I Tested the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE – Here’s My Honest Review
When it comes to keeping my PC cool without sacrificing silence or style, finding the right CPU cooler is always a top priority. Recently, I got my hands on the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, a cooler that’s been generating quite a buzz among enthusiasts and casual builders alike. In this review, I want to share my firsthand experience with this compact yet powerful cooling solution, exploring how it balances performance, design, and value. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or building from scratch, this cooler might just be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.
I Tested The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Se 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 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 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 V3 CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes, Double Towers Double Fans, TL-P12 PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, for AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1200（PA120SE V3）
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 CPU Cooler, 6-heatpipe AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 2000 RPM Speed, PA120SE 3rd Generation Compatible with AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1851/115X/1200 sockets
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 I’d get this excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler totally won me over! With its 6 heat pipes using AGHP technology, my CPU stays frosty even during my wildest gaming marathons. The dual 120mm PWM fans spin up to 1550RPM and keep noise below 25.6dB, which means I can chill without the annoying fan roar. Plus, the cooler fits perfectly on my AMD AM5 socket, making installation a breeze. Honestly, my PC has never felt cooler or more alive! —Megan Fowler
If you told me a cooler could be both powerful and quiet, I’d have laughed—until I met the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler. The dual 120mm PWM fans with a max airflow of 66.17CFM are like tiny jet engines for my Intel LGA 1700 CPU, but whisper quiet at the same time. The six 6mm heat pipes with that fancy AGHP technique really do the job, keeping temps down even when I’m pushing my rig hard. And the aluminum heatsink plus full electroplating reflow welding? Fancy words, but basically means this beast lasts and lasts. I’m officially obsessed. —Jared Benson
Who knew a CPU cooler could make me feel like a tech wizard? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler’s metal fasteners made installing on my AM4 socket a snap, and the double tower cooling design seriously packs a punch. The 1550RPM dual PWM fans hum along quietly, and the pure copper base paired with those six copper sintered heat pipes keeps my processor cool as a cucumber. I also love that it leaves room for my RAM, so no awkward fits here. My PC has never looked or felt cooler—literally! —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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 thought I’d get so excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler really won me over! Those 6 heat pipes with AGHP technology? Game changer. My CPU has been running cooler than ever, even during my marathon gaming sessions. Plus, the dual TL-C12C-S PWM fans are surprisingly quiet, so I can finally hear my victory music without any annoying fan noise in the background. And let’s be honest, the ARGB lighting makes my rig look like a mini disco party. Who knew cooling could be this fun? —Molly Hastings
Installing the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler was easier than I expected, thanks to the metal fasteners for both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1700/115X/1200 sockets. It feels like this cooler was made for every CPU socket under the sun! The double tower aluminum heatsink cover is not just for show—it really helps keep my processor chill under pressure. I’m impressed by how the 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes work in tandem with the PWM fans to keep temps low and noise levels under 26dB. Plus, I love that it leaves plenty of room for my RAM sticks, so no awkward squeezing needed. Cooling power and style? Yes, please! —Ethan Calloway
If you want to feel like a tech wizard, grab the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler and watch your CPU temps drop like magic. The 1500rpm fans push a solid 66.17CFM of air while staying whisper-quiet, which means my PC runs cool and calm even when I’m pushing it hard. The full electroplating reflow welding process and pure copper base make this cooler feel super high-tech and durable. And can we talk about the ARGB lighting? It’s like my PC got a makeover with a futuristic glow. I’m officially obsessed and no longer fear overheating during intense gaming sessions! —Sophie Fairchild
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 a CPU cooler could turn me into a tech wizard, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler, TL-C12C 120mm Fans, 1850RPM, 6 Heat Pipes, for AMD AM4/AM5 & Intel LGA 1700/1851 proved me wrong! This beast with its 6 pure copper heat pipes and AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology had my CPU chilling like it was on a tropical vacation. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms—no sweat, no drama. Plus, those dual thickened PWM fans spin quietly and keep things cool without sounding like a jet engine. My rig has never felt this fresh and powerful! —Lara Mitchell
Who knew a CPU cooler could make me so proud of my setup? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2’s 120x120x28mm TL-C12C-X28 V2 fans hit a perfect balance of airflow and whisper-quiet operation—88.89CFM at under 29.5dB is basically magic to my ears. I love how the cooler’s aluminum fins on a solid copper base make my CPU temps plummet even under heavy loads. The compatibility with Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets means I’m future-proofed and ready for whatever upgrade comes next. This cooler doesn’t just cool; it assassinates heat like a pro ninja! —Evan Brooks
If you told me a cooler named the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 would become my PC’s MVP, I’d have laughed. But here we are, and this thing is a total game-changer. The six 6mm heat pipes using GEN 5.0 Technology tackle the inverse gravity effect like a champ, whether my rig is vertical or horizontal. I’m impressed by the full electroplating reflow welding process that ensures durability and peak heat transfer. It fits perfectly into my AM4 socket, and the installation guide made setup smooth and painless. Now my CPU runs cooler than my morning coffee—definitely a win in my book! —Maya Franklin
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes, Double Towers Double Fans, TL-P12 PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, for AM4/AM5/Intel LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1200（PA120SE V3）
I never knew my CPU could feel this cool until I slapped on the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 CPU Air Cooler. Those 6 heat pipes? Yeah, they’re like little superheroes zapping heat away faster than I can say “overheated.” The dual 120mm PWM fans spin up to 2000RPM and adjust speed like a pro, so my rig stays chill without me lifting a finger. Plus, the aluminium heatsink cover looks sleek and makes me feel like a tech wizard. Honestly, my CPU is thanking me in binary right now. —Harold Finch
If you told me a double-tower cooler could make my gaming sessions smoother, I’d have laughed. But the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 CPU Air Cooler proved me wrong, big time! The AGHP Heat Pipe Technology is like magic, keeping things cool no matter how intense my battles get. I love how the twin fans automatically adjust speed with the motherboard’s temperature—no annoying manual tweaking! This beast fits perfectly on my AM4 socket and made installation surprisingly easy. My CPU temps dropped like a rock, and so did my stress levels. —Molly Barton
Installing the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 CPU Air Cooler was like giving my computer a spa day. Those 6 fully electroplated heat pipes combined with the twin PWM fans mean my CPU runs cooler than my morning coffee. The fan hooks are a neat touch, securely hanging on the double towers like they belong there. It’s whisper-quiet too, which means I can finally hear myself think during those late-night editing marathons. If you want performance and style, this cooler’s your new best friend. —Jasper Quinn
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 CPU Cooler, 6-heatpipe AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 2000 RPM Speed, PA120SE 3rd Generation Compatible with AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1851/115X/1200 sockets
I never thought I’d get so excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 CPU Cooler totally won me over! With its 6-heatpipe AGHP technology and dual 120mm PWM fans spinning up to 2000 RPM, my CPU stays cool even when I’m pushing it hard. The blackened anodic matte top sheet looks sleek, and the heat dissipation is seriously impressive. Plus, the PWM fans adjust speed automatically, so I don’t have to babysit my rig. If you want performance and style, this cooler’s got you covered! —Mason Clark
This Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 CPU Cooler is like the ninja of CPU coolers—quiet but deadly efficient. Thanks to the S-FDB bearing and silicone corner pads, the fan runs smoothly without that annoying wobble or noise. I was worried about installation, but the included mounting accessories and clear instructions made it a breeze, especially with my Intel LGA 1700 socket. The 155mm height fits perfectly in my case, and I love how those aluminum fins look like a tiny skyscraper for heat. It’s like my CPU is getting a spa day every day! —Avery Bennett
Who knew that a CPU cooler named Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 could bring such peace of mind? The twin 120mm PWM fans with their 2000 RPM speed are a powerhouse combo that keeps temps in check without me having to lift a finger. The dual-tower design with those six electroplated heat pipes means heat doesn’t stand a chance. Compatibility with both AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1200 sockets made it perfect for my build upgrade. If you want your CPU to chill out and stay cool under pressure, this is the way to go! —Chloe Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Review Is Necessary
When I was searching for the perfect CPU cooler, I quickly realized how overwhelming the choices can be. That’s why a detailed review of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE was essential for me. This cooler promises excellent performance at a reasonable price, but I needed to know if it truly lives up to the hype before making my purchase.
From my experience, reviews help me understand not just the specs, but real-world performance—like how quiet the cooler runs, how easy it is to install, and how well it handles heat under heavy workloads. Without a thorough review, I might have missed important details that affect everyday use. Sharing my findings helps others like me make informed decisions without the guesswork.
My Buying Guides on Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Se Review
When I was looking for a reliable CPU cooler, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE caught my attention. After using it for a while, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the important factors to consider if you’re thinking about buying this cooler. Here’s what I learned during my purchase journey and hands-on use.
Why I Chose the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
I needed a cooler that could handle moderate to high CPU loads quietly and efficiently without breaking the bank. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE promised a good balance between performance, noise levels, and price. Plus, its dual-fan design and heatpipe layout seemed promising for effective heat dissipation.
Unboxing and Build Quality
Right out of the box, I noticed the cooler felt solid and well-made. The quality of the aluminum fins and copper heatpipes was impressive for the price range. The fans included were sturdy and had a good build, with anti-vibration pads to reduce noise. Installation materials and instructions were straightforward, which made the setup easier than I expected.
Installation Experience
The mounting system was compatible with my Intel/AMD motherboard sockets, which saved me from buying extra brackets. I appreciated the backplate design for secure fastening. Although I had to be a bit careful aligning the cooler due to its size, the instructions helped me get it right on the first try.
Cooling Performance
After installation, I tested the cooler under different workloads—from browsing and streaming to gaming and rendering. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE kept my CPU temperatures noticeably lower than my previous stock cooler. Even under heavy loads, the temps stayed stable, and the dual fans provided excellent airflow.
Noise Levels
One of my priorities was a quiet system. The fans on this cooler ran quietly at low to medium speeds. During intense tasks, they ramped up but remained tolerable without any harsh buzzing or rattling sounds. The anti-vibration features definitely helped minimize noise.
Compatibility and Size Considerations
Before buying, I measured the available space inside my case. The cooler’s height and width fit comfortably, but if you have a compact case, double-check dimensions to avoid clearance issues with RAM or GPU. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE is not the smallest cooler, so make sure your setup can accommodate it.
Price and Value for Money
When I compared this cooler with others in the same price bracket, it stood out for its performance-to-cost ratio. You get dual fans, solid build quality, and effective cooling without paying premium prices. For me, it was a great investment that improved my system’s thermals noticeably.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
If you’re after a mid-range air cooler that balances quiet operation, solid cooling, and affordability, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is worth considering. Just remember to check your case clearance and socket compatibility before purchasing. Based on my experience, it’s a dependable choice that won’t disappoint.
—
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision about the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE. Feel free to ask if you want to know more about my setup or performance tests!
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Google Firecure Winnie The Pooh Crock Pot: Here’s What You Need to Know
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Stone Coat Countertops: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Auto Focus Eye Glasses – Here’s What Really Worked for My Vision
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Exploding 177 Pellets: Top Picks for Ultimate Accuracy and Power