Compare: Assassin X 120 R SE vs Hyper 212 Halo Black

Design and Aesthetics:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

This cooler boasts a sleek, all-black RGB design that adds a stylish touch to any setup. Its compact size ensures it doesn't overpower the overall look and is ideal for builds where space is limited. Additionally, the cooler offers a sleek top that hides the coolers 4 heat-pipes. Moreover, it includes a sleek top cover that conceals its four heat pipes, contributing to a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.

Install Notes:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Halo features a distinctive installation design that is somewhat more complex than the standard design found in modern coolers. Initially, the mounting brackets are attached to the cooler, which is then secured to the motherboard at four points. While the process is straightforward, ensuring an equal connection at all four points can sometimes be challenging when handling the cooler.

Cooling Performance:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The Hyper 212 Halo Black is small but works better than many other coolers. But, if you have a very strong computer or want to make it run faster than usual, this cooler might not keep it cool enough.

Noise Performance:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The Hyper 212 Halo Black is quieter than many other coolers tested and provides better cooling for the amount of noise it makes. However, this efficiency comes with the trade-off of achieving only moderate cooling performance.

Summary:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Halo features a unique, slightly complex installation and a sleek, all-black RGB design that suits any compact setup well. Although straightforward to install, ensuring even connection at all motherboard points can be tricky. Its design cleverly hides the heat pipes for a clean appearance. While it outperforms many coolers in terms of noise-to-cooling ratio, it's best for standard use rather than high-powered CPUs or extensive overclocking, due to its moderate cooling performance.