Compare: Peerless Assassin 120 SE vs Liquid Freezer II 240

Design and Aesthetics:

Peerless Assassin 120 SE

The Peerless Assassin 120 SE sports a sleek design, with a large aluminum heatsink, all-black fans, and a black top radiator. 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. The similar Peerless Assassin 120 offers a gray look with a more polished top.

Liquid Freezer II 240

Highlighted by its captivating ARGB lighting, this cooler presents a streamlined look with a pair of 120-millimeter fans adorning its 240mm radiator. Cable management concerns are efficiently addressed from the start through the pre-daisy-chained ARGB and RPM cords. A seamless blend is achieved with its black radiator, fan frames, and water pipes, tailored to complement darker cooler setups. It's worth noting that the water pump, though possessing a distinctive design, may exhibit a more understated aesthetic when juxtaposed with AIO coolers showcasing more intricate pump designs.

Install Notes:

Peerless Assassin 120 SE

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.

Liquid Freezer II 240

This cooler is relatively easy to install with the fans pre-installed on the radiator with the RPM connectors daisy chained neatly with a single connector coming out of the pump for the Fan inputs. However, this cooler requires it to be offset to the base mount, which can take some time to get right. Additionally, the heat pipes don't pivot from the pump which may make placement in certain setups difficult.

Cooling Performance:

Peerless Assassin 120 SE

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.

Liquid Freezer II 240

Despite its compact size, this cooler delivers impressive cooling power through its pair of 120mm fans. It matches the cooling performance of leading air coolers, making it an excellent choice for setups that demand efficient cooling while avoiding the bulkiness of traditional air cooling solutions. However, if you're seeking even higher performance beyond what an air cooler can offer, transitioning to a 360mm setup becomes necessary.

Noise Performance:

Peerless Assassin 120 SE

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.

Liquid Freezer II 240

Operating with near-silent efficiency, the water pump ensures minimal noise disruption, while the pair of 120mm fans provide exceptional airflow at a manageable noise level. Consequently, the cooler excels in delivering impressive cooling performance with barely perceptible noise during typical usage scenarios. Nevertheless, when pushing a high TDP CPU to its limits, the cooler may produce some noise as it copes with the heightened heat load.

Summary:

Peerless Assassin 120 SE

A notable feature of the Peerless Assassin 120 SE 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 SE a strong contender for your PC setup.

Liquid Freezer II 240

Enhanced by ARGB lighting, this cooler boasts dual 120mm fans situated on a 240mm radiator, ensuring efficient cooling with discreet black components that complement darker setups. The installation process is made convenient through pre-installed fans and daisy-chained RPM connectors. Despite its compact size, it delivers efficient cooling comparable to premium air coolers; however, for heightened performance demands, a 360mm setup might be better suited. Operating with minimal noise, the water pump and fans collaborate to maintain exceptional airflow at manageable sound levels. During regular use, it offers efficient cooling with a slight noise presence, yet handling high TDP CPUs during intensive tasks may result in increased noise due to elevated heat loads.