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Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE

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

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The short answer

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about users wanting high-performing air coolers with aesthetic integration — read the strengths below before deciding.

Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2
Ranked #7 in Best Cpu Air Coolers
Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2
4 sourcesall derived

Tom's Hardware reviewed the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 and noted it features an upgraded fan with a wider RPM range (500-1650 RPM) and reduced noise profile at 27 decibels. The cooler supports up to 180 watts TDP, representing an improvement over the original model. YouTube reviewer Mike from Mike's Unboxing Reviews highlighted its affordability. This cooler is best suited for budget-conscious builders seeking basic cooling performance without significant upgrades.

Strengths
  • — New fan with wider RPM range of 500-1650 RPM
  • — Reduced noise profile at 27 decibels compared to previous version
  • — Increased TDP support up to 180 watts
Watch-outs
  • — Limited performance gains over previous Gammaxx 400 version
  • — No significant improvements in cooling efficiency beyond fan upgrade
Buy at bhphotovideo.comFull review →
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Cpu Air Coolers
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
3 sources1 derived$35.9as of Oct 2

Tom's Hardware reviewed the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE as an updated version of the popular Peerless Assassin, noting it includes an extra heat pipe and improved design elements. The cooler offers flexible airflow direction with regular and reverse fan modes, and features clean aesthetics that integrate well with case cable management. While it's priced competitively and outperforms the Peerless Assassin in some areas, only the 120 SE variant was tested, and no white or matte black finishes are currently available. This cooler is best suited for users seeking a high-performing air cooler with good build quality and aesthetic integration.

Strengths
  • — Features an additional heat pipe compared to the Peerless Assassin
  • — Includes both regular and reverse fan modes for flexible airflow direction
  • — Well-built with clean aesthetics and cable management integration
Watch-outs
  • — Only one model in the Phantom Spirit lineup tested (the 120 SE variant)
  • — Limited color options with no white or matte black versions currently available
$35.9 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2

The Deepcool Gammaxx 400 V2 offers a wider RPM range and reduced noise but provides only modest performance gains over its predecessor, unlike the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE which includes an extra heat pipe. Compared to the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black, it lacks dual fans and a more advanced design, though it's significantly more affordable and suitable for AM4 platform users.

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE surpasses the Peerless Assassin 120 Mini with an extra heat pipe and better airflow direction, but it's more expensive than the Arctic Freezer 36. Unlike the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black, it features a single-tower design with a more accessible fan mount, though it lacks the dual-fan setup and premium quiet operation of the Pure Rock Pro 3.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDeepcool Gammaxx 400 V2Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Noise Level27 dBA25.6 dBA
CompatibilityAM4Intel: LGA115X/1200/1700/1851 AMD: AM4/AM5
Price£15-£29Under $40
Height155 mm154 mm
Heat Pipes4 sintered powder heat pipe4
Fan Size120 mm120 mm
Cooler TypeAir CoolerDual Towers
Dimensions129×77×155 mm4.8"L x 4.49"W x 6.1"H
Voltage12 VDC12 volts
Wattage2.16W—
MaterialCopperCopper
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