Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO vs ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is a superior air cooler offering better performance and quieter operation, making it ideal for most users, while the ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS is a budget-friendly option for those prioritizing RGB and a lower price point.
AI Verdict
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO wins overall.
By the numbers
Performance
Pick A wins
With a significantly higher TDP rating of 245W and two fans, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO will offer much better cooling performance than the SE-224-XTS's 220W TDP and single fan.
Value for money
Pick A wins
Despite being slightly more expensive, the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO provides a substantial performance increase and quieter operation for only $5 more, making it a better value.
Power efficiency
Pick A wins
While not directly stated as power efficiency, the lower noise level of 25.6 dB max for the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO suggests more efficient fan operation compared to the SE-224-XTS's 35.2 dB max.
Future-proofing
Pick A wins
The higher TDP rating of 245W on the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO provides more headroom for future, more powerful CPUs and also supports the upcoming LGA1851 socket, giving it better longevity.
Pick A if…
- • You want the best possible air cooling performance for your CPU.
- • You prioritize quiet operation, with a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB.
- • You plan to upgrade to a more powerful CPU in the future or want support for LGA1851.
Pick B if…
- • You are on a very strict budget and need the cheapest cooler available.
- • You want RGB lighting in your PC build.
- • Your CPU has a TDP of 220W or less and you don't plan on heavy overclocking.
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | A: Phantom Spirit 120 EVO | B: SE-224-XTS |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Air | Air |
| Height | 154mm | 154mm |
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Common questions
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO vs ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS — which should I buy?+
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is a superior air cooler offering better performance and quieter operation, making it ideal for most users, while the ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS is a budget-friendly option for those prioritizing RGB and a lower price point.
When does Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO win?+
You want the best possible air cooling performance for your CPU. You prioritize quiet operation, with a maximum noise level of 25.6 dB. You plan to upgrade to a more powerful CPU in the future or want support for LGA1851.
When does ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS win?+
You are on a very strict budget and need the cheapest cooler available. You want RGB lighting in your PC build. Your CPU has a TDP of 220W or less and you don't plan on heavy overclocking.
Are the prices live or MSRP?+
MSRP is shown as a reference baseline. Click either product card to see live retailer pricing — we pull current prices from Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy and other retailers on demand, cached for 30 days. Prices localize automatically for US, Canada, and India.