Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
Expert rating9 / 10
- Cooler Type:
- Air
- Height:
- 155mm
- Fan Count:
- 2
- Socket Compatibility:
- Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851
- Noise Level:
- 25.6dBA
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Manufacturer: Thermalright Last updated: September 16, 2026
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/No RGB/PWM) Review
There is no real Thermalright cooler called the National Blossom; the closest real product in Thermalright's dual-tower lineup is the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, a plain black six-heatpipe dual-tower cooler that became one of the most popular budget coolers on the market.
We'd point most budget and mid-range builders straight here: the Peerless Assassin 120 SE delivers near-flagship thermal performance at a fraction of the price of premium dual-tower coolers, without any RGB lighting or decorative shrouds to pay extra for.
Thermal Performance and TDP Rating
Rated for up to 265W, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE punches well above its price class, regularly matching coolers costing two to three times as much in independent reviews.
Fan Design and Noise
Dual TL-C12C 120mm fans spin at 1550 RPM±10%, delivering 66.17 CFM at 25.6dBA, a straightforward PWM fan pair with no lighting.
Socket Compatibility and Installation
Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 are supported with Thermalright's standard mounting hardware, the same reliable system used across the Assassin and Phantom Spirit lines.
Design and Build
A plain black aluminum fin stack over six nickel-plated copper heatpipes, weighing 730g, with no lighting or decorative covers, purely value-focused thermal performance.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against Thermalright's own Phantom Spirit 120, covered elsewhere on this site, the two trade blows on thermals, with the Peerless Assassin 120 SE usually costing less. Against the Frozen Warframe 360, also on this site, the Frozen Warframe trades the dual-tower form factor for AIO liquid cooling and ARGB lighting at a higher price.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Thermalright |
|---|---|
| Series | Thermalright Peerless Assassin |
| Model Number | PA120 SE |
Design
| Cooler Type | Air, Dual-Tower |
|---|---|
| Tower Type | Dual-Tower |
| Height | 155 mm |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851, AMD AM4/AM5 |
Performance
| Fan Count | 2 |
|---|---|
| TDP Rating | 265 W |
| Noise Level | 25.6 dBA |
| RGB Lighting | No |
Thermal capability
| Heatpipe Count | 6 |
|---|
| Fans | 2x TL-C12C, 120mm, 1550 RPM±10%, 66.17 CFM, 1.53mm H2O, PWM 4-Pin |
|---|---|
| Weight | 730g |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating9 / 10
One of the best value dual-tower air coolers on the market, delivering thermals that rival much pricier coolers with no frills attached.
Best for
- Budget and mid-range builds wanting near-flagship thermals for a low price
- 260W-class CPUs including many mainstream overclocks
- Builders who want the plainest possible aesthetic with no RGB
Not for
- Builders who specifically want ARGB lighting or a decorative shroud
- Very compact cases with limited dual-tower and RAM clearance
- Anyone chasing the single best thermal result regardless of price
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/No RGB/PWM)?
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/No RGB/PWM) is a CPU cooler from Thermalright. Key specs: Cooler Type Air, Dual-Tower, Tower Type Dual-Tower, Height 155mm, Socket Compatibility Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851, AMD AM4/AM5, Fan Count 2.
Will the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/No RGB/PWM) work with my current setup?
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/No RGB/PWM) lists Socket Compatibility is Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851, AMD AM4/AM5. 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 Peerless Assassin 120 SE (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/No RGB/PWM) best suited to?
It suits budget and mid-range builds wanting near-flagship thermals for a low price, 260w-class cpus including many mainstream overclocks, builders who want the plainest possible aesthetic with no rgb.
What are the drawbacks of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/No RGB/PWM)?
It is a poor fit for builders who specifically want argb lighting or a decorative shroud, very compact cases with limited dual-tower and ram clearance, anyone chasing the single best thermal result regardless of price.
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