Compare: AG400 BK vs Phantom Spirit 120 Evo

Design and Aesthetics:

AG400 BK

The AG400 series is a single tower 120mm CPU cooler that built upon DeepCool's legacy products but was stripped down for a streamlined and efficient package. It has a simple and clean design, with an aluminum tower and a single 120mm fan. This cooler comes in a variety of colors including black and white, so it matches most computer setups. Additionally, this cooler has RGB lighting which may fit for setups with a RGB focus.

Phantom Spirit 120 Evo

The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO has similar looks to the regular Phantom Spirit 120 with two 120 millimeter fans, subtle Thermalright logo, and a flat textured design on the heatsink top. One key difference between this cooler and other Phantom Spirit designs is subtle the ARGB accented fans. However, there are other versions of the Phantom Spirit with a more pronounce ARGB presence.

Install Notes:

AG400 BK

This cooler is moderately difficult to install and is more difficult than other DeepCool cooler installations. For AMD CPU's, the mounting setup can be given that the cooler doesn't secure through holes but rather through notches. For this reason, keeping the backplate flush against the motherboard while also keeping the install components in line may prove to be difficult and may require a second pair of hands. This also has a very similar installation to the AK400.

Phantom Spirit 120 Evo

This cooler has a similar installation components as many of the mainstream Thermalright designs, which is one of the easier installation setups. One difference is the mount is painted black and the screws have a larger head. However, it also faces an issue regarding uninstalling this cooler, where the cooler is unable to slide/twist off the cooler to break the thermal paste seal. This might be necessary if the thermal paste has a strong hold between the cooler and the CPU.

Cooling Performance:

AG400 BK

It's designed to work with a wide range of modern CPU sockets and is able to dissipate heat quickly and efficiently. Although this cooler doesn't push out the best cooling performance, it does well for its size with performance slightly below the Noctua NH-U12S Redux. For this reason, this cooler is best for CPUs that need a moderate cooling solution.

Phantom Spirit 120 Evo

The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO upholds the high-performance legacy of Thermalright's Phantom Spirit series, emerging as a strong option for those in search of a premium cooler. Featuring a seven heat pipe dual tower configuration and equipped with two 120mm fans, this compact cooler is adept at managing cooling requirements that were previously the domain of All-In-One cooling systems.

Noise Performance:

AG400 BK

This cooler has an above average noise profile, making it louder than most comparable air coolers. This means that you might experience more noise while your PC is running, which could be a drawback if you're sensitive to noise or prefer a quiet workspace. If having a quiet PC setup is important to you, it's worth considering other coolers with better noise profiles.

Phantom Spirit 120 Evo

The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO variant distinguishes itself with a unique set of fans that provide increased airflow and air pressure. However, this enhancement comes with a trade-off: a higher noise level compared to other models in the Phantom Spirit range. As a result, while this cooler boasts a modern and stylish design, it might not be the ideal choice for those prioritizing a quiet computer setup.

Summary:

AG400 BK

The AG400 is an excellent choice to upgrade their CPU cooling solution. It has a sleek design with ARGB capabilities, helping create that look that sets you apart. However, this cooler isn't the most powerful cooling solution so it may not be best for all CPU's and it runs on the louder side. Overall, there is enough that sets this cooler apart that makes this cooler worth considering.

Phantom Spirit 120 Evo

The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO, maintaining the easy installation of Thermalright's designs, features a unique black mount and larger screws. It resembles the standard Phantom Spirit 120 in design, with subtle ARGB accented fans, but stands out with a seven heat pipe dual tower design for efficient cooling. However, its unique fans offer increased airflow and pressure at the cost of higher noise, posing a challenge for those seeking a quieter computer setup.