Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Overview of Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO and Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is priced at C$56.51, while the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB is notably more affordable, at C$24.59. Both coolers come from the reputable Taiwanese brand Thermalright, known for over two decades in the cooler market. Despite their shared lineage, they cater to different performance needs and price points, making them suitable for various users.

Design and Build Quality

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO boasts dimensions of 125(L)x135(W)x157(H)mm, featuring a stylish anodized black frosted top and finely carved pure copper base, which enhances both aesthetics and heat dissipation. In contrast, the Assassin King 120 SE ARGB is smaller, measuring 120(L)x73(W)x148(H)mm, and employs a simpler design with a focus on functionality. Both coolers are constructed from aluminum and feature high-quality PBT + PC materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

Cooling Performance

In terms of cooling efficiency, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO employs a 2150 RPM fan that maximizes heat dissipation, providing a high-performance cooling solution. On the other hand, the Assassin King 120 SE ARGB features a fan speed of 1550 RPM, which, while slightly lower, still achieves an impressive airflow of 66.17 CFM. The difference in RPM indicates that the Phantom Spirit may offer superior cooling performance under heavy loads, making it ideal for high-performance builds.

Noise Levels

Noise generation can significantly impact user experience, especially for those seeking a quiet computing environment. The Assassin King 120 SE ARGB has a noise level capped at 25.6 dB(A), which is relatively quiet for a CPU cooler. While the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO does not specify its noise levels directly, the higher fan speed may suggest that it could operate at a higher noise level compared to the Assassin King. Thus, users prioritizing silence may lean towards the Assassin King.

Installation and Compatibility

Installation ease is crucial for many users, and both coolers offer compatibility with various CPU sockets. The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO does not specify its supported sockets, while the Assassin King 120 SE ARGB explicitly supports Intel sockets (115X/1200/1700/17XX) and AMD sockets (AM4/AM5). This compatibility may make the Assassin King a more flexible option for a wider range of builds, particularly for users with specific socket requirements.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetics can also play a role in choosing a CPU cooler, especially for those who value a visually appealing build. The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO features ARGB lighting effects, which adds flair to any setup, while the Assassin King 120 SE ARGB also boasts colourful ARGB lighting. However, the Phantom Spirit's design may attract users looking for a more sophisticated look with a high-value fan design, making it potentially more appealing in terms of visual impact.

Brand Legacy and Reliability

Both coolers come from Thermalright, a brand with a solid reputation in the cooler market, established for more than 20 years. The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO highlights its industrial-grade materials and S-FDB bearings, ensuring a long service life of up to 20,000 hours. The Assassin King 120 SE ARGB shares this reliability with a similar lifespan and high-quality construction. Thus, both products are likely to offer dependable performance, backed by the brand's legacy.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO and the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE ARGB largely depends on your specific needs and budget. The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO, priced at C$56.51, provides superior cooling performance and aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for high-performance systems. On the other hand, the Assassin King 120 SE ARGB, at a budget-friendly C$24.59, offers excellent value with decent cooling and quieter operation, making it ideal for mid-range builds. Ultimately, if budget constraints and noise levels are your primary concerns, the Assassin King is the better choice; however, for those needing high performance, the Phantom Spirit is worth the investment.