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DeepCool AK400 vs Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE

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

all judged against CPU coolers at a similar price

The DeepCool AK400 scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE at 6.8/10.

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

They score the same on cooling, noise and value.

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 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

CriterionWeightDeepCool AK400Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Cooling35%7/107/10
Noise25%6/106/10
Compatibility and fit15%8/107/10
Value15%8/108/10
Build and installation10%7/106/10
Overall7.1/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecDeepCool AK400Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
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 fanTower air cooler, dual-tower
Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155; AMD AM5/AM4Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5
Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO)155 mm total (L×W×H); heatsink 152 mm154 mm
Rated cooling capacity (W TDP)Up to 220 W280 W (retailer figure, not manufacturer-published)
Fans included and their sizeOne 120×120×25 mm FDB fan, 500–1850 RPM ±10%, 4-pin 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)≤29 dB(A) (manufacturer rating)25.6 dBA (fan rating, manufacturer)
Warranty (years)3 years (per Hwbusters spec list; not confirmed by DeepCool)12 months

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 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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