The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing two out of three spec victories. While the EK EK-AIO 280 D-RGB holds a significant lead in thermal management, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 provides the most impactful advantage with a 72% better MSRP. This substantial difference in cost-efficiency makes the air cooler the superior choice for users prioritizing value over the higher TDP rating offered by the liquid cooling solution.

Users should select the EK EK-AIO 280 D-RGB if their primary requirement is the 36% better TDP rating for high-performance thermal management. Conversely, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is the ideal component for budget-conscious builders who want to maximize their savings without sacrificing the majority of the measured specifications. Choosing between these two depends entirely on whether you prioritize the superior heat dissipation capacity of the liquid cooler or the significant cost advantage of the air cooler.