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Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 specifications and in-depth review

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3

Manufacturer: Thermalright

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 is an air-based CPU cooler designed for a wide range of desktop platforms. It ships with two fans and includes thermal paste in the box, making it straightforward to install without sourcing additional materials. The cooler carries a compact footprint relative to its dual-fan configuration, and its fluid dynamic bearings contribute to smooth, consistent fan operation over time.

On the technical side, the unit stands 155 mm tall, with a width of 110 mm and a depth of 125 mm, and tips the scale at 850 g. The fans reach a maximum speed of 2000 rpm, delivering up to 70.84 CFM of airflow, while audible noise ranges from 16 dB at the low end to 29.8 dB under full load. Socket compatibility covers Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, 1700, and 1851, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. The cooler does not feature RGB lighting or an onboard display, and it comes backed by a one-year warranty.

Pros
  • Supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5
  • Comes with thermal paste included, removing the need for a separate purchase before installation
  • Fluid dynamic bearings on the fans contribute to consistent, long-term operation
  • Dual-fan setup delivers up to 70.84 CFM of airflow
  • Minimum noise level of 16 dB makes it relatively quiet during light workloads
Cons
  • Warranty period is limited to one year
  • No RGB lighting for those who prefer illuminated builds
  • At 850 g, the cooler adds noticeable weight to the motherboard area
  • Maximum noise level of 29.8 dB may be audible in quiet environments under full fan speed
  • Standing 155 mm tall, it may not fit in smaller or compact cases
Who is this for?

This cooler is a solid fit for users building systems around modern Intel or AMD platforms, including LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5, who want broad compatibility without needing extra mounting hardware. It suits those who prefer a quiet, no-frills setup, given its 16 dB minimum noise floor and the absence of RGB lighting. The dual-fan configuration and 70.84 CFM airflow also make it appropriate for mid-range to enthusiast builds where steady thermal management under sustained workloads matters.

Who is this NOT for?

Users working with compact or small-form-factor cases may find the 155 mm height and 850 g mass problematic, as clearance and motherboard stress become real concerns in tight enclosures. Those who prioritize RGB aesthetics will find this cooler unsuitable, since it offers no lighting whatsoever. Additionally, anyone seeking long-term peace of mind from an extended warranty may be disappointed, as coverage is limited to one year.

Cooling:

Cooling type Air
Max fan RPM 2000 rpm
Max airflow 70.84 CFM
Number of fans 2

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 uses air cooling and comes equipped with two fans that spin at a maximum speed of 2000 rpm, generating up to 70.84 CFM of airflow to move heat away from the processor.

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) 29.8 dB
weight 850 g
warranty period 1 years

This cooler is compatible with a broad range of sockets, covering Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, 1700, and 1851 as well as AMD AM4 and AM5, making it suitable for many current and recent platforms. Audible noise ranges from 16 dB at its quietest to 29.8 dB at full speed, and the unit weighs 850 g in total. It 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, which support smooth and consistent rotation during operation. Thermal paste is included in the package, so no separate purchase is needed before installation. The cooler does not feature RGB lighting or an onboard display.

Final Verdict

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 is a straightforward air cooler that covers a lot of ground without overcomplicating things — its broad socket compatibility across both Intel and AMD platforms makes it relevant for a wide range of builds, and the dual-fan setup with fluid dynamic bearings offers dependable thermal performance with a relatively low noise floor. It does come with some practical constraints, particularly around physical clearance requirements and a modest warranty period, so it fits best in standard mid-tower environments where space is not a limiting factor. For users who want a no-nonsense, well-specified air cooler without RGB distractions, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3 makes a coherent and capable choice.