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

Overview of Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler is priced at C$56.51 and is designed with advanced cooling technology. It features a 7x6mm heatpipe using AGHP upgraded 4th generation technology, boasting a maximum industrial service life of 20,000 hours. The unit's dimensions are 125mm in length, 135mm in width, and 157mm in height, allowing it to fit in a variety of cases. The cooler incorporates S-FDB bearings for longevity and is constructed from high-quality aluminum and copper materials, enhancing its overall performance.

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 CPU Air Cooler is slightly more affordable, retailing at C$51.39. It employs a twin-tower design with an effective heat dissipation area of 9600cm², making it a formidable contender in heat management. With dimensions identical to the Phantom Spirit at 125mm by 135mm by 157mm, it is also compatible with a range of cases. The cooler includes metal fasteners for both Intel and AMD platforms, ensuring a secure installation that does not compromise performance.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO excels with its 2150 RPM fan speed, which is higher than the Peerless Assassin's 1500 RPM. This higher rotation speed enables the Phantom Spirit to drive heat away from the CPU more quickly. Conversely, the Peerless Assassin features a dual-tower design and 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes, optimising its cooling efficiency and supporting a thermal design power (TDP) of 245W. This makes the Peerless Assassin a robust choice for high-performance CPUs, especially under load.

Fan Design and Aesthetics

In fan design, the Phantom Spirit has a visually appealing fan with a high rotation speed and unique ARGB lighting. The ARGB effects can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a gaming rig. In contrast, the Peerless Assassin's dual PWM fans also feature ARGB lighting that is controllable via the motherboard, allowing for synchronized effects. While both coolers focus on aesthetics and performance, the Phantom Spirit's fan speed may provide a slight edge in cooling performance, while the Peerless Assassin offers a more customizable lighting experience.

Build Quality and Materials

Both coolers are made with high-quality materials to ensure durability and effective cooling. The Phantom Spirit’s construction includes anodized black frosted aluminum with a finely carved pure copper base, which maximizes heat dissipation. On the other hand, the Peerless Assassin is constructed using a full electroplating reflow welding process, ensuring excellent build quality. The use of metal fasteners for installation enhances its stability, making both coolers reliable options for long-term use.

Compatibility and Installation

Regarding compatibility, both the Phantom Spirit and the Peerless Assassin support a range of CPU sockets. The Phantom Spirit is versatile enough to work with various configurations, while the Peerless Assassin is explicitly designed for both Intel and AMD platforms and comes with the necessary mounting plates. This compatibility ensures that both products can cater to a wide audience, making installation straightforward for most users.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are crucial when considering CPU coolers, particularly for gamers or those working in quiet environments. The Phantom Spirit operates at a higher fan speed, but its S-FDB bearings help mitigate noise, ensuring it runs quietly during operation. The Peerless Assassin, with its maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), is designed for ultra-silent airflow, making it an ideal option for users prioritizing a quieter system. Users can expect both units to perform efficiently while maintaining a low noise profile, but the Peerless Assassin may have the upper hand in quieter applications.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. The Phantom Spirit offers superior fan performance with a higher RPM and potentially better cooling efficiency, making it suitable for high-performance systems. However, the Peerless Assassin is slightly more affordable and provides excellent cooling with its dual-tower design and compatibility with varied CPU sockets. If aesthetics and customizable lighting are priorities for you, both options deliver on that front. For those seeking a balance of performance and price, the Peerless Assassin may be the better choice, while the Phantom Spirit is ideal for users who prioritize maximum cooling capabilities.