Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler vs Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB CPU Air Cooler

Brand Overview

Both the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO and Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB are products of Thermalright, a Taiwanese brand with over 20 years of experience in developing computer cooling solutions. Thermalright has established itself as a reputable name in the cooler market, known for its innovative designs and advanced cooling technologies. The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is priced at C$56.51, while the SI-100 White ARGB is more budget-friendly at C$35.90, making the latter appealing for those seeking a cost-effective cooling solution.

Cooling Technology

The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO utilises an upgraded AGHP 4th generation technology with a heatpipe configuration of 7x6mm, providing efficient heat dissipation through its vertical and horizontal orientation capabilities. Conversely, the SI-100 White ARGB incorporates AGHP 3.0 technology with 6x6mm heatpipes, which also addresses the inverse gravity effect. While both coolers promise an industrial service life of up to 20,000 hours with S-FDB bearings, the 4th generation technology of the Phantom Spirit may offer a slight edge in cooling efficiency due to its larger heatpipe size.

Dimensions and Design

In terms of dimensions, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO measures 125(L)x135(W)x157(H)mm, making it a larger cooler compared to the SI-100, which measures 120(L)x108(W)x100(H)mm. This size difference means the Phantom Spirit may provide better cooling performance due to its larger heat sink area. However, the SI-100 is designed to fit smaller cases, standing at only 100mm tall, making it suitable for compact builds. The choice here largely depends on the user's case compatibility and cooling needs.

Fan Performance

The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO features a fan that operates at a high rotation speed of 2150 RPM, designed to quickly dissipate heat while also incorporating aesthetic ARGB lighting. In contrast, the SI-100's fan operates at 2000 RPM and is also equipped with ARGB capabilities, but its airflow is rated at 72.37 CFM with a maximum noise level of 27.7 dB(A). While both fans deliver efficient cooling, the Phantom Spirit's higher RPM may provide slightly superior thermal performance, although users of the SI-100 will benefit from a quieter operation.

Material and Build Quality

Both coolers are constructed from high-quality materials, with the Phantom Spirit using a combination of aluminum and finely carved pure copper for its base. The SI-100 is also made from aluminum but utilises industrial-strength PBT+PC materials for durability. Both products promise UL class A safety insulation, ensuring reliable performance. The choice of materials in both coolers reflects Thermalright's commitment to quality, although the Phantom Spirit's copper base may enhance thermal conductivity.

Compatibility

The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO and SI-100 White ARGB are compatible with a range of Intel and AMD sockets, making them versatile options for various builds. The Phantom Spirit's compatibility includes popular Intel sockets like 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and AMD's AM4/AM5. The SI-100 supports similar Intel sockets and AMD's AM4/AM5, ensuring broad usability. Both products come with the necessary mounting hardware to facilitate installation, catering to a wide audience of PC builders.

Pricing and Value

At C$56.51, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is positioned as a premium offering in Thermalright's lineup, reflecting its advanced technology and larger cooling capabilities. On the other hand, the SI-100's price of C$35.90 makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers who still desire reliable cooling performance. While both coolers offer value, the choice will ultimately depend on individual budget constraints and cooling performance requirements.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO and the Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you require a more powerful cooler with superior performance and don't mind spending a bit more, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is the better option. However, if you are looking for a cost-effective solution that still delivers solid cooling in a compact design, the SI-100 White ARGB is an excellent choice. Ultimately, both coolers reflect Thermalright's commitment to quality and performance, making either a worthy addition to your PC build.