Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler review 7 heat pipes performance tested

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler caught my eye immediately with its compact yet robust design. Its black anodized aluminum fins paired with the finely carved pure copper base give it a professional and modern look. I appreciated the attention to detail in the frosted top finish, which not only adds aesthetic appeal but also feels premium. At just 154mm in height, it fits well into most PC cases, even those with limited clearance, which is a big plus for people like me who often build setups in smaller chassis. The overall durability of the materials, including the industrial-strength PBT + PC components, gave me confidence that this cooler is built to last.

Performance Features That Stand Out

Testing this air cooler gave me a real sense of just how efficient cooling technology has become. With its 7 heat pipes and AGHP 4.0 technology, the cooling performance was nothing short of impressive. The TDP range of 105W to 280W is ideal for both moderate and high-performance CPUs. It handled my Intel LGA1700 processor with ease, keeping temperatures low even during extended gaming sessions. The thermal paste included in the package worked seamlessly with the copper base, ensuring the best heat dissipation possible. One standout feature was the S-FDB bearing in the fan, which ensures a long lifespan of up to 20,000 hours—a feature I found reassuring, especially when considering longevity.

PWM Fan Efficiency

One of the things I noticed right away was how efficient and quiet the dual TL-C12B V2 PWM fans were. They operate at a speed of 1500 RPM ±10%, which, in combination with the 66.17 CFM airflow, delivers consistent cooling. Even under load, the noise level remained below 25.6 dB(A), meaning it’s whisper-quiet. For someone like me who works in a quiet environment, this was a critical factor. The 4-pin power port made installation a breeze, and I appreciated the standard 12V voltage, which ensures compatibility with most setups. The fans, with their industrial-grade build, felt reliable and sturdy during installation.

Ease of Installation and Compatibility

I’ve worked with a variety of CPU coolers in the past, and I found this one to be surprisingly straightforward to install. The package includes all the necessary mounting plates and fasteners for Intel and AMD slots, including LGA1700, 1150, 1151, 1200, AM4, and AM5. The detailed installation instructions were easy to follow, even for someone who might not be overly familiar with PC components. Its design avoids interfering with memory slots, another major plus in my book, as I didn’t have to compromise on RAM placement.

Favorable Aspects

After putting this air cooler through its paces, several positive features stood out to me:

• Impressive Cooling Performance with the AGHP 4.0 technology heat pipes.
• Quiet Operation, even under heavy loads, thanks to the S-FDB bearing fans.
• Compact Design, making it suitable for smaller PC cases.
• Easy Installation with compatibility across multiple CPU socket types.
• Durable Materials like anodized aluminum and industrial-grade plastics.

Hurdles to Consider

While the cooler performed well overall, there are a few areas of concern worth mentioning:

• The heatsink’s black anodized finish looks great but can be prone to smudges during installation.
• It may not be the best choice for extreme overclocking, as water cooling systems often outperform air coolers in such scenarios.
• While the noise levels are low, they can become slightly noticeable at maximum fan speeds if you’re in a very quiet room.

These points didn’t detract significantly from my overall experience, but they’re worth keeping in mind depending on your specific needs.

Product Contenders

In my experience, a few other competing products in the market offer similar features. For instance, the Noctua NH-U12S is often touted for its exceptional cooling performance and quiet operation. However, it lacks the sleek black design that the Thermalright cooler offers. On the other hand, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition provides a comparable balance of performance and price but doesn’t feature the advanced S-FDB bearing technology, which contributes to the longer lifespan of the Thermalright option. While these competitors are strong in their own right, I felt the Thermalright PS120SE struck a better balance between aesthetics, cooling efficiency, and noise control.

Worth Every Penny

From my perspective, the price-to-quality ratio of this cooler makes it a solid investment for most users. It’s not often you find a product that combines high-performance cooling, quiet operation, and durability at a reasonable cost. While premium water-cooling options exist, they typically come with a significantly higher price tag and more complex installation processes. For someone looking for an affordable yet efficient cooling solution, this air cooler delivers on its promises without breaking the bank.