7 Heat Pipes vs 6 Heat Pipes CPU Coolers: Which Should You Buy?
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This guide compares 7 Heat Pipes vs 6 Heat Pipes CPU cooler options from Thermalright. Both models use 120mm PWM fans and AGHP technology to manage heat efficiently. The main difference lies in the heat pipe count and tower design. The seven-pipe unit offers a single-tower layout, while the six-pipe version uses a dual-tower structure. You need to check your case height and socket support before buying.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Pipes | 7 | 6 |
| Tower Design | Single tower | Double tower |
| Cooler Height | 154mm | 157mm |
| TDP Rating | 280W | not listed |
| Fan Speed | 1500 RPM | 1550 RPM |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE if
- You need a cooler under 154mm to fit smaller cases.
- You want the highest listed TDP rating of 280W.
- You prefer a single-tower design for better RAM clearance.
Choose Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler if
- You want a dual-tower design for maximum surface area.
- You prefer a slightly higher fan speed of 1550 RPM.
- You have a taller case allowing up to 157mm height.
Verdict: The seven-pipe model suits users with strict height limits or those prioritizing the highest rated TDP. The six-pipe dual-tower model offers more fin density and a slightly higher fan speed for those with taller cases. Both provide solid thermal performance through AGHP technology.
7 vs 6 Heat Pipe Cooler Comparison
Heat Pipe Count
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE features seven 6mm heat pipes utilizing AGHP technology. This configuration helps manage heat transfer from the pure copper base to the aluminum fins. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler uses six 6mm heat pipes with the same AGHP technique. Both designs aim to solve inverse gravity effects in vertical or horizontal orientations. The Phantom Spirit includes an extra heat pipe, which may offer slightly better thermal capacity for high TDP loads. The Peerless Assassin relies on its double-tower structure to compensate for the single missing pipe. You get seven pipes in the Phantom Spirit and six in the Peerless Assassin.
Tower Design
Tower design impacts how air flows through the fins. The Peerless Assassin 120 is explicitly described as a double-tower cooling solution. This design spreads heat across two stacks of aluminum fins, increasing the surface area exposed to airflow. The Phantom Spirit 120SE specifications list dimensions and materials but do not explicitly label it as a double-tower design in the provided text. It uses a full aluminum fin body with an anodized black frosted top. The double-tower structure of the Peerless Assassin is noted to be stronger in its marketing. This structural difference may affect how each cooler interacts with your case airflow and RAM clearance.
Fan Speed
Both coolers come with 120mm PWM fans, but the maximum speeds differ. The Phantom Spirit 120SE includes TL-C12B V2 fans that spin at 1500 RPM, with a tolerance of plus or minus 10 percent. The Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler uses TL-C12 fans that reach 1550 RPM, also with a plus or minus 10 percent variance. The Peerless Assassin fans spin faster, which can move more air across the fins. Both units report the same maximum airflow of 66.17 CFM and noise level of 25.6 dB. The higher RPM in the Peerless Assassin suggests a potential for slightly more aggressive cooling under load.
Cooler Height
Height is critical for fitting your cooler inside your PC case. The Phantom Spirit 120SE has a stated height of 154mm, or 4.33 inches. The Peerless Assassin 120 is taller at 157mm, or 4.92 inches. The extra three millimeters in the Peerless Assassin means you must check your case specifications more carefully. If your case supports coolers up to 155mm, the Phantom Spirit fits easily, while the Peerless Assassin might not. The Phantom Spirit is the safer choice for cases with strict height limits. You need to measure the clearance above your CPU socket before deciding.
Socket Compatibility
Both coolers support modern Intel and AMD sockets. The Phantom Spirit 120SE supports Intel LGA1700, LGA1851, and older LGA115x and LGA1200 sockets. It also covers AMD AM4 and AM5. The Peerless Assassin 120 supports Intel LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, LGA2066, and LGA2011. It also covers AMD AM4 and AM5. The Peerless Assassin lists support for the older LGA2066 and LGA2011 platforms, which the Phantom Spirit data does not explicitly mention. If you are using an older workstation platform, the Peerless Assassin offers broader compatibility. For modern consumer platforms, both work equally well.
Which Thermalright Cooler Fits Your Build
Users with tall cases needing max cooling
The Peerless Assassin 120 reaches 157mm in height. Its double tower design with six heat pipes provides robust heat dissipation for high TDP loads. You get dual 120mm fans running at 1550 RPM. This setup delivers strong airflow while maintaining noise levels under 25.6 dB. It suits builds with ample vertical clearance.
Owners of compact mid-tower cases
The Phantom Spirit 120SE stands at 154mm. This three-millimeter difference can be critical for clearance in smaller chassis. It uses seven heat pipes with AGHP technology to move heat efficiently. The single fan operates at 1500 RPM with 66.17 CFM airflow. It fits well when space is limited but performance is still required.
Builds prioritizing extreme thermal headroom
This model features seven heat pipes compared to the six in the Peerless Assassin. The extra pipe enhances thermal conductivity across the aluminum fins. It supports a TDP rating up to 280W. The pure copper base and anodized black finish help spread heat quickly. You get reliable cooling for demanding processors.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE | High-TDP cooling in single-fan cases | Check price of Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE on Amazon |
| 2 | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler | Standard cases needing reliable six-heat-pipe cooling | Check price of Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler on Amazon |
The products compared
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Best for: High-TDP cooling in single-fan cases
- Heat Pipes
- 7 Heat Pipes (what this guide is about)
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4/AM5, LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1200
- Cooler Height
- 154mm
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- TDP Rating
- 105W to 280W
- Fan Speed
- 1500rpm±10%
View on Amazon: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Affiliate link
This single-fan air cooler uses seven 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to handle TDP ratings up to 280W. It includes one 120mm PWM fan rated for 66.17 CFM airflow and under 25.6 dB noise. The 154mm height fits most mid-tower cases. You get solid cooling performance for high-wattage CPUs without the bulk of a dual-fan design.
Pros
- Seven 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology
- TDP rating up to 280W
- Includes one 120mm PWM fan with 66.17 CFM airflow
- Noise level capped at 25.6 dB
Cons
- Single fan limits maximum airflow compared to dual-fan models
- 154mm height may block RAM in compact cases
- No RGB lighting mentioned in specifications
Good fit if
- You need high TDP cooling in a single-fan slot
- You prioritize low noise under 26 dB
- You have standard ATX cases with 154mm clearance
Skip if
- You require RGB lighting effects
- You need dual-fan airflow for extreme overclocking
- Your case has less than 154mm CPU cooler clearance
Verdict: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE 7-Heatpipe Cooler delivers strong thermal headroom for 280W loads in a single 120mm package. It fits users who want quiet, efficient cooling without the width of a dual-fan tower.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler
Best for: Standard cases needing reliable six-heat-pipe cooling
- Heat Pipes
- 6 Heat Pipes (what this guide is about)
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4/AM5, LGA1700/1200/2011/1851
- Cooler Height
- 157mm
- Tower Design
- Double tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1550rpm±10%
View on Amazon: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler Affiliate link
This dual-tower air cooler uses six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively in any orientation. It includes two 120mm PWM fans that spin at 1550 RPM, delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow while staying under 25.6 dB. The design fits most modern Intel and AMD sockets. It suits users who need reliable cooling without the bulk of seven-heat-pipe models.
Pros
- Six 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technique
- Dual 120mm PWM fans for strong airflow
- Low noise level of 25.6 dB(A) max
- Supports latest Intel LGA 1851 and AMD AM5
Cons
- Only six heat pipes compared to seven-heat-pipe competitors
- 157mm height may limit RAM clearance on some cases
- 1-pound weight adds load to the motherboard socket
Good fit if
- You want a dual-tower cooler with six heat pipes
- You have a standard ATX case with 157mm clearance
- You use an Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 CPU
Skip if
- You need the maximum possible cooling from seven heat pipes
- Your RAM sticks are taller than the 135mm cooler width
- You prefer a single-tower design for compact cases
Verdict: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 6 Heatpipe delivers solid dual-tower performance for mid-range CPUs. It fits users who prioritize a balance of airflow and noise over the absolute highest heat pipe count.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Dual Fan Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4/AM5, LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1200 | AM4/AM5, LGA1700/1200/2011/1851 |
| Cooler Height | 154mm | 157mm |
| Heat Pipes | 7 | 6 |
| Tower Design | not stated | Double tower |
| Fan Size | 120mm | 120mm |
| TDP Rating | 105W to 280W | not stated |
| Fan Speed | 1500rpm±10% | 1550rpm±10% |
| Dimensions | 6.06 × 4.92 × 4.33 inches | 6.18 × 5.31 × 4.92 inches |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces | 1 pounds |
| Color | PS120 SE | PA120 |
| Model | PS120SE | LM-PA 120 |
| Size | not stated | PA120 series |
Frequently asked questions
Does a 7 heat pipe cooler always run cooler than a 6 pipe model?
Not necessarily. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE with seven pipes offers strong headroom for 280W loads in a single fan package. However, the Peerless Assassin 120 uses six pipes in a dual-tower design. Both manage heat efficiently, so the physical design matters as much as the pipe count.
Will a 7 heat pipe cooler fit in my case?
Check your case clearance against the cooler dimensions. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE measures 4.92 inches in width and 4.33 inches in height. It is designed for single-fan cases where width is a constraint. Ensure your case has sufficient clearance for a 6.06 inch long tower.
Is the extra heat pipe worth the space in a dual-tower design?
It depends on your priority. The seven-pipe Phantom Spirit fits in a single 120mm package, saving width. The six-pipe Peerless Assassin uses a dual-tower design for robust dissipation. If you need quiet, efficient cooling without excessive width, the seven-pipe single tower is a practical choice.
How do the dimensions of these coolers compare?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is 4.92 inches wide and 4.33 inches high. The Peerless Assassin 120 is wider at 5.31 inches and taller at 4.92 inches. The seven-pipe model is also lighter at 3.53 ounces compared to the one-pound six-pipe unit. Consider your RAM clearance with these sizes.
Do both coolers support modern sockets like AM5 and LGA 1700?
The Peerless Assassin 120 explicitly lists compatibility with AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE data does not specify socket support. Always verify socket compatibility in the full product specifications before purchasing.
Can a single 120mm fan handle high TDP loads with seven heat pipes?
Yes, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE delivers strong thermal headroom for 280W loads using a single 120mm fan. It utilizes AGHP technology to manage heat transfer effectively. This configuration allows for quiet, efficient cooling without requiring the bulk of a dual-fan setup.
Which cooler is better for users prioritizing airflow and noise balance?
The Peerless Assassin 120 fits users who prioritize a balance of airflow and noise. It uses six heat pipes in a dual-tower design to provide reliable performance. This makes it suitable for standard cases needing robust heat dissipation without focusing on the absolute highest heat pipe count.