Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black CPU Air Cooler

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black CPU Cooler is priced at C$54.90 and features a twin-tower design that enhances heat dissipation. This cooler is built with a combination of pure copper heatpipes and high-performance dual fans, ensuring efficient thermal management of your CPU. Its 158mm height makes it compatible with a range of chassis sizes, accommodating high-profile RAM and graphics cards. The dual PWM fans can reach speeds of 1500 RPM, delivering a maximum air volume of 66.17 CFM while maintaining a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A). The product supports a variety of CPU sockets including Intel's LGA1700 and AMD's AM5.

Overview of Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black CPU Air Cooler

In contrast, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black CPU Air Cooler is more budget-friendly at C$46.71, offering a compact design at 154mm tall. The cooler utilises advanced AGHP technology with 7x6mm heatpipes that improve heat dissipation efficiency through its unique orientation capabilities. It also features a finely carved pure copper base and anodized black frosted top pieces, which enhance its aesthetic appeal while maximising cooling performance. This cooler supports Intel's LGA1700 and AMD's AM5 sockets, making it versatile for different builds.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black boasts a robust twin-tower structure that not only looks impressive but also enhances cooling efficiency. Its symmetrical mecha-shaped fins are complemented by a pure copper base, optimising heat transfer. The cooler's dimensions of 140mm x 157mm x 158mm make it a substantial addition to any chassis.

On the other hand, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black has a more compact footprint with dimensions of 125mm x 135mm x 154mm. Its all-aluminium fins combined with a micro-carved copper base effectively increase the heat dissipation area. While both coolers are well-built, the Peerless Assassin's larger design may provide superior performance under high thermal loads.

Cooling Performance

The cooling performance is a critical factor, and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black excels with its dual fans that can generate a maximum air volume of 66.17 CFM. This is particularly beneficial for users running high-performance CPUs. The dual fans also help maintain a low noise level, making it suitable for quiet PC builds.

Conversely, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black utilises its AGHP technology to enhance cooling performance, allowing for effective heat dissipation in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Although its specifications do not provide a maximum CFM value, the effective design ensures that it can manage heat efficiently for moderate CPU usage.

Compatibility with CPU Sockets

Both coolers offer broad compatibility with various CPU sockets. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black is compatible with Intel sockets including LGA1700, and AMD's AM4 and AM5. This wide compatibility makes it an excellent choice for users planning to upgrade their CPUs in the future.

Similarly, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black also supports Intel's LGA1700 and AMD's AM4 and AM5 sockets. This feature ensures that both products can cater to a wide range of builds, but the Peerless Assassin's larger size may limit its compatibility with smaller chassis setups.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an important consideration for many users, especially those building a quiet system. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black has a noise level of ≤25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a cooler of its performance calibre. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and professionals who require a peaceful working environment.

In comparison, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black does not specify its noise levels, but its design incorporates S-FDB bearings that are known for their quiet operation. While it is likely to be quieter than many stock coolers, the exact noise performance remains unclear without specified data.

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black is offered at C$54.90, while the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black is slightly cheaper at C$46.71. The price difference of C$8.19 may influence budget-conscious buyers, especially those who do not require the absolute best cooling performance. However, the additional features and larger cooling capacity of the Peerless Assassin may justify the higher price for some users.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 Black and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black hinges on your specific needs and budget. If you require superior cooling performance and are willing to invest a bit more, the Peerless Assassin is a strong choice due to its advanced cooling technology and dual fans. However, if you're looking for a cost-effective solution that still provides solid performance for moderate use, the Phantom Spirit is a commendable option. Ultimately, both coolers offer quality and compatibility for various CPU setups, making either a worthy addition to your build.