Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black CPU vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler,7×

Overview of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black CPU Cooler is priced at $34.39, making it about 26% cheaper than its competitor, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO. This cooler features a compact design that includes six heat pipes utilizing AGHP technology, designed to improve heat dissipation efficiency. It is compatible with a wide range of AMD and Intel sockets, including AM4, AM5, and LGA 1700, making it a versatile choice for various builds. Its 120mm PWM fan operates at a maximum speed of 1500 RPM, delivering an airflow of 66.87 CFM while maintaining a noise level of just 25.6 dB(A).

Overview of Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO CPU Cooler is priced at $46.90, making it a more premium option compared to the Peerless Assassin. This cooler boasts seven heat pipes that enhance its cooling capabilities, along with dual PWM fans operating at a maximum speed of 2150 RPM. This design not only improves airflow, which reaches 69 CFM but also slightly increases the noise level to 27 dB(A). The Phantom Spirit is designed for similar socket compatibility as the Peerless Assassin but has a taller profile, measuring 157mm in height, which may affect case compatibility in tighter builds.

Design and Build Quality

The Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black features a sleek, fully blackened design with an antioxidant coating, providing both aesthetics and durability. Its compact dimensions of 125mm x 110mm x 135mm make it suitable for smaller cases without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO adopts an anodized black frosted finish that enhances its visual appeal. Its twin-tower design and slightly larger dimensions (125mm x 135mm x 157mm) allow for better heat dissipation, though it may be less suitable for compact builds. Both coolers are made from aluminum, but the Phantom Spirit's design includes more heat pipes, which could translate to better overall cooling efficiency.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is positioned to outperform the Peerless Assassin due to its dual fans and additional heat pipe. Operating at a maximum of 2150 RPM, the Phantom Spirit is designed to push more air, achieving a maximum airflow of 69 CFM compared to the Peerless Assassin's 66.87 CFM. This increase in airflow, combined with the additional heat pipe, suggests that the Phantom Spirit can handle overclocked CPUs or more demanding thermal loads better than the Peerless Assassin. However, the actual temperature differences in real-world usage will depend significantly on the specific components and case airflow.

Noise Levels

The Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black operates at a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB(A), which is quite silent and ideal for users seeking a quiet computing environment. The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO, with a slightly higher maximum noise level of 27 dB(A), may be marginally louder under load but is still considered quiet for a dual-fan setup. The difference in noise levels is minimal, and both coolers are within a range that should not disturb most users.

Compatibility

Both the Peerless Assassin and the Phantom Spirit offer extensive compatibility with a range of Intel and AMD sockets, including the latest standards like AM5 and LGA 1700. They come with appropriate mounting kits for various platforms, allowing for straightforward installation. The Peerless Assassin's compact design may provide an edge in cases where space is limited, while the Phantom Spirit’s slightly larger footprint may restrict its use in smaller enclosures. However, both coolers are versatile enough to fit into most mid-tower and larger cases without issue.

Price Comparison

The Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black is priced at $34.39, whereas the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO costs $46.90. This makes the Peerless Assassin approximately 26% cheaper than the Phantom Spirit. For budget-conscious consumers, this price difference could be a decisive factor, especially for those looking for effective cooling without breaking the bank. However, if users are willing to invest more for enhanced performance and cooling capabilities, the Phantom Spirit may justify its higher price tag.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Mini Black and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO will primarily come down to your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a more affordable option that still delivers solid cooling performance with a compact design, the Peerless Assassin is an excellent choice. However, if you require superior cooling power and are willing to spend an additional $12.51 for enhanced performance, the Phantom Spirit is the better option, particularly for high-performance builds. Both coolers are solid choices, but your decision should reflect your priorities regarding price versus performance.