Compare: Fuma 3 vs Phantom Spirit 120 Evo

Design and Aesthetics:

Fuma 3

This cooler boasts a sleek appearance with a smooth top surface. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that the plastic covering the exposed heat pipes, while contributing to a polished appearance, is a rather subdued gray and lacks the eye-catching appeal of more vibrant or shiny options. This cooler is an excellent choice for those seeking exceptional cooling performance coupled with a more understated aesthetic.

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:

Fuma 3

This cooler employs the standard mounting system commonly found in premium coolers. In comparison to the Fuma 2, the Fuma 3 has introduced a minor adjustment that enhances the ease of installation by preventing over-tightening, a feature absent in the Fuma 2. Overall, the installation process for this cooler is straightforward, and it has demonstrated improvements compared to previous Fuma iterations.

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:

Fuma 3

The Fuma 3 is a mid-performance cooler offering moderate cooling capabilities. While it may not be suitable for high-heat CPUs, it's an excellent option for users who appreciate its aesthetic appeal and require effective cooling for CPUs with moderate thermal loads.

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:

Fuma 3

The dual 120mm Kaze Flex fans are engineered for maximum airflow and moderate noise levels. In terms of the noise-to-cooling ratio, it strikes a good balance, providing an average level of noise for the cooling performance it delivers.

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:

Fuma 3

The Fuma 3 cooler uses a standard premium cooler mounting system but adds a minor tweak from the prior generation for easier installation. Its sleek design features a subdued gray plastic top, making it suitable for users who prioritize both cooling performance and aesthetics, especially for mid-heat CPUs. Equipped with two 120mm fans, it strikes a balanced noise-to-cooling ratio.

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.