Thermalright
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Dual-tower air · $39 · Ridiculous value
94
/ 100
From $39
VS
Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB wins by 1
Noctua
Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB
Air tower
95
/ 100
From $149
Specdex verdict
Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE lands at 94 and Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB at 95. That puts Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE if…
- ✓Matches $100 coolers at $39
- ✓7 copper heat-pipes
- ✓Universal socket support
Pick Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB if…
- ✓Multi-socket bracket support
- ✓Quiet fans at idle
- ✓Strong TDP rating
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 94
vs 95 Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB
Score breakdown
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
94 thermals 92
noise 88
install 90
value 100
Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB
95 thermals 95
noise 91
install 88
value 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE | Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dual-tower air | Air tower |
| Fans | 2× TL-C12C PWM | — |
| TDP rating | ~250W | — |
| Height | 154 mm | — |
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Pros
- +Matches $100 coolers at $39
- +7 copper heat-pipes
- +Universal socket support
Cons
- −Fan noise average
- −Styling utilitarian
- −Included paste so-so
Noctua NH-D15 G2 · 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: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE vs Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB
Which is better, Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE or Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB? +
Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE worth the price? +
At $39, Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in value.
Is Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB worth the price? +
At $149, Noctua NH-D15 G2 · RGB delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in thermals.
Does Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE or Noctua NH-D15 G2 · 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.