1. Introduction
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 MINI is a high-performance CPU air cooler designed for efficient heat dissipation in compact systems. Featuring a double tower design with 6 heat pipes and a 120mm fan, it provides superb cooling performance for a wide range of Intel and AMD platforms.
Image: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 MINI CPU Cooler, highlighting 120mm fan, double tower design, and suitability for small systems.
2. Safety Information
Please read and understand all instructions before installation and use. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the product, your computer components, or personal injury.
- Always disconnect power from your computer before installing or servicing any components.
- Handle the cooler and other components with care to avoid damage.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not modify the product in any way.
- Ensure proper ventilation within your computer case.
3. Parts List
Before beginning installation, please verify that all parts are present in your package:
- A: Heatsink (x1)
- B: Fan (x2)
- C: Fan Y-Cable (x1)
- D: AM4/AM5 Bracket (x2)
- E: INTEL Bracket (x2)
- F: Back Plate (x1) - for Intel 115X/1200
- G: FAN Clip (x4)
- H: 115X/1200 Standoff (x4)
- I: INTEL Screw (x4)
- J: Thermal Grease (x1)
- K: AM4/AM5 Standoff (x4)
- L: AM4 Screw (x4)
- M: LGA1700 Back Plate (x1)
- N: 1700 Standoff (x4)
Note: Some components may be pre-assembled or vary slightly based on specific model revisions.
4. Setup and Installation
This section provides detailed instructions for installing your Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 MINI CPU cooler. Please remove the protective sticker from the heatsink base before installation.
Image: Detailed installation guide for AMD AM4/AM5, Intel 115X/1200, Intel 1700/1851 platforms, and fan wiring.
4.1. General Installation Steps
- Prepare your motherboard and CPU.
- Install the appropriate mounting brackets and standoffs for your CPU socket.
- Apply thermal grease to the CPU.
- Mount the heatsink onto the CPU.
- Attach the fans to the heatsink using the fan clips.
- Connect the fan cables to the motherboard.
4.2. AMD AM4/AM5 Installation
- Remove the existing AMD plastic brackets from the motherboard. Keep the original backplate.
- Install the AM4/AM5 metal brackets using the AM4/AM5 screws and plastic standoffs.
- Apply thermal grease to the CPU.
- Install the heatsink with a screwdriver.
- Install the fans on the heatsink with fan clips.
4.3. Intel 115X/1200 Installation
- Install the LGA115X/1200 back plate from the back of the motherboard.
- Place plastic standoffs from the front side of the motherboard.
- Install LGA115X/1200 metal brackets with screws.
- Apply thermal grease to the CPU.
- Install the heatsink with a screwdriver.
- Install the fans on the heatsink with fan clips.
4.4. Intel 1700/1851 Installation
- Install the LGA1700 back plate from the back of the motherboard.
- Place plastic standoffs from the front side of the motherboard.
- Install LGA1700 metal brackets with screws.
- Apply thermal grease to the CPU.
- Install the heatsink with a screwdriver.
- Install the fans on the heatsink with fan clips.
4.5. Fan Wiring
Insert the 4-pin PWM fan header into the CPU_FAN socket on your motherboard. Use the provided Y-cable to synchronize fan speed for a dual-fan setup.
For fans with ARGB lighting (if applicable), connect the ARGB lighting header (3-pin +5V) to the motherboard's ARGB lighting socket or an ARGB lighting controller. Lighting effects can be synchronized by connecting fan lighting headers with each other.
5. Operating the Cooler
Once installed, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 MINI operates automatically, controlled by your motherboard's fan headers and BIOS/UEFI settings. The 4-pin PWM connection allows for precise fan speed control based on CPU temperature, ensuring optimal balance between cooling performance and noise levels.
- Automatic Control: The fan speed adjusts dynamically based on CPU load and temperature.
- BIOS/UEFI Settings: You can fine-tune fan curves and monitoring settings in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI.
- Thermal Performance: The dual-tower design and 6 heat pipes efficiently transfer heat away from the CPU, maintaining stable temperatures even under heavy workloads.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your CPU cooler.
- Dust Removal: Periodically clean dust from the heatsink fins and fan blades using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the fans are not spinning during cleaning.
- Fan Inspection: Check fan blades for any obstructions or damage. Ensure fans are securely attached.
- Thermal Paste: While not frequently required, if you remove the heatsink, you must clean off old thermal paste and apply new thermal paste before reinstallation.
- Cable Management: Ensure fan cables are not interfering with fan operation or other components.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your CPU cooler, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Fans not spinning | Loose fan cable connection, incorrect BIOS settings, faulty fan. | Check fan cable connections to CPU_FAN header. Verify BIOS fan settings. Test fan on another header if possible. |
| High CPU temperatures | Insufficient thermal paste, improper heatsink mounting, poor airflow in case, fan not spinning at adequate speed. | Reapply thermal paste and remount heatsink. Ensure fans are spinning correctly. Improve case airflow. Adjust fan curve in BIOS. |
| Excessive noise | Fans spinning too fast, fan bearing issue, fan hitting cables/components. | Adjust fan curve in BIOS to lower speeds. Check for obstructions. If noise persists, fan may be faulty. |
8. Specifications
The following table details the technical specifications of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 MINI CPU Air Cooler:
Image: PA120 MINI specifications diagram, including cooler and fan dimensions, fan speed, airflow, connector type, and supported CPU platforms. Also shows thermal grease.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | PA120 MINI BLACK |
| Cooler Type | Tower |
| Cooler Dimensions (L x W x H) | 125mm x 110mm x 135mm |
| Product Weight | 700g |
| Heat Pipes | 6 x 6mm Pure Copper Heat Pipes |
| Product Material | Pure Copper Heat Pipes + Aluminum Fins |
| Tight-fitting Process | Fin-through-FIN Reflow Soldering Copper Base |
| TDP | 250W |
| Supported CPU Sockets | Intel: LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 1851, 2011, 2066 AMD: AM4, AM5 |
| Fan Model | TL-D12B |
| Fan Dimensions (L x W x H) | 120mm x 120mm x 25mm |
| Fan Speed | 1500 RPM ± 10% (MAX) |
| Rated Voltage | DC 12V |
| Rated Current | 0.20A |
| Fan Static Pressure | 1.53 mmH₂O (MAX) |
| Fan Airflow | 66.87 CFM (MAX) |
| Operating Noise | <25.6 dB(A) |
| Fan Interface | 4PIN PWM |
| Fan Bearing | S-FDB Bearing (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) |
| Fan Life | 100,000 hours |
| Certification | CE |
*The above parameters are from the Thermalright laboratory and are for reference only.
9. User Tips
- Case Compatibility: Due to its tower design, ensure your PC case has sufficient clearance for the cooler's height (135mm).
- RAM Clearance: The compact design aims for good RAM clearance, but always check for potential interference with tall RAM modules, especially with the front fan.
- Thermal Paste Application: A small pea-sized dot or a thin line in the center of the CPU is generally sufficient for optimal thermal paste spread.
- Fan Orientation: Ensure fans are oriented to push air through the heatsink towards the rear exhaust of your PC case for best airflow.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact their customer service. A detailed user manual in PDF format is also available for download at this link.