Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE

Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE Review & Specifications

The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE by Thermalright is a Air CPU cooler designed for compatibility with LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, AM5, AM4, sockets.

This air cooler features a heatsink with a CPU contact base made of Copper, which is typically nickel-plated to prevent oxidation and ensure long-term durability while maintaining the superior thermal conductivity of the underlying copper. While some coolers use a solid nickel-plated copper base for maximum surface area and durability, others, usally lower to midrange coolers, utilize direct-touch heatpipes to transfer heat immediately from the CPU into the cooling system. It includes 1 fan(s), each sized at 120 mm. These fan(s) can reach up to 1500 RPM and operate at a noise level of 25.6 dBA, delivering a combined airflow of 66.0 CFM. The total height of the cooler is 154 mm . Please ensure your PC case supports this cooler’s height. You can verify compatibility using our PC Builder, which filters compatible cases based on CPU cooler dimensions. This cooler does not include RGB lighting, focusing instead on performance, reliability, and low acoustic output. The cooler is backed by a 2-year warranty, providing long-term reliability and manufacturer support.

Performance

Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE is a high-end performance air CPU cooler suitable for CPUs with TDPs up to 200 W, offering a strong relative cooling performance score of 74.00%. It is recommended for mid-range to high-end gaming PCs and mid-range workstation builds where long-term reliability is important. As with all air coolers, this unit benefits from a simple, durable design with only one moving part — the fan — making it less prone to failure than liquid cooling systems. It also features substantial passive thermal mass, helping prevent CPU damage even if the fan stops working temporarily.

Cost-Effectiveness

In terms of performance per dollar, the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE offers exceptional value for an air cooler, achieving 202.1% efficiency relative to the best-performing CPU cooler in the performance-per-price category. It stands out as an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking strong thermal performance.