CPU coolers / Compare

ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

A

Product A: ARCTIC

Freezer 36

33 of 54 known

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B

Product B: Thermalright

Peerless Assassin 120 SE

25 of 54 known

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Only differences

AARCTIC Freezer 36

BThermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

General

8 of 12 differ

Series

Not available

Peerless Assassin1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Category: Peerless Assassin.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

ACFRE00121A, ACFRE00123A1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 2026ACFRE00123A is the Freezer 36 (Black).3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

PA120 SE 17003Retailer pagewatercoolinguk.co.uk/product/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-se-cpu-cooler-120mmRead 16 October 2026MPN: PA120 SE 1700. This is the retailer's manufacturer part number, not printed on Thermalright's page.

GTIN / EAN

4895213704120, 840033401937, 4895213704144, 8400334019511Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 2026EAN 4895213704144 and UPC 840033401951 for ACFRE00123A.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Shipping information: ACFRE00121A EAN 4895213704120, UPC 840033401937. ACFRE00123A EAN 4895213704144, UPC 840033401951.

08142560037593Retailer pagewatercoolinguk.co.uk/product/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-se-cpu-cooler-120mmRead 16 October 2026EAN 0814256003759. Paradigit lists the same number as 814256003759 under Product number manufacturer.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

5 March 20249Press articleigorslab.de/en/arctic-starts-the-launch-of-the-freezer-36-series-review-will-be-available-tomorrow-morningRead 14 October 2026Press release of 5 March 2024, quoted from ARCTIC.10Press articlefunkykit.com/news/arctic-announces-freezer-36-series-cpu-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026Press release of 5 March 2024.

Not available

Status

Available1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026The arctic.de store lists the standard model with its MSRP and an add-to-cart button on the access date.

Available3Retailer pagewatercoolinguk.co.uk/product/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-se-cpu-cooler-120mmRead 16 October 202650 in stock on the access date at 33.11 GBP excluding VAT. Thermalright's page is live.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

From $45.991Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 20269Press articleigorslab.de/en/arctic-starts-the-launch-of-the-freezer-36-series-review-will-be-available-tomorrow-morningRead 14 October 202610Press articlefunkykit.com/news/arctic-announces-freezer-36-series-cpu-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026

$364Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Spec table, supplied by Thermalright: MSRP $36 USD. The review is dated September 2022, so this is the US MSRP at that time and may not be the launch price. Tax is not stated.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

From €32.991Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20262Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 20269Press articleigorslab.de/en/arctic-starts-the-launch-of-the-freezer-36-series-review-will-be-available-tomorrow-morningRead 14 October 202610Press articlefunkykit.com/news/arctic-announces-freezer-36-series-cpu-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, EU10Press articlefunkykit.com/news/arctic-announces-freezer-36-series-cpu-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026USD prices for the US next to EUR prices in the ARCTIC shop.

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Standard, Black1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026The colour selector offers two options named Standard and Black.2Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36-Black/ACFRE00123ARead 14 October 20268Press releasearctic.de/en/blog/the-new-generation-of-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026Standard model with a silver heatsink and copper heatpipes, and a black version with a black heatsink.

Not available

Cooler typeiAir is a heatsink with fans that sits on the CPU. AIO liquid is a sealed all-in-one liquid cooler with a pump block, tubes and a radiator.

Air1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026

Air1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026

Air cooler layoutiAir coolers only. Top-flow covers low-profile coolers whose fan blows down onto the board.

Single tower8Press releasearctic.de/en/blog/the-new-generation-of-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026Calls it a single-tower CPU cooler with two fans in push-pull.

Dual tower1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Listed under Dual Towers in the Peerless Assassin series.

Rated TDP (claimed)iThe heat load the maker says the cooler handles. Makers do not share one test method, so this is not a measured result. A maker's maximum heat dissipation power counts. Check the maker's CPU compatibility page too.

Not available

Not available

Base materialiThe surface that touches the CPU: the heatsink base or the AIO cold plate. Plating counts, so nickel-plated copper is not copper. Direct-touch heat pipes are the contact surface, so they count as copper unless plating is stated. The direct-contact heat pipes field records the design.

Copper12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Technical specifications of the Freezer 36 (Black): base material copper.13Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 2026Technical specifications of the report: block material copper. The same table lists 6 heatpipes of 4 mm, which disagrees with the maker's 4 heatpipes of 6 mm. The maker is followed.

Nickel-plated copper1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Copper Base: C1100 Pure copper nickel plated.

Thermal pasteiPre-applied means paste is already on the base or cold plate. Included means a separate tube or syringe in the box.

Included1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026The page lists TIM MX-6 (0.8 g). The spec sheet and the current manual say MX-7 (0.8 g). Either way a tube is in the box.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026General specifications: TIM MX-7 (0.8 g). The shop page still says MX-6.11Reviewigorslab.de/en/arctic-freezer-36-cpu-air-cooler-in-test-the-underdog-plays-top-dog-performs-well-and-costs-all-the-less-for-it/1Read 14 October 2026The accessories include a tube of MX-6 thermal paste (early sample) and an LGA1700 contact frame.

Included2Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/PEERLESSASSASSIN120SE.pdfRead 16 October 2026Parts list item J: Thermal Grease x1. The steps say to apply thermal grease on the CPU. Tom's Hardware names a medium-sized tube of thermal paste.4Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026A medium-sized tube of thermal paste is in the package.

Compatibility

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CPU socketsiSockets the maker lists as supported in its spec table, compatibility list or guide, written as cpu_socket writes them, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851. List each socket on its own, so LGA115x becomes LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156. When the maker names the sockets of such a family, list only the ones it names. A socket that needs a separately sold or requested mounting kit is left out. A new socket that the maker lists with no extra kit counts. LGA2011-v3 and 2011(V3) are written LGA2011-3. Threadripper sockets use AMD's names, so TR4 is written sTR4 and TR5 is written sTR5. sTRX4 and sWRX8 are sockets of their own.

AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA17001Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026Compatibility: Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700, AMD AM5 and AM4. The text says all Freezer 36 coolers work with LGA1851 without limitation.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 20266Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36_r7Read 14 October 2026Select your CPU socket: AMD AM5 and AM4, Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700.

AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Intel 115X/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. 115X is written as LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156. The older installation guide covers AM4, 115X/1200 and 1700 only. The page names AM5 and LGA1851.

RAM height clearanceiAir coolers only. The tallest memory module that fits under the cooler with all included fans in their standard position. When the maker gives different values per socket, store the lowest and name the others in the source note. A heatsink that does not reach over the memory slots has no height limit, so the field is left out and the maker's statement goes in the source note.

42.9mm4Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.arctic.de/products/freezer-36/techdocs/Freezer%2036%20-%202D%20Drawing.pdfRead 14 October 2026RAM clearance 43.9 mm on AMD and 42.9 mm on Intel (motherboard clearance 46.2 mm and 45.2 mm). The lower Intel figure is stored so it holds on every supported socket. Both fans are in their standard position.

Not available

Offset mountingiThe included mount can shift the base or cold plate off the socket centre, for example toward the AM5 hotspot. An asymmetric heatsink on a centred base does not count.

Not available

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Heatsink

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Heat pipesiAir coolers only. Number of heat pipes. A U-shaped pipe with two ends in the fins counts as one. A T-shaped pipe with three ends, such as Cooler Master's 3DHP, also counts as one. The maker's count wins over a review or Cybenetics count.

41Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026Heatsink: 4x 6 mm Ø, copper. Fin stack 59x 0.4 mm, aluminium.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 202612Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026

61Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Heat pipes: 6mm heatpipe x 6 units.

Heat pipe diameteriAir coolers only. Outer diameter, such as 6 or 8.

6mm1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20263Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 202612Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026

6mm1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026

Direct-contact heat pipesiAir coolers only. The heat pipes touch the CPU directly instead of sitting in a solid base plate.

Yes9Press articleigorslab.de/en/arctic-starts-the-launch-of-the-freezer-36-series-review-will-be-available-tomorrow-morningRead 14 October 2026Describes closely staggered direct-touch heatpipes.11Reviewigorslab.de/en/arctic-freezer-36-cpu-air-cooler-in-test-the-underdog-plays-top-dog-performs-well-and-costs-all-the-less-for-it/1Read 14 October 2026Review of the standard Freezer 36 (ACFRE00121A): instead of a cold plate the heatpipes sit in direct contact with the CPU heat spreader. The contact area is about 30.5 x 28.0 mm.12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026The heatpipes come in direct contact with the CPU heat spreader.

Not available

Liquid cooling

None of 7 known

Radiator sizeiAIO coolers only. The nominal size class from the fan positions, such as 240, 280, 360 or 420.

Not available

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Radiator dimensionsiRadiator without fans. Length runs along the row of fans. Width runs across it. Thickness is the depth the airflow passes through, such as 27 or 38.

Not available

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Radiator material

Not available

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Tube lengthiLength of each tube between the pump block and the radiator, as published. When the two tubes differ, the shorter is stored and the other goes in the source note.

Not available

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Max pump speediHighest rated pump speed. When the maker gives a range, this is its top.

Not available

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Pump power connectoriHow the pump gets power. A pump wired through a supplied hub or cable uses the plug at the motherboard or PSU end. A pump powered from SATA with a separate 3-pin speed lead is SATA power.

Not available

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VRM faniA small fan on the pump block that blows over the motherboard voltage regulators.

Not available

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Fans

1 of 2 differ

Included fansiFans in the box that cool the heatsink or radiator, one row per fan model. A VRM fan on the pump block is left out. Speed, airflow, pressure and noise are the maker's figures for one fan at full speed, in the fastest mode and without a low-noise adapter. When a range is published, the top of the range is stored. Count is the number of rotors, so a unified frame with three 120 mm rotors counts 3 with size 120. Min speed is the lowest speed while spinning. A zero RPM stop is not stored. FDB and S-FDB are fluid dynamic. HDB is hydrodynamic. Cooler Master's Loop Dynamic Bearing is loop dynamic. If the maker gives airflow only in m³/h, convert with 1 m³/h = 0.5886 CFM, round to one decimal and say so in the source note. Connector is the fan's power lead. A separate lighting lead is not counted, and a maker cable or adapter in the box that ends in a 4-pin PWM plug counts as 4-pin PWM, even when the fan's own lead is proprietary. For an air cooler with one fan, the maker's noise figure for the cooler is the fan noise. A figure the maker does not label per fan or in total counts as per fan. When a maker table prints noise for the whole cooler with no per-fan label and the maker's own data sheet for the same fan gives a figure, the fan data sheet figure is stored.

AARCTIC Freezer 36

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Min speed (rpm)	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Bearing	Connector
P12 PWM PST	120	2	200	1,800	56.3	2.2	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM

Source1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026Fans: 2x P12 PWM PST, 200 - 1800 rpm PWM controlled (0 rpm below 5 % PWM), fluid dynamic bearing, 4-pin PWM connector plus 4-pin plug. The page gives no airflow, pressure or noise for the fans.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026Fan specifications: 2x P12 PWM PST, 200-1800 rpm PWM controlled (0 rpm below 5 % PWM), fluid dynamic bearing, 0.10 A at 12 V DC, cable 200 mm plus 80 mm splitter cable, 4-pin PWM connector plus 4-pin plug.7Maker product pagearctic.de/en/P12-PWM-PST/ACFAN00132ARead 14 October 2026Standalone P12 PWM PST fan, the model named on the Freezer 36 spec sheet: 200-1800 rpm, 56.30 cfm (95.70 m3/h), 2.20 mmH2O, fluid dynamic bearing, 4-pin connector. The maker gives noise only as 0.3 sone, so noise_dba is left out. Retailers print 23.5 dB(A) and Hardware Busters 25 dBA.12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Technical specifications: 2x P12 PWM PST, 120x120x25 mm, 200-1800 rpm, 56.3 CFM, 2.2 mmH2O. The review calls the bearing rifle type from ARCTIC's drawing. ARCTIC states fluid dynamic, so the maker is followed.

BThermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
TL-C12C	120	2	1,550	66.17	1.53	25.6	Fluid dynamic (FDB)	4-pin PWM

Source1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026TL-C12C fan spec: 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 120 g each, rated speed 1550 RPM +/-10% (MAX), noise 25.6 dBA, air flow 66.17 CFM (MAX), air pressure 1.53 mm H2O (MAX), 0.20 A, 4 pin PWM connector, S-FDB bearing. S-FDB is stored as fluid dynamic. The page gives no minimum speed. Two fans come in the box per the installation guide parts list.2Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/PEERLESSASSASSIN120SE.pdfRead 16 October 2026Parts list item B: Fan x2, and item C: Fan Y-cable x1 that joins both fans to one PWM header.4Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026The package includes 2x TL-C12C 120mm fans. The fan table repeats Thermalright's figures: 1550 RPM +/-10%, 66.17 CFM, 1.53 mm H2O, 25.6 dB(A).

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

2=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

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RGB lightingiLighting on the fans, the heatsink or the pump block.

No8Press releasearctic.de/en/blog/the-new-generation-of-air-coolersRead 14 October 2026Five versions: the standard model, a black version, a CO version and two illuminated A-RGB versions in black and white. The standard and black versions are not the illuminated ones.

No4Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026The fan spec table lists Lighting: None, and the text says there is no RGB or lighting at all.

Lighting standardiThe named lighting connection. ARGB lighting alone does not prove a 5 V header. Proprietary means the maker's own hub or cable system.

Not available

Not available

Built-in screeniA screen on the pump block or the heatsink. LCD and OLED screens show images. A segment readout shows digits only, such as the CPU temperature.

None4Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.arctic.de/products/freezer-36/techdocs/Freezer%2036%20-%202D%20Drawing.pdfRead 14 October 2026The 2D drawing shows the top, side and front views of the heatsink and both fans, with no screen.

None4Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026The review describes a dual-tower heatsink with two plain fans and no screen.

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the built-in screen.

Not available

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Screen resolution

Not available

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SoftwareiThe maker's software for lighting, the screen or the pump. Software that works with the cooler out of the box. Software that needs a separately sold controller is left out.

Not available

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Needs a USB headeriThe cooler needs an internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard for software control, sensors or the screen. A wireless receiver that plugs into any USB port does not count.

No6Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36_r7Read 14 October 2026The installation steps connect only fan headers (CPU_FAN, or CPU_FAN plus CPU_OPT). No USB cable is supplied or mentioned.

No2Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/PEERLESSASSASSIN120SE.pdfRead 16 October 2026The Fan Wiring panel shows only the 4-pin PWM CPU_FAN header, with a Y-cable for two fans. No USB connection is shown.

Measured

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Cybenetics THETA, AMD AM5iThe THETA level for this cooler's class on the Cybenetics AMD AM5 platform with a Ryzen 9 7900X. It is rated at 30 dB(A) normalized noise, or at 25 dB(A) for a cooler that cannot reach 30 dB(A). No level means tested without a level. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

Silver13Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 2026Report ACCLR00089 is for the Freezer 36 Black (ACFRE00123A), tested on 31 March 2025. The maker lists the same heatsink, fans and weight for the standard model. THETA Silver, Air, rated at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X with the Default mount. It was evaluated under protocol revision 1.8, before Revision 2.0. The report shows no THETA level and no results for Intel LGA1851, so no LGA1851 value is stored.

Not available

Cybenetics THETA, Intel LGA1851iThe same rating on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform with a Core Ultra 9 285K. A cooler that Cybenetics did not test on this platform is left out. A report with a heading for this platform but no results counts as not tested.

Not available

Not available

Overall performance at 30 dB(A), AM5 (measured)iThe Cybenetics Overall Performance score at 30 dB(A) normalized noise on the AMD AM5 platform. It is average CPU power times average CPU frequency divided by average CPU temperature. Higher is better. A cooler rated only at 25 dB(A) has no value here.

9,91813Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 2026Overall Performance 9,918 at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X (PBO enabled, per the protocol).

Not available

Overall performance at 30 dB(A), LGA1851 (measured)iThe same score on the Cybenetics Intel LGA1851 platform. Scores from the two platforms are not comparable with each other.

Not available

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Noise at 100% fan setting (Cybenetics)iThe Cybenetics noise at the 100% fan setting, measured 1 m from the cooler in a hemi-anechoic chamber, with the pump of an AIO at full speed. Other reviewers' noise goes in the thermal test rows.

30.5dB(A)13Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 202630.5 dB(A) at the 100% fan setting (1874 and 1895 rpm). Hemi-anechoic chamber with a 6 dB(A) noise floor, Bruel & Kjaer 2270 sound analyser, microphone 1 m from the cooler per the protocol.

Not available

Thermal tests (measured)iReviewer results, one row per test condition. Rows compare only when the test CPU, load, power and noise level match. The source note names the reviewer, ambient temperature, case or open bench, and thermal paste. Test CPU is the CPU name only, such as AMD Ryzen 9 7900X. The power limit and mode go in the load. Above ambient is stored only when the reviewer publishes it, never computed from the ambient.

AARCTIC Freezer 36

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	178.2	20 dB(A)	20	95.2
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	182.7	25 dB(A)	25	95.3
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	183.9	30 dB(A)	30	95.2
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	185.3	100%	30.5	95.2

Source13Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/89Read 14 October 2026Cybenetics Cooling Solutions Test Protocol (https://cybenetics.com/data/Cybenetics%20Cooling%20Solutions%20Test%20Protocol_en.pdf), revision 1.8 procedure: ambient held at 25 C and 30% humidity in a climate chamber, open Cooler Master Test Bench, Asus TUF Gaming X670E-Plus, Prime95 Small FFTs for 20 minutes per noise level, at least two sessions averaged. Fans were set to reach each normalized noise level at 1 m, or 100%. CPU power is measured at the EPS connectors. The protocol states Arctic MX-4 paste for all tests. The CPU sits at its 95 C limit in all rows. The report publishes no temperature above ambient.

BThermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Above ambient (°C)
Intel Core i9-12900K	Cinebench with a 200 W CPU power limit, 10 minute run, be quiet! Silent Base 802 case	200	default motherboard fan curve	61
Intel Core i9-12900K	OCCT small data set with a 200 W CPU power limit, 10 minute run, be quiet! Silent Base 802 case	200	default motherboard fan curve	64

Source4Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Albert Thomas, review last updated 27 September 2022. Intel Core i9-12900K on an MSI Z690 A-Pro DDR4 in a be quiet! Silent Base 802 case. Each stress test ran 10 minutes with the fans on the motherboard's default fan curve. Row 1: Cinebench with a 200 W CPU power limit, the CPU averaged 61 degrees C over ambient. Row 2: OCCT small data set at 200 W, 64 degrees C over ambient. The ambient temperature, the paste and whether the case was closed are not stated. Noise and the other rows (95 W, 140 W, 50 percent fan speed) are only in chart images, so they are not stored.

Dimensions and weight

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DimensionsiAir coolers only. The cooler with its included fans in the standard position, without the mounting kit. Height runs from the bottom of the base to the top. Depth runs along the airflow, fans included. Width runs across the fins. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160.

Width126Height159Depth104mm(5 × 6.3 × 4.1 in)1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026General specifications: 104 (L) x 126 (W) x 159 (H) mm. The 2D drawing shows 126 mm across the fan face and 104 mm along the airflow, fans included.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026General specifications: 104 (L) x 126 (W) x 159 (H) mm. The drawing maps width 126 and depth 104.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.arctic.de/products/freezer-36/techdocs/Freezer%2036%20-%202D%20Drawing.pdfRead 14 October 20262D drawing for ACFRE00121A (rev. date 28/12/2023): overall 104 mm side view, 126 mm front view, 159 mm height. The front view is the fan face, so width is 126 mm and depth is 104 mm. The drawing shows both fans.12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026126 mm x 104 mm x 159 mm including fans, which matches the maker's drawing.

Width125Height155Depth135mm(4.9 × 6.1 × 5.3 in)3Retailer pagewatercoolinguk.co.uk/product/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-se-cpu-cooler-120mmRead 16 October 2026Technical details: Dimensions with fan 125 x 155 x 135 mm (W x H x D) and without fan 125 x 155 x 110 mm. The without-fan figure matches Thermalright's heatsink size, and the 25 mm front fan explains the extra 25 mm of depth. Paradigit prints 138 mm of depth with a width of 120 mm, which does not match Thermalright's 125 mm, so it is not used.

Heatsink dimensionsiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans, as the maker lists it. Map by direction, not by letter. Width runs across the fins, depth runs along the airflow. DeepCool's 129 x 138 x 160 mm (L x W x H) is width 129, depth 138, height 160. A heatsink depth that equals the depth with fans includes the fan, so that axis is not stored.

Not available

Width125Height155Depth110mm(4.9 × 6.1 × 4.3 in)1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Heatsink Specifications: L125 mm x W110 mm x H155 mm. L runs across the fins and W along the airflow of this dual-tower cooler, so width 125, depth 110 and height 155.

WeightiAn air cooler with its included fans. An AIO cooler as one unit with pump block, tubes, radiator and fans. Mounting hardware is left out when the maker states it separately. When one maker figure may include the mounting kit, such as a press release net weight above the product page figure, the product page figure is stored. An RGB edition can weigh a little more or less, so it is per variant.

890g(2 lb)1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026General specifications: weight 890 g. Packaging weight is 1.23 kg.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026General specifications: weight 890 g. Gross weight 1230 g.12Reviewhwbusters.com/cooling/arctic-freezer-36-black-cpu-cooler-reviewRead 14 October 2026Weight 890 g.

970g(2.1 lb)3Retailer pagewatercoolinguk.co.uk/product/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-se-cpu-cooler-120mmRead 16 October 2026Technical details: Weight with fan 970 g and without fan 730 g (the page prints Weight with fan twice). 970 g equals the heatsink 730 g plus two 120 g fans. Tom's Hardware lists a net weight of 850 g, which fits one fan and is not used.

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

Not available

730g(1.6 lb)1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Heatsink Specifications: Weight 730g.

In the box

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In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

Freezer 36 Heatsink x1, P12 PWM PST Set x1, MX-7 (0.8 g) x1, CPU Contact Frame x1 (Intel), T20 Driver x1 (Intel), Shoulder Screws x4 (Intel), Mounting Module x2 (AMD), Screws x4 (AMD)6Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36_r7Read 14 October 2026Packaging Content image of the Rev 7 manual: heatsink, P12 PWM PST fan set, MX-7 (0.8 g). Intel: CPU contact frame, T20 driver, 4 shoulder screws. AMD: 2 mounting modules and 4 screws. The manual hub at support.arctic.de/freezer-36-series lists Rev 1 to Rev 7.

Heatsink x1, Fan x2, Fan Y-cable x1, AMD bracket x2, Intel bracket x2, Intel 115X/1200 back plate x1, Fan clip x4, 115X/1200 standoff x4, Intel screw x4, Thermal grease x1, AM4 standoff x4, AM4 screw x4, LGA17XX back plate x1, 17XX standoff x4, Installation guide2Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/PEERLESSASSASSIN120SE.pdfRead 16 October 2026Parts List items A to N as printed, quantities kept. The guide's item F is the Intel 115X/1200 back plate and M the LGA17XX back plate. The Installation guide line comes from the Tom's Hardware package list, wording shortened.4Reviewtomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026Package list: dual-tower heatsink, 2x TL-C12C fans, mounts for modern Intel and AMD platforms, a medium-sized tube of thermal paste, a fan splitter and an installation guide.

Links

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Product page

www.arctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121A1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 2026

www.thermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-se1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/peerless-assassin-120-seRead 16 October 2026

Spec sheet

www.arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdf3Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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Manual

support.arctic.de/freezer-36-series5Owner's manualsupport.arctic.de/freezer-36-seriesRead 14 October 2026ARCTIC support hub for the Freezer 36 user manual. It lists one manual per product revision, Rev 1 to Rev 7, and the revision number is printed on the bottom of the box.

download.thermalright.com/manuals/PEERLESSASSASSIN120SE.pdf2Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/PEERLESSASSASSIN120SE.pdfRead 16 October 2026One-page folded installation guide (English and Chinese), PDF dated November 2021.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

6years1Maker product pagearctic.de/en/Freezer-36/ACFRE00121ARead 14 October 20263Maker spec sheet (PDF)arctic.de/media/6b/50/57/1709195123/Spec_Sheet_Freezer_36_EN.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all CPU coolers.