PickSmartly Review

Best Thermalright Cooling Fans in 2026

By PickSmartly Editorial Team · Updated Aug 4, 2026

9.7 PM Score
Products Evaluated
34
Reviews Analyzed
3,171
Brands Ranked
2
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

When it comes to PC building, Thermalright has carved out a massive reputation for offering high-performance thermal solutions that punch far above their weight class in terms of price-to-performance. While many enthusiasts initially discover the brand through their legendary air coolers, their standalone cooling fans have become a staple for builders looking to optimize airflow without breaking the bank. Choosing the right fan from their lineup requires more than just picking the largest blade. You need to balance static pressure, airflow volume, and acoustic profiles to match your specific chassis or radiator setup.

#1

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler, Dual 120mm TL-C12C-S PWM Fan, Aluminium Heatsink Cover, AGHP Techn...

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Cooler

4.7 (211 ratings)
THERMALRIGHT PA120 SE ARGB 1700-D6 4.92 X 5.31 X 6.10 Inches 2.14 Pounds

Reviews for THERMALRIGHT (PM Score)

9.7 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
Read Customer Reviews
  • [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
  • [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE ARGB. CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch). Heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger
  • 【2 PWM Fans】Model:TL-C12C-S. Colorful and gorgeous ARGB light effects. Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches). Product weight:0.97kg(2.1lb). Fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%. Power port: 4pin. Voltage:12V. Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX). Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), leave room for memory-chip(RAM), so that installation of ice cooler cpu is unrestricted
  • 【AGHP technique】6×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation,6 pure copper sintered heat pipes & PWM fan & Pure copper base&Full electroplating reflow welding process, When CPU cooler works, match with ultra-silent airflow fans, aim to extreme CPU cooling performance
  • 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:115X/1200/1700/17XX AMD:AM4:AM5. For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
THERMALRIGHT.EUR 9.45

Budget-conscious builders who refuse to sacrifice thermal performance should stop looking elsewhere because the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB is a total game-changer. This dual-tower beast utilizes six 6mm heat pipes paired with advanced AGHP technology to fight gravity, ensuring consistent cooling whether your chassis is oriented vertically or horizontally. I was particularly impressed by how the design leaves ample room for memory chips, avoiding the usual clearance headaches found with beefier air coolers. The dual 120mm PWM fans are remarkably quiet, staying under 25.6dB even while pushing significant airflow. With its striking ARGB lighting and a pure copper base, it provides a high-end aesthetic and extreme cooling capabilities that punch far above its price point.

What We Like
Dual tower design
AGHP heat pipe technology
Quiet PWM fans
Vibrant ARGB lighting
High RAM clearance
#2 Best For Cooler Master Best For Noctua Best For Thermalright

Noctua NH-C14S, Premium CPU Cooler with NF-A14 PWM 140mm Fan (Brown)

Noctua NH-C14S Premium CPU Cooler

NOCTUA NH-C14S 6.40 X 5.50 X 5.50 Inches 2.24 Pounds

Reviews for NOCTUA (PM Score)

0.0 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
Read Customer Reviews
  • Top-flow design for lower height, increased case compatibility and more airflow over RAM modules and near-socket motherboard components
  • Fan can be installed on top or underneath the cooling fins for maximum RAM clearance (up to 70mm) or low profile (115mm total height)
  • Highly optimised NF-A14 140mm fan with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation
  • Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1700 (LGA17xx family) LGA1200, LGA115x, LGA2011, LGA2066 and AMD AM4 & AM5
  • Renowned Noctua quality backed up by 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, deluxe choice for Intel Core i9, i7, i5, i3 (e.g. 13900, 13700, 13600) and AMD Ryzen (e.g. 7950X3D, 7900X3D, 7800X3D, 7700)
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Noctua Cooling Solutions 9.93

Can a single cooler actually solve the headache of high-end RAM clearance and case compatibility? The Noctua NH-C14S answers this with a clever top-flow design that pushes air directly over your motherboard components and memory modules. I found the versatility of the NF-A14 140mm fan particularly impressive. You can mount it underneath the fins to accommodate massive 70mm RAM sticks or position it on top for a more compact 115mm profile. It handles heavy hitters like the Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 7950X3D with ease, thanks to the included NT-H1 thermal paste and the reliable SecuFirm2 mounting system. It is a premium, quiet solution for builders who refuse to compromise on thermals or aesthetics.

What We Like
Top-flow design
Versatile fan mounting
Quiet PWM control
High RAM clearance
Easy installation
Brands
Electric Fan Material
Top 10
  1. 1Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Se Argb Cpu Air Cooler, 6 Heat Pipes Cpu Cool...
  2. 2Noctua Nh-C14S, Premium Cpu Cooler With Nf-A14 Pwm 140Mm Fan (Brown)
Buying Guide

A Guide to Selecting the Best Thermalright Cooling Fans

A Guide to Selecting the Best Thermalright Cooling Fans

Understanding Airflow vs. Static Pressure

The most critical decision factor when selecting a Thermalright fan is understanding the intended application: high airflow (AF) or high static pressure (SP). If you are replacing fans on a case intake or exhaust, you should prioritize fans with high CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). These fans are designed to move large volumes of air through open spaces. However, if you are mounting fans onto a liquid cooling radiator or a thick heatsink, you must look for high static pressure ratings. Static pressure is the fan's ability to push air through restrictive obstructions. A high-airflow fan will struggle to push air through the dense fins of a radiator, leading to heat buildup, whereas a static-pressure-optimized fan uses blade geometry to force air through those tight gaps efficiently.

Noise Levels and PWM Control

A cooling fan is only as good as its acoustic profile. Thermalright offers various tiers of fans, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium models with advanced bearing technologies. When browsing, pay close attention to the decibel (dB) ratings. For a silent workstation, look for fans that feature Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control. PWM allows your motherboard to dynamically adjust the fan speed based on real-time temperature readings. A fan that can spin at 500 RPM during idle and only ramp up to 2000 RPM during heavy gaming is far more desirable than a fixed-speed fan that creates a constant drone in your room.

Bearing Technology and Longevity

The longevity of your cooling setup depends heavily on the bearing type used in the fan motor. Thermalright typically utilizes fluid dynamic bearings or hydraulic bearings in their mid-to-high-end models. Fluid dynamic bearings are generally superior because they reduce friction and minimize mechanical noise, which also extends the lifespan of the fan. If you are building a high-end workstation that will run 24/7, investing a little extra in a model with a more robust bearing system will prevent the annoying clicking or grinding sounds that often plague cheaper, sleeve-bearing fans after a year of use.

Size and Compatibility

While 120mm is the industry standard, do not overlook the benefits of 140mm fans if your chassis supports them. Larger fans can move the same amount of air as smaller fans while spinning at lower RPMs, which inherently results in a quieter system. When selecting your Thermalright fans, always verify the mounting thickness and the depth of the fan to ensure they do not interfere with your RAM modules or the motherboard heatsinks. Additionally, check the connector type. Most modern Thermalright fans use standard 4-pin PWM headers, but always ensure your motherboard has enough available headers or a compatible fan hub to manage a full array of new cooling components.

Ready to choose?

Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.

See Our Top Picks Compare All

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Thermalright Cooling Fans before you buy.

Most Thermalright models are engineered for a balance of airflow and acoustics, but high-performance fans will naturally increase in noise as RPM rises. For a silent build, look for their PWM-controlled models which allow for fine-tuned speed curves.

Yes, the vast majority of Thermalright fans use standard 3-pin or 4-pin PWM connectors that are compatible with almost all modern motherboards.

Absolutely. Many of their high-static pressure models are specifically designed to push air through dense radiator fins, making them excellent upgrades for AIO setups.

Airflow fans are optimized for moving large volumes of air in open spaces (like case intakes), while static pressure fans are designed to push air through resistance, such as radiators or thick dust filters.

Most of their mid-to-high-end models include rubberized corners or vibration dampeners to prevent rattling and reduce noise transfer to the chassis.

Thermalright offers various sizes, including 120mm and 140mm. Always check the specific dimensions to ensure they fit your compact case or limited radiator mounting points.

If your motherboard has limited headers, you can use a PWM fan splitter or a dedicated fan hub to power multiple fans from a single connection without losing control.
Research & Insights

Our Analysis of Thermalright Cooling Fans

3,171 Reviews Analyzed
34 Products Evaluated
6.9 Avg PM Score
2 Brands Ranked

Top 10 Thermalright Cooling Fans Brands on Amazon

Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our editorial analysis.

  1. 01 Thermalright 32 (94.1%)
  2. 02 Noctua 2 (5.9%)

What Our Analysis Found

We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 3,171 reviews on Thermalright Cooling Fans, using our selection criteria to identify the best options in the categories. Our findings reveal that most customers typically select Thermalright Cooling Fans priced around $30.86.

Our team of expert editors reviewed these high-quality items and handpicked the top 2 Thermalright Cooling Fans for your consideration..

We are dedicated to assisting our users in finding the right fans Products based on their needs, saving them considerable time when choosing which Thermalright Cooling Fans to buy. We take pride in the number of satisfied users we've helped through our thorough and insightful reviews.

Side by Side

Comparison Table

Compare the top 2 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.

# Product Brand PM Score Rating Where to Buy
1 Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Cooler Thermalright 9.7 4.7 (211) Buy on Amazon
2 Noctua NH-C14S Premium CPU Cooler Noctua 0.0 0.0 Buy on Amazon