Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›
all judged against CPU coolers at a similar priceThe NZXT Kraken Elite 360 and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE both score 6.8/10 overall.
The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 leads on noise and build and installation.
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads on value.
They score the same on cooling and compatibility and fit.
The biggest difference is value, where the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE scores 8/10 to the NZXT Kraken Elite 360's 5/10.
The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 is for builders who want a 360 mm AIO on a current Intel or AMD platform. It suits people who want low temperatures under heavy load and a simple install. It is less suited to buyers watching the budget closely.
Typically about £279.95 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
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
| Criterion | Weight | NZXT Kraken Elite 360 | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling | 35% | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Noise | 25% | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Compatibility and fit | 15% | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Value | 15% | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Build and installation | 10% | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Overall | 6.8/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Spec | NZXT Kraken Elite 360 | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Type (tower air cooler, low-profile air, or AIO liquid with radiator size) | Liquid AIO with 360 mm radiator | Tower air cooler, dual-tower |
| Supported sockets (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700) | Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115X; AMD AM5, AM4 | Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851; AMD AM4/AM5 |
| Height in mm (air coolers) or radiator size in mm (AIO) | Radiator 401 × 120 × 27 mm; pump cap 93.5 mm diameter × 65 mm high | 154 mm |
| Rated cooling capacity (W TDP) | not listed | 280 W (retailer figure, not manufacturer-published) |
| Fans included and their size | Elite 360: 3 × F120P (2024) 120 mm static-pressure fans, 500–2,000 ±200 RPM, 30 dBA each. Elite 360 RGB: 1 × F360 RGB Core fan containing three 120 mm fans, 500–2,400 ±250 RPM, 30.0 dBA per fan | 2 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) | Elite 360 RGB: 33.88 dB stated by manufacturer; PCGamesN lists 34 dBA | 25.6 dBA (fan rating, manufacturer) |
| Warranty (years) | 6 years | 12 months |
Skip it if:
Skip it if: