Compare: NH-D12L vs Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

Design and Aesthetics:

NH-D12L

The NH-D12L features a dual-tower design with two moderate aluminum heatsinks and a single Noctua 120mm NF-A12x25r PWM fan. The cooler's design allows for superior heat dissipation, making it capable of handling even the most demanding processors. Aesthetically, the NH-D12L maintains Noctua's signature beige and brown color scheme, reflecting the brand's reputation for quality and performance.

Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

The Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB White sports a sleek design, with a large white aluminum heatsink and all-white fans with ARGB lights. The two 120mm fans ensure optimal airflow and efficient heat dissipation. This modern and sophisticated appearance complements various build themes, making it an attractive choice for many PC enthusiasts that are on a budget. This cooler is a version of the signature Peerless Assassin 120 SE.

Install Notes:

NH-D12L

The NH-C14S features Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets and offering a straightforward installation process, typical of Noctua coolers. Clear instructions, high-quality components, and a tube of their premium NT-H1 thermal compound make it an easy and user-friendly experience, even for beginners. The cooler uses the original AMD backplate for AMD installations. However, one downside is that the cooler may stick to your CPU, and due to the screw setup, you can't slide the cooler off the CPU like with some other brands. Overall, the NH-C14S offers a relatively hassle-free installation process.

Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

This cooler installation is very similar to Noctua's typical installation, which is one of the easier installation setups. However, it also faces similar issues regarding uninstalling this cooler, where the cooler is unable to slide/twist off the cooler to break the thermal paste seal. This might be necessary if the thermal paste has a strong hold between the cooler and the CPU.

Cooling Performance:

NH-D12L

The NH-D12L delivers impressive performance, thanks to its five heat pipes that effectively transfer heat from the CPU to the extensive fin arrays of the heatsinks. However, this cooler primarily emphasizes quiet operation, which may limit its cooling capabilities for high-end models with high TDPs that demand more robust cooling solutions.

Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

Impressive performance is a standout feature of the Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB White, thanks to its six heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU and into the expansive fin array of the heatsink. It is suitable for a wide range of processors, including high-end models with high TDPs. The cooler is capable of handling demanding workloads and significant overclocking, making it a an attractive cooling solution option. However, the cooler's fans offer more potent cooling relative to other coolers in the Peerless Assassin lineup.

Noise Performance:

NH-D12L

One of the standout features of the NH-D12L is its quiet operation. The included 120mm NF-A12x25r PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-D12L is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during intense workloads or gaming sessions.

Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

One of the standout features of the Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB White is its relative quiet operation. The two included 120mm TL-C12 PWM fans are designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Although, this cooler can be louder than some other coolers of similar size, the relative cooling makes this cooler a contender for your setup. However, the fans are slightly louder than other coolers in the Peerless Assassin line up.

Summary:

NH-D12L

The Noctua NH-D12L is a top-tier air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its dual-tower design and exceptional build quality make it a top choice for users seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for moderate-performance systems.

Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB

A notable feature of the Peerless Assassin 120 SE is its comparatively quiet performance. The all white cooler comes equipped with two 120mm TL-C12 PWM fans, engineered for optimal airflow and reduced noise levels. While it may be slightly louder than other coolers of a similar size, its impressive cooling capabilities make the Peerless Assassin 120 ARGB White a strong contender for your PC setup.