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Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black specifications and in-depth review

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black

Manufacturer: Thermalright

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is a dual-fan air CPU cooler designed for desktop builds that prioritize quiet operation alongside solid thermal management. It ships with thermal paste included and carries a non-RGB aesthetic, making it a straightforward fit for systems where a clean, understated look is preferred. At 750 g, it has a substantial but manageable heatsink mass for a tower-style air cooler.

The cooler measures 157 mm tall, 135 mm wide, and 125 mm deep, so case clearance is worth confirming before installation. Its two fans use fluid dynamic bearings and spin up to 1550 rpm, delivering a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM while keeping audible noise between 16 dB at minimum and 25.6 dB at full speed. Socket compatibility covers a wide range of Intel and AMD platforms, including LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5, along with several older Intel sockets. The warranty period is one year.

Pros
  • Thermal paste is included in the box, removing the need for a separate purchase before installation
  • Fluid dynamic bearings on the fans contribute to quieter and smoother long-term operation
  • Minimum noise output of 16 dB makes the cooler relatively unobtrusive during light or idle workloads
  • Socket compatibility spans eight platforms across both Intel and AMD, covering a wide range of current and recent CPUs
  • The dual-fan configuration pushes up to 66.17 CFM of airflow, giving the heatsink meaningful heat dissipation capacity
Cons
  • At 157 mm tall, the heatsink may not fit in compact or mid-tower cases with tighter CPU cooler clearance limits
  • The cooler weighs 750 g, which places noticeable load on the motherboard during transport or if the system is moved frequently
  • No RGB lighting is present, which limits aesthetic integration in builds designed around illuminated components
  • The warranty period covers only one year, which is relatively short for a cooling component intended for long-term use
Who is this for?

The Peerless Assassin 120 Black is a solid fit for builders assembling quiet desktop systems, particularly those who value low noise levels — with a minimum of 16 dB, it suits home office setups or environments where fan noise is a genuine concern. Its broad socket support across both current Intel and AMD platforms, including LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5, makes it a practical option for builders working with a wide variety of modern CPUs. Those who prefer a clean, understated build without lighting effects will also find the no-RGB design a natural fit.

Who is this NOT for?

Users working with small form factor or compact cases may find the 157 mm heatsink height incompatible with their chassis, making it unsuitable for tight builds where CPU cooler clearance is limited. At 750 g, the cooler's weight may also be a concern for users who frequently transport their system or prefer a lighter installation for long-term motherboard safety. Additionally, builders who want RGB lighting integration for an illuminated aesthetic will need to look elsewhere, as this cooler offers no lighting whatsoever.

Cooling:

Cooling type Air
Max fan RPM 1550 rpm
Max airflow 66.17 CFM
Number of fans 2

The Peerless Assassin 120 Black uses an air cooling approach and is equipped with two fans that reach a maximum speed of 1550 rpm, producing a peak airflow of 66.17 CFM to move heat away from the heatsink stack.

Dimensions:

Heatsink/water block height 157 mm
Heatsink/water block width 135 mm
Heatsink/water block depth 125 mm

The Peerless Assassin 120 Black heatsink measures 157 mm in height, 135 mm in width, and 125 mm in depth, so verifying adequate CPU cooler clearance within the chosen case is recommended before installation.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, AM5
Audible noise (min) 16 dB
Audible noise (max) 25.6 dB
weight 750 g
warranty period 1 years

The Peerless Assassin 120 Black is compatible with a broad range of CPU sockets, covering Intel platforms including LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, 1700, and 1851 as well as AMD's AM4 and AM5 sockets. Audible noise ranges from a low of 16 dB at minimum fan speed up to 25.6 dB at maximum, and the unit weighs 750 g in total. A one-year warranty is included.

Features:

Fan bearings Fluid dynamic bearings
has RGB lighting ✕
Thermal paste Included
Has a display ✕

The fans on the Peerless Assassin 120 Black use fluid dynamic bearings, a bearing type generally associated with smoother and quieter operation over time. Thermal paste is included in the box, so no separate purchase is needed for installation. The cooler does not feature RGB lighting or any built-in display.

Final Verdict

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is a no-frills air CPU cooler that delivers on the fundamentals — broad platform compatibility, a dual-fan setup with fluid dynamic bearings, and noise levels as low as 16 dB — making it a well-suited option for quiet desktop builds centered on current Intel and AMD platforms. Its 157 mm height and 750 g weight do introduce real installation considerations that builders in compact cases should carefully evaluate before committing. For those who prioritize thermal function and low acoustic output over aesthetics or extra features, the Peerless Assassin 120 Black represents a focused and capable choice in the air cooling category.