Compare: Phantom Spirit 120 Evo vs Hyper 212 Halo Black

Design and Aesthetics:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

This cooler boasts a sleek, all-black RGB design that adds a stylish touch to any setup. Its compact size ensures it doesn't overpower the overall look and is ideal for builds where space is limited. Additionally, the cooler offers a sleek top that hides the coolers 4 heat-pipes. Moreover, it includes a sleek top cover that conceals its four heat pipes, contributing to a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.

Install Notes:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Halo features a distinctive installation design that is somewhat more complex than the standard design found in modern coolers. Initially, the mounting brackets are attached to the cooler, which is then secured to the motherboard at four points. While the process is straightforward, ensuring an equal connection at all four points can sometimes be challenging when handling the cooler.

Cooling Performance:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The Hyper 212 Halo Black is small but works better than many other coolers. But, if you have a very strong computer or want to make it run faster than usual, this cooler might not keep it cool enough.

Noise Performance:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The Hyper 212 Halo Black is quieter than many other coolers tested and provides better cooling for the amount of noise it makes. However, this efficiency comes with the trade-off of achieving only moderate cooling performance.

Summary:

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.

Hyper 212 Halo Black

The CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Halo features a unique, slightly complex installation and a sleek, all-black RGB design that suits any compact setup well. Although straightforward to install, ensuring even connection at all motherboard points can be tricky. Its design cleverly hides the heat pipes for a clean appearance. While it outperforms many coolers in terms of noise-to-cooling ratio, it's best for standard use rather than high-powered CPUs or extensive overclocking, due to its moderate cooling performance.