Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT — 420mm AIO · 2200 RPM · iCUE LINK
Corsair

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT

420mm AIO · 2200 RPM · iCUE LINK

89
/ 100
From $309
VS
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB wins by 5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB — Air tower
Thermalright

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB

Air tower

94
/ 100
From $39
Specdex verdict

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB 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 · RGB at 94. That puts Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB 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 · RGB if…

  • ✓Multi-socket bracket support
  • ✓Quiet fans at idle
  • ✓Strong TDP rating
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Noise

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB

Compared on the noise sub-score

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB leads on noise (90 vs 86).

Value for money

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB more score per dollar ($39 vs $309).

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT 89
vs
94 Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB

Score breakdown

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT
89
cooling 96
noise 86
ease 86
value 80
thermals 0
install 0
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB
94
cooling 0
noise 90
ease 0
value 86
thermals 94
install 88

Specs side-by-side

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT versus Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB — full spec comparison
Spec Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB
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

Pros
  • +420 mm radiator handles even RTX 5090-class CPUs
  • +iCUE LINK simplifies cabling
  • +LCD display optional
Cons
  • −420mm requires E-ATX or larger case
  • −Pricey vs Arctic competitor
  • −iCUE software heavy

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB

Pros
  • +Multi-socket bracket support
  • +Quiet fans at idle
  • +Strong TDP rating
Cons
  • −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 · RGB

Which is better, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB? +

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB 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 · RGB worth the price? +

At $39, Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in thermals.

Does Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB 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.

Which is better for noise, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB? +

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB — leads on noise (90 vs 86). Compared on the noise sub-score.

Which is the better value, Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT or Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB? +

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE · RGB — more score per dollar ($39 vs $309). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.