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Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

ID Cooling IS-47-XT 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 4.0). The gap is mostly about users wanting high-performing air coolers with aesthetic integration — read the strengths below before deciding.

ID Cooling IS-47-XT v2
Ranked #6 in Best Cpu Air Coolers
ID Cooling IS-47-XT v2
2 sourcesall derived$29.99as of Oct 2

ID Cooling's IS-47-XT v2 offers practical design features like screw-type fan mounting and easy installation without the rear nut method, making it user-friendly for cable management and build flexibility. The cooler supports 90-degree rotation mounting, allowing users to adjust airflow direction based on their system configuration. However, it uses a stock fan and delivers less cooling performance than premium models such as the IS-50X V2, making it more suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize ease of installation over maximum thermal performance.

Strengths
  • — Screw-type fan mounting allows for better cable management, per DalraeMyo
  • — Easy installation and removal without rear nut method, per DalraeMyo
  • — Supports 90-degree rotation mounting for flexible airflow direction
Watch-outs
  • — Uses stock fan instead of upgraded cooling solution
  • — Limited cooling performance compared to higher-end models like IS-50X V2
$29.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull 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

ID Cooling IS-47-XT v2

The ID Cooling IS-47-XT v2 offers superior installation ease and cable management with screw-type mounting, but it's less performant than the Thermalright AXP90-X47 which provides better cooling efficiency and all-copper construction. Compared to the Thermalright AXP90-X36, it's more affordable and offers better airflow direction, though it uses a stock fan and lacks the low-profile design of the AXP90-X36.

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

SpecID Cooling IS-47-XT v2Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Cooler TypeCPU Air CoolerDual Towers
Height47mm154 mm
Heat Pipes44
Fan Size92x92x15mm120 mm
Noise Level33.2dB(A) max.25.6 dBA
CompatibilityAMD socketsIntel: LGA115X/1200/1700/1851 AMD: AM4/AM5
Voltage12VDC12 volts
Wattage1.8W—
Price—Under $40
Dimensions—4.8"L x 4.49"W x 6.1"H
Material—Copper
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