Compare: Peerless Assassin 120 SE vs NH-D15 G2

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.

NH-D15 G2

This cooler is quite large and showcases Noctua's signature design, appealing to diehard PC builders who don't want to compromise on cooling performance. The NH-D15 G2 closely resembles the previous generation, with a few updates. This version features eight heat pipes and offset depths on the two heatsinks

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.

NH-D15 G2

The NH-D15 G2 retains the same installation design as its predecessor, with the addition of a new bracket that allows for offset mounting on AM5 CPUs. The installation process is straightforward, guided by clear instructions that adhere to industry standards for top-tier coolers. However, the cooler's large size may pose challenges when maneuvering it within the case.

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.

NH-D15 G2

The Noctua's NH-D15 G2 cooler is hard to beat in terms of cooling performance, even outperforming AIOs from various other brands—a result expected given its larger size. However, when compared to the previous generation, its performance is on par, offering little improvement.

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.

NH-D15 G2

Compared to the average cooler, the Noctua NH-D15 G2 is louder than most on the market. However, when performance is evaluated on a noise-normalized basis, this cooler is tough to beat, offering excellent cooling for a given noise level. This means you can keep your cooler quiet when needed, while still having the headroom to increase the speed for enhanced cooling performance.

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.

NH-D15 G2

The Noctua NH-D15 G2 retains the familiar installation design of its predecessor, with the addition of a new bracket for offset mounting on AM5 CPUs. While its large size may make installation a bit challenging, the process is straightforward, with clear instructions that meet industry standards. The cooler's substantial size is matched by its performance, offering exceptional cooling that even surpasses many AIOs from other brands. Although its performance is on par with the previous generation, the NH-D15 G2 still delivers excellent cooling, particularly when considering noise levels. Despite being louder than the average cooler, it excels in noise-normalized performance, allowing users to maintain quiet operation while having the flexibility to ramp up speed for maximum cooling when needed.