Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus CPU Cooler 4 Heat Pipes with AGHP Technology vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Cooler

Overview of Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120

The Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 are both high-performance CPU coolers from the renowned Taiwanese brand Thermalright. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus is priced at C$25.90, while the Phantom Spirit 120 is priced at C$47.90. The price difference of C$22 gives a clear indication of the positioning of each product in the market. Both coolers are designed for efficient heat dissipation, but they come with different specifications and features that may appeal to various users.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus measures 120(L)x96(W)x154(H)mm and features an aluminum heat sink with metal fasteners compatible with Intel and AMD platforms. Its focus on pure aluminum cooling fins aims to enhance heat repulsion. On the other hand, the Phantom Spirit 120 has slightly larger dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x157(H)mm and incorporates anodized black frosted top along with a finely carved pure copper base for enhanced thermal conductivity. Both products utilize high-quality materials like PBT and PC, ensuring durability and longevity.

Cooling Technology

Cooling performance is a critical factor for CPU coolers. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus employs 4 heat pipes with AGHP technology to mitigate the inverse gravity effect, enabling effective cooling regardless of orientation. This cooler boasts an expected service life of up to 20,000 hours, thanks to its S-FDB bearings. In contrast, the Phantom Spirit 120 employs 7 heat pipes with the upgraded 4th generation AGHP technology, also promising a service life of 20,000 hours. Its design maximizes the heat dissipation area, making it ideal for high-performance setups.

Compatibility

Compatibility is crucial when choosing a CPU cooler. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus supports a wide range of Intel sockets, including 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and AMD sockets AM4 and AM5. The Phantom Spirit 120 has an even broader compatibility range with Intel sockets, such as LGA1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, and 2066, as well as AMD sockets AM4 and AM5. This wider compatibility may be a deciding factor for users with specific motherboard requirements.

Cooling Efficiency

Both coolers are designed to provide efficient cooling. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus's focus on pure aluminum fins aims for high heat repulsion, while the Phantom Spirit 120, with its aluminum fins and a copper base, brings a powerful cooling effect through superior thermal conductivity. The cooling efficiency of the Phantom Spirit 120 can be further enhanced by its optimized heatsink design, which is compatible with a wider variety of chassis models due to its height of 157mm.

Noise Level

Noise level is an essential consideration for users seeking a quiet computing experience. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus features S-FDB bearings designed to minimize fan noise while maintaining maximum cooling performance. The Phantom Spirit 120 also employs Stably-FDB bearings, particularly addressing the issue of fan blade shaking during operation. Both coolers aim to provide a quiet environment, but the specific performance under load may vary depending on individual use cases.

Installation Process

The ease of installation can significantly influence user experience. The Assassin X 120 V2 Plus comes with metal fasteners and clear installation instructions, making it straightforward to set up. Similarly, the Phantom Spirit 120 provides corresponding mounting plates and fasteners for various CPU socket platforms, along with tutorial guidance for installation. Both products are designed to facilitate a user-friendly installation process, ensuring that even novice builders can manage the setup.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two coolers is significant, with the Assassin X 120 V2 Plus retailing at C$25.90 and the Phantom Spirit 120 at C$47.90. The C$22 difference reflects the additional features and broader compatibility offered by the Phantom Spirit 120. While the lower price of the Assassin X 120 V2 Plus may be appealing to budget-conscious consumers, the additional investment in the Phantom Spirit 120 may be justified for those seeking enhanced performance and longevity.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Assassin X 120 V2 Plus and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a more affordable option that still offers solid performance and compatibility with a variety of CPU sockets, the Assassin X 120 V2 Plus is a great choice at C$25.90. However, if you require advanced features, better cooling efficiency, and broader compatibility, the Phantom Spirit 120 at C$47.90 may be worth the extra cost. Ultimately, assess your priorities regarding performance, compatibility, and budget to make the best decision for your build.