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Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

Noctua NH-D15 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.

Noctua NH-D15
Ranked #4 in Best Cpu Air Coolers
Noctua NH-D15
8 sources1 derived$159.95as of Oct 2

GamersNexus reviewed the Noctua NH-D15 G2 as the company's first major dual-tower cooler since 2014, noting it's the most expensive air cooler tested at $150. The cooler features 8 heatpipes and three cold plate variants designed for different CPU IHS styles. While it offers strong thermal performance and acoustic benefits with its new NF-A14 G2 fans, reviewers found it less performant and more costly than competing liquid coolers. This makes it best suited for users prioritizing air cooling over liquid solutions, though those seeking maximum performance may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Features 8 heatpipes for improved thermal performance
  • — Includes three cold plate variants (HBC, LBC, Standard) for optimized CPU compatibility
  • — NF-A14 G2 fans use PPA/PPB design to reduce beat frequency phenomenon
Watch-outs
  • — More expensive than some top liquid coolers, such as the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
  • — Less performant than competing liquid coolers
$159.95 · 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

Noctua NH-D15

The Noctua NH-D15 offers 8 heatpipes and advanced fan technology but is more expensive than the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE and lacks the performance of liquid coolers. Compared to the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black, it's less quiet and more costly, though it provides superior thermal performance for users who prefer air cooling over liquid solutions.

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

SpecNoctua NH-D15Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Cooler TypeAir CoolerDual Towers
Heat Pipes84
Fan SizeNF-A14 G2 x2120 mm
Price$150Under $40
Height168 mm154 mm
Noise Level24.6 dB(A)25.6 dBA
CompatibilityAM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1954, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1200Intel: LGA115X/1200/1700/1851 AMD: AM4/AM5
Dimensions5.98"L x 5.91"W x 6.61"H4.8"L x 4.49"W x 6.1"H
Voltage12 volts12 volts
Wattage2.28 watts—
MaterialCopper, nickel platedCopper
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