Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT
420mm AIO · 2200 RPM · iCUE LINK
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black
Air tower
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT lands at 89 and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black at 94. That puts Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT if…
- ✓420 mm radiator handles even RTX 5090-class CPUs
- ✓iCUE LINK simplifies cabling
- ✓LCD display optional
Pick Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black if…
- ✓Multi-socket bracket support
- ✓Quiet fans at idle
- ✓Strong TDP rating
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 420mm AIO | Air tower |
| Fan size | 3× 140 mm ML140 RGB | — |
| Pump speed | 2400 RPM | — |
| Sockets | AM5 / AM4 / LGA1851 / LGA1700 / sTRX4 | — |
| Tube length | 450 mm | — |
| Warranty | 5 years | — |
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT
- +420 mm radiator handles even RTX 5090-class CPUs
- +iCUE LINK simplifies cabling
- +LCD display optional
- −420mm requires E-ATX or larger case
- −Pricey vs Arctic competitor
- −iCUE software heavy
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black
- +Multi-socket bracket support
- +Quiet fans at idle
- +Strong TDP rating
- −Height may conflict with RAM heatspreaders
- −AIO pump noise varies
- −Installation requires motherboard-off
FAQ: Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black
Which is better, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black? +
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT worth the price? +
At $309, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in cooling.
Is Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black worth the price? +
At $39, Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in thermals.
Does Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · Black last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.