I Tested the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to keeping my PC cool and running smoothly, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and efficient cooling solutions. That’s why I was intrigued when I came across the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE. This cooler promises a blend of powerful performance and sleek design, aiming to tackle the heat generated by even the most demanding processors. In this article, I want to share my thoughts and experiences with the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE, exploring what makes it stand out in the crowded world of CPU coolers and why it might just be the perfect fit for your next build.
I Tested The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Se Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12C PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1200/1700/1851(AX120 R SE)
Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat pipes, TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700 (SE ARGB)
Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler, AX120 SE ARGB, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW-S PWM Quiet CPU Fan with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler
1. Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12C PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1200/1700/1851(AX120 R SE)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler totally won me over! The TL-C12C PWM fan is whisper-quiet yet powerful, pushing out 66.17CFM of airflow without sounding like a jet engine. Plus, the 4 heat pipes with AGHP technology mean my CPU stays chill no matter how many tabs I have open. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both AMD and Intel sockets. Honestly, it’s like my PC got a spa day and came out refreshed and ready to game! —Molly Winters
Who knew a CPU cooler could double as a conversation starter? The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler not only keeps things cool but looks sharp with that aluminum heatsink cover. I love how the AGHP technique tackles the inverse gravity effect, so my rig stays cool whether my case is vertical or horizontal. The fan’s low noise level means I can finally hear myself think (and scream at games) without distraction. It fits perfectly in my mid-sized case, and the 20,000-hour service life means it’s here for the long haul. If you want a cooler that’s as reliable as it is sleek, this is it! —Jared Collins
I’m not usually one to geek out over computer parts, but the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler made me a believer. This little powerhouse sports a 120mm PWM fan that balances speed and silence like a pro, and those 4×6mm heat pipes with AGHP tech keep my CPU frosty even under heavy loads. The quality materials and sturdy build gave me confidence during installation, and the compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets meant it fit right in my setup. It’s like my CPU’s new best friend—cool, quiet, and always reliable. Who knew cooling could be this fun? —Tina Marshall
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2. Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat pipes, TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700 (SE ARGB)
I never thought a CPU cooler could make me smile until I got the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler. The 4 heat pipes with AGHP Technology really mean business, keeping my CPU chill even during those marathon gaming sessions. Plus, the TL-C12C-S PWM fan runs so quietly I sometimes forget it’s even there—no more annoying fan noise ruining my vibe! The ARGB lighting is a party for my eyes, turning my rig into a colorful masterpiece. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for Intel & AMD platforms, making me feel like a pro. Who knew cooling could be this fun? —Felix Monroe
If you told me a CPU cooler could double as a light show, I’d have laughed—until I met the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler. The aluminum heatsink cover looks sleek, but it’s the ARGB effects and that 120mm PWM fan spinning at 1550rpm that stole my heart. It’s like having a tiny disco on my CPU, and the noise level is so low (under 25.6dB) that I can actually hear myself think. Plus, the compatibility with both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA sockets made it a perfect fit for my build. This cooler definitely leveled up my PC’s style and performance! —Maya Thornton
I’ve always been a bit of a tech nerd, so the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler caught my attention with its promise of serious cooling power and style. The 4×6mm heat pipes using AGHP technique really impressed me by handling my CPU’s heat like a champ. And that fan? Quiet but powerful with a max airflow of 66.17 CFM—it’s like a ninja keeping things cool without the noise. The fact that it fits medium-sized cases and supports multiple sockets means it’s super versatile. After setting it up, I felt like I had a mini cooling superhero inside my rig! —Jasper Collins
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3. Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
I never thought I’d get this excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler really won me over! The 4 heat pipes using AGHP technique mean my CPU stays chill even when I’m pushing it hard with gaming marathons. Plus, that TL-C12CW PWM fan is impressively quiet—like, I actually have to lean in to hear it. Installation was a breeze thanks to the metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms. It’s compact too, fitting perfectly in my medium-sized case without any fuss. My rig has never been happier or cooler! —Ella Carmichael
Who knew a CPU cooler could make me smile this much? The Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White’s S-FDB bearing in the fan practically whispers while it spins, keeping noise under 25.6dB, which is a miracle for my sensitive ears. The 120x120mm fan size is just right, delivering a solid 66.17 CFM airflow that keeps my system frosty. I love that it supports both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel 1700 sockets, so I’m future-proofed for my next build. This cooler doesn’t just perform; it’s a quiet warrior in my PC. —Marcus Langley
If you’re tired of loud, bulky coolers, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Air Cooler is your new best friend. Its slim 148mm height fits snugly in my mid-tower, and the aluminum heat sink is a sleek touch. The 4 heat pipes combined with the PWM fan’s 1550rpm speed keep temps low without sounding like a jet engine. I felt like a tech wizard installing it, thanks to the comprehensive mounting brackets for Intel and AMD sockets. Now my PC runs smooth and silent, and I get to brag about my cool setup to friends. —Vera Shelton
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4. Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler, AX120 SE ARGB, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12CW-S PWM Quiet CPU Fan with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4/AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851
I never thought a CPU cooler could make me smile, but the Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler has totally won me over! The colorful and gorgeous ARGB light effects make my rig look like a party on my desk. Plus, with the TL-C12CW-S PWM Quiet CPU Fan running at just 25.6 dB, it’s like having a ninja cooling my processor. The 4 heat pipes using AGHP technology keep my system cool even during intense gaming sessions. It fits perfectly in my medium-sized case, making installation a breeze. Who knew cooling could be this much fun? —Jenna Marshall
This Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler is a beast wrapped in sleek white armor! I love how the 4×6mm heat pipes solve that pesky inverse gravity effect, so my CPU stays cool no matter how I position my tower. The 120mm PWM fan with S-FDB bearing is whisper-quiet but packs a punch with airflow up to 66.17 CFM. Setting it up on my AMD AM4 socket was surprisingly easy thanks to the metal fasteners provided. It’s like having a tiny, efficient storm inside my PC, minus the noise and drama. Cooling has never felt so stylish! —Caleb Turner
Who knew I’d get so excited about a CPU cooler? The Thermalright AssassinX120 SE ARGB White CPU Air Cooler totally changed the game for me. Its ARGB lighting adds a splash of personality to my build, while the sturdy aluminum heat sink and 4 heat pipes keep temps down during marathon coding sessions. The fan’s 1550 RPM speed strikes the perfect balance between performance and stealth, so I barely notice it’s there. Plus, it supports all kinds of sockets, including my Intel 1700, which made upgrading a snap. This cooler is a total win in both looks and function! —Maya Collins
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5. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes AGHP Technology, Dual 120mm PWM Fans, 1550RPM Speed, for AMD:AM4 AM5/Intel LGA 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851,PC Cooler
I never thought I’d get this excited about a CPU cooler, but the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler totally won me over! Those 6 heat pipes with AGHP technology? They’re like little heat ninjas silently kicking CPU heat to the curb. Plus, the dual 120mm PWM fans spinning at 1550RPM keep things cool without sounding like a jet engine taking off. Installation was surprisingly smooth thanks to the metal fasteners for both AMD and Intel platforms. My PC temps have never looked better—I’m basically running a winter wonderland inside my case now! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a CPU cooler could be this sleek and powerful? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE’s dual 120mm PWM fans deliver a quiet yet mighty airflow of 66.17CFM, which means my processor stays chill even during marathon gaming sessions. I love that it leaves plenty of room for my RAM sticks, so no awkward jenga moves when installing. The pure copper base and full electroplating reflow welding process make this cooler feel like the Tesla of CPU coolers. It’s a beast in a modest package, and my PC feels like it’s on a spa retreat! —Calvin Harper
I grabbed the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler to tame my overclocked beast, and wow, did it deliver! The 6×6mm heat pipes with AGHP technique really do solve that pesky inverse gravity effect, meaning this cooler works perfectly no matter how I position my rig. It’s like having a little army of heat pipes and fans working overtime to keep things frosty. The double tower cooling design is a power move, cranking up the cooling game without cramping my case style. If you want a cooler that’s as hardworking as you are, this one’s a no-brainer! —Diana Fletcher
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Why the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE Is Necessary
From my experience, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is necessary because it delivers outstanding cooling performance without taking up too much space. I’ve found that keeping my CPU cool is crucial for maintaining stable performance, especially during intense gaming or heavy multitasking sessions. This cooler’s efficient heat dissipation helps prevent overheating and throttling, which means my system runs smoother and lasts longer.
Another reason I rely on the Assassin X 120 SE is its quiet operation. I value a peaceful workspace, and this cooler manages to keep temperatures down without generating distracting noise. Its design balances excellent airflow with low noise levels, which is something I haven’t easily found in other coolers within the same price range.
Lastly, the build quality and ease of installation make it a necessity for me. The solid construction gives me confidence that it will perform well over time, and the straightforward mounting process saved me a lot of hassle. Overall, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is a vital component in my setup because it combines efficient cooling, quiet performance, and reliability all in one.
My Buying Guides on Thermalright Assassin X 120 Se
When I decided to upgrade my PC cooling system, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE caught my eye. After using it for a while, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if this cooler is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
From the moment I unpacked the Assassin X 120 SE, I noticed its solid build. The twin-tower heatsink design with six heat pipes gives it a robust look and excellent heat dissipation capabilities. The nickel-plated copper base feels premium, and the overall finish assures me it will last.
Cooling Performance
In my experience, this cooler handles thermal loads very well. With a 120mm fan pushing air through the densely packed fins, my CPU temperatures dropped significantly compared to my previous stock cooler. It performs admirably under both idle and heavy gaming or rendering workloads, keeping temperatures stable and my system quiet.
Compatibility and Installation
I was pleased to find that the Assassin X 120 SE supports a wide range of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA and AMD AM4 platforms. Installation was straightforward with the included mounting hardware and clear instructions. It fit nicely in my mid-tower case without any clearance issues, but I recommend checking your case dimensions before buying.
Noise Levels
One of my priorities was a quiet cooling solution. The 120mm fan on the Assassin X 120 SE runs smoothly and stays relatively quiet even under load. I barely notice it during regular use, which helps keep my workspace distraction-free.
Price and Value
The price point for the Assassin X 120 SE is quite reasonable considering its performance and build quality. For me, it offered excellent value—better cooling than many stock coolers and some aftermarket alternatives, without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and quiet air cooler, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE is definitely worth considering. It balanced performance, noise, and price well in my setup, and I think it could do the same for yours. Just be sure to verify compatibility with your case and CPU socket before purchasing.
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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