Thermalright PA120 Black CPU Air Cooler Dual Towers - Quiet, High

In this review of the Thermalright PA120 Black CPU Air Cooler, the conclusion is clear: this dual-tower cooler is for builders who want strong thermal performance in a compact, well-engineered package. The PA120 uses a full electroplating reflow welding process and nanoscale black paint across twin towers to boost heat spread, and its offset asymmetric layout helps fit above the first PCIe slot. For systems where sustained cooling and compatibility across modern Intel and AMD sockets matter, this cooler delivers excellent value.

Key Features

• Dual-tower design: The two aluminum towers increase the effective heat dissipation area to 9600cm and improve sustained cooling under load.
• AGHP heat pipes: Six pure copper sintered heat pipes use AGHP technique to reduce inverse gravity effects and keep heat transfer efficient in multiple orientations.
• TL-C12B PWM fans: Two 120x120x25mm PWM fans (up to 1550 RPM) provide controlled airflow with a max of 66.17 CFM for steady cooling without excessive noise.
• Offset asymmetric layout: The cooler is arranged to allow installation over the first graphics card slot so it can maintain airflow and fit in tighter builds.
• Broad socket support: Includes metal fasteners and mounting hardware for Intel LGA115x/1200/1700/2011/2066/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5, simplifying cross-platform use.

Who It's For

The PA120 Black suits PC builders who need reliable air cooling for mainstream to high-performance CPUs and who value an affordable solution that still targets strong heat dissipation. Enthusiast builders with limited clearance who appreciate the cooler's asymmetric layout will also find it useful.

It is less ideal for users seeking a completely silent system at all times, since some users report a noticeable fan whine at higher RPMs, and it is not a low-profile cooler for very small form factor mini-ITX cases. Those with extreme overclocking goals may prefer larger towers or all-in-one liquid solutions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent cooling effect from the dual towers and six copper heat pipes for sustained low temperatures.
• Good build quality with electroplated welding and nanoscale black finish for a durable, attractive look.
• Wide socket compatibility and supplied metal fasteners make installation straightforward across Intel and AMD platforms.
• Offset design improves compatibility with the first PCIe slot in many builds.

Cons

• Fan noise can be noticeable under higher load as some users report a whine when fans ramp up.
• At 157mm height it may not fit inside cases with very tight CPU cooler clearance.

Specifications

Model	Thermalright PA120 Black
Dimensions (LxWxH)	125 x 135 x 157 mm
Heat sink material	Aluminum
Heat pipes	6 pure copper sintered, AGHP technique
Fans	2 x TL-C12B 120x120x25 mm PWM, 1550 RPM (max)
Air Flow / Noise	66.17 CFM max / 25.6 dB(A)
Weight	1.02 kg

Our Verdict

The Thermalright PA120 Black is a smart pick for builders who want strong, reliable air cooling without paying for premium flagship models. Its dual towers, AGHP heat pipes, and dual PWM fans give solid thermal headroom and broad socket support makes it versatile. It is a particularly good value for mainstream and enthusiast systems, provided case clearance allows and the potential for increased fan noise under load is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my Intel 1700 or AMD AM5 socket?
Yes, the PA120 Black includes mounting hardware for Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5, so it is compatible with both platforms.

How tall is the cooler and will it fit most mid-tower cases?
The cooler is 157 mm tall, which fits many mid-tower cases but you should confirm your case CPU cooler clearance before purchasing.

Are the fans replaceable or adjustable?
The TL-C12B fans are standard 120 mm PWM fans and can be replaced or adjusted via motherboard fan controls if you prefer quieter operation.