Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is a high-performance CPU air cooler designed to provide efficient heat dissipation for a wide range of Intel and AMD processors. It features a dual-tower heatsink design, six pure copper heat pipes, and two 120mm PWM fans for optimal cooling performance.

Image 1: Overview of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler.

Key Features:

• Dual-Tower Heatsink: Maximizes surface area for heat exchange.
• 6 Pure Copper Heat Pipes: Utilizes AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology for efficient heat transfer regardless of orientation.
• Dual 120mm TL-C12 PWM Fans: Provides high airflow with adjustable speed for balanced cooling and noise levels.
• Aluminium Heatsink Cover: Enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2066/2011/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.

2. Setup and Installation

Package Contents:

• Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Heatsink
• 2x TL-C12 120mm PWM Fans
• Fan Clips (for two fans)
• Thermal Compound
• Mounting Hardware for Intel (LGA115x/1200/1700/2011/2066/1851)
• Mounting Hardware for AMD (AM4/AM5)
• Fan Y-Cable

Image 2: Detailed view of the heatsink fins, fan, and heat pipe structure.

Pre-Installation Checklist:

• Ensure your motherboard is compatible with the cooler (Intel LGA115x/1200/1700/2011/2066/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5).
• Verify your PC case has sufficient clearance for the cooler (157mm height).
• Gather necessary tools: Phillips head screwdriver.
• Disconnect power from your PC and remove the side panel.

Installation Steps (AMD AM4/AM5):

The following steps detail the installation process for AMD AM4/AM5 platforms. For Intel platforms, please refer to the specific instructions provided with your cooler kit, as the mounting hardware differs.

2.1 Motherboard Preparation:

1. Remove the existing plastic CPU cooler brackets from your motherboard. Keep the original AM4 backplate.
2. Install the four plastic standoffs into the screw holes around the CPU socket.
3. Place the two metal AM4 brackets onto the plastic standoffs.
4. Secure the metal brackets with the four provided screws, tightening them evenly.

2.2 Heatsink Mounting:

1. Clean the surface of your CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Apply a small amount of thermal compound (included) to the center of the CPU IHS. A pea-sized dot is generally sufficient.
3. Remove the protective plastic sticker from the heatsink's base.
4. Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the mounting nuts on the heatsink with the screws on the metal brackets.
5. Using a screwdriver, alternately tighten both nuts on the heatsink until it is securely fastened. Do not overtighten.
6. Ensure the heatsink is firmly secured and does not wobble.

Image 3: CPU socket compatibility information for the cooler.

2.3 Fan Installation:

1. Attach the fan clips to both 120mm fans.
2. Mount the fans onto the heatsink using the fan clips. Ensure the fans are oriented to draw air through the heatsink and exhaust it towards the rear of your PC case.

2.4 Cable Connection:

1. Connect both fan cables to the provided fan Y-cable.
2. Plug the single end of the fan Y-cable into the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard.

3. Operating Instructions

Fan Control:

The TL-C12 fans are PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controlled, allowing your motherboard to dynamically adjust fan speed based on CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise during lighter loads.

• Access your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to configure fan curves if you wish to customize fan behavior.
• Ensure the CPU_FAN header is set to PWM mode for proper fan speed control.

Optimal Performance:

• Maintain good airflow within your PC case by ensuring proper intake and exhaust fan configurations.
• Regularly monitor CPU temperatures using system monitoring software to ensure stable operation.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your CPU cooler.

• Dust Cleaning: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months), use compressed air to remove dust accumulation from the heatsink fins and fan blades. Ensure fans are not spinning rapidly during cleaning to prevent damage.
• Thermal Paste Replacement: It is recommended to replace the thermal compound every 2-3 years, or if you remove the heatsink for any reason. Clean off old thermal paste thoroughly before applying new compound.
• Fan Inspection: Check fan cables for secure connections and ensure fan blades are free from obstructions.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:

• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Ensure the heatsink is securely mounted and making full contact with the CPU.
  • Verify that thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly.
  • Check if fans are spinning and oriented correctly for airflow.
  • Clean any dust accumulation from the heatsink fins.
• Fans Not Spinning or Spinning Slowly:
  • Check if the fan Y-cable is securely connected to both fans and the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
  • Verify fan settings in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI.
  • Ensure the fan cables are not pinched or damaged.
• Excessive Fan Noise:
  • Check for any cables or obstructions hitting the fan blades.
  • Adjust fan curves in BIOS/UEFI to reduce maximum fan speed if temperatures allow.
  • Ensure fans are securely clipped to the heatsink.

6. Technical Specifications

Image 4: Detailed specifications of the Peerless Assassin 120 cooler.

7. Warranty and Support

Thermalright products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, please refer to the specific warranty policy provided with your purchase or visit the official Thermalright website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For technical support or inquiries, please contact Thermalright customer service through their official channels. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website.