Compare: Assassin X 120 R SE vs Fuma 3

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.

Fuma 3

This cooler boasts a sleek appearance with a smooth top surface. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that the plastic covering the exposed heat pipes, while contributing to a polished appearance, is a rather subdued gray and lacks the eye-catching appeal of more vibrant or shiny options. This cooler is an excellent choice for those seeking exceptional cooling performance coupled with a more understated aesthetic.

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.

Fuma 3

This cooler employs the standard mounting system commonly found in premium coolers. In comparison to the Fuma 2, the Fuma 3 has introduced a minor adjustment that enhances the ease of installation by preventing over-tightening, a feature absent in the Fuma 2. Overall, the installation process for this cooler is straightforward, and it has demonstrated improvements compared to previous Fuma iterations.

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.

Fuma 3

The Fuma 3 is a mid-performance cooler offering moderate cooling capabilities. While it may not be suitable for high-heat CPUs, it's an excellent option for users who appreciate its aesthetic appeal and require effective cooling for CPUs with moderate thermal loads.

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.

Fuma 3

The dual 120mm Kaze Flex fans are engineered for maximum airflow and moderate noise levels. In terms of the noise-to-cooling ratio, it strikes a good balance, providing an average level of noise for the cooling performance it delivers.

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.

Fuma 3

The Fuma 3 cooler uses a standard premium cooler mounting system but adds a minor tweak from the prior generation for easier installation. Its sleek design features a subdued gray plastic top, making it suitable for users who prioritize both cooling performance and aesthetics, especially for mid-heat CPUs. Equipped with two 120mm fans, it strikes a balanced noise-to-cooling ratio.