Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black CPU Cooler,Dual TL-C12B V2 PWM Fans and Double Towers, 7 Heat Pipes Heatsink Cooler,for AM4/AM5&Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200, Computer CPU Cooling,Black
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AI Verdict
This 154mm tall dual-tower air cooler with 7x6mm heat pipes and dual 120mm fans delivers top-tier cooling for Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 CPUs.
This dual-tower cooler, with its 7x6mm heat pipes and dual 120mm fans, offers cooling performance comparable to much pricier options for Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 CPUs. Its 154mm height is a key advantage for fitting into more cases than taller alternatives.
If you need even lower noise under extreme loads, look for coolers with larger 140mm fans or lower maximum RPMs, often at a higher price point.
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Pros
- Seven 6mm heat pipes and a dual-tower design provide high heat dissipation for demanding CPUs.
- Dual 120x120x25mm TL-C12B V2 PWM fans deliver up to 66.17CFM airflow each.
- Maintains a low noise level of ≤25.6dB(A) at maximum fan speed.
- Compatible with Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
- S-FDB bearings in the fans contribute to a long service life of up to 20,000 hours.
- The 154mm height allows for broader case compatibility compared to taller dual-tower coolers.
Cons
- Fans can produce a high-pitched noise or become loud when operating at their maximum 1500 RPM.
- Installation on AMD motherboards requires reusing the original motherboard backplate.
- The SE version's exposed heat pipes on the top might not be aesthetically preferred by all users.
- Some users express concern about long-term durability compared to more expensive, established brands.
Dimension Scores
The cooler features seven 6mm heat pipes and dual 120mm fans, consistently reported to outperform more expensive air coolers and some AIOs.
The maximum noise level is 25.6dB(A) at 1500 RPM, which is competitive for its performance class, though some users report a high-pitched fan noise at higher speeds.
Constructed with aluminum fins, a copper base, and fans utilizing S-FDB bearings and PBT+PC material, it is generally described as well-built.
It uses standard 4-pin PWM fan connectors and likely includes a splitter, but no specific features for integrated cable routing are mentioned.
Best For
- Gaming PCs with high-TDP Intel LGA1700/1851 or AMD AM5 CPUs that require robust air cooling.
- Users building on a budget who need top-tier air cooling performance without the premium price.
- Systems requiring a CPU cooler under 155mm in height to fit specific case dimensions.
Not Recommended For
- Users prioritizing absolute silence under all load conditions, especially at maximum fan speed.
- Small form factor (SFF) cases with extremely limited CPU cooler clearance (e.g., under 150mm).
- Builders who prefer not to reuse their motherboard's original AMD backplate for cooler installation.
Watch Out For
- Some users report a high-pitched whine from the fans, particularly noticeable at certain RPMs.
- The cooler's 154mm height, while compact for a dual tower, still requires checking case clearance to avoid fitment issues.
- AMD installations mandate using the stock motherboard backplate, which can be an extra step or point of confusion for some builders.
- The fans operate at up to 1500 RPM, which can result in a noise level of 25.6dB(A), audible in a quiet room.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 764035263426 |
| ASIN | B0D93R3YY9 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 2.4 watts |
| Material | Aluminum, Copper, Metal, Plastic, Rubber |
| Item Weight | 3.27 pounds |
| Noise Level | 25.6 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 66.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | PS120SE BLACK |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72"L x 0.98"W x 4.72"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1500 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the cooling performance of this budget-friendly air cooler, often comparing it favorably to much more expensive options like the Noctua NH-D15 and even some AIOs. While it handles high-TDP CPUs effectively, some report the fans can produce a high-pitched whine or become loud when running at their maximum 1500 RPM. The 154mm height is a frequently cited advantage for case compatibility.
“Dude, this thing cools my 7800X3D like a champ for thirty bucks, but yeah, the fans can get a bit whiny if I push 'em too hard, still worth it though!”
Common Praise
- Keeps high-TDP CPUs like the 7800X3D or 13600K at low temperatures under load.
- Costs significantly less than competing coolers while offering similar or better performance.
- The 154mm height fits into many PC cases that taller dual-tower coolers would not.
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware for Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5.
- Fans use S-FDB bearings for quiet operation at lower speeds and longevity.
Common Complaints
- Fans can be loud or produce a high-pitched sound when spinning at or near their maximum 1500 RPM.
- Installation on AMD platforms requires the use of the original motherboard backplate.
- The exposed heat pipes on the SE version's top might not be visually appealing to everyone.
- Some users express concern about the long-term reliability given the significantly lower price point compared to premium brands.
Ownership Tips
- The cooler's performance often allows for lower fan speeds, reducing noise without sacrificing much cooling.
- Checking RAM clearance is still important, as the dual towers can interfere with tall RAM modules on some motherboards.
- The all-black aesthetic is consistent and looks clean in most builds.
- The included thermal paste is reported to be effective, so no immediate need for an aftermarket purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs is this cooler compatible with?
It supports Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200, and AMD AM4, AM5 sockets.
How tall is the cooler? Will it fit in my case?
The cooler measures 154mm (6.06 inches) in height. You should check your PC case's maximum CPU cooler clearance to ensure compatibility.
Is it loud?
The dual 120mm fans have a maximum noise level of 25.6dB(A) at 1500 RPM. Users report it can be audible at full speed, but quiet at lower RPMs.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, the product includes high thermal conductivity thermal paste.
What's the difference between the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the regular Phantom Spirit 120?
The SE version is 154mm tall and lacks the cosmetic top cover, exposing the heat pipes, while the non-SE is 157mm tall and has a top cover. Performance differences are minor, with the SE potentially performing better under sustained heavy loads.
Buying Guide
When picking a CPU air cooler, you're balancing how much heat it can move away from your CPU (its cooling capacity) with how much noise its fans make and if it physically fits in your case. A bigger cooler with more heat pipes and larger fans usually cools better but can be louder and harder to fit.
Heat Pipes
These are tiny tubes filled with liquid that transfer heat from the CPU base to the heatsink fins. More 6mm heat pipes (like the 7x6mm here) mean more efficient heat transfer, like having more lanes on a highway for heat to travel.
Fan Airflow (CFM)
This measures how much air the fan moves per minute. Higher CFM (like 66.17CFM per fan) means more air pushed through the heatsink, carrying heat away, similar to a stronger breeze cooling you down.
Noise Level (dB(A))
This tells you how loud the fan gets. Lower numbers (like ≤25.6dB(A)) mean quieter operation, like a soft whisper versus a loud conversation.
Height (mm)
This is how tall the cooler is from the CPU socket. A 154mm height is important because your PC case has a maximum clearance, and if the cooler is too tall, your side panel won't close.
Alternatives
If this cooler is too tall, look for single-tower designs or low-profile coolers, but expect a reduction in cooling capacity; if you need even more cooling for extreme overclocking, consider larger 140mm fan dual-tower coolers or liquid AIOs.
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