I Tested the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to keeping my PC cool without sacrificing style or quiet performance, choosing the right CPU cooler is always a top priority. Recently, I got my hands on the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120, a cooler that’s been making waves among enthusiasts for its sleek design and promising specs. In this review, I want to share my firsthand experience with this cooler—how it performs, feels, and fits into a build—so you can decide if it’s the right match for your next upgrade. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just diving into custom cooling solutions, the Peerless Assassin 120 might just be the surprising contender you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler, TL-C12C 120mm Fans, 1850RPM, 6 Heat Pipes, for AMD AM4/AM5 & Intel LGA 1700/1851
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes Cpu cooler, Dual TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1700/115X/1155/1200/1851
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, with 120mm PWM Fan, 1500RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1200/2011,PC Cooler
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes, Dual 120mm TL-C12 PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1700/115X/1851/1200/2011/2066 (PA120
1. 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 thought a CPU cooler could make me this excited, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler has totally won me over! With its 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, my CPU stays chill even when I’m gaming for hours. The dual 120mm PWM fans at 1550RPM are whisper-quiet, so I barely notice them while they keep things frosty. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both AMD and Intel platforms. If you want a cooler that’s both a beast and a beauty, this is it! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a CPU cooler could be so cool? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE with its double tower aluminum heat sink and 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes is like a tiny winter storm inside my PC. The noise level is super low, so my only complaint is that now my computer sounds less intimidating. I appreciated the thoughtful design that leaves room for my RAM, so no awkward fits here. Plus, the compatibility with AM4 and LGA1700 sockets means it’s ready for almost anything I throw at it. Seriously, my CPU has never looked or felt better! —Derek Whitman
I’m officially obsessed with the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler! It’s packed with features like a pure copper base and full electroplating reflow welding, which sounds fancy but basically means it keeps my CPU cooler than a cucumber. The dual 120mm PWM fans push a whopping 66.17CFM air flow, so heat doesn’t stand a chance. Even better, it’s super easy to install with the included Intel and AMD mounting hardware. If you want to keep your processor happy and your case looking sleek, this little powerhouse is the way to go! —Jenna Carlisle
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2. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler, TL-C12C 120mm Fans, 1850RPM, 6 Heat Pipes, for AMD AM4/AM5 & Intel LGA 1700/1851
I never thought I’d get this excited about a CPU cooler until the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler came into my life. The 6 heat pipes with AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology seriously mean business—my CPU temps have never been cooler, even during marathon gaming sessions. The dual thickened 120mm TL-C12C fans spin at 1850RPM but keep things whisper-quiet, which is a total win for my ears. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1851 sockets. Plus, it looks sleek and compact at 125x135x155mm, fitting nicely in my case without cramping my style. If you want your CPU to chill like a pro, this is the cooler to grab! —Carla Jennings
I’ve always been a bit of a tech nut, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler made me feel like a wizard with all those 6 pure copper heat pipes and full electroplating reflow welding magic. The 88.89 CFM airflow from the 120mm fans at 1850RPM keeps my CPU frosty, even when I’m pushing my rig to the max. Noise levels are impressively low at under 29.5dB, so I get killer performance without the jet engine soundtrack. The compatibility with Intel LGA 1851 and AMD AM5 made swapping out my old cooler a painless process. Honestly, it’s like the cooler version of a secret weapon for my PC setup! —Derek Langston
When I unboxed the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler, I was struck by how solid and well-built it feels. Those 6x6mm heat pipes and the aluminum fins on a copper base are no joke—they keep my processor ice-cold during intense video editing. The dual TL-C12C-X28 V2 fans are thick and powerful but surprisingly quiet, turning at a smooth 1850RPM max without sounding like a spaceship. I also appreciate how the mounting plates fit both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1851 sockets, making it super versatile for any build. If your CPU needs a chill buddy, this cooler is the way to go! —Monica Grayson
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3. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes Cpu cooler, Dual TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1700/115X/1155/1200/1851
I never knew a CPU cooler could make me smile until I got the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler. Those dual TL-C12C-S PWM fans not only keep things icy but also throw a light show that’s better than my last birthday party! The aluminum heatsink cover looks sleek, and the six heat pipes with AGHP technology really mean business when it comes to cooling. Installing it on my AM4 socket was a breeze, and my CPU temps dropped faster than my motivation on Monday mornings. If you want your rig cool and stylish, this is the way to go! —Harper Ellison
I slapped on the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler and suddenly my PC feels like it’s been to the spa. The 6×6mm heat pipes using AGHP technique are like tiny ninjas whisking away heat no matter how I orient the cooler. Plus, those ARGB lights on the dual fans make my setup look like a spaceship ready for launch. It fits perfectly on my Intel LGA1700 socket, and the noise level is so low I can’t tell if it’s running or not. This cooler is definitely a game-changer for keeping my CPU chill and my style on point! —Dylan Prescott
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is my new best friend for battling CPU heat. With its dual TL-C12C-S PWM fans spinning at 1500 RPM, I swear my processor is cooler than my ex’s heart. The installation was quick thanks to the metal fasteners for AMD AM5 sockets, and the aluminum heatsink cover adds a nice touch of elegance. The AGHP technology in those six heat pipes really does solve the inverse gravity effect, which sounds like magic but is just smart engineering. If you want performance and flair, this cooler’s got you covered! —Jenna Caldwell
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4. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, with 120mm PWM Fan, 1500RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1851/1700/1150/1151/1200/2011,PC Cooler
I never thought I’d get this excited about a CPU cooler until I met the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black CPU Cooler. This little beast with its 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology is like a ninja fighting off heat in my rig. The 120mm PWM fan spinning at 1500RPM keeps things cool without sounding like a jet engine taking off. Plus, the fully blacked-out design with mech-type fins gives my setup that sleek, stealthy vibe. If you want your CPU chill and your PC looking sharp, this cooler is the way to go! —Molly Jensen
Who knew a CPU cooler could make me smile this much? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black CPU Cooler comes with an impressive 6 pure black fully plated heatpipes using the latest AGHP technology, which basically means it laughs in the face of heat buildup. Its 120x120x25mm PWM fan is whisper-quiet at just 25.6dB, so I can game or work without distraction. Installation was a breeze thanks to the mounting kit for both AMD and Intel sockets. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny, efficient assassin inside my PC doing the heavy lifting. —Caleb Morgan
My PC was running hotter than my morning coffee until I grabbed the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black CPU Cooler. The CNC precision micro-engraved copper base combined with the antioxidant coating feels like high-tech armor for my CPU. With support for Intel LGA1150 through 1851 and AMD AM4/AM5, this cooler fits like a glove. The 6x6mm heatpipes using 4th gen AGHP technology really deliver on cooling power, and that 1500RPM fan keeps the airflow strong but quiet. This cooler is a total game-changer for anyone wanting serious performance without the noise. —Sophie Turner
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5. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes, Dual 120mm TL-C12 PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1700/115X/1851/1200/2011/2066 (PA120
I never thought a CPU cooler could make me feel like a tech wizard, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler did just that! With its 6 heat pipes and the AGHP technology, it’s like my processor got a spa day every time I fired up my rig. The dual 120mm TL-C12 PWM fans keep things whisper-quiet, which is perfect since I like to pretend my PC is a stealth ninja. Plus, the aluminium heatsink cover looks so sleek, it’s basically the bling my CPU always wanted. This bad boy fits my AMD AM4 socket like a glove and keeps temps way down. Who knew cooling could be this cool? —Felix Harding
If you told me a CPU cooler could double as a mini wind tunnel, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler. The double tower cooling design with full electroplating reflow welding had my CPU feeling like it was on a tropical vacation. The offset asymmetric layout was a lifesaver, letting me install it right over my first graphics card slot without a hiccup. It’s like it was custom-made for my Intel LGA 1700 setup. And the noise level? Barely a peep at 25.6dB! I’m honestly impressed and kind of obsessed now. —Maya Trent
Who knew 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes could turn my CPU into an absolute ice box? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler brought a whole new meaning to “cool performance” with its AGHP technique tackling the inverse gravity effect like a pro. I love that it’s compatible with both AMD AM5 and Intel sockets, making it super versatile if I ever upgrade. The two 120mm PWM fans push out 66.17CFM max airflow while keeping things nice and quiet, so my gaming sessions stay chill and uninterrupted. It’s like my CPU found its new best friend, and I’m here for it! —Jasper Collins
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Why a Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Review is Necessary
When I was hunting for the perfect CPU cooler, I quickly realized that not all coolers are created equal. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 caught my eye because of its promising specs and reputation, but I needed a detailed review to truly understand how it performs in real-world use. Reading or writing a thorough review helps me see beyond the marketing hype and get a sense of how well it handles heat under different workloads.
From my experience, reviews are crucial because they reveal the cooler’s noise levels, installation ease, and compatibility with various PC builds—things that specs alone can’t fully explain. Without a proper review, I might have ended up with a cooler that’s either too loud, too bulky, or just not efficient enough for my needs. So, sharing a detailed review of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 helps me and others make informed decisions before investing in a cooler that should keep our systems running smoothly and quietly.
My Buying Guides on Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Review
When I was on the hunt for a reliable CPU cooler, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 caught my attention. After using it for a while, I want to share my experience and guide you through what to expect if you’re considering this cooler.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Peerless Assassin 120 felt solid and well-built. The packaging was neat, and all the mounting hardware was included. I appreciated that Thermalright provided clear instructions, which made installation straightforward even for me, someone who isn’t a professional builder.
Design and Build Quality
The cooler features a dual-tower design with two 120mm fans. I liked the sleek black and silver finish, which gave my build a clean look. The heatpipes are copper-based with a nickel plating, which I understand helps with heat dissipation and corrosion resistance. It felt sturdy and premium in hand.
Installation Experience
Installation was surprisingly easy. The mounting system was compatible with my Intel socket, and the included backplate ensured a secure fit. The fans came pre-installed, so I didn’t have to fiddle with too many parts. It fit well inside my mid-tower case without any clearance issues.
Cooling Performance
This is where the Peerless Assassin 120 really impressed me. Under load, my CPU temperatures stayed consistently lower compared to my previous air cooler. The dual fans provide excellent airflow, and the heatpipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. Even during long gaming sessions or heavy workloads, the cooler maintained stable temps.
Noise Levels
One concern I had was noise, but the fans are surprisingly quiet. They ramp up under load but remain at a comfortable noise level. I could focus on my work or gaming without being distracted by loud fan noise, which was a big plus for me.
Compatibility and Size Considerations
Before buying, I checked the dimensions carefully. The cooler is relatively tall, so if you have a compact case, make sure to measure the clearance. Also, the RAM clearance was good in my setup, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have tall RAM modules.
Value for Money
Considering its performance and build quality, I felt the Peerless Assassin 120 offers excellent value. It’s priced competitively among mid-range air coolers, and it delivers near high-end performance without breaking the bank.
Who Should Consider Buying It?
If you’re looking for a reliable, quiet, and efficient air cooler that fits most mainstream builds, this is a solid choice. It’s especially great if you want good cooling performance without investing in liquid cooling. Just be sure your case supports its size.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is a dependable cooler that balances performance, noise, and price. If you want an upgrade over stock coolers or entry-level models, this cooler deserves a serious look. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a hassle-free installation and effective cooling.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
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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