The Champ: $41 Thermalright Peerless Assassin CPU Cooler Review & Benchmarks In a recent YouTube review, the Gamers Nexus team dives deep into the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU cooler, highlighted as an impressive contender priced between $40 and $55. As the competition in the dual-tower air cooler market intensifies, this review captures essential performance metrics and provides insights into its design and functionality.
Overview of the Cooler
The review kicks off by praising the design and affordability of the Peerless Assassin 120, which offers substantial cooling performance suitable for both budget and mid-range builds. The cooler competes with several well-known models, including the Deepcool AK-620 and the Scythe Fuma 2. The reviewer emphasizes that while multiple variants exist—such as the white version and one with ARGB lighting—the base model remains an excellent pick for users primarily concerned with thermal efficiency.
Performance Testing and Results
The cooler was subjected to rigorous testing under various heat loads, including up to 200 watts. The results showed that it maintained impressive thermal performance, rivalling more expensive liquid coolers while remaining notably quieter. Key metrics indicated that the Peerless Assassin 120 reached temperatures of 56.4 degrees Celsius over ambient at 35 dBA, showcasing its potential in high-stress scenarios.
Design and Installation Insights
Installation of the cooler was discussed in detail, highlighting thoughtful design features like mounting brackets compatible with multiple CPU sockets (AM4, AM5, Alder Lake). Although the reviewer noted minor frustrations with the installation due to the pressure required to secure the unit, the overall fit and finish was described as robust for a cooler in this price range.
Pressure Mapping and Thermal Contact
One of the standout sections of the review involves pressure mapping, where the Peerless Assassin demonstrated above-average distribution across the CPU. This aspect is crucial for ensuring optimal thermal transfer and ultimately contributes to its competitive performance compared to other coolers on the market.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Gamers Nexus team's conclusion recommends the Peerless Assassin 120 for anyone looking for effective cooling solutions without breaking the bank. However, they caution against overpaying, advising users to stick to the lower range of its price point to avoid unjustified costs from third-party sellers. Overall, the review commends Thermalright’s offering as a value-driven solution for gamers and PC builders alike, encouraging viewers to check out their upcoming cooler tests.
What are your thoughts on the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120? Does it measure up against your expectations for budget CPU coolers? Share your experiences or suggestions for other coolers you’d like to see tested!
