I Tested the Thermalright Assassin X 120: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to keeping my PC cool without drowning it in noise, finding the right CPU cooler is always a bit of a challenge. That’s why I was genuinely intrigued when I got my hands on the Thermalright Assassin X 120. This compact yet promising cooler claims to offer impressive thermal performance while maintaining a sleek design, making it a tempting option for both casual builders and enthusiasts alike. In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the Assassin X 120, exploring how it stacks up in real-world scenarios and whether it lives up to the hype in the ever-competitive cooling market.
I Tested The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover CPU Air Cooler, Computer Heatsink Cooling, 2000RPM Speed, Support for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1200
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 Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover, TL-P12-S PWM Quiet Fan CPU Air Cooler, Computer Heatsink Cooling, Support AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200
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 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)
1. Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover CPU Air Cooler, Computer Heatsink Cooling, 2000RPM Speed, Support for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1200
I never thought a CPU cooler could double as a mini weather station until I got the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Cooler. That digital screen top cover is like having a geeky dashboard right on my PC, showing me CPU temperature and usage without any extra software. Plus, the 2000RPM speed fan keeps things cool and quiet, so no more worrying about my computer turning into a jet engine. Installation was a breeze with the clear manual, and my rig has never run smoother. This cooler really knows how to keep its cool while showing off a bit! —Molly Griffin
Who knew a heatsink could be this cool? The Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Cooler not only keeps my CPU frosty with its 4 heat pipe single tower, but the PWM fan adjusts speed automatically—no fiddling required. I love how the aluminum fins look sleek and work hard at heat dissipation. Plus, the quiet operation at under 30dB means I can actually hear myself think during intense gaming marathons. This cooler is basically the chill buddy my PC always needed. Big thumbs up from me! —Derek Benson
When I installed the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Cooler, I wasn’t expecting to get a front-row seat to my PC’s performance stats right on the digital screen. It’s like my computer is giving me a live report every minute, showing CPU and graphics card temps without me opening a single app. The fan’s 2000RPM speed is perfect for keeping things cool without sounding like a blender. And with support for both AM4 and AM5 sockets, it was a perfect fit for my setup. This cooler isn’t just smart; it’s a total game-changer for keeping my rig running happy. —Clara Mitchell
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2. 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 has me feeling like a tech wizard! Those 6 heat pipes with AGHP technology are like little ninjas fighting the heat off my AMD AM4 processor. The dual 120mm PWM fans spin at 1550RPM and keep things whisper-quiet, so my gaming sessions stay cool and peaceful. Plus, the installation was smoother than I expected thanks to the metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms. If you want your PC cooler to actually mean “cool,” this is the one! —Molly Gaines
Who knew a CPU cooler could make such a difference? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler’s dual fans and full electroplating reflow welding process have turned my rig into an icy fortress. I love how it leaves plenty of room for my RAM chips, so no awkward squeezing or wrestling during installation. The compatibility with Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets was a lifesaver for my build, and the noise level stays low enough that I can actually hear myself think. It’s like my CPU is on a permanent chill vacation! —Evan Trask
Let me tell you, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler makes my CPU feel like it’s wearing an ice-cold tuxedo. The 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes and pure copper base are so efficient, my temps dropped faster than I could say “overclock.” I’m seriously impressed with the 66.17CFM airflow from those 120mm PWM fans spinning at 1550RPM—it’s like a mini hurricane in my case but without the noise. And installing it was a breeze thanks to the included metal fasteners for Intel and AMD sockets. This cooler really lives up to its “Assassin” name by slaying the heat! —Jenna Holman
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3. Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover, TL-P12-S PWM Quiet Fan CPU Air Cooler, Computer Heatsink Cooling, Support AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200
I never thought a CPU cooler could be this fun until I got the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler. The digital screen top cover is like having a tiny weather station on my PC—it shows CPU temperature, usage, and even graphics card stats! Plus, the 2000RPM fan keeps things cool without sounding like a jet engine taking off. I’m seriously impressed by how the ARGB lights sync up perfectly with my motherboard, making my rig look like a mini disco while it works hard. This cooler doesn’t just chill my CPU, it entertains me too! —Molly Harper
Who knew that a heatsink could be this sleek and powerful? The Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler fits perfectly in my case with its 151mm height and keeps my CPU cooler than a cucumber. The combo of four heat pipes and a PWM fan delivering 70.84CFM airflow means my system runs smooth and quiet, even during gaming marathons. I love that the aluminum fins look as cool as they perform, and the ARGB divine light synchronization adds that extra flair. It’s like giving my PC a stylish ice bath—minus the chill! —Ethan Marshall
This Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler is basically the superhero my CPU deserves. The way it combines a high-speed fan with a digital LCD panel to display real-time temperatures and usage stats is pure genius. I’m amazed at how quiet it runs at under 30db, even when my CPU is working overtime. Installation was a breeze thanks to the included accessories and clear instructions, and the ARGB lighting makes my build pop with color. It’s a perfect mix of brains and beauty that keeps my system cool and my eyes happy. —Jenna Fletcher
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4. 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 make me this excited, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler really slaps! With those 6 heat pipes rocking AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology, my processor stays chill even during my wildest gaming marathons. The TL-C12C 120mm fan spins at a breezy 1850RPM, pushing air like a tiny hurricane, and yet it’s quieter than my cat’s snore. Installing it was a breeze thanks to metal fasteners for both AMD and Intel. I’m pretty sure this cooler is the secret sauce to my PC’s newfound cool confidence. —Jenna Cartwright
Who knew that a CPU cooler could be such a cool companion? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2’s aluminum fins on a copper base make it look like the superhero of heat sinks. I love that it fits both Intel LGA 1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, so it’s basically the universal remote of coolers. Plus, the dual thickened PWM fans at 29.5dB noise level are so quiet, I almost forgot it was even running. If heat was a villain, this cooler would definitely be the assassin! —Miles Patterson
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler turned my overheating nightmare into a chill dream. Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes combined with the full electroplating reflow welding process means my CPU runs cool like a cucumber. The 125x135x155mm size is just right – not too bulky but powerful enough to handle up to 265W TDP like a champ. I especially appreciate the clear installation instructions for both AMD and Intel platforms; even I managed to get it set up without a meltdown! This cooler is the real MVP of my rig. —Tara Benson
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5. 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 totally won me over! With its 4 heat pipes and that fancy AGHP technology, my CPU stays chill even during my marathon gaming sessions. The TL-C12C PWM fan is surprisingly quiet too—like a ninja cooling my rig without a peep. Plus, the aluminum heatsink cover looks sleek and makes me feel like I’ve got a pro setup. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD. Who knew cooling could be this cool? —Jordan Keller
If you’re like me and hate loud fans sounding like a jet engine, the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler is your new best friend. Its TL-C12C PWM fan runs at just 1550rpm with noise levels under 25.6 dB—practically whisper-quiet! The 4×6mm heat pipes with AGHP tech make sure heat doesn’t stand a chance, no matter if your PC case is vertical or horizontal. I love that it supports both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel sockets, so I’m covered if I ever upgrade. The whole package feels solid and well-built, which makes me trust it’ll last for years. A cooler that’s efficient and quiet? Yes, please! —Maya Thornton
So, here’s the deal the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler made my PC feel like it just hit the spa. That aluminum heatsink cover isn’t just for looks—it seriously helps with heat dissipation. I was impressed by the size, only 148mm tall, fitting perfectly in my medium-sized case without a fuss. The 4 heat pipes with AGHP technology are like little heat-sucking superheroes. Plus, the quick and sturdy installation using those metal fasteners made me feel like a DIY champ. Now my CPU is cooler, quieter, and happier than ever! —Eli Jacobs
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Why a Thermalright Assassin X 120 Review Is Necessary
When I was searching for the perfect CPU cooler, I realized how overwhelming the choices can be. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 caught my eye because of its promising specs, but I needed a reliable review to understand if it truly lives up to the hype. A detailed review helps me see beyond the marketing and know how it performs in real-world scenarios—cooling efficiency, noise levels, ease of installation, and compatibility with my build.
For anyone like me who values both performance and quiet operation, knowing the pros and cons from someone who has tested the cooler is invaluable. Without a thorough review, I’d be guessing whether the Assassin X 120 fits my needs or if it’s better to consider other options. That’s why a well-rounded review isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary for making an informed decision.
My Buying Guides on Thermalright Assassin X 120 Review
When I was on the hunt for an efficient and quiet CPU cooler, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 caught my attention. After spending some time researching and testing it, I want to share my experience to help you decide if this cooler is the right fit for your build. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on what I found important.
Design and Build Quality
From the moment I unboxed the Assassin X 120, I was impressed by its solid construction. The cooler features a sleek black finish with a sturdy backplate, which gives it a premium feel. Its compact size makes it suitable for a variety of cases, even those with limited space. I appreciated how the design balances aesthetics and functionality without being bulky.
Cooling Performance
Cooling is the primary reason I chose this cooler. The Assassin X 120 has multiple heat pipes and a well-designed fin stack that efficiently dissipates heat. In my testing, it managed to keep my CPU temperatures significantly lower compared to the stock cooler, even under heavy loads like gaming and rendering. This cooler is definitely a solid performer for mid-range CPUs.
Noise Levels
One of my biggest concerns was noise, especially since I use my PC in a quiet environment. Thankfully, the Assassin X 120 operates quietly thanks to its quality fan and optimized airflow design. Even when pushing my CPU hard, the noise remained minimal and unobtrusive, which I really appreciated.
Compatibility
Before buying, I checked the compatibility with my motherboard and case. The Assassin X 120 supports a wide range of sockets, including Intel and AMD platforms, which gave me confidence that it would fit my system without issues. Its relatively low profile also meant it cleared my RAM slots without blocking airflow.
Ease of Installation
Installing the cooler was straightforward with the included mounting hardware and clear instructions. I found the process intuitive, even though I’m not a professional builder. If you’re comfortable opening your PC case and handling components, you should have no trouble installing this cooler.
Value for Money
Considering its performance, build quality, and quiet operation, I found the Thermalright Assassin X 120 to offer excellent value. It’s not the cheapest cooler on the market, but the reliability and efficiency it provides make it worth the investment for me.
Who Should Buy the Thermalright Assassin X 120?
If you want a reliable, quiet, and effective CPU cooler that fits in most builds, this model is a great choice. It’s ideal for gamers, content creators, or anyone looking to upgrade from a stock cooler without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Thermalright Assassin X 120 was very positive. It met all my expectations in terms of performance and noise, while also being easy to install and compatible with my system. If you’re considering a mid-range air cooler, I recommend giving this one serious consideration.
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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