Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB Water Cooling CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark CPU Cooler Air with 4×6mm HeatPipes

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark is significantly more affordable than the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB. The Assassin Spirit is priced at C$24.90, while the Frozen Notte comes in at C$65.37. This represents a difference of C$40.47, making the Assassin Spirit an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. For users looking for effective cooling without breaking the bank, the lower price point of the Assassin Spirit might be a decisive factor.

Cooling Performance

The Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 boasts a more advanced cooling system compared to the Assassin Spirit. It features a 360mm radiator design with three PWM fans that can reach speeds of 2000 RPM, generating an air volume of 72.37 CFM. In contrast, the Assassin Spirit has a single 120mm fan with a maximum speed of 1850 RPM. Although both coolers are effective, the Frozen Notte’s higher airflow and additional fans make it more suitable for high-performance builds, especially those with overclocked CPUs.

Design and Aesthetics

In terms of design, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 offers a visually striking aesthetic with its ARGB lighting that can be synchronised with the motherboard. This cooler features a sophisticated mirror plane base and a sleek black finish, contributing to a premium look. The Assassin Spirit, while functional, has a more utilitarian design, with anodic black brushed top cover and fully plated heat pipes. While both coolers are visually appealing, the Frozen Notte’s lighting capabilities may appeal more to gamers and enthusiasts looking to create a vibrant setup.

Build Quality

The build quality of both coolers reflects Thermalright’s commitment to durability. The Frozen Notte features a high-quality copper base and aluminum alloy cover, promising longevity with a lifespan of up to 40,000 hours. On the other hand, the Assassin Spirit is constructed with all-aluminium fins and a copper base, which also ensures reliable performance. However, the Frozen Notte’s use of premium materials, such as the high polymer woven protective water pipe, suggests that it is designed for more demanding applications.

Noise Levels

Noise levels can greatly impact user experience, and here, the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 again has an advantage. Its fans operate at a maximum noise level of only 27.7 DBA, making it relatively quiet for a high-performance cooler. The Assassin Spirit does not specify its noise levels, but with a single fan, it is reasonable to expect that it would be quieter under low loads. For users sensitive to noise, the Frozen Notte's advanced fan technology provides an edge, especially during intensive tasks.

Compatibility

Both the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 and the Assassin Spirit are designed to be compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The Frozen Notte supports numerous Intel sockets, including LGA 1150 through 2066 and AMD’s AM2 to AM5 platforms. The Assassin Spirit also covers a solid range of compatibility, supporting Intel LGA 1150 to LGA 1700 and AMD AM4/AM5. This extensive compatibility makes both coolers versatile options for various builds, although the Frozen Notte’s broader range may cater better to users with older or more diverse systems.

Installation Process

In terms of installation, both coolers are designed to be user-friendly. The Thermalright Frozen Notte comes with a dual platform full metal black buckle, which simplifies the installation process on the corresponding CPU platforms. Similarly, the Assassin Spirit provides the necessary mounting plates for different CPU slots, making it straightforward to set up. Users might find the Frozen Notte's more complex assembly process for its larger size slightly more challenging, but both products generally offer clear installation guidance.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 Black ARGB and the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO Dark ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for superior cooling performance, advanced aesthetics with ARGB lighting, and are willing to invest more, the Frozen Notte is the clear winner. However, for those on a tighter budget who still want reliable cooling, the Assassin Spirit provides excellent value with solid performance at a significantly lower price. Consider your priorities—whether they be cost, performance, or visual appeal—to make the best choice for your build.