Thermalright
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
S
Ranked #2 in CPU Coolers
Backed by 4 cited sources
Covered by 3 outlets
The default recommendation for almost every build: a ~$35-40 dual-tower that matches coolers costing two to three times as much while staying whisper quiet. No other cooler on the board comes close on performance per dollar.
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Key features
- ✓ Dual-tower, dual-fan design with 6 heatpipes
- ✓ Performance rivaling premium $90+ air coolers
- ✓ Very quiet at full load
- ✓ ~$35-45 street price
- ✓ AM5 and LGA1700/1851 support
The sources behind this ranking
4 cited sources cover Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE. Here's the stance each one takes.
S 4
T 
Tom's Hardware 'Incredible, Affordable Air Cooling Performance' - the best-performing air cooler tested at a price that undercuts everything, whisper silent at ~$36. S Read → T Tom's Hardware Named best air cooler overall in the 2026 buying guide: undercuts the competition and cooled a 200W+ i9-12900K better than rivals. S Read → P 
PCGamesN Named best overall CPU cooler: 'provides the ideal balance of cooling capacity, noise, and price to suit most gaming PC builds.' S Read → P 
PC Gamer Best-performing air cooler tested, running whisper silent at only $36 - 'the best value in air cooling right now.' S Read →
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