Buying Guide
The Best Large Air Coolers for Gaming
Five air coolers ranked on heat pipe count and fan size, where the AXP120-X67 has the lowest height; the Frozn A620 Pro SE is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A six or seven heat-pipe tower cooler matches many 240mm AIOs. Every pick has six or more heat pipes, ordered by height.
Rankings weigh heat pipes, fan size and height as the makers state them; if a maker skips sockets named, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB White
A magnetic digital display board.
Best for: Buyers who want magnetic digital display board.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB White (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO
A magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature.
Best for: Buyers who want magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Noctua NH-U12A
The top of this price range, adding two NF-A12x25 fans on a single tower.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Noctua NH-U12A (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Height
Thermalright AXP120-X67
The lowest height here (67mm).
Best for: Buyers who put height first.
Our take Check price for Thermalright AXP120-X67 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 Digital ARGB White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White adds a temperature display to the six-pipe Peerless Assassin in a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want magnetic digital display board.
Skip if
- Skip it if height matters most to you; the AXP120-X67 offers 67mm.
Why we like it
Its ARGB fans sync through a standard 5V 3-pin header. On heat pipe count it ties with the Frozn A620 Pro SE and the AXP120-X67 at 6. On height it trails the group at 162mm, while the AXP120-X67 comes in at 67mm.
It also offers a 25.6dB(A) noise rating. Check that your case offers at least 162mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. The maker names AM5 but not Intel LGA1851, so check the maker's site if you are building on Core Ultra. Its price falls between the AXP120-X67 and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 6
- Fan size: 120mm
- Height: 162mm
- Fans included: 2
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Two fans included
- Magnetic digital display board
- 25.6dB(A) noise rating
Cons
- Height trails the AXP120-X67 (67mm)
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO adds a magnetic display panel that shows CPU temperature to the Phantom Spirit's seven-pipe design.
Best for
- Buyers who want magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Frozn A620 Pro SE, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
At 160mm tall it fits mainstream ATX cases, and its fans spin to 2,150 RPM. It ships with mounting kits for AM4/AM5 and Intel sockets from LGA1150 to LGA1851. Thin ARGB lines frame the fans.
The magnetic ARGB top panel displays CPU temperature and load, and the fan runs up to 2150RPM. On heat pipe count it ties with the NH-U12A at 7. On height it sits mid-pack at 160mm: the AXP120-X67 comes in at 67mm, and the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White comes in at 162mm.
You also get TRCC control software. Check that your case offers at least 160mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. Its price falls between the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White and the NH-U12A, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 7
- Fan size: 120mm
- Height: 160mm
- Fans included: 2
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature
Cons
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
Noctua NH-U12A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NH-U12A packs seven heat pipes and two NF-A12x25 fans into a 120mm single tower that clears RAM and PCIe slots.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Frozn A620 Pro SE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It includes NT-H1 paste and a six-year warranty, and Low-Noise Adaptors keep the fans near silent at idle. On heat pipe count it ties with the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO at 7. On height it sits mid-pack at 158mm: the AXP120-X67 comes in at 67mm, and the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White comes in at 162mm.
You also get full RAM and PCIe clearance. Check that your case offers at least 158mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 7
- Fan size: 120mm
- Height: 158mm
- Warranty: 6-year
- Fans included: 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- 6-year warranty
- Two fans included
- Two NF-A12x25 fans on a single tower
Cons
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Frozn A620 Pro SE is the cheapest dual tower here, with six heat pipes, a 157mm height and a 260W rating.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: heat pipe count of 6, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO (7).
Why we like it
Its dual-tower heatsink and two 120mm PWM fans stand 157mm tall, which fits most tower cases. The black finish suits a dark interior. Its RAM clearance of 40mm fits standard-height memory under the front fan.
It is rated at 27.2dB(A) maximum noise. Its two PWM fans slow down at idle. On heat pipe count it ties with the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White and the AXP120-X67 at 6.
Check that your case offers at least 157mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. It undercut the AXP120-X67 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: heat pipe count of 6, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO (7). If that matters, the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO offers 7.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 6
- Fan size: 120mm
- Height: 157mm
- Fans included: 2
Pros
- Two fans included
- 260W rating
- 40mm clearance for standard RAM
- Height of 157mm, ahead of the NH-U12A
Cons
- Heat pipe count of 6, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO (7)
Lowest Height5 of 5
Thermalright AXP120-X67 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AXP120-X67 fits six heat pipes and a 15mm-thick 120mm fan into 67mm.
Best for
- Buyers who put height first.
Skip if
- Skip it if heat pipe count matters most to you; the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO offers 7.
Why we like it
It is the value choice for small cases with a 65W or mid-range CPU. On heat pipe count it ties with the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White and the Frozn A620 Pro SE at 6. On height it leads this guide at 67mm, ahead of the Frozn A620 Pro SE (157mm).
It also comes with a 26.1dB(A) noise rating. At 67mm tall it suits slim and small form factor cases, but a cooler this low sits close to the memory, so check your RAM height against the maker's clearance figure. The maker names AM5 but not Intel LGA1851, so check the maker's site if you are building on Core Ultra.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Frozn A620 Pro SE and the pricier Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White, at the time of writing. The trade-off is heat pipe count; for more, the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO offers 7.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 6
- Fan size: 120mm
- Height: 67mm
- Fans included: 1
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- 15mm-thick 120mm fan
- 26.1dB(A) noise rating
- Lowest height of the picks (67mm)
Cons
- Heat pipe count trails the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO (7)
- Costs more than the Frozn A620 Pro SE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Large Air Coolers for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five coolers on heat pipe count, fan size, height and fans included as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White to the AXP120-X67, state heat pipe count, fan size and height.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The NH-U12A and the Frozn A620 Pro SE give no sockets named.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Frozn A620 Pro SE (under $50) to the NH-U12A ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Large Air Cooler for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Heat pipe count
Here heat pipe count runs from 6 on the AXP120-X67 to 7 on the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO. Start with the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO if heat pipe count decides it.
Height across these picks
Here height runs from 162mm on the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White to 67mm on the AXP120-X67. For less, the Frozn A620 Pro SE is the runner-up at 157mm.
Extras that separate them
The NH-U12A: full RAM and PCIe clearance. The Frozn A620 Pro SE: 40mm clearance for standard RAM. The AXP120-X67: a 26.1dB(A) noise rating.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the Frozn A620 Pro SE, the AXP120-X67 and the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White; $50 to $100 buys the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO; $100 to $150 buys the NH-U12A at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Spending more for the fullest feature set: the NH-U12A. Spending as little as possible: the Frozn A620 Pro SE. Buyers who put height first: the AXP120-X67.
How to Choose a Large Air Cooler for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want magnetic digital display board | Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White | A magnetic digital display board |
| Buyers who want magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature | Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO | A magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | NH-U12A | The top of this price range, adding two NF-A12x25 fans on a single tower |
| Spending as little as possible | Frozn A620 Pro SE | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who put height first | AXP120-X67 | The lowest height here (67mm) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO leads on heat pipe count at 7, ahead of the NH-U12A at 7.
| Cooler | Heat pipes | Fan size | Height | Fans included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White | 6 | 120mm | 162mm | 2 |
| Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO | 7 | 120mm | 160mm | 2 |
| NH-U12A | 7 | 120mm | 158mm | 2 |
| Frozn A620 Pro SE | 6 | 120mm | 157mm | 2 |
| AXP120-X67 | 6 | 120mm | 67mm | 1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Frozn A620 Pro SE was the lowest-priced pick and the NH-U12A the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Coolers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Frozn A620 Pro SE, AXP120-X67, Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White |
| About $50 to $100 | Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO |
| About $100 to $150 | NH-U12A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the lowest height: the AXP120-X67 or the Frozn A620 Pro SE?
The AXP120-X67 comes out best at 67mm, with the Frozn A620 Pro SE at 157mm. The Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White is at the other end of this group with 162mm.
What does the NH-U12A add over the Frozn A620 Pro SE?
On paper it adds heat pipe count (7 against 6). It does not win everywhere: the Frozn A620 Pro SE still leads on height (157mm). The Frozn A620 Pro SE was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the AXP120-X67 our Lowest Height pick?
It earns the label for the lowest height here (67mm). It suits anyone who put height first.
What extras do the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO include?
The Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White: a magnetic digital display board. The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO: a magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature. The NH-U12A: two NF-A12x25 fans on a single tower.
Should I pick the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White or the AXP120-X67?
The Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White suits buyers who want magnetic digital display board; the AXP120-X67 suits buyers who put height first.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Peerless Assassin 120 Digital White, chosen for a magnetic digital display board. Look at the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital EVO for a magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature, the NH-U12A for the top of this price range, adding two NF-A12x25 fans on a single tower and the Frozn A620 Pro SE for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.
Measure case clearance before buying a tall cooler.