Thermalright AX120R SE PLUS CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heatpipes, Dual 120 mm PWM Fans

Some desktop builds call for straightforward air cooling, others have different priorities for their cooling layout. The Thermalright AX120R SE PLUS keeps the focus on a heatsink and fan setup. Its four heatpipes and dual 120 mm PWM fans are designed for compatible AMD and Intel desktop sockets. The result is a practical choice when you want to cool a CPU with an air cooler.

Tech summary

The AX120R SE PLUS uses four 6 mm heatpipes with AGHP technology and an aluminium heatsink. The heatpipe direct-touch design works with thermal paste at the CPU interface, while the aluminium fins provide the heatsink surface for heat dissipation. Together, these details make the cooler suitable for a desktop build where a conventional air-cooling arrangement is preferred.

Two 120 mm PWM fans, identified as TL-C12C and TL-C12RB V2, move air through the heatsink. Their S-FDB bearings are designed to reduce fan-blade vibration and keep operating noise low, the stated noise level is up to 25.6 dB(A). A 4-pin power connection supports the PWM fan setup. For planning a build, the cooler measures 125(L) x 96(W) x 148(H) mm, with a height that the product information describes as suitable for medium computer cases.

Compatibility & requirements

This cooler is listed for AMD AM4 and AM5, and Intel 1700, 1150, 1151 and 1200 sockets. Check the socket on your motherboard against this list when selecting a CPU cooler. The included metal fasteners are described for Intel and AMD platforms, supporting installation on the listed platform types. Its 148 mm height is useful when assessing the available space in a desktop case.

Getting the most from it

For a planned build, first match the cooler to the motherboard socket and allow for its stated dimensions in the case layout. During installation, fit the appropriate platform fasteners and apply thermal paste at the CPU interface as part of the direct-touch heatpipe setup. Connect the fans using their 4-pin PWM connection, then arrange the build so air can pass through the heatsink. This makes the cooler a good fit for a standard desktop configuration where active airflow and a conventional heatsink are the preferred approach.

The AGHP heatpipes are designed to address the reverse-gravity effect associated with vertical or horizontal orientation. That makes their orientation-focused design relevant when choosing how the cooler will sit in a desktop build. The dual-fan layout, aluminium fins and four heatpipes give you several specific cooling components to consider together, rather than relying on a single fan alone.

What to clarify

Which sockets does it support? It is listed for AMD AM4 and AM5, and Intel 1700, 1150, 1151 and 1200, so match your motherboard socket to one of these before installation.

How do the fans connect? The fans use a 4-pin PWM power connection. The listed fan models are TL-C12C and TL-C12RB V2.

What space should I allow for the cooler? Its dimensions are 125(L) x 96(W) x 148(H) mm. The 148 mm height is the key measurement to compare with the available space in your case.

When it makes sense

Choose the AX120R SE PLUS when your desktop build needs an air cooler for one of its listed AMD or Intel sockets, with dual 120 mm PWM fans and four 6 mm heatpipes. Its aluminium heatsink, S-FDB fan bearings and stated dimensions give you concrete details to weigh against a different cooling layout. For a compatible build with room for its 148 mm height, it offers a defined air-cooling setup for everyday desktop use.