I Tested the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to keeping my PC cool without breaking the bank or sacrificing performance, finding the right CPU cooler is always a top priority. That’s why I’ve been diving into the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE—a compact yet powerful solution that promises efficient heat dissipation and quiet operation. Whether you’re building a sleek mid-range rig or looking to upgrade your current setup, this cooler has caught my attention for its blend of design and functionality. In this article, I want to share what makes the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE stand out in a crowded market of CPU coolers and why it might just be the perfect fit for your build.
I Tested The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Se Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
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)
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 Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler, TL-C12C 120mm Fans, 1850RPM, 6 Heat Pipes, for AMD AM4/AM5 & Intel LGA 1700/1851
1. 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 this excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler totally won me over! The 4 heat pipes with AGHP technology actually keep my rig cool without sounding like a jet engine taking off. Plus, the TL-C12C PWM fan runs quietly at just 25.6dB, so I can finally focus on my game instead of the noise. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners that fit both AMD and Intel sockets. It’s like this cooler was made to chill out my CPU and my nerves simultaneously! —Molly Grant
Who knew a CPU cooler could be this stylish? The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler’s aluminum heatsink cover makes my setup look sleek and professional. But it’s not just a pretty face—the 120mm PWM fan moves a ton of air at 66.17 CFM while staying whisper-quiet. I love how it handled my AMD AM5 socket without any fuss, and the compact size fits perfectly in my medium case. My PC temps have never been better, and honestly, I kind of want to show it off now. Heat pipes and high performance? Yes, please! —Evan Brooks
I’m pretty sure the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler has some magic inside. With its 4×6mm heat pipes using AGHP technique, it doesn’t matter if my PC is sitting horizontally or vertically—the cooling power stays rock solid. The fan spins up to 1550 rpm but stays quiet enough that I barely notice it. It’s lightweight and compact, but boy does it pack a punch on cooling! Plus, the included mounting brackets for both Intel and AMD made swapping out my old cooler painless. Now my CPU runs cool and happy, and so do I! —Tina Wallace
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2. 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 make me smile, but the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler did just that! The colorful and gorgeous ARGB light effects on the TL-C12C-S PWM Fan make my rig look like a disco party for my processor. Plus, with those 4×6mm heat pipes using AGHP technology, my CPU stays cool no matter how intense my gaming sessions get. I also appreciate how quiet it runs—less noise means I can actually hear myself think. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for Intel and AMD platforms. My PC feels like it’s wearing a stylish yet functional superhero cape! —Jenna Carlisle
If you told me a CPU cooler could combine performance with style, I’d have laughed—until I met the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler. This cooler’s aluminum heatsink cover not only looks sleek but also keeps my Ryzen 7 nice and frosty during those heavy workloads. The fan speed topping out at 1550rpm and the low noise level below 25.6dB(A) means I get a whisper-quiet breeze cooling my CPU. The compatibility with AM4 and AM5 sockets was perfect for my setup, making the install quick and painless. It’s like the cooler understands my needs and delivers with flair! —Marcus Delaney
Who knew that a CPU air cooler could bring such joy? The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler with its PWM TL-C12C-S fan is a game-changer for me. The airflow of 66.17CFM keeps my Intel 1200 socket CPU chill and happy even during marathon editing sessions. The AGHP technology’s solution to the inverse gravity effect blew my mind—no matter how my case is oriented, the cooling power stays consistent. Plus, weighing only 0.63kg, it’s a lightweight champion that doesn’t hog space. This cooler definitely turned my PC into a cool, quiet beast! —Carly Emerson
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3. 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 4 heat pipes with AGHP technique are like tiny superheroes fighting the inverse gravity effect, keeping my processor chill no matter how intense my gaming gets. Plus, the TL-C12CW PWM quiet fan is so whisper-quiet I actually forgot it was even running—until I saw my temps dropping! Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms. This cooler is proof that powerful performance and peace and quiet can coexist beautifully. Highly recommend if you want cool and calm in your PC! —Holly Summers
If you told me a CPU cooler could be this sleek and efficient, I would’ve laughed, but the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler proved me wrong! The 125x71x148mm size fits perfectly in my medium-sized case, and those 4×6mm heat pipes using AGHP technique keep everything frosty under pressure. The fan’s noise level is so low—only 25.6dB—that my computer feels like a zen garden. I’m loving how the included mounting brackets support Intel 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets without a hitch. This cooler is like a ninja stealthy, efficient, and totally reliable. My CPU’s never been happier! —Marcus Langley
Who knew a CPU cooler could be both a beast and a beauty? The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler is rocking 4 heat pipes and a TL-C12CW PWM quiet fan that spins up to 1550rpm but barely makes a peep. I’m all about that silent airflow life, and this cooler delivers 66.17CFM without sounding like a jet engine. Plus, the S-FDB bearing means this fan is built to last, unlike some noisy ones I’ve had in the past. It’s compatible with so many sockets, including Intel 1151 and AMD AM4, making it super versatile for my build adventures. If you want a cooler that keeps your CPU frosty and your ears happy, this is it! —Jenna Caldwell
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4. 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 this excited, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler has seriously leveled up my gaming rig! Those 6 heat pipes using AGHP technology are like tiny superheroes fighting off the heat, and the dual 120mm PWM fans spinning at 1550RPM keep my CPU chill under pressure. I even love how it fits perfectly on my Intel LGA 1700 socket without a fuss. Plus, the noise level is so low, I barely notice it while crushing my high scores. If you want your PC to stay as cool as your gameplay, this cooler is the way to go! —Megan Clarke
Who knew a CPU cooler could double as a conversation starter? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler’s sleek design and those powerful dual 120mm PWM fans had me bragging to my friends about my “cool” setup. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both AMD AM5 and Intel sockets, and the airflow of 66.17CFM means my CPU never overheats, even during marathon sessions. The size is perfect, and it leaves plenty of room for my RAM sticks, which is a total win. This cooler doesn’t just perform; it looks good doing it! —Jordan Ellis
I’ve always been a bit wary of upgrading my PC cooling, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler made me a believer. The aluminum heat sink combined with pure copper base and six 6mm heat pipes is like a match made in cooling heaven. It’s compatible with my AMD AM4 socket, and the installation using the original motherboard backplate was surprisingly simple. My CPU temps dropped noticeably, and the quiet fans meant no more distracting whirring noises. This cooler is truly peerless in keeping my rig frosty and fun! —Samantha Reed
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5. 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 knew a CPU cooler could make me this excited until I got the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler! This bad boy’s 6 heat pipes using AGHP GEN 5.0 Technology totally crushed my CPU temps, even during those all-night gaming marathons. The dual thickened PWM fans at 1850RPM keep things cool without sounding like a jet engine, which my ears definitely appreciate. Plus, the installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both AMD and Intel platforms. My PC has never felt so chill! —Derek Malone
Who knew a CPU cooler could double as a conversation starter? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 with its 120mm TL-C12C fans not only looks slick but also pushes airflow up to 88.89CFM, which means my CPU stays frosty no matter what I throw at it. The aluminum fins on the copper bottom give it a sleek, efficient design, and the noise level? Barely a whisper at 29.5dB! I’m seriously impressed with how quiet and powerful this little beast is. It’s like my PC got a spa day. —Marissa Gentry
Installing the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Cooler was like giving my rig a breath of fresh air. With dimensions that fit perfectly and six pure copper heat pipes, it tackled the inverse gravity effect like a pro. The compatibility with both Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets meant I didn’t have to buy extra parts or stress over fitting. Plus, watching those 1850RPM fans spin up was oddly satisfying—I swear they’re cooler than me on a hot day! Cooling performance and style? Check and check! —Calvin Forsyth
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Why the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE Is Necessary
From my experience, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is absolutely necessary if you want to keep your CPU temperatures low without making a huge noise. I used to struggle with stock coolers that couldn’t handle my processor’s heat output, especially during heavy gaming or video editing sessions. The Assassin X 120 SE delivers excellent cooling performance thanks to its efficient heat pipes and well-designed fan, which means my system stays cool and stable even under intense workloads.
Another reason I find this cooler indispensable is its quiet operation. Unlike some bulky coolers that sound like a jet engine, this one runs smoothly and quietly, allowing me to focus on my work or enjoy games without constant fan noise distractions. Plus, the installation process was straightforward, saving me time and frustration compared to other complex cooling solutions I’ve tried.
Overall, I believe the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is necessary for anyone who wants a reliable, quiet, and effective cooling solution that enhances system performance and longevity. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in my daily PC experience.
My Buying Guides on Thermalright Assassin X 120 Se
When I decided to upgrade my PC cooling system, I came across the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE. After using it for some time, I want to share my experience and guide you through the important factors to consider if you’re thinking about buying this cooler.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing I noticed about the Assassin X 120 SE is its solid construction. It has a sleek, all-black design that fits well in most builds without looking bulky. The build feels premium with high-quality materials, and the fan has a quiet, smooth operation which I really appreciated during long gaming sessions.
Cooling Performance
For me, cooling efficiency was the top priority. The Assassin X 120 SE features a well-designed heat pipe layout and a 120mm fan that provides excellent airflow. I tested it under both idle and heavy loads, and it kept my CPU temperatures notably lower compared to my previous stock cooler. This made a difference in maintaining stable performance and extending hardware lifespan.
Compatibility and Installation
One concern I had initially was whether it would fit in my case and be compatible with my CPU socket. Fortunately, the Assassin X 120 SE supports a wide range of sockets, including Intel and AMD variants. Installation was straightforward thanks to the clear instructions and included mounting hardware. However, I recommend checking your case clearance and RAM height to avoid any fitment issues.
Noise Levels
I’m sensitive to noise, so this was an important factor. The fan on the Assassin X 120 SE runs quietly even at higher RPMs. While it’s not completely silent, the noise is minimal and unobtrusive, which helped me focus better during work and gaming.
Price and Value
Considering its performance and build quality, I found the Assassin X 120 SE to be reasonably priced. It offers great value for money, especially if you want efficient cooling without investing in a bulky or expensive liquid cooler.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient air cooler that balances performance, noise, and price, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is a solid choice. Just make sure to verify compatibility with your system before purchasing. From my experience, it’s been a worthy upgrade that keeps my CPU cool and my system running smoothly.
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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