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Head-to-head · Best Air Coolers Under $100

Deepcool AK620 vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about high-end enthusiasts seeking maximum cooling — read the strengths below before deciding.

Deepcool AK620
Ranked #4 in Best Air Coolers Under $100
Deepcool AK620
$69

The DeepCool AK620 G2 Digital NYX delivers solid cooling performance for mid-range CPUs, effectively managing high TDP processors like the Intel Core i5 12600KF when overclocked to 5GHz. TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware reviewers praised its dual tower design with 6 heat pipes and improved powder-coated finish. The digital display provides comprehensive system metrics, though some users noted the fan noise levels during intensive use. While it offers good value, Reddit users in r/buildapc reported mixed experiences with the display's information hierarchy. This cooler is ideal for budget-conscious builders seeking reliable performance, but those prioritizing silence may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Effective cooling performance handling Intel Core i5 12600KF overclocked to 5GHz with maximum temps around 96°C
  • — Dual tower design with 6 heat pipes and sawtooth aluminum fins for efficient heat dissipation
  • — Digital display shows CPU temperature, usage, power, and frequency with customizable DeepCreative UI
Watch-outs
  • — Fan noise reaches 41-43dB during aggressive cooling and overclocking scenarios
  • — Display shows CPU speed, usage, power and temperature but application shows fan speed instead
  • — Includes only basic mounting accessories without rubber sleeves like newer models
$69 · Buy at ebay.comFull review →
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Air Coolers Under $100
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
$69

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO earns high praise as a top-tier air cooler, with Tom's Hardware calling it a 'massacre' in performance. TechPowerUp and ChoiceCheck both highlight its seven 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology, dual 120mm PWM fans, and exceptional cooling under load. Reviewers note its quiet operation thanks to S-FDB bearings and solid build quality. However, the cooler's 157mm height and front fan overhang may cause clearance issues in compact cases or with tall RAM modules, limiting its suitability for some builds. This cooler is ideal for enthusiasts and gamers with high-end CPUs seeking maximum performance and reliability.

Strengths
  • — Seven 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 4th generation technology for superior heat dissipation
  • — Dual 120mm PWM fans with S-FDB bearings for quiet operation and long lifespan
  • — Excellent cooling performance under load, with low thermal resistance
Watch-outs
  • — Height of 157mm may not fit in compact or SFF cases
  • — Front fan overhangs RAM slots, potentially causing clearance issues with tall memory modules
$69 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Deepcool AK620

The Deepcool AK620 offers a unique digital display feature that sets it apart from competitors like the Noctua NH-U12S redux and Scythe Fuma 2, but its fan noise levels exceed those of the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 and be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5. It's more affordable than the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO but lacks the advanced heat pipe technology and build quality of the premium models.

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO dominates in raw cooling performance with its seven 6mm heat pipes and dual 120mm fans, outperforming the Noctua NH-U12S redux and Scythe Fuma 2 in thermal efficiency. While it's more expensive than the Deepcool AK620 and Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition, it's less versatile than the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5 due to its height and clearance issues, and lacks the compact design of the Noctua NH-L9i.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDeepcool AK620Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
Cooler TypeAir CoolerAir Cooler
Fan Size9-bladed with fluid dynamic bearingDual 120mm
Heat Pipes6 x 6mm7x6mm
TDP Rating260W250W
Noise Level27.3 dBA24.4 dBA
Height165mm157mm
InterfaceLGA1700, AM5, AM4, LGA1200, LGA115x, AM3/AM2+PWM
CompatibilityIntel LGA1700/1200/115x, AMD AM5/AM4/AM3/AM2+LGA1700, AM5, AM4, LGA1200, LGA115x
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