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Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS at 6.5/10.

The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads on compatibility and fit and value.

They score the same on cooling, noise and build and installation.

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Nautilus 360 RS is for buyers with a case that takes a 360mm radiator and a CPU that runs hot under load. It suits Intel LGA 1851 and LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 and AM4 builds that want a ready-to-fit AIO with paste already applied. It is less suited to compact or poorly ventilated cases.

Typically about £100.99 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

CriterionWeightCorsair NAUTILUS 360 RSThermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Cooling35%7/107/10
Noise25%6/106/10
Compatibility and fit15%6/107/10
Value15%7/108/10
Build and installation10%6/106/10
Overall6.5/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecCorsair NAUTILUS 360 RSThermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)AIO liquid cooler with 360mm radiatorTower air cooler, dual-tower
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700; AMD AM5, AM4Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)Radiator 360mm; 396 × 120 × 27mm (length unconfirmed, Corsair comparison page gives 394 × 120 × 27mm)154 mm
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)not listed280 W (retailer figure, not manufacturer-published)
Fans included and their sizeThree RS120 fans, 120 × 25mm, 420–2100 RPM ±10%, 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)Fans 10–36 dBA; pump 20 dBA25.6 dBA (fan rating, manufacturer)
Warranty (years)5 years12 months

Strengths and weaknesses

Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS

  • + Reported peak of 81°C on an i9-14900K
  • + Quiet at idle and light load, owners say
  • + Five-year warranty and pre-applied XTM60 paste
  • − Installation can be difficult in compact cases
  • − Fan noise rises under sustained heavy load
  • − Higher temperatures reported in small or poorly ventilated cases

Skip it if:

  • Builders with compact cases that struggle to take a 360mm radiator
  • People who need near-silent running during long, sustained heavy loads
  • Owners of small or poorly ventilated cases
Read the full Corsair NAUTILUS 360 RS 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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