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ARCTIC Freezer 36 vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE at 6.8/10.

The ARCTIC Freezer 36 leads on noise.

They score the same on cooling, compatibility and fit, value and build and installation.

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 SE

Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE

6.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is for builders who want a dual-tower air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop CPU on a modest budget. It suits mainstream and gaming systems, including Ryzen 7 7800X3D builds, where one owner reports around 65c under load. It is a less obvious choice for anyone who wants near-silent running under sustained heavy load.

Typically about £24.87 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 SE
Cooling35%7/107/10
Noise25%7/106/10
Compatibility and fit15%7/107/10
Value15%8/108/10
Build and installation10%6/106/10
Overall7.1/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecARCTIC Freezer 36Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, push-pull fansTower air cooler, dual-tower
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700; AMD AM5 and AM4Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)159 mm154 mm
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)not listed280 W (retailer figure, not manufacturer-published)
Fans included and their size2× 120 mm P12 PWM PST, fluid dynamic bearing, 200–1800 rpm, 0 rpm below 5% PWM2 x TL-C12B V2 PWM, 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 1500 RPM ±10%, 66.17 CFM max, 1.53 mm H2O max, S-FDB bearing, 4-pin PWM
Noise level (dBA)40.3 dBA at full-performance testing (measured by Tom's Hardware; no manufacturer rating published)25.6 dBA (fan rating, manufacturer)
Warranty (years)6 years (manufacturer-stated in A-RGB spec)12 months

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 SE

  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • + Owners praise its value for money
  • + One owner reports around 65c on a 7800X3D
  • − Owners report loud fans under load
  • − Owners say it is hard to clean
  • − Owners report a fan speed floor near 360 rpm

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want near-silent running under sustained heavy load
  • Builders who want fans that idle well below 360 rpm
  • Anyone who dislikes cleaning a dual-tower cooler
Read the full Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE review ›

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