Thermalright has introduced the Peerless Assassin 120H-A Dark, an all-black version of its dual-tower CPU air cooler with faster fans than earlier models. The design retains six direct-contact heat pipes, while two new 2,400 RPM fans raise the stated airflow. Pricing and availability have not been announced.
Key takeaways
The 120H-A Dark keeps the Peerless Assassin’s dual-tower layout and upgrades its bundled fans.
- Two TL-N12-R9 V2 fans reach speeds of up to 2,400 RPM.
- Each fan is rated for up to 85.35 CFM of airflow and 2.95 mmH₂O of static pressure.
- The cooler measures 125 × 135 × 159 mm with fans installed and supports current Intel and AMD desktop sockets.
Thermalright has not published comparative temperature results, so the higher fan specifications do not establish how much cooler the new model will run in practice.
Faster fans headline the update
The main change is the move from the previous models’ 1,550 RPM fans to a pair of TL-N12-R9 V2 units rated for up to 2,400 RPM. Thermalright lists maximum noise at 33.3 dBA and says the new fans provide 29% more airflow than the earlier units. They use S-FDB bearings and 4-pin PWM control, allowing fan speed to be adjusted by the system.
The increased airflow could offer more cooling headroom under demanding workloads, though running the fans at maximum speed also brings higher noise. Independent testing will be needed to quantify temperature and acoustics against the standard Peerless Assassin versions.
Dual towers and broad socket support
The cooler retains a twin-tower heatsink with six 6 mm copper heat pipes that make direct contact with the CPU. Black covers on top complete the uniform dark finish. Its listed dimensions are 125 × 135 × 159 mm, including the fans.
Compatibility includes Intel LGA 115X, 1200, 1700, and 1851, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. Builders should still check their case clearance and memory layout before purchase, as the overall height and dual-tower design can affect component fit.
Price and performance are unconfirmed
Thermalright has not announced a price or release date for the 120H-A Dark. One estimate places it near $55, but that is not a confirmed retail price. The previous Peerless Assassin models have been positioned as budget-friendly air coolers, making the new model’s eventual price an important factor for buyers weighing its faster fans against existing versions.
Via Thermalright