Compare: Assassin III vs Assassin X 120 R SE

Design and Aesthetics:

Assassin III

The Deepcool Assassin III sports a premium design with two large aluminum heatsink towers, connected by eight heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU. The cooler comes with two 140mm PWM fans that provide efficient heat dissipation and a striking appearance. The overall design is sleek and minimalist, with an attractive black finish that complements a wide variety of build themes.

Assassin X 120 R SE

Despite its budget-friendly nature, this cooler impresses with a surprisingly refined and visually appealing design that seamlessly blends aesthetics into any PC setup. It serves as an excellent and stylish choice for maintaining optimal CPU temperatures, transcending budget constraints.

Install Notes:

Assassin III

The Deepcool Assassin III features a versatile mounting system compatible with a broad range of Intel and AMD sockets, and the installation process is user-friendly and straightforward. Although there are more steps involved with this cooler's installation, the parts for both Intel and AMD are well-labeled, and the steps are intuitive and easy to follow without much difficulty. It's important to note that this cooler has a large mounting footprint, which may require some consideration in terms of case and RAM clearance. As a result, checking compatibility before purchasing is essential to ensure a hassle-free installation experience.

Assassin X 120 R SE

This cooler employs a conventional installation process commonly found in mainstream air coolers, utilizing a pair of brackets for connection, first to the motherboard and then to the cooler. Thanks to its compact size, it easily slots into place with minimal fuss.

Cooling Performance:

Assassin III

The Assassin III's dual-tower design and eight heat pipes deliver exceptional cooling performance, making it suitable for even high-end CPUs with high TDPs. The two 140mm PWM fans ensure optimal airflow and cooling performance while maintaining low noise levels, providing an excellent balance between performance and acoustics.

Assassin X 120 R SE

With its combination of four heat pipes and a solitary fan, this cooler effectively provides robust cooling capabilities. Although it may not match the extreme heat dissipation of dual heatsink coolers, it remains a top-notch option for those seeking efficient cooling solutions within the realms of low to moderate thermal demands.

Noise Performance:

Assassin III

The Deepcool Assassin III fans are engineered to produce minimal noise during regular operation, and they can also be adjusted through the PWM control to find the perfect balance between cooling and noise for your specific needs. In most scenarios, the Assassin III operates at a low noise level, making it a suitable choice for users who value a quiet computing environment.

Assassin X 120 R SE

Fitted with a four heat pipes and a single fan, this cooler brings forth considerable cooling for its size. Although it may not compete with dual heatsink coolers regarding handling extreme cooling needs, it remains a standout selection for those whose cooling needs fall within the spectrum of low to moderate demands.

Summary:

Assassin III

The Deepcool Assassin III is an impressive dual-tower air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities, quiet operation, and a visually appealing design. Its performance makes it a popular choice for PC enthusiasts seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their high-performance systems.

Assassin X 120 R SE

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 R SE offers an easy installation process with brackets securing it to the CPU backplate. This cooler has a visually appealing design despite its budget-friendly nature. Equipped with four heat pipes and a single fan, it provides strong cooling performance, making it a solid choice for those with moderate cooling needs.