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Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 specifications and in-depth review

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2

Manufacturer: Thermalright

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is a dual-tower air CPU cooler designed to cover a broad range of modern desktop platforms. It ships with two fans and includes thermal paste in the box, making it a straightforward drop-in solution for builders working with current Intel and AMD systems. The cooler carries a relatively compact footprint given its heatsink depth of 125 mm and width of 110 mm, while still reaching a height of 155 mm.

On the acoustic side, the fans operate within a noise range of 16 dB to 29.5 dB, spinning up to a maximum of 1850 RPM. Fluid dynamic bearings are used in the fan assembly, which is a common choice for longevity and quieter operation at moderate speeds. The unit weighs 970 g in total and is compatible with LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5 sockets. No RGB lighting or display elements are present, and the product comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros
  • Supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5, covering both current and recent platforms
  • Comes with two fans included out of the box
  • Thermal paste is included, removing the need for a separate purchase before installation
  • Fluid dynamic bearings are used in the fans, which tend to support quieter and more consistent operation over time
  • Minimum noise level of 16 dB indicates relatively quiet performance at lower fan speeds
Cons
  • The one-year warranty period is relatively short for a cooling product
  • No RGB lighting for users who prefer illuminated builds
  • At 970 g, the cooler is on the heavier side, which may place noticeable stress on the motherboard
  • Max airflow is not specified, making it difficult to assess ventilation output
  • A height of 155 mm may not fit in smaller or compact cases
Who is this for?

This cooler is a practical choice for builders working with mainstream Intel or AMD platforms, given its compatibility spanning LGA 1150 through LGA 1851 and AM4 to AM5. The dual-fan configuration and a noise floor of 16 dB make it well-suited for users who want reasonably quiet operation during everyday workloads. Since thermal paste is included and the installation covers a broad socket range, it also works well for those assembling or upgrading a system without wanting to source additional components separately.

Who is this NOT for?

Users building inside compact or small-form-factor cases may find the 155 mm heatsink height incompatible with tighter clearance constraints. The cooler's weight of 970 g can put meaningful stress on the motherboard during transport or in vertically mounted configurations, making it less ideal for portable or LAN-build setups. Additionally, those who prioritize a visually lit build will find this cooler unsuitable, as it offers no RGB lighting whatsoever.

Cooling:

Cooling type Air
Max fan RPM 1850 rpm
Max airflow 0 CFM
Number of fans 2

The Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 uses air cooling as its cooling method and is equipped with two fans that spin at a maximum speed of 1850 RPM. The max airflow value is listed as 0 CFM in the provided data, which suggests this figure is not specified for this product.

Dimensions:

Heatsink/water block height 155 mm
Heatsink/water block width 110 mm
Heatsink/water block depth 125 mm

The heatsink measures 155 mm in height, 110 mm in width, and 125 mm in depth, giving a clear picture of the physical space it will occupy inside a case.

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) 29.5 dB
weight 970 g
warranty period 1 years

This cooler is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, covering LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5, which spans both current and recent Intel and AMD platforms. Audible noise ranges from a minimum of 16 dB up to a maximum of 29.5 dB under full load. The unit weighs 970 g and comes with a one-year warranty.

Features:

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

The fans use fluid dynamic bearings, and thermal paste is included in the package, so no separate purchase is needed before installation. The cooler does not feature RGB lighting or an integrated display.

Final Verdict

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 is a dual-fan air CPU cooler that covers a notably broad range of Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile fit for most standard desktop builds. Its low minimum noise level of 16 dB combined with fluid dynamic bearing fans reflects a clear focus on quieter operation during light to moderate workloads. While its 970 g weight and 155 mm height do place real constraints on case selection and long-term motherboard stress, builders working with full-size or mid-tower enclosures and current mainstream platforms will find it a capable, practical option that arrives ready to install with thermal paste included and no need for additional accessories.