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Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB specifications and in-depth review

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB

Manufacturer: Thermalright

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB is a dual-fan air CPU cooler that stands out by incorporating an LED-backlit display alongside ARGB lighting, giving it a more feature-rich profile than many coolers in its category. Thermal paste is included in the package, and the unit carries a six-year warranty, reflecting a degree of long-term confidence from the manufacturer.

On the technical side, the cooler measures 162 mm tall, 110 mm wide, and 125 mm deep, with a total weight of 1670 g. Its two fans spin at up to 1850 RPM, delivering a maximum airflow of 88.9 CFM, while noise output ranges from 10 dB at the low end to 25.6 dB at full speed. The fans use fluid dynamic bearings, and the cooler is compatible with a broad range of sockets including LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, 1700, AM4, and AM5.

Pros
  • Supports a wide range of CPU sockets, covering five Intel LGA generations as well as AM4 and AM5
  • Includes an LED-backlit display, which is an uncommon feature for an air cooler
  • RGB lighting is built in, adding visual customization without requiring a separate component
  • Thermal paste is included, removing the need for an additional purchase before installation
  • Fans use fluid dynamic bearings, which are associated with smoother and quieter operation
  • Comes with a 6-year warranty, offering a notably long coverage period
Cons
  • At 162 mm tall, the heatsink may not fit in smaller or compact PC cases
  • The unit weighs 1670 g, which places considerable load on the motherboard socket area
  • With only two fans and a maximum speed of 1850 RPM, cooling headroom is fixed and cannot be expanded within the existing configuration
Who is this for?

This cooler is a practical choice for users building systems on either Intel or AMD platforms, given its compatibility with LGA 1150 through LGA 1700 and both AM4 and AM5 sockets. Those who want visual customization in their build will appreciate the built-in RGB lighting and LED-backlit display, while the inclusion of thermal paste and a 6-year warranty makes it straightforward to install and rely on over the long term.

Who is this NOT for?

Users working with compact or small form factor cases may find the 162 mm heatsink height difficult to accommodate, as clearance in such enclosures is often limited. Additionally, the 1670 g weight may be a concern for systems that will be frequently transported or for motherboards where heavy mounting loads are best avoided, making this a less practical fit for portable or LAN-party-oriented builds.

Cooling:

Cooling type Air
Max fan RPM 1850 rpm
Max airflow 88.9 CFM
Number of fans 2

The cooler uses an air cooling design and comes equipped with two fans, which together reach a maximum speed of 1850 RPM and deliver an airflow of up to 88.9 CFM, making the overall cooling performance dependent on this dual-fan configuration.

Dimensions:

Heatsink/water block height 162 mm
Heatsink/water block width 110 mm
Heatsink/water block depth 125 mm

The heatsink measures 162 mm in height, 110 mm in width, and 125 mm in depth, dimensions that are worth considering when assessing compatibility with a given PC case and the surrounding motherboard components.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, AM4, AM5
Audible noise (min) 10 dB
Audible noise (max) 25.6 dB
weight 1670 g
warranty period 6 years

This cooler is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, covering LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, and 1700 on the Intel side, as well as AM4 and AM5 for AMD platforms. Noise output spans from 10 dB at its quietest to 25.6 dB at full load, and the unit weighs 1670 g. It also comes backed by a 6-year warranty.

Features:

Fan bearings Fluid dynamic bearings
has RGB lighting ✓
Thermal paste Included
Has a display ✓
Display type LED-backlit

The fans use fluid dynamic bearings, and the cooler includes RGB lighting alongside a built-in LED-backlit display. Thermal paste comes included in the box, so no separate purchase is needed before installation.

Final Verdict

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB brings together broad platform compatibility, a dual-fan air cooling setup, and an uncommon LED-backlit display with RGB lighting in a single package — a combination that suits builders looking for both function and visual presence in a mid-to-full-size case. Its fluid dynamic bearing fans, included thermal paste, and six-year warranty reflect a well-rounded specification sheet, though the 162 mm height and 1670 g weight do impose real constraints on case selection and motherboard load. For users building a standard ATX or similar system who want a capable air cooler with distinctive aesthetics and wide socket support, it represents a coherent and well-specified option.