1. Introduction
The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE is a high-performance CPU air cooler designed for efficient heat dissipation in desktop computers. It features a single-tower design with six oxidation-resistant pure copper heat pipes and symmetrical aluminum fins, ensuring effective cooling. The cooler includes a 120mm PWM fan for balanced airflow and low noise operation. It is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler. Please read it carefully before proceeding with installation or use.
2. Product Features
- Efficient Cooling Design: Features 6 heat pipes and HDT (Heat-pipe Direct Touch) technology with a fine underside finish for improved thermal transfer.
- Compact Height: With a total height of 148mm, it offers high compatibility with various small and medium-sized chassis.
- Quiet PWM Fan: Equipped with a TL-C12C 120mm PWM fan operating at 1550rpm±10%, providing efficient cooling with a low noise level (≤25.6dB(A)).
- Memory Compatibility: Fin offset technology ensures no interference with high-profile RAM modules.
- Broad Socket Support: Compatible with Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Image: Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler showcasing its heatsink and fan assembly.
3. Installation Guide
This section provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler. Please refer to the accompanying video for visual guidance.
3.1. Installation Video
Video: Official installation tutorial for the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler series.
3.2. Components Overview
Before starting, ensure all components are present in the package. The kit typically includes:
- CPU Heatsink with 6 heat pipes
- 120mm PWM Fan (TL-C12C)
- Fan Clips (2x)
- Thermal Compound
- Mounting Brackets for AMD (AM4/AM5)
- Mounting Brackets for Intel (LGA115x/1200/1700/1851)
- Standoffs and Screws for various sockets
- Intel Backplate (for LGA1700/1851)
Image: Overview of the Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler components, including heatsink, fan, mounting hardware, and thermal paste.
3.3. AMD AM4/AM5 Installation
- Prepare Motherboard: For AMD AM5 and AM4 motherboards, remove the existing plastic brackets around the CPU socket. Keep the original backplate.
- Install Standoffs: Place the four red standoffs onto the motherboard's CPU socket screw holes.
- Attach Brackets: Install the two metal mounting brackets onto the standoffs using the provided screws for AMD. Secure them firmly with a screwdriver.
Image: Removing the stock plastic retention brackets from an AMD AM5/AM4 motherboard.
Image: Placing the red standoffs onto the AMD motherboard's CPU socket mounting points.
Image: Attaching and securing the metal mounting brackets for AMD platforms.
3.4. Intel LGA1700 Installation
- Prepare Backplate: Adjust the mounting hole position on the Intel backplate to "1700". Install the backplate from the backside of the motherboard.
- Install Standoffs: Place the four blue Intel 1700 plastic standoffs onto the motherboard's CPU socket screw holes.
- Attach Brackets: Install the metal mounting brackets onto the standoffs using the provided Intel screws. Ensure the Intel screws pass through the LGA1700 holes on the brackets. Secure them firmly with a screwdriver.
Image: Adjusting the Intel backplate to the LGA1700 position.
Image: Placing the blue standoffs onto the Intel LGA1700 motherboard's CPU socket mounting points.
Image: Attaching and securing the metal mounting brackets for Intel LGA1700 platforms.
3.5. Heatsink and Fan Installation (Common Procedures)
- Apply Thermal Compound: Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the center of the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). Use the provided applicator to spread it evenly or apply a pea-sized dot.
- Prepare Heatsink: Remove the protective sticker from the heatsink's base.
- Mount Heatsink: Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the nuts on the heatsink with the screws on the installed mounting brackets.
- Secure Heatsink: Use a screwdriver to tighten both nuts on the heatsink alternately until secure. Do not overtighten.
- Attach Fan Clips: Install the fan clips onto the 120mm fan.
- Install Fan: Attach the fan with the clips to the heatsink. Ensure the fan is oriented to push air through the heatsink towards the rear of the case.
- Connect Fan Cable: Connect the fan's 4-pin PWM cable to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard.
- Connect ARGB Cable (if applicable): If your fan has ARGB lighting, connect the 3-pin +5V ARGB lighting cable to the appropriate header on your motherboard.
Image: Applying thermal compound to the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).
Image: Removing the protective sticker from the heatsink base before installation.
Image: Placing the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning it with the mounting screws.
Image: Tightening the heatsink mounting screws with a screwdriver.
Image: Attaching the fan clips to the 120mm fan.
Image: Installing the fan onto the heatsink using the fan clips.
Image: Connecting the fan's 4-pin PWM cable to the motherboard's CPU_FAN header.
Image: Connecting the ARGB lighting cable (if present) to the motherboard's +5V ARGB header.
4. Operating Instructions
The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler operates automatically once correctly installed and connected to the motherboard's CPU_FAN header.
- Automatic Fan Control: The 4-pin PWM fan will automatically adjust its speed based on CPU temperature, as controlled by your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings. This ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise.
- BIOS/UEFI Settings: For advanced users, fan speed curves can be customized within your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings to fine-tune the balance between cooling performance and noise levels.
- Monitoring: Use system monitoring software to observe CPU temperatures and fan speeds to ensure proper operation.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your CPU cooler.
- Dust Removal: Periodically clean the heatsink fins and fan blades to remove accumulated dust. Use compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the fan is held stationary while cleaning with compressed air to prevent damage to the bearings.
- Thermal Paste: Reapply thermal paste if the cooler is removed or reinstalled. Thermal paste typically lasts for several years, but its effectiveness can degrade over time.
- Fan Inspection: Check the fan for any signs of wear, unusual noises, or reduced rotational speed. Replace the fan if necessary.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your CPU cooler, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- 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 the fan is spinning. If not, ensure it's properly connected to the CPU_FAN header.
- Clean any dust buildup from the heatsink and fan.
- Ensure adequate airflow within your PC case.
- Fan Not Spinning:
- Confirm the 4-pin PWM cable is securely connected to the motherboard's CPU_FAN header.
- Check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure fan control is enabled and not set to a very low RPM at idle temperatures.
- Test the fan on another fan header if available to rule out a faulty fan or motherboard header.
- Excessive Fan Noise:
- Check for any cables or obstructions hitting the fan blades.
- Ensure the fan is securely mounted and not vibrating.
- Adjust fan speed curves in BIOS/UEFI to reduce maximum RPM if temperatures allow.
- Clean the fan blades from dust.
7. Specifications
| Product Model | Burst Assassin 120 SE |
| CPU Cooler Dimensions | 120(L)x77(W)x148(H)mm (4.72x3.03x5.83inch) |
| Heat Sink Material | Aluminum with 6 pure copper heat pipes |
| Fan Model | TL-C12C |
| Fan Dimensions | 120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches) |
| Fan Speed (RPM) | 1550rpm±10% |
| Power Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| Voltage | 12V (DC) |
| Air Flow | 66.17 CFM (MAX) |
| Noise Level | ≤25.6 dB(A) |
| Compatible Sockets | Intel: LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 AMD: AM4/AM5 |
| Item Weight | 1.94 pounds |
| Product Dimensions (Package) | 4.88 x 2.05 x 5.83 inches |
Image: Detailed dimensions of the Burst Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler.
8. Warranty and Support
Thermalright products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact their customer support directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Manufacturer: Thermalright