Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler

Brand Overview

Both the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler are products from Thermalright, a well-established Taiwanese brand with over 20 years in the cooler market. The brand has a strong reputation for high-performance cooling solutions, and both products reflect this heritage. With a focus on research and development, Thermalright has positioned itself as a key player in the CPU cooler industry, ensuring that both the Phantom Spirit and Peerless Assassin offer reliable cooling for gamers and PC enthusiasts alike.

Pricing Comparison

When it comes to budget considerations, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black is slightly more economical, priced at C$54.90, while the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is available for C$56.51. This means that the Peerless Assassin saves you C$1.61 compared to the Phantom Spirit. For consumers who are price-sensitive, this small difference might sway their decision, particularly when both products are closely matched in terms of performance features.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, both coolers share similar dimensions of 125mm (L) x 135mm (W) x 157mm (H), making them compatible with a variety of cases. The Phantom Spirit features a sleek anodized black frosted top and a finely carved pure copper base, which enhances both aesthetics and thermal performance. In contrast, the Peerless Assassin boasts a twin-tower design with a full electroplating process and black nanoscale paint, which also contributes to its robust heat dissipation capability. Both designs reflect a commitment to quality materials, although the visual appeal may differ based on personal preference.

Cooling Performance

The cooling capabilities of both products are impressive, but they employ different technologies. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit features a 7x6mm heat pipe with AGHP upgraded technology, allowing it to effectively manage heat under various orientations. Its fan operates at a high rotation speed of 2150 RPM, which is designed to quickly dissipate heat. On the other hand, the Peerless Assassin utilises a dual-fan system with a maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM at a rotational speed of 1500 RPM. While the Phantom Spirit has a higher RPM, the combination of dual fans in the Peerless Assassin may offer more consistent cooling performance during intense gaming sessions.

Noise Levels

Noise is an important factor to consider when selecting a CPU cooler. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin has a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which indicates a relatively silent operation, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter computing environment. The Phantom Spirit does not specify a noise level, but its high-speed fan may produce more sound under load. For those sensitive to noise, the Peerless Assassin’s quieter operation could be a significant advantage.

Installation and Compatibility

Both coolers are designed with ease of installation in mind. The Phantom Spirit has a user-friendly Y-type configuration that supports both 3-pin and 4-pin connections, simplifying the installation process. Meanwhile, the Peerless Assassin comes with metal fasteners compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest AM5 and LGA1700 platforms. This extensive compatibility makes the Peerless Assassin a versatile option for various builds, while the Phantom Spirit also caters to a broad audience with its effective design.

Cooling Technology

Both products employ the Advanced Gravity Heat Pipe (AGHP) technology, but they differ in the number and configuration of heat pipes used. The Phantom Spirit utilises a 7x6mm heat pipe design, while the Peerless Assassin features 6x6mm heat pipes. The Peerless Assassin’s dual-fan setup enhances its cooling efficiency by distributing airflow more evenly across the heatsink. This dual approach could lead to superior overall cooling performance, especially under heavy loads, making it a strong contender for high-performance systems.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Black CPU Air Cooler largely depends on your specific needs. If you prioritise a slightly lower price and a quieter operation, the Peerless Assassin at C$54.90 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you seek higher fan speeds for potentially better cooling performance and are willing to spend a bit more at C$56.51, the Phantom Spirit could be the way to go. Both coolers are well-engineered and capable, but your final decision should consider which features matter most to your PC build and usage scenario.