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ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO scores 7.2/10 overall, ahead of the ARCTIC Freezer 36 at 7.1/10.

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 leads on noise and compatibility and fit.

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO leads on cooling and value.

They score the same on build and installation.

The biggest difference is compatibility and fit, where the ARCTIC Freezer 36 scores 7/10 to the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO's 4/10.

ARCTIC Freezer 36

ARCTIC Freezer 36

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 is for builders who want a quiet, low-cost air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits mainstream and upper-mid-range chips rather than the hottest processors at sustained heavy loads. Buyers who want maximum air-cooling performance should look at what sits above it.

Typically about £20.49 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

7.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO suits builders who want top-tier air cooling for a high-end CPU without moving to liquid. It works best in a roomy case with low-profile memory. It is a poor match for compact builds or tall RAM kits.

Typically about £42 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightARCTIC Freezer 36Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
Cooling35%7/109/10
Noise25%7/106/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/104/10
Value15%8/109/10
Build and installation10%6/106/10
Overall7.1/107.2/10

Specifications

SpecARCTIC Freezer 36Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fansDual-tower air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851/2011/2066, AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)159 mm157 mm
Fans included and their size2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWM2 x TL-K12 120 x 120 x 25 mm PWM, 4-pin, ARGB connector, 2150 RPM max, 69 CFM max
Noise level (dBA)40.3 dBA at full-performance testing (measured by Tom's Hardware; no manufacturer rating published)27 dBA rated fan noise
Warranty (years)6 years (manufacturer-stated in A-RGB spec)5 years

Strengths and weaknesses

ARCTIC Freezer 36

  • + Quiet operation praised by owners
  • + Ties Dark Rock Pro 4 in GamersNexus testing
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • − Intel installs require the included contact frame
  • − Peerless Assassin ran 3.3 °C cooler
  • − Failed a 205 W load in Techspot's test

Skip it if:

  • Buyers pairing it with a CPU drawing 200 W or more under sustained load
  • Intel builders who do not want a contact frame on the CPU
  • Anyone chasing the lowest temperatures an air cooler can give
Read the full ARCTIC Freezer 36 review ›

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

  • + Second-best air cooler result in Tom's Hardware's 238 W test
  • + Supports AM4, AM5, LGA1700 and LGA1851 among its sockets
  • + Five-year warranty
  • − Hangs over all four DIMM slots
  • − Somewhat loud at maximum fan speed
  • − Heavy and bulky at 810 g without fans

Skip it if:

  • Builders with tall RAM kits who cannot swap to low-profile memory
  • Anyone with a compact case or limited CPU area clearance
  • Buyers who want the quietest possible running at full fan speed
Read the full Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO review ›

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