The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing two out of three spec victories. Its most significant advantage is a 29% higher TDP rating compared to the Noctua NH-U12S Redux, indicating a superior capacity for handling thermal loads. While the Noctua NH-U12S Redux offers a 2% improvement in noise levels, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 provides a more substantial increase in overall cooling potential for your system.

Choose the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 if you prioritize maximum thermal management and cooling efficiency for your processor. Conversely, select the Noctua NH-U12S Redux if your primary objective is to minimize acoustic output during operation. By focusing on these specific advantages, you can align your choice with either the superior heat dissipation capabilities of the former or the slight noise reduction benefits offered by the latter.