Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Cooler

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler is designed to provide robust cooling performance and aesthetic appeal through its ARGB lighting. With a current price of C$46.90, it boasts a dual tower design that enhances airflow and heat dissipation. This cooler is particularly suitable for users seeking both functionality and visual flair in their builds.

The Peerless Assassin features dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm and weighs 0.97kg. It is equipped with two PWM fans that operate at a maximum speed of 1500 RPM, delivering an airflow of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A). The cooler supports various CPU sockets, including Intel's 115X, 1200, 1700, and AMD's AM4, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.

Overview of Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Cooler is another impressive offering from Thermalright, priced at C$47.90. This cooler also emphasizes effective thermal management and is designed to cater to a diverse array of CPU socket types. Its height of 157mm allows it to fit comfortably in most cases while still providing excellent cooling performance.

With dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x157(H)mm and a weight of 0.945kg, the Phantom Spirit features a unique design that incorporates a combination of anodized black frosted top and finely crafted pure copper base. This design enhances the cooler’s heat dissipation capabilities. Additionally, it uses a 7x6mm heatpipe with AGHP technology, ensuring efficient heat transfer and a long operational lifespan of up to 20,000 hours.

Cooling Performance Comparison

When it comes to cooling performance, both coolers are built to handle demanding conditions, but they have distinct features that affect their efficiency. The Peerless Assassin can support a thermal design power (TDP) of 120 to 245W, making it suitable for high-performance CPUs. Its six pure copper heat pipes and dual fan configuration enhance its cooling capabilities.

In comparison, the Phantom Spirit, with its 7x6mm heatpipe and AGHP upgraded technology, is engineered to minimize the inverse gravity effect, a common issue in vertical or horizontal setups. While the Peerless Assassin has a higher TDP rating, the Phantom Spirit's sophisticated design and materials may offer more stable performance over extended periods, especially in varied orientations.

Aesthetic and Build Quality

The aesthetic appeal of the Peerless Assassin is highlighted by its colourful ARGB lighting, making it a more visually striking option for users who prioritize aesthetics in their builds. The dual fans not only enhance cooling but also provide an engaging lighting experience.

On the other hand, the Phantom Spirit adopts a more subdued yet elegant design with an anodized black frosted top. Its focus is more on the quality of materials and construction, featuring industrial-grade PBT+PC materials that enhance durability. While it may lack the flashy lighting of the Peerless Assassin, it compensates with a refined look that can complement a variety of setups.

Noise Levels and Fan Operation

Noise levels are a critical consideration for many users, especially those looking to maintain a quiet environment. The Peerless Assassin operates at a maximum noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a cooler of its size and capability. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and professionals who require low-noise operation during intense tasks.

Conversely, the Phantom Spirit does not explicitly state its noise levels, but it is equipped with S-FDB bearings designed to reduce fan blade shaking and improve overall stability. While it may be slightly noisier than the Peerless Assassin under load, its design aims to maintain a balance between performance and noise.

Installation and Compatibility

Both coolers offer broad compatibility with various Intel and AMD CPU sockets, making them versatile choices for different build configurations. The Peerless Assassin supports Intel sockets 115X, 1200, 1700, and AMD's AM4, while the Phantom Spirit is compatible with Intel's LGA1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 2011, 2066, and AMD's AM4, AM5 sockets.

In terms of installation, both products come with mounting plates and fasteners tailored to their respective sockets, simplifying the installation process. However, the Peerless Assassin's design may allow for slightly easier access due to its room for memory chips, enabling more unrestricted installation.

Price and Value Assessment

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin is priced at C$46.90, making it a slightly more economical choice compared to the Phantom Spirit, which is available for C$47.90. While the price difference is minimal, the choice between the two may ultimately come down to specific feature preferences rather than cost alone.

Given their comparable functionality and performance, users must assess which features matter most to them. The Peerless Assassin's ARGB lighting and higher TDP rating might appeal to gamers, while the Phantom Spirit's refined build quality and longer service life may attract users focused on durability and understated elegance.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 CPU Cooler ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. If you prioritize visual appeal and a higher TDP capability for overclocking, the Peerless Assassin is the better option. However, if you value build quality, a quieter operation, and a more refined aesthetic, the Phantom Spirit is worth the investment. Both coolers deliver excellent performance and reliability, ensuring that your CPU stays cool under load, making either a solid choice for your system.