Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler

User Manual

Model: Peerless Assassin 120 Digital Black

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler. This high-performance cooler features a dual-tower design, six pure copper heat pipes, and a digital screen top cover for real-time monitoring of CPU and GPU parameters. It is designed to provide efficient cooling for a wide range of Intel and AMD platforms.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler with digital display and RGB fan

Figure 1: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler

Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for optimal cooling performance. Please follow these steps carefully.

1. Compatibility Check

Ensure your motherboard and PC case are compatible with the cooler's dimensions and mounting requirements.

Supported Intel Platforms: LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200
Supported AMD Platforms: AM4, AM5
Overall Cooler Height: 162mm (ensure sufficient case clearance)

CPU Compatibility for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler

Figure 2: CPU Socket Compatibility

Dimensions of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler

Figure 3: Cooler Dimensions (H: 162mm, L: 138mm, W: 125mm)

2. Prepare Motherboard

For Intel platforms, install the appropriate backplate and standoffs as per the included mounting kit.
For AMD platforms, utilize the original motherboard backplate (not included with this product). Install the provided AMD mounting clips onto the cooler.
Clean the CPU surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove any old thermal paste or residue.

3. Apply Thermal Paste

Apply a small amount of thermal paste (included) to the center of the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS). A pea-sized dot is generally sufficient. The pressure from the cooler will spread it evenly.

4. Mount Heatsink

Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the mounting screws with the standoffs/brackets.
Secure the heatsink by tightening the screws in a diagonal pattern (e.g., top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) until snug. Do not overtighten.

AGHP Heat Pipe Technology of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Air Cooler

Figure 4: AGHP Heat Pipe Technology (Base Plate)

5. Install Fans

Attach the two 120mm fans to the heatsink using the included fan clips. Ensure the airflow direction is correct (typically blowing towards the rear of the case).
Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cables to the CPU_FAN headers on your motherboard.
Connect the ARGB cables from the fans and the digital display to compatible 5V Addressable RGB headers on your motherboard or an ARGB controller.

Cooling CPU with Ease featuring Dual Tower Design and Dual Powerful Fans

Figure 5: Dual Tower Design and Fan Placement

Dimensions of the TL-C12C-X28-S V2 120mm fan

Figure 6: Fan Dimensions (120mm x 120mm x 28mm)

Asymmetric Fin Structure of the heatsink

Figure 7: Asymmetric Fin Structure for improved airflow and compatibility

Operating Instructions

The Peerless Assassin 120 Digital features a magnetic top cover with a digital display for real-time system monitoring.

Digital Display

The digital display shows CPU and GPU temperature and usage. The magnetic top cover allows for easy installation and removal.

Figure 8: Digital Display showing CPU and GPU metrics

Digital Excellence feature of the cooler, showing the magnetic display panel

Figure 9: Digital Display Panel

Software Control (TRCC)

For advanced customization of the ARGB lighting and display settings, download and install the TRCC software from the official Thermalright website. The software allows for color customization and display changes based on temperature or usage.

Screenshot of TRCC software interface for ARGB and display customization

Figure 10: TRCC Software Interface

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your CPU cooler.

Dust Removal: Periodically clean the heatsink fins and fan blades using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the system is powered off before cleaning.
Fan Inspection: Check fan blades for any obstructions or damage. Ensure fans spin freely.
Thermal Paste: While not frequently required, consider reapplying thermal paste every few years or if you notice a significant increase in CPU temperatures.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your cooler, refer to the following common problems and solutions.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
High CPU Temperatures	Improper thermal paste application Fans not spinning or spinning too slowly Heatsink not properly seated Insufficient case airflow	Reapply thermal paste Check fan connections (4-pin PWM) and BIOS settings Reseat heatsink, ensuring even pressure Improve case ventilation
Digital Display Not Working/Incorrect Readings	Loose ARGB/USB connection Software not installed or configured correctly Magnetic top cover not seated properly	Check all display-related cable connections Install/reinstall TRCC software and ensure it's running Ensure the magnetic top cover is fully seated
Excessive Fan Noise	Dust accumulation on fans Fan speed set too high Loose fan mounting	Clean fans and heatsink Adjust fan curve in BIOS or using motherboard software Ensure fans are securely attached

Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Peerless Assassin 120 Digital Black
Overall Dimensions (L x W x H)	138 x 125 x 162 mm (5.43 x 4.92 x 6.38 inches)
Weight	3.9 Pounds
Heat Pipes	6 x 6mm pure copper (AGHP 5.0 Technology)
Fan Model	TL-C12C-X28-S V2 (x2)
Fan Dimensions	120 x 120 x 28 mm
Fan Speed	1850 RPM ±10%
Airflow	88.89 CFM
Static Pressure	2.21 mm H2O
Noise Level	≤25.6 dB(A)
Power Connector	4-Pin PWM
Voltage	12 Volts (DC)
Compatibility	Intel LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200, AMD AM4/AM5
UPC	753873525995

Warranty and Support

Thermalright products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or to download the latest TRCC software, please visit the official Thermalright website or contact your local distributor.

What's in the Box: CPU Air Cooler, Mounting Hardware for Intel and AMD, Thermal Paste.

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital Black