: 610g
Connector: 4PIN PWM
Fan
TL-C12C-X28 V2
Dimension:120MM*120MM*28MM
Fan Weight:130g
Rated Speed: 1850 RPM+10%(MAX)
Air Pressure: 2.21mm/HO(MAX)
Air Flow: 88.19 CFM(MAX)
Noise Level: 29.5 DB(A)
Rated Current: 0.20A
Rated Voltage: 12V DC
Connector: 4PIN PWM
Bearing Type : S-FDB bearing
Support
INTEL: LGA:1851/1700/115X/1200
AMD: AM5IAM4
Warranty & Returns
Warranty, Returns, And Additional Information
Warranty
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- Return for refund within: 30 days
- Return for replacement within: non-replaceable
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The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 is a dual-tower CPU air cooler with six copper heat pipes and two 120mm PWM fans, designed for high-performance Intel and AMD desktop CPUs. It suits gaming PCs, workstations, and users seeking strong air cooling with a 155mm height limit and ARGB lighting.
Recommended For
- Desktop PC builders who want strong air cooling for gaming, streaming, compiling, or other sustained CPU workloads without choosing a liquid cooler. The dual-tower design has performed competitively in professional cooler testing and is intended for mainstream Intel and AMD desktop sockets.
- Value-focused PC builders who want near-premium tower-cooler performance from a conventional, low-maintenance air cooler rather than paying for an AIO system or premium-brand heatsink.
- ATX and mid-tower builders with at least 155 mm of CPU-cooler clearance who prefer a large heatsink and two 120 mm fans for sustained desktop performance.
- Users building white or RGB-themed desktops who want the cooler to contribute to the system’s appearance through its white finish and addressable lighting, while still using a full-size dual-tower cooler.
Real-World Use Scenarios
- Gaming on a mainstream or high-end desktop CPU: the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 generally keeps gaming temperatures under control without requiring a liquid cooler, although fan speed and noise can increase during CPU-heavy games or poorly ventilated setups.
- Building a Ryzen 7 7800X3D or similar gaming PC: users commonly pair this cooler with AM5 gaming CPUs and report reasonable gaming temperatures, but sustained all-core workloads can push the CPU toward its temperature limit and make the fans noticeably louder.
- Video encoding, 3D rendering, software compilation, or other long CPU-heavy workloads: the dual-tower cooler can handle substantial sustained loads, but high-power processors may run close to their thermal limits and produce more fan noise than during gaming or normal desktop use.
- Replacing a basic or stock CPU cooler in a value-focused PC: the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 is typically used when the builder wants stronger cooling and lower operating temperatures without paying for an AIO liquid cooler.
- Everyday browsing, office work, and media playback: the cooler can operate quietly at low or moderate CPU loads, but some Ryzen systems may need a customized fan curve to reduce audible fan ramping caused by short temperature spikes.
- Installing the cooler in a white or ARGB desktop build: the installation is suitable for compatible Intel and AMD systems, but builders should confirm approximately 155 mm of CPU-cooler clearance and account for possible memory or motherboard-space constraints from the large dual-tower design.
Spec Summary
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Best For | Desktop CPU air cooling for systems using AMD Socket AM5, with a fan-and-heatsink design and included mounting parts |
| Heatsink Design And Capacity | Aluminum-and-copper heatsink measuring 125 x 135 x 155 mm, with a rated 255W TDP and a maximum cooler height of 155 mm |
| Fan Performance | 120mm fan with up to 1850 RPM, 88.89 CFM airflow, and 29.5 dBA noise output; mounts horizontally to the heatsink |
| Power And Fan Control | Uses a 4-pin power connector with 5V voltage and 3W wattage |
| Included Components | Includes the PA120 SE ARGB White V2 CPU cooler, TF7 thermal paste, and mounting parts |
| Model Identifiers | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White V2, model PA120-SE-ARGB-W-V2 |
Reference Q&A
Q: Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 better than the DeepCool AK620?
A: Choose the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 when you want comparable dual-tower cooling in a shorter 155 mm design with higher advertised airflow and ARGB fans. Choose the AK620 when its 160 mm height, 43 mm memory clearance in dual-fan mode, lower advertised noise rating, or more established mounting system better matches your build. Independent testing of the Peerless Assassin family found performance broadly comparable to the AK620, so case fit, price, memory clearance, and appearance are the main deciding factors.
Q: Should I buy the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 or the Noctua NH-D15?
A: The Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 is the more practical choice for performance-focused builds that have a 155 mm cooler-height limit and do not require premium fan acoustics or a long warranty. The Noctua NH-D15 is better suited to quiet, premium-oriented builds because it includes 140 mm fans, low-noise adapters, a six-year warranty, and a 168 mm height. Choose the Noctua only if its noise characteristics, support, and included accessories justify the larger size and higher-tier positioning.
Q: Is the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 worth upgrading to from the Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE?
A: Upgrade to the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 for sustained rendering, high-power Intel CPUs, overclocking, or other workloads that benefit from a dual-tower heatsink and two fans. Keep the Assassin X 120 Refined SE for a compact or budget build using a lower-power processor, because its 148 mm single-tower design is easier to fit. The Peerless Assassin provides substantially more cooling capacity, but it is wider, heavier, and requires more case space.
Q: Should I choose the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 or the newer Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB?
A: Choose the Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB when the prices are close and you want Thermalright's higher-capacity dual-tower design, because it adds a seventh 6 mm heat pipe and is rated at 154 mm tall. Choose the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 when it costs less, you prefer its thicker 1850 RPM fans and higher advertised airflow, or you specifically want the white ARGB V2 configuration. Both support AM4, AM5, LGA1700, and LGA1851, so compatibility is not the primary difference.
Q: Is the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 suitable for a compact PC case?
A: The Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 fits compact mid-tower and some small-form-factor cases that allow at least 155 mm of CPU-cooler height, but it is not a portability-focused cooler because its dual-tower layout is relatively wide and heavy. Choose a single-tower cooler such as the Assassin X 120 Refined SE when easier installation, lower weight, or tighter motherboard and case clearance matters more than maximum sustained cooling.
Q: Will this CPU cooler fit in my PC case?
A: It will fit only if the case supports a CPU cooler height of at least 155 mm. Check the case manufacturer's maximum CPU cooler height before buying. Because this is a large dual-tower cooler, internal clearance around the motherboard, memory, and side panel should also be verified.
Q: Is this cooler compatible with my CPU and motherboard socket?
A: It supports Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, and LGA 115X, plus AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. Confirm that your processor uses one of these sockets and that the required mounting hardware is included or available for your specific platform.
Q: Will the cooler interfere with my RAM?
A: Potentially. The 155 mm-tall dual-tower design and front 120 mm fan can overlap the nearest memory slots, especially with tall RAM modules. Verify motherboard layout and RAM height; the front fan may need to be raised, which can increase the total height beyond 155 mm.
Q: Is this cooler suitable for a high-power gaming or workstation CPU?
A: It is designed as a high-capacity air cooler with six copper heat pipes, dual 120 mm PWM fans, and a listed cooling capacity of up to 265 W. It is most suitable for systems with adequate case airflow, but actual temperatures depend on the CPU's power limits, workload, ambient temperature, thermal paste, and case ventilation.
Q: Will this cooler be quiet during normal use?
A: The included 120 mm PWM fans are rated at up to 29.5 dBA and 1,850 RPM. PWM control can reduce fan speed during light workloads, but noise may increase during sustained gaming, rendering, or other high-load use.
Q: Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 worth buying for a mainstream or high-performance desktop CPU?
A: It is a strong value option when a 155 mm dual-tower cooler fits your case. Community and YouTube discussions consistently describe the Peerless Assassin 120 SE as offering high cooling performance for its price. Its main trade-offs are large size, possible RAM-clearance adjustments, and fan noise under sustained high loads.
Q: Will this cooler fit with tall or RGB RAM?
A: It may fit, but tall RAM can require moving the front fan upward. Community reports commonly cite approximately 42 mm of RAM clearance with the front fan positioned flush, while taller modules may increase the cooler’s total height beyond its stated 155 mm. Check both RAM height and case cooler clearance before buying.
Q: Is the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 quiet enough for work or sustained CPU workloads?
A: It can be quiet at moderate fan speeds, but sustained all-core workloads may drive the fans toward their 1,850 RPM maximum and make the cooler noticeably louder. Fan-curve tuning, power limits, or replacing the fans can reduce noise, but those changes may trade away some cooling performance or cost extra.
Q: Is this cooler suitable for a compact or small-form-factor PC?
A: It can work in some compact builds, but it is not a low-profile cooler. The heatsink is 155 mm tall, and raising the front fan to clear tall RAM can increase the required height. Compact cases and motherboards should be checked for CPU-cooler height, RAM, M.2 heatsink, side-panel, and motherboard-component clearance.
Q: Will the Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB V2 interfere with the graphics card or PCIe slot?
A: GPU-slot interference is usually not the primary limitation because the cooler is centered over the CPU socket, but motherboard layout can vary. The more common compatibility concerns in community discussions are RAM, M.2 heatsinks, side panels, and case width. Verify the specific motherboard and case rather than relying only on the cooler’s socket compatibility.