Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler - Dual 120mm Fans

In this review of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE the bottom line is clear: it is a compact, high-performance air cooler for builders who need strong CPU cooling without a large tower. The cooler delivers notably lower temperatures than stock coolers thanks to its six copper heat pipes, AGHP technique to reduce inverse gravity effects, and two 120mm PWM fans spinning to 1550RPM. Installation is straightforward on most Intel and AMD boards, and the metal fasteners and pure copper base give a premium feel that suits gaming rigs and workstations where consistent thermal headroom matters.

Key Features

• 6 Heat Pipes: Six pure copper sintered heat pipes provide rapid heat transfer from the CPU to the aluminum twin towers for improved cooling under sustained load.
• AGHP Technology: The 66mm heat pipes use AGHP technique to reduce inverse gravity effects, helping the cooler perform consistently in vertical or horizontal motherboard orientations.
• Dual PWM Fans: Two TL-C12C 120x120x25mm PWM fans offer up to 1550RPM and 66 CFM airflow, balancing airflow and noise for quieter cooling during heavy use.
• Packed Mounting Options: Intel and AMD metal fasteners are included for secure mounting, and the design leaves room for RAM so tall memory modules are less likely to be blocked.
• Sturdy Construction: A pure copper base and full electroplating reflow welding process give strong contact and long-term reliability for daily gaming or productivity workloads.

Who It's For

The Peerless Assassin 120 SE is ideal for PC builders who want a compact dual-tower cooler that outperforms stock coolers and provides quieter operation during gaming and content-creation. It suits owners of mid-tower cases that can accommodate a 155mm tall cooler and users who value a durable metal mounting system for Intel and AMD sockets.

People with very small form-factor cases, extreme overclockers seeking large heatsinks or liquid cooling, or those who require the absolute lowest possible noise at zero RPM may want to consider alternative coolers. Also note AMD AM4/AM5 installations require using the motherboard backplate when applicable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong cooling performance from six heat pipes and dual fans keeps mid- to high-end CPUs cooler than stock solutions.
• AGHP technique helps maintain performance regardless of cooler orientation inside the case.
• Quiet operation relative to airflow provided, with customer reports of good noise levels under load.
• Well-built metal fasteners and a copper base contribute to perceived quality and longevity.

Cons

• Taller height at 155mm requires case compatibility checks; it will not fit in some compact small-form-factor builds.
• AMD installations depend on the motherboard backplate being present, which may complicate fit in certain setups.

Specifications

Model	PA120 SE
Dimensions	125 x 135 x 155 mm
Fans	2 x TL-C12C 120 x 120 x 25 mm PWM
Fan Speed	1550 RPM
Airflow	66.17 CFM (max)
Noise Level	25.6 dB(A)
Heat Pipes	6 pure copper sintered heat pipes with AGHP

Our Verdict

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a well-built, effective mid-size air cooler that gives excellent value for builders who need better thermals than stock coolers without moving to a large tower or liquid loop. With reliable mounting hardware, dual PWM fans, and AGHP-enhanced heat pipes, it is a practical choice for gamers and content creators running mainstream to high-core-count CPUs, provided the 155mm height fits the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my case?
Check for at least 155mm of CPU cooler clearance in your case and confirm RAM clearance around the socket before purchase.

Is it noisy under load?
Customers report relatively quiet operation; the dual 120mm PWM fans peak at 1550RPM and measured noise is moderate around 25.6 dB(A).

Does it support AM5 and LGA1700?
Yes, the package includes mounting for Intel and AMD sockets including AM4/AM5 and LGA115x/1200/1700, though AMD may require the motherboard backplate for installation.