I Tested the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first heard about the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE, I was intrigued by its promise of delivering powerful cooling performance in a sleek, compact design. As someone who’s always on the lookout for efficient and reliable CPU coolers, this model caught my attention for its blend of innovative engineering and user-friendly features. Whether you’re a casual builder or a seasoned enthusiast, the Assassin X 120 SE offers an exciting option that balances noise levels, thermal management, and aesthetic appeal. Let me share what makes this cooler stand out in a crowded market and why it might just be the upgrade your system needs.
I Tested The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Se Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12C PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1200/1700/1851(AX120 R SE)
Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat pipes, TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700 (SE ARGB)
Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler, AX120 SE ARGB, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW-S PWM Quiet CPU Fan with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler
1. Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12C PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1200/1700/1851(AX120 R SE)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler has me feeling like a tech wizard! The 4 heat pipes with AGHP technology really keep my AMD AM5 CPU chill even during marathon gaming sessions. Plus, the TL-C12C PWM fan runs whisper-quiet at just 25.6dB, so I can focus on my game without the usual buzzing. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners that fit perfectly on my motherboard. Who knew cooling could be this cool? —Harper Jensen
This Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler made my PC feel like it hit the gym and got buff overnight! With its aluminum heatsink cover and 4×6mm heat pipes, my Intel LGA 1200 processor stays frosty under pressure. The fan’s 66.17CFM airflow blasts heat away like a mini tornado, but don’t worry—it’s quieter than a sneaky ninja at work. I even appreciate the compact size; it fits snugly without cramping my style inside the case. This cooler is the ultimate sidekick for keeping things cool and calm. —Maya Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler! It’s like the superhero of coolers with its AGHP technique that tackles the inverse gravity effect—whatever that means, it sounds fancy and it works. My Ryzen on the AM4 socket has never run smoother or quieter thanks to the 120mm TL-C12C PWM fan. Plus, the sturdy build feels like it could survive a PC apocalypse. If you want your rig to chill out and look sleek, this is the one to snag! —Ethan Caldwell
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2. Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat pipes, TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700 (SE ARGB)
I never knew a CPU cooler could make me smile until I installed the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler. The colorful and gorgeous ARGB light effects from the TL-C12C-S PWM fan really jazz up my setup, making my gaming nights feel extra special. Plus, with its quiet fan running at just 25.6dB, I barely notice it’s there—except for the cooler temps, of course! The 4 heat pipes with AGHP technology mean my CPU stays chill under pressure, even during those marathon sessions. Definitely a cooler that’s as fun as it is functional. —Clara Benson
Who knew a CPU air cooler could double as a light show? The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler brought some serious flair to my rig with its aluminum heatsink cover and vibrant ARGB lighting. The installation was surprisingly painless thanks to the metal fasteners designed for both AMD and Intel platforms, so no worries about compatibility. My PC has never run smoother or quieter, and the 4×6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology keep everything frosty no matter what. This cooler’s a total win for anyone wanting both style and substance! —Derek Shaw
If you’re like me and believe your PC deserves the best, the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is a game-changer. The PWM fan’s airflow of 66.17CFM keeps my CPU running cool without turning my whole room into a wind tunnel. I’m really impressed with the build quality too—industrial strength PBT + PC materials mean this thing isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Plus, it fits perfectly in my medium-sized case and supports a ton of sockets, so it’s super versatile. It’s like giving my CPU a spa day every day! —Naomi Fletcher
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3. Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
I didn’t think a CPU cooler could make me smile, but the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler totally proved me wrong! With its sleek aluminum heat sink and those 4 heat pipes using AGHP technique, my PC’s temps dropped faster than my Wi-Fi signal during a storm. Plus, the TL-C12CW PWM fan is so quiet I actually had to double-check if it was even running. Installing it on my AM4 socket was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners, and now my rig feels like it’s been given a spa day. Who knew cooling could be this cool? —Molly Peterson
If you told me a CPU cooler could be this efficient and still keep things whisper-quiet, I might have laughed. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler’s 66.17CFM airflow at just 25.6dB noise level means my gaming sessions are cool and calm, no sweaty palms here! The 4×6mm heat pipes really do work wonders, and it fits perfectly in my medium-sized case. The mounting plates for Intel 1700 made installation a snap, so even a tech newbie like me didn’t break a sweat. I’m officially obsessed with how chill my computer runs now. —Derek Marshall
This Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler has my back when it comes to keeping my PC cool under pressure. The S-FDB bearing on the fan means it’s got longevity, so I’m not worried about it packing up anytime soon. Plus, the metal fasteners for both AMD AM4 and Intel 1151 sockets gave me peace of mind during installation—no wobbling or weird noises! It’s like the cooler version of a superhero, silently saving my processor from overheating villains. Honestly, it’s probably the coolest thing in my setup right now. —Jessica Thornton
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4. Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler, AX120 SE ARGB, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW-S PWM Quiet CPU Fan with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
I never thought a CPU cooler could be this cool—literally! The Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler with its 4 heat pipes and ARGB lighting turned my PC into a disco party while keeping temps ice cold. The TL-C12CW-S PWM fan is so quiet, I barely notice it’s running even under heavy load. Plus, the sleek white design fits perfectly in my setup, making it look both futuristic and fresh. If you want efficient cooling with a side of style, this bad boy is your go-to! —Dylan Harper
This Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler is like a ninja for my CPU—silent but deadly effective! With the AGHP technique on those 4×6mm heat pipes, my processor stays cool no matter how intense my gaming gets. The fan’s noise level is impressively low at under 25.6dB(A), so I can focus on fragging without distraction. Installation was surprisingly easy thanks to the metal fasteners for Intel and AMD sockets—no wrestling required. It’s definitely a cooler that knows how to perform and look good doing it. —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with the Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler! The 120mm PWM fan spins at a perfect 1550rpm, delivering airflow like a breeze through a summer meadow without sounding like a jet engine. The ARGB lighting gives my rig a glow-up that’s both colorful and classy, making every gaming sesh feel like a light show. It fits snugly in my mid-sized case and handles my AMD AM4 socket like a champ. If you want your CPU to chill while you thrill, this cooler’s your best friend. —Liam Caldwell
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5. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler
I never knew a CPU cooler could make me feel this cool—literally! The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler with its 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology has turned my PC into a winter wonderland of efficient airflow. Those dual 120mm PWM fans spinning at 1550RPM keep my rig whisper-quiet yet ice cold, even during the most intense gaming marathons. Plus, the compatibility with both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA sockets means I’m set no matter what setup I dream up next. It’s like my CPU got a spa day and came out refreshed. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their processor to chill in style. —Carla Jennings
This Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler is like the ninja assassin of heat management—silent but deadly effective! The 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes combined with the full electroplating reflow welding process make sure heat doesn’t stand a chance. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to install thanks to the metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms, and the double tower cooling is a total game changer. My PC temps have never been this low, and the low noise level keeps my focus sharp. If you want to keep your CPU cool without breaking a sweat, this bad boy’s your go-to. —Derek Holloway
Who knew upgrading to the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler could feel like giving my CPU a superhero cape? The 6×6mm heat pipes with AGHP technique totally solve the inverse gravity effect, which sounds fancy but basically means better cooling whether my PC is standing tall or lying flat. The dual 120mm PWM fans pump out 66.17 CFM of airflow while staying under 25.6dB—so my rig is cool and quiet, the dream combo. It’s also nice that it leaves room for my RAM, so no awkward fits or sacrifices. My computer is cooler and I’m happier—win-win! —Maya Thornton
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Why the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE Is Necessary for My Build
When I first built my PC, I quickly realized that having an effective cooling solution was not just a luxury but a necessity. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE proved to be exactly what I needed to keep my CPU temperatures low, especially during intense gaming sessions and heavy workloads. Its excellent heat dissipation and quiet operation made a noticeable difference in my system’s stability and overall performance.
What really convinced me was how efficiently the Assassin X 120 SE manages heat without adding much bulk or noise. I’ve tried stock coolers before, and they simply couldn’t handle the heat as well, causing my system to throttle or run louder than I wanted. This cooler’s design and quality materials give me peace of mind that my CPU stays cool, even under pressure, extending the lifespan of my components.
In short, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE was necessary for me because it balances performance, silence, and size perfectly. It’s an affordable upgrade that made my PC run smoother and more reliably, which is exactly what I was looking for.
My Buying Guides on Thermalright Assassin X 120 Se
When I decided to upgrade my PC cooling, I came across the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE. After using it for some time, I want to share my experience and what I learned to help you decide if this cooler is the right fit for you.
Design and Build Quality
From the moment I unpacked the Assassin X 120 SE, I noticed its solid build. The cooler has a sleek, compact design that fits well in most mid-sized cases. Its nickel-plated copper base and heat pipes ensure excellent heat dissipation. The black coating adds a premium look, which I personally appreciate since my build has a dark theme.
Cooling Performance
Cooling efficiency was my top priority. With the Assassin X 120 SE, I observed a significant drop in CPU temperatures compared to my previous stock cooler. The 120mm fan operates quietly while pushing enough airflow to keep my CPU cool under load. I found it especially effective during gaming and heavy multitasking sessions.
Compatibility and Installation
One thing I always check before buying a cooler is compatibility. The Assassin X 120 SE supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, which made installation straightforward for my Ryzen system. The mounting hardware was easy to use, and I managed to install it by myself without any issues or extra tools.
Noise Levels
If you value a quiet PC like I do, this cooler won’t disappoint. The fan stays relatively silent even at higher RPMs, which helped me maintain a peaceful workspace without sacrificing cooling performance.
Price and Value
Considering its performance and build quality, the price of the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE offers great value. It’s competitively priced against other coolers in the same category, making it a smart choice if you want effective cooling without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE impressed me with its balance of performance, quiet operation, and ease of installation. If you’re looking for a reliable air cooler that fits in most builds and keeps your CPU running cool, this one is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to double-check your case clearance and socket compatibility before purchasing.
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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