Compare: Peerless Assassin 120 SE vs Hyper 212 EVO

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.

Hyper 212 EVO

The Hyper 212 Evo has a simple and clean design, with an aluminum tower and a single 120mm fan. It's black and silver, so it matches most computer setups. It doesn't have fancy lights like some other coolers, but it still looks professional and cool. Compared to other coolers, this cooler has a lighter feel in both the radiator and fan, giving in a cheaper feel.

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.

Hyper 212 EVO

This cooler works with many different Intel and AMD sockets. This cooler proved to be rather difficult to install compared to the other coolers tested. there are many parts that don't look like their picture within the instructions. Some parts not even within the directions but look like parts that are used, which adds confusion. Given the install type, I would suspect that there is a high chance to damage your motherboard given the setup and for the hold not to be secure. The mount that connects to the cooler isn't even bolted on and it can feel like a puzzle to get it on the cooler. Overall, this has proven to be one of the most difficult installations.

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.

Hyper 212 EVO

This cooler has four heat pipes that touch the CPU directly and a 120mm fan that helps take away the heat. This keeps your CPU from getting too hot when you're doing a lot of work on your computer or playing games. It might not be the best choice for extreme overclocking, but it's good enough for most people.

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.

Hyper 212 EVO

Unfortunately, the Hyper 212 EVO is louder than most other coolers on the market. This means that you might experience more noise while your PC is running, which could be a drawback if you're sensitive to noise or prefer a quiet workspace. If having a quiet PC setup is important to you, it's worth considering other coolers with better noise profiles.

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.

Hyper 212 EVO

The Hyper 212 Evo cooler, compatible with various Intel and AMD sockets, has a simple and clean design with an aluminum tower and a single 120mm fan, but its installation can be challenging and potentially damaging to the motherboard. Although it lacks fancy lights and has a cheaper feel, it performs well for most users with its four heat pipes and a 120mm fan that keeps the CPU cool during heavy workloads or gaming. However, it is louder than most other coolers, which may be a concern for those seeking a quiet workspace.