CPU coolers / Compare

be quiet! Pure Rock 3 vs Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE

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Product A: be quiet!

Pure Rock 3

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Product B: Thermalright

Assassin X 120 Refined SE

32 of 54 known

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Abe quiet! Pure Rock 3

BThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE

General

7 of 12 differ

Series

Pure Rock7Reviewoverclocking.com/test-be-quiet-pure-rock-3-blackRead 15 October 2026The review places the cooler in the Pure Rock entry-level series of be quiet!.

Assassin X1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026Breadcrumb and category: Assassin X.

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

BK0391Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026The page shows article number BK039.2Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/be-quiet!-pure-rock-3-black-single-tower-4-heatpipes-120mm-pure-wings-3-fan-aluminium-copperRead 15 October 2026Listed as model BK039.

AX120-R-SE, AX120-R-SE-ARGB17Retailer pagereview.kakaku.com/review/K0001681244Read 14 October 2026Kakaku lists AX120-R-SE for this cooler and AX120-R-SE-ARGB for the ARGB edition (review.kakaku.com/review/K0001681245/). The maker publishes no part numbers. The names are the model codes retailers and Tom's Hardware use (AX120 R SE).

GTIN / EAN

42600521924812Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/be-quiet!-pure-rock-3-black-single-tower-4-heatpipes-120mm-pure-wings-3-fan-aluminium-copperRead 15 October 2026EAN 4260052192481. Other retailer listings carry the same EAN with BK039.

814256003773, 814256013772, 814256003780, 814256015837, 81425600402214Retailer pagecomputerorbit.com/products/thermalright-assassin-x-120-refined-se-tower-air-cooler.jsRead 14 October 2026Shopify product feed, barcode 0814256003773 for AX120 REFINED SE (UPC 814256003773). The Computer Orbit feeds also give 0814256003780 for the ARGB edition (.../thermalright-assassin-x-120-refined-se-v2-tower-air-cooler.js), 0814256015837 for the White edition and 0814256004022 for the White ARGB edition. AWD-IT lists 814256013772 for the black model, another valid UPC, so both black UPCs are stored with no row pairing.15Retailer pageawd-it.co.uk/thermalright-assassin-x120-refined-se-single-tower-cpu-air-cooler-225w-tdp-black.htmlRead 14 October 2026EAN 814256013772 for the black model (ARGB: No). The page also gives a TDP of up to 225 W, which is a retailer figure and is not stored.

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

25 February 20254Press articlegeektopia.es/es/technology/2025/02/25/noticias/be-quiet-anuncia-la-serie-pure-rock-3-de-refrigeraciones.htmlRead 15 October 2026Spanish article of 2025-02-25 that announces the Pure Rock 3 series, which reaches stores on 11 March. be quiet! published the news that day.

Not available

Status

Available2Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/be-quiet!-pure-rock-3-black-single-tower-4-heatpipes-120mm-pure-wings-3-fan-aluminium-copperRead 15 October 2026On sale in the UK, listed with a price on the access date.

Available12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00582147.htmlRead 14 October 2026Listed with a price and a delivery estimate on the access date.

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.

$29.96Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-pure-rock-pro-3-reviewRead 15 October 2026The launch price table of the Pure Rock Pro 3 review lists be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black at $29.90 / €29.90. Tax treatment is not stated.

$19.98Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/thermalright-assassin-x-120-r-se-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table and features text: official MSRP $19.90 USD. The review of 2024-09-27 is later than the 2021 record date of the product page, so this is the MSRP the review states and not proven as the launch price. Amazon sold it for $16.59 to $18.90 then.

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.

€29.96Reviewclub386.com/be-quiet-pure-rock-pro-3-reviewRead 15 October 2026The same table row lists €29.90. overclocking.com also gives the announced price of 29.90 EUR. Whether VAT is included is not stated.7Reviewoverclocking.com/test-be-quiet-pure-rock-3-blackRead 15 October 2026The review says be quiet! announces a price of 29.90 EUR for the Black model.

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026The spec table lists Color Option: Black.

Black, White5Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-se-whiteRead 14 October 2026Page title: Assassin X 120 Refined SE WHITE. The black models are listed without a colour on the maker pages, and LDLC names them Black.

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.

Air2Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/be-quiet!-pure-rock-3-black-single-tower-4-heatpipes-120mm-pure-wings-3-fan-aluminium-copperRead 15 October 2026The product title calls it a Performance Air CPU Cooler.

Air1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026

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

Single tower2Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/be-quiet!-pure-rock-3-black-single-tower-4-heatpipes-120mm-pure-wings-3-fan-aluminium-copperRead 15 October 2026The product title says Single Tower.

Single tower1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026Categories: Assassin X and Single Tower.

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.

190W1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026The spec table lists TDP (W) 190.3Press articlethefpsreview.com/2025/02/26/be-quiet-launches-the-pure-rock-3-series-including-the-first-be-quiet-double-tower-air-coolers-for-entry-level-systemsRead 15 October 2026The press release says a high 190W TDP cooling capacity.5Retailer pageldlc.pro/fiche/PB00672696.htmlRead 15 October 2026TDP Max. CPU 190 W.

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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.

Copper1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026The shop copies be quiet!'s own spec table: Base Material Aluminum / Copper and CPU Contact Surface Heat pipe direct touch. The direct-touch heat pipes are the contact surface and the table names no plating, so copper is stored.4Press articlegeektopia.es/es/technology/2025/02/25/noticias/be-quiet-anuncia-la-serie-pure-rock-3-de-refrigeraciones.htmlRead 15 October 2026The heatsink has four copper heat pipes of 6 mm.

Copper8Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/thermalright-assassin-x-120-r-se-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table, Base: four 6mm direct touch copper heatpipes. No plating is stated. Heatsink material is aluminum. LDLC says pure copper base. Cybenetics lists block material aluminium, which looks like the fin stack.12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00582147.htmlRead 14 October 2026Pure copper base, four 6 mm copper heat pipes.

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

Pre-applied1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Thermal Grease (Type) Applied. It lists no paste syringe. overclocking.com confirms the paste is pre-applied.7Reviewoverclocking.com/test-be-quiet-pure-rock-3-blackRead 15 October 2026The review says the thermal paste is pre-applied.

Included3Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/ASSASSINX120REFINEDSE.pdfRead 14 October 2026Parts list item J: Thermal Grease x1. The steps say to apply thermal grease on the CPU. Tom's Hardware names it TF4 paste in a tube.8Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/thermalright-assassin-x-120-r-se-reviewRead 14 October 2026The bundle includes a tube of Thermalright TF4 thermal paste.

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, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Intel 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 and AMD AM5 / AM4. LGA1156 appears in some retailer lists but not in this table, so it is not stored.4Press articlegeektopia.es/es/technology/2025/02/25/noticias/be-quiet-anuncia-la-serie-pure-rock-3-de-refrigeraciones.htmlRead 15 October 2026Mounting hardware for LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, 1700, 1851, AM4 and AM5, the same list as the spec table.5Retailer pageldlc.pro/fiche/PB00672696.htmlRead 15 October 2026AMD AM4, AM5, Intel 1150, 1151, 1155, 1200, 1700 and 1851.

AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA11501Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026Intel 115x/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. 115x is written as LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156.3Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/ASSASSINX120REFINEDSE.pdfRead 14 October 2026Installation sections for AMD AM4, Intel LGA115X/1200 and Intel LGA1700. The maker page adds 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.

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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.

Yes1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Key features: Offset mounting for better performance on latest AMD Ryzen CPUs.3Press articlethefpsreview.com/2025/02/26/be-quiet-launches-the-pure-rock-3-series-including-the-first-be-quiet-double-tower-air-coolers-for-entry-level-systemsRead 15 October 2026The press release says offset mounting for better compatibility with the latest AMD Ryzen CPUs is supported.7Reviewoverclocking.com/test-be-quiet-pure-rock-3-blackRead 15 October 2026The review describes an offset mounting position for AMD Ryzen 3000 to 9000 CPUs. The cooler's base itself is not off-centre.

Not available

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.

41Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Heatpipe Number / Diameter 4 / 6 mm.3Press articlethefpsreview.com/2025/02/26/be-quiet-launches-the-pure-rock-3-series-including-the-first-be-quiet-double-tower-air-coolers-for-entry-level-systemsRead 15 October 2026Four 6mm heat pipes with HDT technology.

41Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026Heat pipes: 6mm heatpipe x 4 units.

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

6mm1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Heatpipe Number / Diameter 4 / 6 mm.3Press articlethefpsreview.com/2025/02/26/be-quiet-launches-the-pure-rock-3-series-including-the-first-be-quiet-double-tower-air-coolers-for-entry-level-systemsRead 15 October 2026Four 6mm heat pipes with HDT technology.

6mm1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026

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

Yes1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: CPU Contact Surface Heat pipe direct touch.7Reviewoverclocking.com/test-be-quiet-pure-rock-3-blackRead 15 October 2026The review says the four 6 mm heat pipes are mounted in direct contact with the processor.

Yes8Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/thermalright-assassin-x-120-r-se-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table and features text: four direct-touch copper heatpipes.

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

Not available

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.

Abe quiet! Pure Rock 3

Model	Size (mm)	Fans	Max speed (rpm)	Airflow (CFM)	Static pressure (mmH₂O)	Noise (claimed) (dB(A))	Bearing	Connector
Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM	120	1	2,000	59.6	2.41	31.2	Rifle	4-pin PWM

Source1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Number of Fans 1, Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM, 120 x 25 x 120 mm, 2000 rpm at 100% PWM, 59.6 cfm / 101.2 m3/h, 2.41 mm H2O, rifle bearing, 4-pin PWM connector. Overall noise level at 50 / 75 / 100% is 12.4 / 24.4 / 31.2 dB(A). With one fan, 31.2 dB(A) is stored as the fan noise. The maker gives no minimum speed. overclocking.com prints 2.42 mmH2O for the static pressure, and the maker's 2.41 is stored.

BThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE

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

Source1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026TL-C12C FAN Spec: 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 1550 RPM +/-10% (MAX), 25.6 dBA, 66.17 CFM (MAX), 1.53 mm H2O (MAX), 4 pin PWM connector, S-FDB bearing, 0.20 A. The page does not state a fan count. The manual parts list shows one fan. S-FDB is stored as fluid dynamic, as on other Thermalright coolers. The page also has an ARGB Connector row (3 PIN 5V) for this fan. Tom's Hardware lists the TL-C12C with lighting none, and the White page (TL-C12CW) has no such row, so the row looks like a copy from the ARGB page and is not stored.8Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/thermalright-assassin-x-120-r-se-reviewRead 14 October 2026Fan table: Thermalright TL-C12C, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, up to 1550 RPM, 66.17 CFM, 1.53 mmH2O, S-FDB.

FansiNumber of included heatsink or radiator fans.

1=CalculatedFrom Included fans

1=CalculatedFrom Included fans

Display and lighting

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

No1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Lighting Connector No. The cooler is sold as the Black model without lighting. The LX model has the ARGB fan.

No8Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/thermalright-assassin-x-120-r-se-reviewRead 14 October 2026Fan table for the TL-C12C: Lighting None. LDLC says not luminous for the black model.12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00582147.htmlRead 14 October 2026Lighting: not luminous.

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.

None1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026The spec table lists no screen.

None1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026The page lists a heatsink and a fan only. No screen is mentioned.

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the built-in screen.

Not available

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Screen resolution

Not available

Not available

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.

No7Reviewoverclocking.com/test-be-quiet-pure-rock-3-blackRead 15 October 2026Installation steps: the fan plugs into the CPU_FAN header of the motherboard. No USB cable or software is mentioned.

No3Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/ASSASSINX120REFINEDSE.pdfRead 14 October 2026Fan wiring page: one 4-pin PWM fan header for CPU_FAN, plus a 3-pin 5V ARGB header for fans with ARGB lighting. 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.

Bronze8Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/112Read 15 October 2026Report BQCLR00112 is titled be quiet! Pure Rock 3 (tested 17 to 23 Nov 2025). Its fan is the Pure Wings 3 120mm High-Speed, with 4 heatpipes of 6 mm and 71 x 124 x 154 mm, which match the BK039. THETA Bronze, 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.

Silver10Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/110Read 14 October 2026Report TRCLR00110 is for the Assassin X 120 Refined SE ARGB, tested Nov 16 to 19, 2025. THETA Silver, Air, AM5, Ryzen 9 7900X, default mount, rated at 30 dB(A). The maker lists the same heatsink and the same fan figures for the plain model (TL-C12C against TL-C12C-S), so the ARGB report is used for it too. Evaluated before Revision 2.0 under Revision 1.8, and re-rated into the air class by Revision 2.2.

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.

Silver8Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/112Read 15 October 2026THETA Silver, Air, rated at 30 dB(A) on a Core Ultra 9 285K with the Default mount.

Silver10Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/110Read 14 October 2026THETA Silver, Air, LGA1851, Core Ultra 9 285K, default mount, rated at 30 dB(A).

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.

9,4168Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/112Read 15 October 2026Overall Performance 9,416 at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X.

9,66510Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/110Read 14 October 2026Overall Performance 9,665 at 30 dB(A) on a Ryzen 9 7900X (PBO enabled).

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.

12,7568Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/112Read 15 October 2026Overall Performance 12,756 at 30 dB(A) on a Core Ultra 9 285K.

12,88410Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/110Read 14 October 2026Overall Performance 12,884 at 30 dB(A) on a Core Ultra 9 285K (Intel default mode).

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.

29.4dB(A)8Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/112Read 15 October 202629.4 dB(A) at the 100% fan setting (2068 rpm). Hemi-anechoic chamber with a 6 dB(A) noise floor, Bruel & Kjaer 2270 G4 sound analyser, microphone 1 m from the cooler per the protocol.

30dB(A)10Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/110Read 14 October 202630.0 dB(A) at the 100% fan setting (1505 rpm). The single fan cannot go above 30 dB(A). Hemi-anechoic chamber with a 6 dB(A) noise floor, Bruel & Kjaer 2270 G4 analyser with a 4955-A microphone, microphone 1 m from the cooler.

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.

Abe quiet! Pure Rock 3

Test CPU	Load	CPU power (W)	Fan setting	Noise (dB(A))	CPU temperature (°C)	Above ambient (°C)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	170.6	20 dB(A)	20	95.1	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	174.8	25 dB(A)	25	95.1	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	175.9	30 dB(A)	30	95.1	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	175.9	100%	29.4	95.1	Not available
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel Default Mode	294.9	20 dB(A)	20	101.9	Not available
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel Default Mode	295.3	25 dB(A)	25	99.9	Not available
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel Default Mode	296.6	30 dB(A)	30	97.8	Not available
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel Default Mode	296.6	100%	29.4	97.8	Not available
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Fixed CPU power of 65 W	65	100% (2000 rpm)	Not available	Not available	18.3
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Fixed CPU power of 65 W	65	66% (1300 rpm)	Not available	Not available	20.9
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Fixed CPU power of 65 W	65	33% (650 rpm)	Not available	Not available	29.1
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Fixed CPU power of 105 W	105	100% (2000 rpm)	Not available	Not available	42.7
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Fixed CPU power of 105 W	105	66% (1300 rpm)	Not available	Not available	47.4
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Fixed CPU power of 105 W	105	33% (650 rpm)	Not available	Not available	66.1
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Fixed CPU power of 170 W	170	100% (2000 rpm)	Not available	Not available	64.1
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Fixed CPU power of 170 W	170	66% (1300 rpm)	Not available	Not available	67.9
Intel Core i5-13600KF	Fixed CPU power of 65 W	65	100% (2000 rpm)	Not available	Not available	24.2
Intel Core i5-13600KF	Fixed CPU power of 65 W	65	66% (1300 rpm)	Not available	Not available	25.8
Intel Core i5-13600KF	Fixed CPU power of 65 W	65	33% (650 rpm)	Not available	Not available	32.5
Intel Core i5-13600KF	Fixed CPU power of 125 W	125	100% (2000 rpm)	Not available	Not available	46.8
Intel Core i5-13600KF	Fixed CPU power of 125 W	125	66% (1300 rpm)	Not available	Not available	52.6
Intel Core i5-13600KF	Fixed CPU power of 125 W	125	33% (650 rpm)	Not available	Not available	67
Intel Core i5-13600KF	Fixed CPU power of 170 W	170	100% (2000 rpm)	Not available	Not available	66.3
Intel Core i5-13600KF	Fixed CPU power of 170 W	170	66% (1300 rpm)	Not available	Not available	72

Source7Reviewoverclocking.com/test-be-quiet-pure-rock-3-blackRead 15 October 2026overclocking.com review of 2025-03-11, values read from the bar charts. Temperatures are the delta between the CPU and the ambient temperature, which the review does not state. Fan speed is set by the motherboard at 100%, 66% and 33%, measured at 12 V, 8 V and 5 V as 2000, 1300 and 650 rpm. AMD: Ryzen 9 7900X at 65, 105 and 170 W. Intel: Core i5-13600KF at 65, 125 and 170 W. The charts have no 33% bar for the cooler at 170 W, so no row is stored for it. The review says some coolers could not hold the CPU at the highest power. The review charts noise in dB with no weighting or distance, so no noise value is stored. Its text does not name the load program or the paste. The review text credits the offset mount for the AM5 results.8Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/112Read 15 October 2026Cybenetics Cooling Solutions Test Protocol, revision 1.8 procedure: ambient 25 C and 30% humidity in a climate chamber, open bench (Cooler Master Test Bench for the Asus TUF Gaming X670E-Plus, DimasTech Bench for the ASRock Z890 Taichi), Prime95 Small FFTs at each noise level, CPU power measured at the EPS connectors, Arctic MX-4 paste for all tests, default mount. The first four rows are AMD and rows five to eight are Intel. The CPU hits its temperature limit in all rows. The report publishes no temperature above ambient. The 100% rows repeat the 30 dB(A) results because full speed is 29.4 dB(A).

BThermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE

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	173.5	20 dB(A)	20	95.1
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	178.4	25 dB(A)	25	95.1
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	179.7	30 dB(A)	30	95.1
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, PBO enabled	179.7	100%	30	95.1
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	295.6	20 dB(A)	20	101.7
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	297	25 dB(A)	25	99.1
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	296.4	30 dB(A)	30	96.7
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Prime95 Small FFTs, full CPU load, Intel default mode	296.4	100%	30	96.7
Intel Core i7-14700K	CPU only, no power limit, throttling at TJ Max, average package power the cooler held	225	Not available	41.9	Not available
Intel Core i7-14700K	CPU only, no power limit, noise normalized, average package power the cooler held	213	38.9 dB(A)	38.9	Not available
Intel Core i7-14700K	165 W CPU power limit with a 275 W GPU load	165	Not available	41.9	83
Intel Core i7-14700K	110 W CPU power limit with a 275 W GPU load	110	Not available	Not available	70
Intel Core i7-14700K	Cinebench, 120 W CPU power limit, noise only	120	Not available	38.9	Not available

Source9Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/thermalright-assassin-x-120-r-se-review/2Read 14 October 2026Albert Thomas, review of 2024-09-27. Intel Core i7-14700K on an MSI Z790 Project Zero in an MSI Pano 100L PZ Black case with Iceberg Thermal IceGale Silent system fans, Thermalright LGA1700 contact frame fitted, the bundled TF4 paste, ambient held at 23 C, enclosed case. Noise is read with a sound meter that cannot read below 35 dBA, and its distance is not stated. Row 1: no power limit, the CPU hits TJ Max and the reviewer records the package power the cooler held. The spec table says about 225 W (Average Maximum TDP, our testing) and the text says the cooler trailed the Noctua NH-D15 by 5 W. The 41.9 dBA maximum volume is stated for this test and for the 165 W test. Row 2: noise normalized to 38.9 dBA, cooled an average of 213 W. Rows 3 and 4: CPU power limits of 165 W and 110 W with a 275 W GPU load, average CPU temperature 83 C and 70 C. Row 5: 120 W Cinebench run where only noise is reported (38.9 dBA). The charts give no other numbers, so no more rows are stored.10Measurementcybenetics.com/evaluations/coolers/110Read 14 October 2026Cybenetics Cooling Solutions Test Protocol, ARGB edition. Ambient held at 25 C plus or minus 0.5 C and 30% humidity in a climate chamber, open test bench (Cooler Master Test Bench for AM5, DimasTech Bench for LGA1851), Prime95 Small FFTs, averages of the last 4 minutes, Arctic MX-4 paste for all tests (protocol PDF), Default mount. CPU power is measured at the EPS connectors. The report does not publish a temperature above ambient. At 20 and 25 dB(A) the rows use the report's fixed noise levels, and the 100% row has the same values as the 30 dB(A) row because 100% gives 30.0 dB(A).11Measurementcybenetics.com/data/Cybenetics%20Cooling%20Solutions%20Test%20Protocol_en.pdfRead 14 October 2026Test Protocol Revision 2.2: Prime95 Small FFTs for at least 10 minutes per level, values averaged over the last 4 minutes, ambient 25 C plus or minus 0.5 C, humidity 30%, Arctic MX-4 for all tests, one mount per platform, AMD test system Ryzen 9 7900X with PBO enabled and Intel test system Core Ultra 9 285K in Intel default mode. The 2025 test of this cooler used the older Revision 1.8 procedure.

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.

Width124Height154Depth71mm(4.9 × 6.1 × 2.8 in)1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Dimensions Without Mounting Material (L x W x H) 71 x 124 x 154 mm, so depth 71, width 124 and height 154, fan included.4Press articlegeektopia.es/es/technology/2025/02/25/noticias/be-quiet-anuncia-la-serie-pure-rock-3-de-refrigeraciones.htmlRead 15 October 2026Size 154 mm x 124 mm x 71 mm.5Retailer pageldlc.pro/fiche/PB00672696.htmlRead 15 October 2026Height 154 mm, width 124 mm and depth 71 mm with fan. Depth without fan is 46 mm.

Width120Height148Depth71mm(4.7 × 5.8 × 2.8 in)12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00582147.htmlRead 14 October 2026LDLC, fan included: height 148 mm, width 71 mm, depth 120 mm. LDLC's width is the 46 mm heatsink plus the 25 mm fan along the airflow, so depth_mm is 71 and width_mm is 120. Cybenetics measured 149 x 72 x 120 mm for the ARGB edition.

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.

Width124Height154Depth46mm(4.9 × 6.1 × 1.8 in)1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Heatsink Dimensions (L x W x H) 46 x 124 x 154 mm. The depth of 46 mm differs from the 71 mm with fan, so it is the heatsink alone.

Width120Height148Depth46mm(4.7 × 5.8 × 1.8 in)1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026Heatsink Specifications: L120 mm x W46 mm x H148 mm. L runs across the fins and W along the airflow, so width 120, depth 46 and height 148. The fan is listed in its own table, so this is the heatsink without the fan.

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.

570g(1.3 lb)1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Total Weight 0.57 kg. The page's Additional information row says 0.85 kg, which is a shipping figure, and the package gross weight row is not usable. Cybenetics lists 590 g. The maker's 570 g is stored.4Press articlegeektopia.es/es/technology/2025/02/25/noticias/be-quiet-anuncia-la-serie-pure-rock-3-de-refrigeraciones.htmlRead 15 October 2026Weight 570 g.5Retailer pageldlc.pro/fiche/PB00672696.htmlRead 15 October 2026Weight 570 g.

750g(1.7 lb)12Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00582147.htmlRead 14 October 2026LDLC, Black model: weight 750 g. This equals the maker's heatsink 630 g plus fan 120 g. Cybenetics lists 604 g for the ARGB edition, which is lower than the maker's 630 g heatsink figure, so its weighing basis is unclear and it is not stored.

Heatsink weightiAir coolers only. The heatsink without fans.

Not available

630g(1.4 lb)1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026Heatsink Specifications: Weight 630g. The TL-C12C fan is listed separately at 120 g. The PLUS page (two fans) states 640g (Without Fan), which confirms the figure is without fans.

In the box

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In the boxiItems supplied with this exact model, verbatim.

Not available

Heatsink x1, Fan x1, LGA115x/1700 back plate x1, INTEL/AM4 bracket x2, Intel screw x4, AM4 screw x4, 115X / 1200 standoff x4, AM4 standoff x4, Thermal grease x1, Fan clip x2, 17XX standoff x43Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/ASSASSINX120REFINEDSE.pdfRead 14 October 2026One-page installation guide for the Assassin X 120 Refined SE series, parts list A to L, quantities as printed. FAN x1 is the single-fan model and (PLUS x2) is the two-fan model. Item I, Wire x1, is marked use for plus, so it is not stored. The ARGB, White and White ARGB guides show the same list.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.bequiet.com/en/cpucooler/55919Maker product pagebequiet.com/en/cpucooler/5591Read 15 October 2026Product page of the BK039. bequiet.com blocks agents, so it was not opened. The maker's spec table was read in a retailer copy (Computer Assistance) and the launch press release in a copy at The FPS Review.

www.thermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-se1Maker product pagethermalright.com/product/assassin-x-120-refined-seRead 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

Not available

Not available

Manual

Not available

download.thermalright.com/manuals/ASSASSINX120REFINEDSE.pdf3Owner's manualdownload.thermalright.com/manuals/ASSASSINX120REFINEDSE.pdfRead 14 October 2026

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

Not available

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.

3years1Retailer pagecomputerassistance.co.uk/product/be-quiet-pure-rock-3-cpu-cooler-universal-socket-pure-wings-3-pwm-fan-2000rpm-only-31-2dba-at-maximum-fan-speed-190w-tdp-3-year-manufacturers-warrantyRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Warranty 3 Years.3Press articlethefpsreview.com/2025/02/26/be-quiet-launches-the-pure-rock-3-series-including-the-first-be-quiet-double-tower-air-coolers-for-entry-level-systemsRead 15 October 2026All Pure Rock 3 coolers come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty.5Retailer pageldlc.pro/fiche/PB00672696.htmlRead 15 October 2026Commercial warranty 3 years from the maker.

Not available

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