The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE wins in 2 out of 3 comparable specs. Its biggest advantage is MSRP (80% better).
Dark Rock Elite wins in 1 spec (TDP Rating: 87% better).
Recommendation
Choose Assassin X 120 Refined SE if you want the best overall performance — especially msrp.
Choose Dark Rock Elite if tdp rating matters more to you.
| Spec | be quiet!Dark Rock Elite | ThermalrightAssassin X 120 Refined SE |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Type | Air Tower | Air Tower |
| Height | 168 mm | 148 mm |
| Performance | ||
| TDP Rating | 280W+87% | 150W |
| Fans | 2 | 1 |
| Fan Size | 135 mm | 120 mm |
| Acoustics | ||
| Noise Level | 25.8 dB(A) | 25 dB(A)−3% |
| Fan RPM | 200 - 1500 | 500 - 1550 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Sockets | LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, AM5, AM4 | LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, AM5, AM4 |
| Price | ||
| MSRP | $90 | $18−80% |
| Release Date | Mar 2024 | Jun 2023 |
