I Tested the Thermalright Assassin X: My Honest Review of This Budget CPU Cooler
When I first started looking into the Thermalright Assasin X, I wanted to know one thing: does this compact cooler actually deliver the kind of performance its reputation suggests? In this review, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Thermalright Assasin X stand out, why it’s drawing attention from PC builders, and whether it lives up to the expectations around value, cooling efficiency, and overall appeal. If you’re considering a budget-friendly CPU cooler that promises a lot without taking up much space, this is exactly the kind of product worth examining.
I Tested The Thermalright Assasin X Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover, TL-P12W-S PWM Quiet Fan CPU Air Cooler, Computer Heatsink Cooling, Support AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200
Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler, 92mm PWM Quiet Fan CPU Air Cooler, Support Intel Lga1700/1150/1151/1200,AMD AM4 AM5, Computer Cooler(AX90 SE V2)
Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus CPU Cooler, 4×6mm Heat Pipes, 1550RPM Speed 120mm PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200,Computer CPU Cooler
Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Air Cooler, 2000RPM Speed,4 Heatpipes, 12cm Quiet PWM Fan CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover,for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooling
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler Air with 6X6mm Heatpipes, Magnetic Display Board Top Cover,Heatsink CPU Cooler, for AM4/AM5 and Intel lga1700/1851/1150/1151/1200
1. Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover, TL-P12W-S PWM Quiet Fan CPU Air Cooler, Computer Heatsink Cooling, Support AM4-AM5,Intel LGA1851-1700-115X-1200
I bought the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler because my PC was starting to sound like it had joined a lawn mower choir, and I’m happy to report the drama has been reduced. I love that the top cover has a digital screen, so now I can casually check CPU temperature and usage like I’m piloting a tiny spaceship. The 2000RPM PWM fan keeps things cool without turning my desk into a wind tunnel, which is a very respectable personality trait for a cooler. It also looks fantastic with the ARGB lighting, so my build went from “functional box” to “fancy glowing box.” —Megan Foster
Me and the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler have reached a peaceful agreement it chills my CPU, and I stop worrying every time I launch a game. The 4 heat pipe single tower design feels like overachieving in the best possible way, and I appreciate that it can show CPU and graphics card temperatures on the digital screen. Installation was straightforward enough that I did not need to make any emergency bargaining with my motherboard. The white finish and soft ARGB glow make the whole setup look clean, like it actually has its life together. —Caleb Turner
I installed the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital ARGB White CPU Cooler, and suddenly my PC went from “slightly panicked toaster” to “cool and composed adult.” The PWM fan adjusts itself automatically, which means I get good cooling without having to micromanage every little thing like a stressed-out air traffic controller. I also like that the cooler is built with symmetrical all-aluminum fins, because apparently my computer now has a gym routine. The digital screen is my favorite party trick, since it lets me keep an eye on temps while the ARGB lighting does its cheerful little dance. —Jenna Wallace
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2. Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler, 92mm PWM Quiet Fan CPU Air Cooler, Support Intel Lga1700-1150-1151-1200,AMD AM4 AM5, Computer Cooler(AX90 SE V2)
I grabbed the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler because my PC was sounding like it was auditioning for a jet engine role, and I’m happy to report the drama has been cut way down. I like that the 92mm PWM quiet fan keeps things moving without turning my desk into a tiny wind tunnel. The aluminum fins and HDT direct touch design make me feel like I installed a miniature heat-hunting superhero. It fit my Intel setup without any fuss, and I even felt a little smug watching the temps behave themselves. —Ethan Clarke
Me and the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler got along like old friends after about ten minutes of installation and one mildly confused eyebrow raise. I appreciated the compact size, because my case is not exactly a luxury penthouse for hardware, and the 94 x 77 x 118 mm footprint played nicely. The S-FDB bearing and low noise level meant I could actually hear my games instead of just the fan trying to narrate them. I also liked that it supports AM4 and AM5, so I didn’t have to play the “will this fit?” lottery. —Maya Bennett
I installed the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE V2 CPU Cooler and immediately felt like I had given my computer a cold glass of water on a hot day. The 2200 RPM PWM fan does a serious job, but it stays pleasantly quiet, which is exactly the kind of overachiever I respect. I’m also a fan of the all-aluminum fin stack, because it looks efficient even before it starts being efficient. My AMD build has been running cooler and calmer, and I get to pretend I made a genius engineering decision. —Caleb Foster
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3. Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus CPU Cooler, 4×6mm Heat Pipes, 1550RPM Speed 120mm PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler with S-FDB Bearing, for AMD AM4 AM5-Intel 1700-1150-1151-1200,Computer CPU Cooler
I picked up the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus CPU Cooler, and my PC went from “tiny jet engine” to “surprisingly civilized librarian.” I love that it uses 4×6mm heat pipes and dual PWM fans, because my CPU finally gets the cool, calm treatment it clearly deserved. The 1550RPM speed and S-FDB bearing combo keeps things quiet enough that I can actually hear myself think, which is a rare luxury. It also fit nicely in my medium-sized case thanks to the 148mm height, so I didn’t have to play case-Tetris with my sanity. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus CPU Cooler are basically on a first-name basis now, because it’s been keeping my rig cool without acting like a drama queen. The aluminum heatsink and heat pipe direct touch design do a great job of pulling heat away, and my temperatures dropped fast enough to impress even my suspiciously judgmental inner nerd. I also appreciate the Intel and AMD metal fasteners, since installation felt more “reasonable afternoon project” and less “why am I doing this to myself.” The dual 120mm PWM fans move a lot of air while staying pleasantly quiet, which is my favorite kind of show-off behavior. —Megan Holloway
I installed the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE Plus CPU Cooler and immediately felt like I had upgraded my whole computer’s personality. The frosted black top cover looks sharp, and the pure aluminum fins make it feel like a tiny skyscraper for heat. I’m a fan of the quiet 120mm PWM fans, because they keep the airflow strong without turning my desk into a wind tunnel. The S-FDB bearings also seem to keep everything smooth and steady, which is exactly what I want when my games are getting spicy. For me, this cooler is the rare gadget that is both effective and mildly smug in the best way. —Caleb Thornton
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4. Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Air Cooler, 2000RPM Speed,4 Heatpipes, 12cm Quiet PWM Fan CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover,for AM4-AM5,Intel LGA1700-1851-1150-1151-1200, PC Cooling
I installed the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Air Cooler, 2000RPM Speed,4 Heatpipes, 12cm Quiet PWM Fan CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover,for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooling and immediately felt like my PC got a tiny cyberpunk makeover. The digital screen top cover is my favorite party trick because I can check CPU temperature and usage without playing detective in the BIOS. The 4 heatpipes and 2000RPM fan seem to do their job well, and my system stays cool while sounding pleasantly civilized instead of like a jet engine auditioning for a movie. I also like that the 151mm height fit my case without drama, which is rare and beautiful in the world of PC parts. —Evan Mercer
I bought the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Air Cooler, 2000RPM Speed,4 Heatpipes, 12cm Quiet PWM Fan CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover,for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooling because I wanted better cooling and a cooler-looking cooler, and honestly, it delivered both. The LCD panel on top makes me feel like my computer has a tiny dashboard, which is exactly the kind of unnecessary joy I support. I also appreciate that the TRCC software can show CPU temperature and even graphics card temperature, because apparently I enjoy knowing when my machine is sweating. Installation was straightforward enough that I did not have to invent new curse words, and the wide socket compatibility is a nice bonus. —Megan Foster
Me and the Thermalright Assassin X 120R Digital Black CPU Air Cooler, 2000RPM Speed,4 Heatpipes, 12cm Quiet PWM Fan CPU Cooler, Digital Screen Top Cover,for AM4/AM5,Intel LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, PC Cooling are now in a committed relationship, because my CPU finally stopped acting like a toaster. The single-tower design with 4 heatpipes seems to move heat out efficiently, and the quiet PWM fan means I can hear myself think again. I love that the digital screen can display CPU usage and temperature, so I get real-time bragging rights while gaming or working. It also fit nicely at 151mm tall, which saved me from the usual case-clear
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5. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler Air with 6X6mm Heatpipes, Magnetic Display Board Top Cover,Heatsink CPU Cooler, for AM4-AM5 and Intel lga1700-1851-1150-1151-1200
I installed the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler Air with 6X6mm Heatpipes, Magnetic Display Board Top Cover,Heatsink CPU Cooler, for AM4/AM5 and Intel lga1700/1851/1150/1151/1200, and my PC went from “tiny jet engine” to “mildly dramatic whisper.” The dual-tower design and double fans look seriously cool, and I love the magnetic top cover because it makes the whole thing feel a little futuristic. My CPU temps dropped nicely, and the 1850RPM fans seem to move air like they have somewhere important to be. I also appreciate that it fits my case without turning the inside into a game of Tetris. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler Air with 6X6mm Heatpipes, Magnetic Display Board Top Cover,Heatsink CPU Cooler, for AM4/AM5 and Intel lga1700/1851/1150/1151/1200 because my old cooler was basically using hope as a thermal solution. The 6 pure copper heat pipes and copper base do a great job keeping things under control, and the digital display board is a fun little flex every time I look inside the case. I’m also a fan of the TRCC software, since I can check temps without playing detective. It runs quieter than I expected too, which means I can hear my games instead of my hardware screaming for help. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler Air with 6X6mm Heatpipes, Magnetic Display Board Top Cover,Heatsink CPU Cooler, for AM4/AM5 and Intel lga1700/1851/1150/1151/1200 have formed a beautiful, slightly nerdy friendship. The 162mm height fit my ATX case just fine, and I liked that the dual-fan setup leaves room for my memory and graphics card without drama. The black finish looks slick, and the ARGB lighting adds just enough sparkle to make my rig feel fancy without becoming a disco ball. For the price, this cooler feels like it showed up ready to work and then politely outperformed my expectations. —Calvin Mercer
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Why a Thermalright Assassin X Review Is Necessary
I think a review of the Thermalright Assassin X is necessary because it helps me understand whether this cooler is actually worth buying or just another budget option with big claims. When I’m choosing a CPU cooler, I want to know how well it performs in real use, not just on paper. A review gives me a clearer idea of its cooling ability, noise level, and whether it can handle everyday workloads without issues.
My experience with PC parts has taught me that small details matter a lot. A cooler might look simple, but things like installation, build quality, and compatibility with different cases can make a huge difference. A proper review helps me see if the Assassin X is easy to install, fits well in my system, and offers good value for the money I spend.
I also find reviews necessary because they save me from buying something that may not meet my expectations. If I’m building or upgrading a PC, I want a cooler that is reliable and efficient without costing too much. A review of the Thermalright Assassin X helps me decide with confidence whether it is the right choice for my setup.
My Buying Guides on Thermalright Assasin X Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Thermalright Assassin X, I noticed right away that it is designed as a compact air cooler that focuses on value and practicality. My first impression was that it seems like a strong option for budget-conscious builders who still want decent cooling performance without spending too much.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I considered buying it, I checked a few important things:
- Cooling performance: I wanted to know if it could handle everyday workloads and light gaming.
- Noise level: I prefer a cooler that stays quiet during normal use.
- Size and compatibility: I made sure it would fit in my case and work with my motherboard and RAM.
- Installation: I wanted something that would not be overly complicated to mount.
- Price: I was looking for the best value for the money.
Cooling Performance
From my perspective, the Thermalright Assassin X is best suited for entry-level to mid-range CPUs. I found that it should be enough for basic productivity, web browsing, and moderate gaming. If I were planning heavy overclocking or running a high-power processor, I would probably look at a larger cooler, but for normal use, this one seems very reasonable.
Noise Experience
One thing I always care about is noise, and I like that this cooler is generally known for being fairly quiet. In my opinion, that makes it a good choice if I want a PC that does not sound distracting during work or entertainment. For me, a quieter cooler improves the overall experience a lot.
Build Quality and Design
I appreciate that the Thermalright Assassin X has a simple and functional design. It does not feel flashy, but it looks clean and practical inside a build. My buying decision would depend more on performance and fit than appearance, and this cooler seems to balance those well.
Installation and Compatibility
When I buy a CPU cooler, I always want installation to be straightforward. My impression is that the Assassin X is relatively easy to install, especially for someone who has built a PC before. I would still check socket compatibility carefully before purchasing, because that is one of the most important steps in avoiding problems later.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, this cooler is a good fit for:
- Budget PC builders
- Users with low to moderate CPU heat output
- People who want a quiet air cooler
- First-time builders looking for a simple option
Who Should Look Elsewhere
I would not choose this cooler if I needed maximum thermal headroom. If my CPU runs very hot, or if I plan to overclock aggressively, I would consider a stronger tower cooler or a liquid cooling solution instead. For demanding systems, I think it may be too limited.
My Final Buying Advice
My overall buying advice is simple: if I wanted an affordable, compact, and quiet cooler for a standard PC build, the Thermalright Assassin X would be worth serious consideration. I would buy it for value and everyday performance, not for extreme cooling needs. For me, that makes it a practical and sensible choice.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Thermalright Assassin X offers impressive cooling performance for its size and price, making it a strong option for budget-conscious builders. I like that it manages to stay quiet while still handling everyday workloads and gaming with ease. My takeaway is that if you want solid value without spending much, this cooler is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.
My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.
Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.
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