This article covers Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Black CPU Cooler.

Overview

The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Black is a single-tower CPU air cooler that has become a go-to choice for budget-conscious PC builders. It pairs a 120mm PWM fan with addressable RGB lighting, all wrapped in a clean matte-black finish. The cooler supports a wide range of sockets including Intel LGA1700/1200/115x and AMD AM5/AM4, making it a flexible option for both new builds and upgrades.
Thermalright employs its 4th-generation AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology, which ensures consistent heat transfer regardless of the cooler's orientation. The base is mirror-polished for better contact with the CPU IHS. With a maximum noise level of just 28.2 dBA, it stays quiet even under moderate load.
Priced around $35–$40 (or ¥6,000 in Japan), the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO sits firmly in the entry-to-mid-range segment. It is an ideal match for CPUs like the Core i5-13400F or Ryzen 5 7600, offering enough cooling headroom for daily use and gaming without breaking the bank.

Compatibility Guide

Socket support includes:

  • Intel: LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155
  • AMD: AM5, AM4
    Memory clearance is generally good thanks to the single-tower offset design. Most standard-height RAM modules will fit without issue. However, if you plan to use tall heatspreaders or RGB memory sticks, the first DIMM slot may sit very close to the cooler's overhang. Check your motherboard's slot layout and memory height before buying.
    Case clearance requires roughly 120mm of CPU cooler height clearance. Most mid-tower ATX cases will accommodate it easily. The included mounting hardware covers both Intel and AMD sockets with separate backplates, so installation is straightforward.

Product Info

Released in late 2023, the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Black is an updated version of the popular AS120 series. It features four 6mm AGHP (4th generation) heat pipes that improve thermal transfer efficiency over older designs. The bundled fan is a 120mm PWM unit with a maximum speed around 1,500–2,000 RPM, and the noise rating is a modest 28.2 dBA.
The cooler is positioned as an entry-to-mid-range solution. It can handle CPUs with a TDP up to roughly 150W under typical usage. The warranty period provided by Thermalright is generally 2 years, though exact terms may vary by region.

Best Use Cases

  • Budget Gaming PC Builders\nThis cooler is perfect for anyone building a gaming rig around a Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor. It delivers reliable cooling performance at a price that frees up budget for a better graphics card or faster RAM. Not recommended if you plan to overclock a high-end CPU aggressively.
  • Silent-Enthusiast Office / HTPC Users\nAt idle and light loads, the fan is virtually inaudible. This makes it a great fit for an office PC, a home-theater PC, or a general-use daily driver where noise matters. If absolute silence is your priority, a larger heatsink or a high-end tower cooler with a 140mm fan might be a better fit.
  • First-Time PC Builders with Small-ish Cases\nThe compact single-tower form factor means it fits in many Micro-ATX and even some Mini-ITX cases (provided the case clearance is at least 120mm). The installation process is simple, making it a beginner-friendly choice for CPU cooler replacement. Avoid if your case has less than 115mm of CPU cooler clearance.

Things to Consider

First, the cooling capacity has a practical limit. For CPUs with a TDP exceeding 150W (such as Core i7-13700K or Ryzen 7 7700X), the Assassin Spirit 120 EVO may struggle under sustained all-core loads, leading to higher temperatures and potential throttling. If you run such CPUs, consider a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm+ AIO.
Second, the ARGB lighting requires a 5V 3-pin ARGB header on your motherboard. No standalone controller is included in the box. If your motherboard lacks such a header, you will need to purchase a separate ARGB controller or hub. Also, RGB control relies on your motherboard's utility software.
Finally, while memory clearance is decent, it is not guaranteed for every motherboard/DIMM combination. The overhang of the heatsink may block the first memory slot if you use very tall memory modules (e.g., >40mm heatspreader). Check clearances if planning four RAM sticks.

FAQ

Q: Can this cooler handle a Ryzen 7 7800X3D?\nA: Yes, physically it fits on AM5, and the 7800X3D's TDP is rated at 120W. Under gaming loads it should stay cool. However, if you run heavy multi-threaded workloads that push all cores, temperatures may approach 90°C. For that kind of usage, a larger cooler is advisable.
Q: Is the fan replaceable?\nA: Yes, the fan is attached via standard wire clips, and you can swap it with any 120mm fan. The stock fan is already quiet and performs well, so replacement is rarely necessary. However, enthusiasts who want a specific color or higher static pressure can easily upgrade.
Q: Does it come with LGA1700 mounting brackets?\nA:

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: THERMALRIGHT(サーマルライト)
  • Seller: Amazon US
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon US
  • ASIN: B0CJBZXVGY
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.