Thermalright

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120

Expert rating8.5 / 10

CPU CoolersView on thermalright.com

Cooler Type:: Air
Height:: 155mm
Fan Count:: 2
Socket Compatibility:: AMD AM4/AM5
Noise Level:: 25dBA

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Manufacturer: Thermalright Last updated: September 12, 2026

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/1500RPM/AM4-AM5/LGA1700-1851) Review

If you're comparing the base Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 to the SE version, this is the original non-SE model, the same dual-tower six-heatpipe design at a slightly lower price with standard fans instead of the SE's upgraded AGHP heatpipes.

We'd tell anyone shopping the two side by side to save the small difference and grab the SE instead if it's in stock, but the base PA120 is still a genuinely strong value cooler on its own if the SE isn't available.

Thermal Performance and TDP Rating

Rated for 220W, the base PA120 handles most current mid-range CPUs comfortably, sitting just below the SE's slightly improved heatpipe technology in raw thermal ceiling.

Fan Design and Noise

Dual 120mm fans run at up to 25dBA, quiet at moderate loads with the same general noise profile as the SE variant, since both use closely related fan designs.

Socket Compatibility and Installation

AM4/AM5 and LGA1700/1851 alongside older Intel sockets are all supported, with the same straightforward backplate mounting Thermalright uses across the Peerless Assassin line.

Design and Build

Bare-metal dual-tower construction with six heatpipes, no RGB, and the same included black top covers Thermalright ships with the SE, so the two look nearly identical unbuilt.

Comparison to Alternatives

Against Thermalright's own Peerless Assassin 120 SE, covered elsewhere on this site, the SE's upgraded AGHP heatpipes give it a small but real thermal edge for typically only a few dollars more, which is why we'd default to the SE when both are in stock at similar prices. Against the Peerless Assassin 140, also on this site, the 140's bigger fans give it more headroom for larger cases, at the cost of needing more clearance.

Specifications

Identity

Brand	Thermalright
Series	Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120
Model Number	PA120

Design

Cooler Type	Air Tower
Tower Type	Dual-Tower
Height	157 mm
Socket Compatibility	AMD AM5/AM4, Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/2066/2011

Performance

Fan Count	2
Noise Level	25.6 dBA

Cooler class

Tower Layout	Dual-Tower

Air fit and clearance

Cooler Width	135 mm

Thermal capability

Heatpipe Count	6
Base Material	Nickel-Plated Copper

Fans

Fan Size	120 mm
Max Speed	1550 RPM
Airflow	66.17 CFM
Static Pressure	1.53 mmH2O
Bearing Type	Fluid Dynamic
PWM Control	Yes

Control and ecosystem

Fan Connection	Standard 4-Pin PWM

Fans	2x TL-C12 120mm PWM
Source URL	https://www.thermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120/

Expert Review

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

Expert rating8.5 / 10

An excellent value dual-tower cooler in its own right, just slightly outclassed by Thermalright's own SE variant when both are priced closely.

Best for

Budget builders who want dual-tower performance without RGB markup
220W-class CPUs across a wide range of socket generations
Anyone who can't find the SE variant in stock

Not for

Anyone who can get the SE variant for a similar price, which edges it out thermally
Builders wanting RGB lighting out of the box
Very compact cases with limited dual-tower clearance

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/1500RPM/AM4-AM5/LGA1700-1851)?

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/1500RPM/AM4-AM5/LGA1700-1851) is a CPU cooler from Thermalright. Key specs: Cooler Type Air, Dual-Tower, Tower Type Dual-Tower, Height 155mm, Socket Compatibility AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, Fan Count 2.

Will the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/1500RPM/AM4-AM5/LGA1700-1851) work with my current setup?

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/1500RPM/AM4-AM5/LGA1700-1851) lists Socket Compatibility is AMD AM4/AM5, Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200. 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 (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/1500RPM/AM4-AM5/LGA1700-1851) best suited to?

It suits budget builders who want dual-tower performance without rgb markup, 220w-class cpus across a wide range of socket generations, anyone who can't find the se variant in stock.

What are the drawbacks of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 (Dual-Tower Air/6 Heatpipes/Dual 120mm Fans/1500RPM/AM4-AM5/LGA1700-1851)?

It is a poor fit for anyone who can get the se variant for a similar price, which edges it out thermally, builders wanting rgb lighting out of the box, very compact cases with limited dual-tower clearance.