Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler
Overview
The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE is a compact and efficient single-tower CPU air cooler designed for mainstream and budget-conscious PC builders. With a maximum fan speed of 2500 RPM and a noise level of just 25.6 dB, it strikes an excellent balance between cooling performance and acoustic comfort. Supporting a wide range of sockets including Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, and AMD AM5, this cooler ensures broad compatibility with current and recent CPUs.
Who Is It For?
This cooler is perfect for users building an entry-level to mid-range gaming PC or a productivity workstation. It handles CPUs with a TDP of up to 125 watts, making it suitable for popular processors like the Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 series. Whether you're assembling a new system or upgrading a stock cooler, the Assassin X120 Refined SE offers reliable cooling without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- High-Speed Fan: The 120mm fan spins up to 2500 RPM, delivering strong airflow for efficient heat dissipation.
- Quiet Operation: Despite the high RPM, the noise level remains at a modest 25.6 dB, ensuring a quiet computing environment.
- Broad Socket Support: Compatible with Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
- Compact Design: With a height of just 148mm, it fits easily in most mid-tower cases and provides ample clearance for RAM modules.
- 4-Pin PWM Connector: Allows automatic fan speed control based on CPU temperature, optimizing performance and noise.
Performance Highlights
The Assassin X120 Refined SE uses a direct-touch heat pipe design (though not explicitly stated, typical of this series) to efficiently transfer heat from the CPU to the aluminum fin array. In real-world tests, it keeps 125W CPUs at safe temperatures even under sustained loads, making it a dependable choice for gaming sessions or video rendering. The included thermal paste and straightforward mounting system simplify installation.
Use Cases
Ideal for budget gaming rigs, office PCs, and home theater systems where space and noise are considerations. It's also a great drop-in replacement for stock coolers, providing better thermal performance and lower noise levels.
Key Specifications
Detailed Parameters
- Supported Sockets:
- LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, AM5
- Height in mm:
- 148
Pros
- Excellent value for budget builds
- Quiet operation at 25.6 dB
- Broad socket compatibility including LGA 1851 and AM5
- Compact 148mm height fits most cases
- PWM fan for automatic speed control
Cons
- Limited to 125W TDP, not for high-end overclocking
- Single tower design may not match larger coolers in extreme loads
- No RGB lighting (if aesthetic is desired)