I Tested the Thermalright Assassin X 120: An In-Depth Review of Its Cooling Performance
When it comes to building a high-performance PC, keeping your processor cool is absolutely essential, and that’s where a reliable CPU cooler steps into the spotlight. Recently, I had the chance to put the Thermalright Assassin X 120 to the test, a cooler that’s been generating quite a buzz among enthusiasts and gamers alike. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with this compact yet powerful cooling solution, exploring how it balances performance, design, and value. Whether you’re upgrading your rig or building from scratch, the Assassin X 120 might just be the cooler you’ve been searching for.
I Tested The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
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 White CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover, TL-P12W-S PWM Quiet Fan CPU Air Cooler, Computer Heatsink Cooling, Support AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200
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 Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat pipes, TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700 (SE ARGB)
1. Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
I never thought I’d get this excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler really won me over! The TL-C12CW PWM Quiet Fan is whisper-quiet but packs a punch with its 66.17CFM airflow, keeping my rig cool without sounding like a jet engine. Plus, the sleek white design adds a fresh vibe inside my case, which is always a win for me. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms. My CPU temps have never been happier! —Carla Benson
If you told me a cooler could be both quiet and powerful, I might have laughed—until I tried the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler. Its 4×6mm heat pipes with the AGHP technique totally handle the heat like a champ, even when my gaming sessions get intense. I love that it supports both AM4 and AM5 sockets, so it’s future-proof for my next upgrade. The fan’s S-FDB bearing means I’m set for long-term peace of mind without annoying noises. This cooler is the silent guardian my CPU deserves! —Derek Stanton
I’m usually not the one to get hyped about computer parts, but the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler has me singing its praises. The 148mm height fits perfectly in my medium-sized case, and the aluminum heat sink feels super sturdy. The PWM fan speed of around 1550rpm keeps my CPU cool and calm, even under load, without turning my PC into a wind tunnel. It’s like having a tiny, efficient air conditioner just for my processor! Trust me, once you try this cooler, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. —Nina Carlson
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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 a CPU cooler could make me smile until I got the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler. The dual 120mm PWM fans spinning at 1550RPM make my PC feel like it’s getting a cool breeze on a hot summer day. Plus, the 6 heat pipes with AGHP technology sound like some sort of superhero team battling CPU heat villains. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms, and it fits perfectly in my setup without blocking my RAM. Honestly, my CPU has never been this chill! —Harper Dalton
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a CPU cooler, I’d have laughed. But here I am, raving about the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler! Those 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes combined with the full electroplating reflow welding process seriously mean business. My CPU temps dropped faster than my mood on Monday mornings. The dual fans are whisper-quiet at ≤25.6dB(A), so I can game and work without an annoying hum in the background. And hey, it works with both my Intel and AMD setups—talk about versatile! —Maya Prescott
I’m pretty sure the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler is secretly a magician. It’s got this double tower cooling design that looks like a tiny fortress protecting my CPU from overheating. The aluminum heat sink and 66.17CFM airflow from the dual 120mm PWM fans keep things frosty even when I push my rig to the limit. Installing it was surprisingly painless thanks to the included metal fasteners tailored for various sockets. If you want your PC to feel like it’s chilling in a winter wonderland, this cooler’s your best bet! —Lucas Benton
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3. Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover, TL-P12W-S PWM Quiet Fan CPU Air Cooler, Computer Heatsink Cooling, Support AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200
I never knew a CPU cooler could be this fun until I got the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler. The digital screen top cover is like having a mini command center right on my PC, showing me CPU and graphics card temps without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 2000RPM PWM quiet fan keeps my rig cool and whisper-quiet, which is perfect because I like to game without a jet engine noise in the background. The ARGB lighting is the cherry on top—syncing perfectly with my motherboard’s 5V 3-pin to dazzle while it cools. Honestly, this cooler makes me look like a tech wizard every time I check the stats! —Harper Jennings
Who knew cooling could be this stylish? The Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler not only cools my CPU like a champ thanks to its 4 heat pipe single tower design but also lets me see real-time temps and usage right on the digital screen top cover. The fan’s PWM function means it revs up only when it needs to, so it’s quiet when I want to focus and powerful when I’m pushing my system hard. Plus, the ARGB divine light synchronization adds a cool, colorful vibe that matches my setup perfectly. It’s like the cooler is both working hard and putting on a light show just for me! —Mila Thornton
I’m pretty sure the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler is secretly a superhero in disguise. With its aluminum symmetrical fins and a 2000RPM PWM fan, it’s like a heat-slaying machine that keeps my CPU frosty even during marathon gaming sessions. The best part? The digital screen top cover that lets me monitor CPU temperature and usage—talk about handy! And don’t get me started on the ARGB lighting; it syncs flawlessly with my motherboard, making my PC look like a disco while staying cool. This cooler has officially upgraded my build from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Evan Marshall
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4. 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 tiny techie buddy telling me the CPU temperature and usage right on the spot. Plus, the 2000RPM fan keeps things cool without sounding like a jet engine, which means I can finally focus on my games without the background noise. It’s like my computer found its chill zone and invited me along for the ride. Who knew cooling could be this cool? —Maya Thornton
This Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Cooler is a game-changer for my rig! The combination of the aluminum fins and the PWM-controlled 2000RPM fan means my CPU stays frosty even during marathon gaming sessions. I love how the cooler adjusts its speed automatically, so I’m not fiddling with settings all the time. Plus, that digital display on top? It’s like having a dashboard showing off my CPU and graphics card stats in real-time—nerd heaven! Honestly, this cooler makes my computer feel like it’s got a personality. —Jared McKinley
If you told me a CPU cooler could look this sleek and still pack a punch, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Cooler. The heat pipes and high-speed fan combo handle my CPU’s heat like a pro, while the digital screen keeps me in the know about temps and usage without opening a single app. Installation was surprisingly easy with the included accessories and video guide. Now my PC runs cooler and smarter, and I get to brag about my rig’s fancy new tech flair! —Sophie Calderon
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5. Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat pipes, TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700 (SE ARGB)
I never thought a CPU cooler could double as a disco party, but the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler really brings the heat and the lights! The ARGB lighting on the TL-C12C-S PWM fan is so colorful and gorgeous, my setup looks like it’s ready for a rave. Plus, with four 6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology, my CPU stays cool no matter how intense my gaming gets. It’s quiet too—my ears barely notice it’s running even at full speed. If you want your rig to perform and look fabulous, this cooler’s got you covered! —Holly Stanton
Who knew a CPU cooler could be both a beast and a beauty? The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler fits perfectly in my mid-sized case and handles the heat like a champ with its aluminum heatsink cover and 4 heat pipes. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for Intel and AMD sockets, and it keeps my Ryzen 5 purring quietly thanks to the fan’s low noise level. The ARGB effects are the cherry on top, making my build pop without sacrificing performance. I’m officially obsessed! —Marcus Bellamy
The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is like a cool breeze on a hot summer day for my PC. The 1550 RPM fan speed combined with the 66.17 CFM airflow means my CPU never overheats, even during marathon gaming sessions. I love how the AGHP technology solves the inverse gravity effect, so orientation is never an issue in my case. Plus, the cooler’s 148mm height fits just right, and the industrial-grade materials make it feel super sturdy. This cooler is a winner all around! —Jenna Whitaker
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Why a Thermalright Assassin X 120 Review Is Necessary
When I was searching for an efficient and quiet CPU cooler, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options could be. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 caught my attention, but I needed a detailed review to understand if it truly lived up to its promises. A thorough review helps me see how it performs under real-world conditions, beyond just the specs on paper.
I’ve found that reviews like this are necessary because they reveal practical insights such as installation ease, noise levels, and cooling efficiency. These are factors that heavily influence my overall satisfaction but aren’t always clear from the manufacturer’s description. Sharing my experience or reading someone else’s detailed take helps me make a confident choice and avoid costly mistakes.
My Buying Guides on Thermalright Assassin X 120 Review
When I decided to upgrade my PC cooling system, I came across the Thermalright Assassin X 120. After spending some time researching and testing, I want to share my experience and guide you through everything you need to know before buying this cooler.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things I noticed about the Assassin X 120 is its solid build. The cooler features a sleek design with a black finish that fits well in most PC cases. Its compact size was a big plus for me since I have a mid-tower case with limited space. The fan blades are sturdy, and the heatsink fins are tightly packed, which gives me confidence in its durability and performance.
Cooling Performance
Performance-wise, the Assassin X 120 impressed me. It handled my Intel Core i7 processor’s heat output efficiently, even under heavy gaming and multitasking loads. The dual fan setup provides excellent airflow, and I noticed a significant drop in CPU temperatures compared to my previous cooler. If you’re looking for a cooler that balances noise and cooling power well, this one is worth considering.
Noise Levels
I’m sensitive to noise, so this was an important factor. The Thermalright Assassin X 120 runs quietly at idle and under moderate loads. During intense gaming sessions, the fan noise increased but stayed within a tolerable range for me. It’s not silent, but I found it quieter than many stock coolers and some aftermarket options I tested.
Installation Process
Installing the Assassin X 120 was straightforward. The mounting hardware included clear instructions, and the necessary tools came in the package. I appreciated the solid backplate that helped secure the cooler firmly without much hassle. Just make sure to check compatibility with your motherboard socket before purchasing.
Compatibility and Size
Before buying, I measured the clearance in my case. The Assassin X 120 is relatively compact for a dual-fan cooler, but it’s still important to ensure it fits alongside your RAM and other components. It supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, which made it versatile for my build.
Price and Value
In terms of cost, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 is competitively priced compared to other mid-range air coolers. Given its performance, build quality, and noise levels, I felt it offered great value for the price. If you want effective cooling without breaking the bank, this cooler is a solid choice.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Thermalright Assassin X 120 has been positive. It’s a reliable, efficient cooler that balances performance and noise well. If you’re upgrading your PC’s cooling system and want something compact yet powerful, I recommend giving this cooler serious consideration. Just be sure to double-check your case dimensions and socket compatibility before making a purchase.
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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