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Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT vs Thermalright Assassin X 120: Comparison
What is the difference between Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT and Thermalright Assassin X 120?
These two are close on paper, and noise level is the only measure that separates them at all: Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT 33.8 dBA against Thermalright Assassin X 120 25 dBA. Fan count runs the same way, 2 on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus 1 on the Thermalright Assassin X 120, another win for Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT. There is a split on cooler type as well, AIO Liquid on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus Air on the Thermalright Assassin X 120. They differ on socket compatibility too, AMD AM4/AM5/sTRX4/sTR4, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011 on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200 on the Thermalright Assassin X 120. Rgb lighting is not the same on both, Yes on the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT versus No on the Thermalright Assassin X 120.
Who each one is for
The Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT is the one to take for 280W-class CPUs where a 280mm radiator fits but 360mm doesn't and builders already using Corsair iCUE for fan and RGB control. It is the wrong buy for builders starting fresh who'd rather use Corsair's newer iCUE Link ecosystem. Buy the Thermalright Assassin X 120 for extreme-budget builds and locked mainstream Ryzen/Core CPUs, though it is the wrong buy for overclocked or unlocked CPUs and RGB-focused builds. Our rating of the Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT (8.4/10): A well-rounded 280mm AIO with genuinely improved fans over the standard Elite Capellix, best for builders already committed to Corsair's classic iCUE ecosystem. Our rating of the Thermalright Assassin X 120 (7.5/10): exceptional price-to-performance for a locked mainstream build.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Corsair
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- Thermalright
Cooler Type
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- AIO Liquid
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- Air
Series
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
Model Number
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- CW-9060069-WW
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- Assassin X 120 SE
Socket Compatibility
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- AMD AM4/AM5/sTRX4/sTR4, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X/2066/2011
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200
Fan Count
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 2Best
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- 1-50%
Noise Level
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- 33.8 dBA
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- 25 dBABest
RGB Lighting
- Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
- Yes
- Thermalright Assassin X 120
- No
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT if you want the higher fan count (2 vs 1).
Choose Thermalright Assassin X 120 if you want the lower noise level (25 dBA vs 33.8 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT | Thermalright Assassin X 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Corsair H115i Elite Capellix XT
8.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-rounded 280mm AIO with genuinely improved fans over the standard Elite Capellix, best for builders already committed to Corsair's classic iCUE ecosystem.
Thermalright Assassin X 120
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
Exceptional price-to-performance for a locked mainstream build.