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DeepCool AK400 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 DeepCool AK400 at 7.1/10.

The DeepCool AK400 leads on compatibility and fit and build and installation.

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

They score the same on noise.

The biggest difference is compatibility and fit, where the DeepCool AK400 scores 8/10 to the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO's 4/10.

DeepCool AK400

DeepCool AK400

7.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The DeepCool AK400 is for builders who want a low-cost air cooler for a mainstream Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits anyone who wants current socket support, including LGA1851 and AM5, without paying for a bigger tower or an AIO. It is a sensible pick for mid-range builds, and less so for chips that draw well above its 220 W rating.

Typically about £20.50 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

CriterionWeightDeepCool AK400Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
Cooling35%7/109/10
Noise25%6/106/10
Compatibility and fit15%8/104/10
Value15%8/109/10
Build and installation10%7/106/10
Overall7.1/107.2/10

Specifications

SpecDeepCool AK400Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size)Single-tower air cooler, four 6 mm copper heat pipes, one 120 mm fanDual-tower air cooler
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155; AMD AM5/AM4Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851/2011/2066, AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)155 mm total (L×W×H); heatsink 152 mm157 mm
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)Up to 220 Wnot listed
Fans included and their sizeOne 120×120×25 mm FDB fan, 500–1850 RPM ±10%, 4-pin PWM2 x TL-K12 120 x 120 x 25 mm PWM, 4-pin, ARGB connector, 2150 RPM max, 69 CFM max
Noise level (dBA)≤29 dB(A) (manufacturer rating)27 dBA rated fan noise
Warranty (years)3 years (per Hwbusters spec list; not confirmed by DeepCool)5 years

Strengths and weaknesses

DeepCool AK400

  • + Strong cooling for the money, per owners
  • + Supports LGA1851, LGA1700, AM5 and AM4
  • + Easy installation reported by owners
  • − Reported 8% throttling on an 11900K in the FPU test
  • − 42 dBA at full 1850 RPM in KitGuru's figures
  • − Mounting kit and pre-applied paste draw criticism

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a hot, high-power CPU that sits near or above 220 W under sustained load
  • Anyone with a compact case that can't take a 155 mm cooler
  • Buyers who want quiet full-speed operation without setting a fan curve
Read the full DeepCool AK400 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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