Thermalright

Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO

Model:: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO
Cooler Type:: Air
Fans:: 1x 120mm PWM
Socket Compatibility:: AMD AM4/AM5

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Manufacturer: Thermalright Last updated: September 8, 2026

Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Review

The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO is a single-tower entry-level air cooler positioned at roughly $25, specifically called out as outperforming the flood of unbranded 80mm and 92mm fan coolers that fill the absolute bottom of Amazon's budget cooling section. Where those unknown-brand units frequently struggle above 65W, this Thermalright model brings a real, tested single-tower design with a proper 120mm fan to the same rock-bottom price tier.

Thermal Performance and TDP Rating

As a single-tower design, this cooler is scoped for mainstream, lower-to-moderate TDP CPUs rather than flagship or heavily overclocked chips. Within that scope, it's specifically recommended as the entry point that actually delivers reliable cooling at its price, rather than the generic small-fan coolers that share similar shelf pricing but meaningfully underperform.

Fan Design and Noise

A single 120mm PWM fan is a genuine step up from the 80mm or 92mm fans found on truly bottom-tier budget coolers; the larger fan diameter moves more air at a lower rotational speed for the same airflow, generally translating to quieter operation at equivalent cooling output.

Socket Compatibility and Installation

Support for AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA1700/1200/115X covers current mainstream platforms, making this a safe pick for a budget build on either current CPU ecosystem.

Comparison to Alternatives

Against generic unbranded 80mm/92mm coolers occupying similar shelf space on Amazon, this Thermalright model is specifically recommended as the better buy at the same or lower price, a real single-tower design from an established cooling brand rather than an anonymous budget part. Against the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, covered elsewhere on this site, that dual-tower model offers meaningfully more cooling headroom for a moderate price increase, the better choice for anyone running a hotter CPU than this Assassin Spirit's single-tower design is scoped for.

Who This Cooler Is Actually For

The tightest possible cooling budget on a mainstream CPU. This is specifically positioned as the smart choice at the absolute bottom of the cooler price range.

Buyers who'd otherwise default to an unbranded generic cooler. A real, tested single-tower design beats an anonymous small-fan unit at similar pricing.

Not for overclocking or high-TDP CPUs. The single-tower design has real limits; the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, covered elsewhere on this site, is the next step up for that need.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

The tightest possible cooling budget on a mainstream CPU. This is specifically positioned as the smart choice at the absolute bottom of the cooler price range.
Buyers who'd otherwise default to an unbranded generic cooler. A real, tested single-tower design beats an anonymous small-fan unit at similar pricing.

Not for

Not for overclocking or high-TDP CPUs. The single-tower design has real limits; the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, covered elsewhere on this site, is the next step up for that need.

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Brand	Thermalright
Series	Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO
Model Number	Assassin Spirit 120 EVO

Design

Cooler Type	Air Tower
Socket Compatibility	AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X

Performance

Fan Count	1
Noise Level	28.2 dBA
RGB Lighting	Yes

Cooler class

Tower Layout	Single-Tower

Air fit and clearance

Cooler Height	156 mm

Thermal capability

Heatpipe Count	4

Fans

Fan Size	120 mm
Max Speed	2000 RPM
Airflow	68.9 CFM
Static Pressure	2.21 mmH2O
Bearing Type	Fluid Dynamic
PWM Control	Yes

Lighting and display

Lighting	ARGB

Control and ecosystem

Fan Connection	Standard 4-Pin PWM

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO (Single-Tower Air/Entry-Level Budget/120mm Fan/Under $25)?

The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO (Single-Tower Air/Entry-Level Budget/120mm Fan/Under $25) is a CPU cooler from Thermalright. Key specs: Cooler Type Air, Single-Tower, Fans 1x 120mm PWM, Socket Compatibility AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X.

Will the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO (Single-Tower Air/Entry-Level Budget/120mm Fan/Under $25) work with my current setup?

The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO (Single-Tower Air/Entry-Level Budget/120mm Fan/Under $25) lists Socket Compatibility is AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1200/115X. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO (Single-Tower Air/Entry-Level Budget/120mm Fan/Under $25) best suited to?

Best suited to: The tightest possible cooling budget on a mainstream CPU. This is specifically positioned as the smart choice at the absolute bottom of the cooler price range; Buyers who'd otherwise default to an unbranded generic cooler. A real, tested single-tower design beats an anonymous small-fan unit at similar pricing.

What are the drawbacks of the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO (Single-Tower Air/Entry-Level Budget/120mm Fan/Under $25)?

Not the best fit for: Not for overclocking or high-TDP CPUs. The single-tower design has real limits; the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, covered elsewhere on this site, is the next step up for that need.