Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Air Cooler. This high-performance cooler features a twin-tower design, six pure copper heat pipes, and dual PWM fans to ensure efficient heat dissipation for your desktop CPU.
Image: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Air Cooler, showcasing its dual-tower heatsink and black fans.
Package Contents
Please verify that all components are present before beginning installation:
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black Heatsink (Dual Tower)
- TL-C12B V2 120mm PWM Fan
- TL-D14CB 140mm PWM Fan
- Fan Clips (for 120mm and 140mm fans)
- Intel Mounting Brackets (LGA1700/1851/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200)
- AMD Mounting Brackets (AM4/AM5)
- Universal Backplate (for Intel sockets)
- Standoffs and Screws for Intel and AMD sockets
- Thermal Compound
- Y-Splitter Fan Cable (for connecting both fans to a single CPU_FAN header)
Image: Overview of the Thermalright PA140 Black CPU cooler and its included components.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | PA140 BLACK |
| CPU Cooler Dimensions (L x W x H) | 140mm x 157mm x 158mm (5.51 x 6.18 x 6.22 inches) |
| Weight | 3.97 Pounds |
| Heatsink Material | Aluminum fins, Pure Copper Heat Pipes, Copper Base |
| Heat Pipes | 6 x 6mm U-shape nickel-plated pure copper heatpipes |
| Fan Models | TL-C12B V2 (120mm), TL-D14CB (140mm) |
| Fan Dimensions | 120x120x25mm (TL-C12B V2), 140x140x27mm (TL-D14CB) |
| Fan Speed | 1500 RPM ±10% (MAX) |
| Air Volume | 66.17 CFM (MAX) |
| Noise Level | ≤25.6 dB(A) |
| Power Connector | 4-Pin PWM |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 15 watts |
| Compatible CPU Sockets | Intel: LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851; AMD: AM4/AM5 |
Image: Detailed dimensions of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU cooler and its fans.
Installation Guide
This section provides detailed instructions for installing your Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Air Cooler. Please refer to the video for visual guidance.
Installation Video Tutorial
Video: Step-by-step installation guide for the Thermalright PA140 CPU Cooler series. Note: This video demonstrates the white version of the cooler, but the installation steps are identical for the black version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Motherboard
For AMD AM4/AM5 Motherboards: Remove the existing plastic CPU cooler retention brackets from the motherboard. Keep the original backplate as it will be reused.
For Intel LGA1700 Motherboards:
- Adjust the mounting hole position on the universal backplate to LGA1700.
- Install the backplate from the rear side of the motherboard, aligning the pins with the CPU socket holes.
- Install the four blue LGA1700 standoffs onto the backplate screws from the front side of the motherboard.
Image: CPU compatibility information for Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200/2011/2066 and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets.
2. Install Mounting Brackets
For AMD AM4/AM5: Install the two silver metal AMD brackets onto the red standoffs. Secure them with the provided screws using a screwdriver.
For Intel LGA1700: Install the two silver metal Intel brackets onto the blue standoffs. Secure them with the provided nuts using a screwdriver.
Image: The cooler mounted on a motherboard, illustrating its universal compatibility with various Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
3. Apply Thermal Compound
Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the center of the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). A pea-sized dot or a thin line is generally sufficient. The pressure from the heatsink will spread it evenly.
4. Install Heatsink
Remove the protective sticker from the coldplate of the heatsink. Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the heatsink's mounting screws with the holes on the installed metal brackets. Tighten both nuts on the bracket with a screwdriver in an alternating pattern (e.g., half turn on one, then half turn on the other) until secure. This ensures even mounting pressure.
Image: Close-up of the U-shape nickel-plated pure copper heatpipes, highlighting the AGHP Technology for efficient heat transfer.
5. Install Fans
Attach the fan clips to both the 120mm and 140mm fans. Carefully clip the fans onto the heatsink, ensuring they are oriented to pull air through the heatsink fins and exhaust it towards the rear of the case.
Image: The 140mm TL-D14CB and 120mm TL-C12B V2 high-performance fans, rated at 1500RPM.
6. Connect Fan Cables
Connect both 4-pin fan connectors to the provided Y-splitter cable. Then, connect the Y-splitter cable to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard. This allows both fans to be controlled synchronously by the motherboard's PWM signal.
Operating Instructions
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Air Cooler operates automatically based on your motherboard's fan control settings. The dual PWM fans adjust their speed according to the CPU temperature, providing optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise.
- BIOS/UEFI Settings: You can fine-tune fan curves and speed settings within your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI interface. Refer to your motherboard manual for specific instructions.
- Monitoring: Use motherboard monitoring software or third-party tools to observe CPU temperatures and fan speeds to ensure proper operation.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your CPU cooler:
- Dust Cleaning: 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 to prevent damage.
- Thermal Compound: Reapply thermal compound if you remove the heatsink for any reason. It is generally recommended to reapply thermal compound every 2-3 years for optimal thermal transfer.
- Fan Inspection: Check fan blades for any obstructions or damage. Ensure fan cables are securely connected.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your CPU cooler, consider the following:
- High CPU Temperatures:
- Verify that the heatsink is securely mounted and making full contact with the CPU IHS.
- Ensure sufficient thermal compound was applied correctly.
- Check fan orientation; they should be pulling air through the heatsink.
- Confirm fans are spinning and connected to the CPU_FAN header.
- Ensure adequate airflow within your PC case.
- Fans Not Spinning or Making Unusual Noise:
- Check fan cable connections to the Y-splitter and motherboard header.
- Inspect fan blades for any physical obstructions.
- Verify fan speed settings in BIOS/UEFI; ensure they are not set to 0 RPM at low temperatures.
- Cooler Not Fitting in Case:
- The cooler has a height of 158mm. Ensure your PC case has sufficient clearance for CPU coolers.
- Check for interference with RAM modules or VRM heatsinks.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact your retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
