Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140: A Budget Cooler with Premium Performance

In the world of PC cooling, finding a balance between performance, noise levels, and cost can be a daunting task. However, Thermalright’s latest offering, the Peerless Assassin 140, seems to strike that balance perfectly. Priced at under $40 USD, this cooler promises strong thermal performance and moderate noise levels, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Sale on Amazon

Design and Features

The Peerless Assassin 140 stands out with its dual-tower heatsink design, which is paired with a 120mm and a 140mm fan. This combination not only enhances cooling efficiency but also ensures that the cooler remains relatively quiet even under load. The six copper heatpipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU, while the aluminum fins dissipate it effectively.

One of the key features of the Peerless Assassin 140 is its compatibility with a wide range of sockets, including Intel’s LGA 1851/1700/1200/115x and AMD’s AM5/AM4. This makes it a versatile choice for various builds, whether you’re upgrading an existing system or building a new one from scratch.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Peerless Assassin 140 does not disappoint. In tests conducted with Intel’s i7-14700K, the cooler managed to handle a TDP of approximately 246W. This is impressive for an air cooler in this price range and puts it on par with some of the more expensive options on the market.

In terms of noise levels, the Peerless Assassin 140 also performs admirably. It runs slightly quieter than BeQuiet’s Dark Rock Elite, with a maximum noise volume of 43.8 dBA compared to the Dark Rock Elite’s 44.6 dBA. This makes it a great choice for users who prioritize a quiet computing environment.

Installation and Usability

The cooler comes well-packaged, with molded foam and plastic coverings to protect the heatsink and fans during transit. The installation process is straightforward, thanks to the included mounting hardware for both Intel and AMD platforms. Additionally, the package includes a tube of Thermalright TF7 thermal paste, a PWM splitter cable, and an installation manual.

Conclusion

Thermalright’s Peerless Assassin 140 is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to break the bank to get excellent cooling performance. With its strong thermal performance, moderate noise levels, and affordable price, it is a compelling choice for both new builds and upgrades. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a newcomer to the world of PC building, the Peerless Assassin 140 is worth considering for your next project.