1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and retain it for future reference.
Image 1.1: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler.
2. Safety Information
Always handle electronic components with care. Ensure your system is powered off and unplugged before installation. Avoid touching the CPU surface directly. Use appropriate tools and follow all instructions to prevent damage to the cooler or your system components.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler (Heatsink with two 120mm fans)
- Mounting hardware for Intel LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 platforms
- Mounting hardware for AMD AM4/AM5 platforms
- Thermal compound
- Fan Y-cable
- USB cable for digital display
4. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black |
| Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) | 138mm x 125mm x 162mm (5.43"L x 4.92"W x 6.38"H) |
| Fan Size | 120mm x 120mm x 28mm |
| Fan Speed | 1850 RPM ±10% (Max) |
| Air Flow Capacity | 88.89 CFM |
| Noise Level | ≤25.6 dB(A) |
| Heatpipes | 6 x 6mm Pure Copper |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin PWM |
| Fan Bearing Type | S-FDB Bearing |
| Compatible CPU Sockets | Intel: LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 AMD: AM4/AM5 |
Image 4.1: Detailed specifications and supported platforms for the cooler.
Image 4.2: Dimensions of the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black cooler.
5. Setup and Installation
The installation process varies slightly depending on your CPU socket type (Intel or AMD). Please refer to the relevant section below and the installation video for detailed guidance.
5.1. General Preparation
- Ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet.
- Open your computer case to access the motherboard.
- Remove any existing CPU cooler. Clean the CPU surface thoroughly to remove old thermal paste.
- Remove the magnetic top cover from the heatsink before installation.
- Remove the protective sticker from the heatsink base.
Image 5.1: The heatsink base with nickel-plated soldered copper for optimal heat transfer.
5.2. Intel LGA1700/1851 Installation
- Adjust the backplate mounting hole position to 1700/1851.
- Install the backplate from the back side of the motherboard.
- Install the blue LGA1700/1851 spacers onto the backplate from the front side of the motherboard.
- Place the Intel brackets on the spacers and secure them with four Intel screws.
5.3. AMD AM4/AM5 Installation
- Remove the motherboard's original plastic brackets. Keep the motherboard backplate.
- Install four pink AMD spacers onto the motherboard.
- Install two metal AMD brackets on the spacers and secure them with screws.
5.4. Heatsink and Fan Installation (Common Steps)
- Apply thermal compound to the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).
- Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the heatsink bracket nuts with the screws on the installed brackets.
- Tighten both nuts on the bracket with a screwdriver to apply mounting pressure evenly.
- Install the fan clips onto the two 120mm fans.
- Attach the fans to the heatsink using the fan clips. Ensure the fans are oriented correctly for optimal airflow (typically blowing towards the rear of the case).
- Connect the 4-pin fan connectors to the included fan Y-cable to synchronize fan speed.
- Connect the fan Y-cable to the motherboard's CPU_FAN header.
- For ARGB models, connect the 3-pin ARGB lighting cable to the motherboard's +5V ADD_GEN 2 or RGB_HEADER for lighting synchronization.
- Install the magnetic top panel back onto the heatsink.
- Connect the USB cable from the cooler's digital display to a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard.
Video 5.1: Installation guide for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital CPU Cooler on Intel and AMD platforms. This video demonstrates the step-by-step process for mounting the cooler, applying thermal paste, and connecting the fans and ARGB cables.
Image 5.2: CPU compatibility details for Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200 and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets.
Image 5.3: Illustration of AGHP 6x6mm anti-gravity heat pipe technology, designed to optimize heat transfer in various orientations.
Image 5.4: Features of the TL-C12C-X28-S V2 ARGB fans, including PWM and ARGB share connectors, and S-FDB bearings for durability.
6. Operating Instructions
The Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB Black CPU Cooler features a magnetic display board top cover that provides real-time monitoring of CPU and GPU parameters. This display is customizable via the TRCC software.
6.1. TRCC Software Installation and Use
- Download the TRCC control center software from the official Thermalright website (thermalright.com/support/download/).
- Unzip the downloaded file and install the TRCC software.
- Double-click the TRCC shortcut to launch the software.
- The TRCC software allows you to monitor CPU and GPU temperature and occupancy parameters.
- You can customize the display theme, background images, text content, colors, fonts, and display formats (e.g., 24H/12H time, date format, system info cycle/list).
- The software also supports streaming screen content to the LCD and playing local videos/GIFs as background.
Video 6.1: Guide to downloading and using the TRCC software for display customization. This video demonstrates how to install the software, select themes, customize text, change display formats, and use local images or videos as backgrounds.
Image 6.2: The digital display board on the cooler's top cover, showing CPU and GPU temperature and usage.
Image 6.3: Screenshot of the TRCC software interface, demonstrating options for ARGB digital monitoring and customization.
7. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your CPU cooler.
- Dust Cleaning: Periodically clean the heatsink fins and fan blades to remove accumulated dust. Use compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure fans are not spinning during cleaning to prevent damage.
- Thermal Paste: Reapply thermal paste every 1-2 years, or if you remove the cooler for any reason. Clean off old thermal paste completely before applying new paste.
- Fan Inspection: Check fan cables for secure connections and ensure fans are spinning freely without obstruction or unusual noise.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your cooler, refer to the following common solutions:
- No Power/Fans Not Spinning:
- Check if the 4-pin fan cable is securely connected to the motherboard's CPU_FAN header.
- Ensure the fan Y-cable is correctly connected to both fans. - Digital Display Not Working/No Data:
- Verify the USB cable from the cooler is securely connected to a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard.
- Ensure the TRCC software is installed and running correctly.
- Check motherboard BIOS settings for USB header functionality. - Poor Cooling Performance:
- Confirm the heatsink is properly mounted and tightened, ensuring good contact with the CPU.
- Check if thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly.
- Ensure fans are oriented to push air through the heatsink and out of the case.
- Clean any dust accumulation on the heatsink and fans. - ARGB Lighting Issues:
- Ensure the 3-pin ARGB cable is correctly connected to the motherboard's +5V ARGB header.
- Check motherboard software for ARGB control and synchronization.
9. Warranty and Support
Thermalright products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please visit the official Thermalright website or contact their customer service. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.
