Description
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 (PA140) represents a significant evolution in air cooling technology, building upon the award-winning dual-tower architecture. This cooler utilizes a massive fin array paired with a C1100 pure copper nickel-plated base to ensure rapid heat transfer from the CPU IHS. The asymmetric design, featuring a 120mm TL-C12B V2 front fan and a 140mm TL-D14CB center fan, optimizes airflow and static pressure without sacrificing memory clearance, making it a premier choice for air-cooling enthusiasts.
This product is for:
- High-End PC Builders: Users seeking a reliable, leak-free alternative to liquid cooling for flagship CPUs.
- Content Creators: Professionals running long rendering sessions who require consistent thermal stability.
- Silent PC Enthusiasts: Builders prioritizing low acoustic signatures, as the S-FDB fans operate at a maximum of 25.6 dBA.
- Overclockers: Enthusiasts pushing clock speeds on multi-core processors like the Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 series.
- Long-Term System Owners: Users who value the 6-year warranty and the mechanical simplicity of air cooling over AIO pumps.
Detailed specifications:
- Heatsink Dimensions: 140mm (L) x 132mm (W) x 158mm (H)
- Heat Pipes: 6 x 6mm AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology
- Base Material: C1100 Pure Copper, Nickel Plated
- Center Fan (TL-D14CB): 140mm x 140mm x 27mm; 1500 RPM; 77.8 CFM; 2.09 mm H2O
- Front Fan (TL-C12B V2): 120mm x 120mm x 25mm; 1500 RPM; 66.17 CFM; 1.53 mm H2O
- Bearing Type: S-FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) for increased longevity
- Connector: 4-Pin PWM for intelligent speed control
Installing the PA140 is straightforward thanks to Thermalright's robust mounting hardware, which supports the latest Intel and AMD sockets. In real-world testing, the dual-tower design excels at managing transient temperature spikes during heavy gaming or productivity workloads. The 158mm height is a critical design choice, allowing the cooler to fit into the majority of mid-tower chassis where larger 165mm+ coolers would fail. The S-FDB bearings provide a smooth, hum-free operation even when the fans ramp up to their 1500 RPM limit.
Compared to its predecessor, the Peerless Assassin 120, the PA140 offers increased surface area and a larger central fan, resulting in lower temperatures at equivalent noise levels. When measured against entry-level 240mm All-in-One (AIO) liquid coolers, the PA140 provides comparable thermal performance with superior reliability, as it eliminates the risks of pump failure or coolant permeation over time. It stands as a more cost-effective and durable solution for high-performance computing.
Q&A:
- Will the PA140 fit in my case? The cooler stands 158mm tall; please verify your chassis clearance, though it fits most standard mid-tower cases.
- Does this cooler interfere with high-profile RAM? The front 120mm fan is designed to provide better clearance than standard 140mm fans, though the fan can be clipped higher if necessary.
- Is the mounting bracket compatible with LGA1700 and AM5? Yes, the PA140 includes hardware for the latest mainstream sockets from both Intel and AMD.
- How loud does the cooler get under full load? The maximum noise level is rated at 25.6 dBA, which is significantly quieter than many stock or budget cooling solutions.
- What is the benefit of the S-FDB bearing? Fluid Dynamic Bearings reduce friction and vibration, leading to a longer lifespan and quieter operation compared to sleeve or ball bearings.
