Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO vs ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is a superior air cooler for high-performance systems, offering better cooling and quieter operation, while the ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS is a more budget-friendly option for users prioritizing RGB aesthetics and moderate cooling needs.
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 substantially 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 Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO offers a much better performance-to-price ratio due to its superior cooling capacity and quieter operation.
Power efficiency
Pick A wins
The Phantom Spirit 120 EVO achieves a higher TDP rating with a lower maximum noise level (25.6 dB vs 35.2 dB), indicating more efficient heat dissipation per unit of noise.
Future-proofing
Pick A wins
The higher TDP rating and broader socket support (including LGA1851) of the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO make it more suitable for future CPU upgrades and higher-end processors.
Pick A if…
- • You have a high-end CPU (e.g., Intel i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 7/9) that requires robust cooling.
- • You prioritize quiet operation, as its max noise is significantly lower at 25.6 dB.
- • You want a cooler that can handle future CPU upgrades, including potential LGA1851 sockets.
Pick B if…
- • You are on a strict budget and want the cheapest functional cooler with RGB.
- • You have a mid-range CPU (e.g., Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 5) and don't plan on heavy overclocking.
- • RGB lighting is a must-have aesthetic feature for your build, and performance is secondary.
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | A: Phantom Spirit 120 EVO | B: SE-224-XTS |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Air | Air |
| Height | 154mm | 154mm |
Build a complete PC instead?
Stop comparing parts one by one. Tell our AI your goal and budget — it'll pick a compatibility-verified parts list in seconds.
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 for high-performance systems, offering better cooling and quieter operation, while the ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS is a more budget-friendly option for users prioritizing RGB aesthetics and moderate cooling needs.
When does Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO win?+
You have a high-end CPU (e.g., Intel i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 7/9) that requires robust cooling. You prioritize quiet operation, as its max noise is significantly lower at 25.6 dB. You want a cooler that can handle future CPU upgrades, including potential LGA1851 sockets.
When does ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS win?+
You are on a strict budget and want the cheapest functional cooler with RGB. You have a mid-range CPU (e.g., Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 5) and don't plan on heavy overclocking. RGB lighting is a must-have aesthetic feature for your build, and performance is secondary.
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.