Compare: NH-D15S vs Peerless Assassin 120

Design and Aesthetics:

NH-D15S

The NH-D15S features a dual-tower design with a large aluminum heatsink and one 140mm NF-A15 PWM fan. The asymmetrical layout of the cooler allows for improved clearance for RAM and PCIe slots, making it more versatile for different motherboard layouts. Aesthetically, the NH-D15S maintains Noctua's signature beige and brown color scheme, reflecting the brand's reputation for quality and performance.

Peerless Assassin 120

The Peerless Assassin 120 boasts a stylish design, featuring a sizable aluminum heatsink, gray fans, and a gray radiator top that conceals the heat pipes. Its two 120mm fans guarantee excellent airflow and effective heat dissipation. The contemporary and elegant aesthetic suits a variety of build themes, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious PC enthusiasts. The closely related Peerless Assassin 120 SE provides a black color scheme with a less refined top surface.

Install Notes:

NH-D15S

The NH-D15S comes with Noctua's SecuFirm2 mounting system, which provides compatibility with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The installation process is straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and high-quality components provided. Noctua also includes a tube of their premium NT-H1 thermal compound to ensure optimal thermal transfer between the CPU and heatsink.

Peerless Assassin 120

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-D15S

The performance of the NH-D15S is exceptional due to its six heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU and into the large fin array of the heatsink. It is suitable for a wide range of processors, from mainstream CPUs to high-end models with high TDPs. The cooler can handle high levels of overclocking and provides reliable cooling under demanding situations, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. However, given this cooler only uses a single fan, this version of the NH-D15 doesn't perform as well as the NH-D15.

Peerless Assassin 120

Impressive performance is a standout feature of the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, 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.

Noise Performance:

NH-D15S

One of the standout features of the NH-D15S is its quiet operation. The included 140mm NF-A15 PWM fan is designed for optimal airflow and low noise levels. Noctua fans are well-known for their excellent acoustic performance, and the NH-D15S is no exception. Users can expect quiet cooling even during intense workloads or gaming sessions.

Peerless Assassin 120

One of the standout features of the Peerless Assassin 120 SE 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.

Summary:

NH-D15S

The Noctua NH-D15S is a versatile, high-performance air cooler that offers excellent cooling capabilities and quiet operation. Its asymmetrical, dual-tower design makes it suitable for various system configurations, and its exceptional build quality ensures long-lasting performance. For users seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution, the NH-D15S is a top choice.

Peerless Assassin 120

A notable feature of the Peerless Assassin 120 is its comparatively quiet performance. The 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 a strong contender for your PC setup.