Compare: AK500 vs Phantom Spirit 120

Design and Aesthetics:

AK500

The AK500 air cooler is like the AK400 but has a bigger radiator for better cooling. It has a smooth black top and comes with a single 120mm black fan, perfect for people who like a simple design. The one-tower aluminum radiator is really good at getting rid of heat, which helps keep your CPU cool. This small and low-key cooler works well and fits easily into all kinds of computer setups, making it an awesome choice for anyone who wants something that looks good and works great.

Phantom Spirit 120

The Phantom Spirit 120 is a step up from the no frills clean look of the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and has two 120 millimeter fans, subtle Thermalright logo, and a flat textured design on the heatsink top. Other than the fine details. Additionally, this cooler look is also in line with other coolers from Thermalright with slight tweaks to the cooling engineering the primary differentiating factor.

Install Notes:

AK500

The AK500 has DeepCool's more modern installation designs as of 2023, which has more components than most for an easy install. The backplates are held down by single hand screwed nuts that also serve to hold the mount from the other side. This makes it easy to place the backplate correctly during the installation. The remaining portion of the install is similar to that of Noctua's typical installation, which makes it easy, but also can make the uninstallation challenging if the thermal paste sticks well to the CPU.

Phantom Spirit 120

This cooler has a similar installation components as many of the mainstream Thermalright designs, which is one of the easier installation setups. 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:

AK500

The AK500 delivers impressive cooling performance for its size, attributed to its four heat pipes that effectively transfer heat from the CPU to the extensive fin array on the heatsink. It is well-suited for up to moderate-level processors; however, it might not be the best choice for high TDP CPUs or those looking to overclock their systems.

Phantom Spirit 120

The Phantom Spirit 120 presents a high-performance cooling solution in a compact form, competing with other premium coolers in the market. Its seven heat pipe dual tower setup, combined with two 120mm fans, makes it highly capable of handling the cooling demands of modern high-performance CPUs, positioning it as a top contender for effective cooling.

Noise Performance:

AK500

This CPU cooler offers average cooling performance and operates at a moderate noise level. While it may not be the quietest option on the market, it maintains a comfortable balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance. This cooler is suitable for users who are not particularly sensitive to noise and are seeking a cost-effective solution for maintaining stable temperatures in their systems without demanding top-tier cooling or silent operation.

Phantom Spirit 120

The Phantom Spirit 120 stands out for its exceptional cooling efficiency at a low noise level, making it an ideal option for those seeking a quiet setup while accommodating high-performance components.

Summary:

AK500

This cooler has a moderately difficult installation, especially for AMD CPUs, due to its unique mounting setup. The installation process is similar to the AK400. The AK500 has a compact design, moderate cooling performance, and above-average noise levels. With a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the cooler is suitable for various PC builds, offering a balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic performance for users seeking cost-effective solutions without top-tier cooling or silent operation.

Phantom Spirit 120

The Phantom Spirit 120 cooler is easy to install, much like other Thermalright models. It's an upgrade from the 120 SE, featuring a neat textured design, two 120mm fans, and a subtle logo, staying true to Thermalright's style with a few improvements. This compact cooler delivers high-performance cooling with a seven heat pipe, dual tower setup, and it's pretty quiet too. It's a great choice for keeping high-end setups cool with minimal sound.