Thermalright's Assassin X 120-A Dark: direct-touch heatpipes and all-black design

Thermalright has introduced the Assassin X 120-A Dark, an updated version of its Assassin X 120 V2 series CPU cooler. The single-tower model retains the slim profile of its predecessor but adopts a fully black finish across the heatsink, top cover, base, and four 6 mm copper heat pipes.

The most significant change is the switch from a nickel-plated copper base to a heatpipe direct-touch (HDT) base. In this design, the heatpipes make direct contact with the processor's integrated heat spreader, improving thermal transfer efficiency. The heatpipes run through the fin stack in a square-pattern layout to ensure even heat distribution across the entire radiator. The heatsink itself measures 120 x 46 x 151 mm.

The cooler is paired with a single Thermalright TL-NT12-R9 V2 120 mm PWM fan, replacing the older TC-C12C V2 model. The new fan uses an S-FDB (fluid-dynamic) bearing for quieter operation and longer lifespan. It spins at a maximum speed of 2,400 RPM, delivering up to 85.35 CFM of airflow, a static pressure of 2.95 mm H₂O, and a maximum noise level of 33.3 dBA.

The Assassin X 120-A Dark supports Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115x sockets, as well as AMD AM5 and AM4 platforms. Thermalright has not yet announced pricing or availability. Given the all-black design and the direct-touch heatpipe base, the cooler is likely aimed at budget-conscious builders who want a clean aesthetic without sacrificing basic cooling performance.