Compare: Phantom Spirit 120 SE vs Freezer 36

Design and Aesthetics:

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE looks a lot like the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, with a cool and stylish design. It has a big aluminum heatsink, all-black fans, and a black top radiator. The white Thermalright logo really pops on the black background. The two 120mm fans make sure your computer stays cool and runs smoothly. This sleek look is perfect for many computer builds, and it's a popular choice for people who want a great cooler without spending too much money. Plus, you can get this cooler in different styles.

Freezer 36

This cooler features an all black design with a single heatsink, two Arctic P12 fans, and a polished top. It offers a clean and polished appearance that's ideal for an all-black setup, which is my preferred build.

Install Notes:

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

This cooler installation is very similar to Noctua's typical installation, which is one of the easier installation setups. However, it also faces similar issues 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.

Freezer 36

the Arctic Freezer 36 features a novel way to secure the fan to the cooler. It uses buttons that are pre-installed and attached to the fan to snap into the cooler. This makes the process much easier relative to the main steam method that uses wires that can sometimes bend the heatsink fans. The rest of the installation process follows the industry standard with mounting brackets that secure the cooler to the motherboard. Given it's size, it's much easier to handle than some of the larger dual tower coolers.

Cooling Performance:

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE shows off amazing performance, competing with Noctua coolers of the same size. Its seven heat pipes help move heat from the CPU to the large heatsink fins, keeping your computer cool. It works well with many types of processors, even powerful ones with high heat output. This cooler can handle tough tasks and serious overclocking for some CPUs, making it a popular choice for keeping your computer cool and running smoothly.

Freezer 36

This cooler is better than many others and runs almost at full speed when cooling high-power CPUs with a lot of use. It works well for medium-level CPUs that produce a moderate amount of heat. However, it might not cool down CPUs very well if they generate a lot of heat.

Noise Performance:

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is known for being pretty quiet while it keeps your computer cool. It comes with two 120mm TL-C12B PWM fans that are made for great airflow and low noise. Even though it might be a bit louder than some other coolers of the same size, its excellent cooling performance makes it a strong choice for your computer setup.

Freezer 36

This cooler is relatively quiet, making it perfect for setups where silence is important. Its efficiency in cooling relative to its noise level is matched by very few other coolers.

Summary:

Phantom Spirit 120 SE

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is a stylish and high-performing cooler with a sleek design featuring a large aluminum heatsink, all-black fans, and a black top radiator. It has two 120mm fans that ensure your computer stays cool and runs smoothly, and it's compatible with various types of processors. With its seven heat pipes and ability to handle tough tasks and overclocking, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE is an attractive choice for computer enthusiasts of all ages who want a top-notch cooler without spending a fortune. Plus, it's available in different styles to match your preference.

Freezer 36

The Arctic Freezer 36 features a novel fan attachment method with pre-installed buttons for easy setup, avoiding the complications of traditional wire methods. Its compact size and standard mounting brackets simplify installation, making it less cumbersome than larger coolers. With an all-black design, single heatsink, and two Arctic P12 fans, it offers a sleek look ideal for all-black setups. This cooler performs well, efficiently cooling high-power CPUs under heavy use, best suited for medium-level CPUs. Despite its effectiveness, it may not handle extremely hot CPUs as well. Its quiet operation is a significant advantage, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments, standing out for its exceptional cooling-to-noise ratio.