Side by side
Thermalright Phantom Spirit vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Thermalright Phantom Spirit
245 positive (94%) · 10 mixed (4%) · 6 negative (2%)
Trust + time weighted: +93%
AI summary — not a quote
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit is widely regarded on Reddit as a top-tier value air cooler, frequently recommended for its ability to handle high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at a fraction of the cost of premium competitors. While it is praised for its 7-heatpipe dual-tower design and quiet operation, some users note it may struggle with the most heat-intensive Intel processors or in cases specifically optimized for liquid cooling.
Pros
- Exceptional price-to-performance ratio, often cited as being available for $20 to $40.
- Effective cooling for high-end gaming CPUs, including the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Intel i5-14600K.
- Features a 7-heatpipe dual-tower design that competes with much more expensive coolers like the Noctua D15.
- Quiet operation at idle and under load.
Cons
- Can reach high temperatures (90-95°C) with extremely power-hungry CPUs under heavy load.
- Large physical footprint can interfere with RAM clearance or fitment in certain cases.
- Performance gains over the older Peerless Assassin are marginal, often only a few degrees.
Top excerpts
but if you want similar performance for much, much cheaper, go with phantom spirit or peerless assassin
Sorry I forgot that. I have a Thermalright Phantom Spirit. I updated the post.
you can get something relatively inexpensive like a thermalright phantom spirit.
I've been running a phantom spirit cooler with a 9800x3d with no issues and it's 20 bucks. Can't beat that for the money.
A cheap phantom spirit cools my 9800x3d just fine.
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
190 positive (91%) · 16 mixed (8%) · 3 negative (1%)
Trust + time weighted: +91%
AI summary — not a quote
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE is widely regarded as one of the best value air coolers on the market, frequently recommended for its ability to handle high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 7800X3D at a budget-friendly price point. Users consistently report excellent thermal performance, often maintaining gaming temperatures between 60-65°C, while remaining quiet enough for silent-focused builds.
Pros
- Exceptional price-to-performance ratio, often outperforming more expensive coolers.
- Quiet operation, particularly when fans are set to lower RPMs (700-800).
- Effective cooling for demanding CPUs like the Ryzen 7600X and 7800X3D.
- Compact 154mm-156mm height fits in many mid-sized cases.
Cons
- Front fan clearance can be an issue when paired with tall RAM modules.
- Raising the front fan to clear RAM can increase the total height beyond the base 154-156mm spec.
Top excerpts
CPU cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU, AM5, height 154 mm, 1500 RPM, 25.6 dB (€ 41.03)
Yep that cooler is great.
The PS 120 SE should be nice and cool if you want to run stock set up of PL1/PL2 125W/250W.
I'd go Phantom Spirit 120 SE or Evo, extra heat pipe, I've owned both very solid with my 7800x3d
My 7600x ran hot, reapply thermal paste and Spend $35-40 on a Phantom Spirit 120 SE and it'll drop those temps tenfold