Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

Thermalright AXP90-X47 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 AXP90-X47 and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Thermalright AXP90-X47
Ranked #2 in Best Cpu Air Coolers
Thermalright AXP90-X47
3 sourcesall derived$38as of Oct 2

The Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full is an all-copper low-profile CPU cooler that delivers exceptional performance within its 47mm height constraint, according to sff.gg. It outperforms all other coolers in its class and is considered one of the best available. The cooler features a 4x 6mm copper heat pipe design with a nickel-coated copper base and cooling fins. While it offers excellent cooling performance, the mounting system requires securing from the back of the motherboard, which is considered outdated. The included orange stock fan is not aesthetically compatible with most systems, though the review recommends swapping it for an NF-A9x14 or RTX 4070 CNC fan.

Strengths
  • — All copper construction with 4x 6mm heat pipes and copper base for superior thermal performance
  • — Outperforms all other coolers in the 47mm height class
  • — Compact 47mm profile suitable for low-profile builds
Watch-outs
  • — Outdated mounting system that secures from the back of the motherboard
  • — Stock fan is only available in orange and doesn't match most system aesthetics
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Ranked #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

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

Thermalright AXP90-X47

The Thermalright AXP90-X47 delivers superior performance in a low-profile design, outperforming the AXP90-X36 in terms of cooling efficiency and heat pipe count. Unlike the ID Cooling IS-47-XT v2, it uses all-copper construction and offers better performance despite its outdated mounting system, though it lacks the flexible installation features of the IS-47-XT v2.

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

SpecThermalright AXP90-X47Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Height47mm154 mm
Heat Pipes4x 6mm copper heat-pipes, copper base (nickel coated), copper cooling fins4
Fan Size90x15mm120 mm
CompatibilityIntel: 1200/1700, AMD: AM4/AM5Intel: LGA115X/1200/1700/1851 AMD: AM4/AM5
Noise Level22.4 dBA25.6 dBA
Dimensions94.5 mm x 95 mm x 32 mm4.8"L x 4.49"W x 6.1"H
Cooler Type—Dual Towers
Price—Under $40
Voltage—12 volts
Material—Copper
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