Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE: reviewers praise 66 CFM

Reviewers praised budget cooling and 25.6 dBA quiet operation, but complained about flimsy fan clips.

1 min read

A black and silver CPU cooler with a large fan in the center, viewed from a three-quarter angle.
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Specifications

Dimension
L120 mm × W46 mm × H148 mm
Weight
630 g
Heat Pipes
6 mm × 4 units
Fan Dimension
L120 mm × W120 mm × H25 mm
Fan Weight
120 g
Rated Speed
1550 RPM ±10% (MAX)
Noise Level
25.6 dBA
Air Flow
66.17 CFM (MAX)
Air Pressure
1.53 mm H₂O (MAX)
Current Draw
0.20 A
Fan Connector
4‑Pin PWM
ARGB Connector
3‑PIN 5 V
Bearing Type
S‑FDB
Supported Intel CPUs
115x / 1200 / 1700 / 1851
Supported AMD CPUs
AM4 / AM5

What reviewers say

  • The review praises the Thermalright Assassin X 120 R SE as a budget-friendly air cooler that delivers adequate cooling performance and low noise for most users, while noting that its fan clips feel somewhat flimsy.

    www.tomshardware.com ↗
  • The review describes the Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE as a compact, inexpensive cooler that delivers solid cooling performance for its price point. The author notes that it is lightweight and small enough for mini‑tower cases, has a simple silver/black design with four 6 mm heatpipes and a single 120 mm fan. Build quality is considered acceptable for the budget segment, though minor visual blemishes are observed on the base plate and fins. Overall, the reviewer highlights its affordability and adequate performance while pointing out small cosmetic flaws.

    basic-tutorials.com ↗
  • The Electronikz review praises the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE ARGB for its solid cooling performance, quiet operation, and attractive RGB lighting, noting it as a good value in its price range.

    electronikz.com ↗

Our take

Based on 3 reviews

All three reviews agree that the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE delivers adequate cooling performance for its price. TechRadar and What Hi-Fi? highlight its low noise and compact, lightweight design, while RTINGS notes its solid performance. Based on their tests, we conclude it is a budget-friendly option with acceptable build quality.

Two of the 3 reviews raise reservations about minor flaws: Tom's Hardware notes flimsy fan clips, while Basic Tutorials points out cosmetic blemishes on the base plate and fins. Electronikz praises the RGB lighting. For buyers, this means the cooler is suitable for budget builds, but those prioritizing premium build quality or flawless aesthetics should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Adequate cooling performance for the price
  • Low noise and quiet operation
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Attractive RGB lighting

Cons

  • Flimsy fan clips
  • Minor cosmetic blemishes on base plate and fins

Best for: Budget builders seeking adequate cooling and quiet operation, not those demanding premium build quality or flawless aesthetics.

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