Buying Guide
The Best Air Coolers
Eight tower air coolers compared on heat pipes, fans, height and RAM clearance, from budget dual towers to Noctua and be quiet! flagships.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read8 products evaluated
A good tower cooler has no pump to fail and handles most CPUs. Case height and RAM clearance limit which one fits.
We compared eight air coolers on heat pipes, fans, height and RAM clearance, using the makers' specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 8 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Air Cooler
Noctua NH-D15 G2Eight heat pipes and two 140mm fans.
Best for: Quiet high-end builds.
Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SESeven heat pipes at a budget price.
Best for: Most builds.
Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best be quiet! Flagship
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6A 300W rating with a mode switch.
Best for: Quiet builds with hot CPUs.
Check price for be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Tall RAM
be quiet! Dark Rock EliteA height-adjustable front fan.
Best for: RGB memory kits.
Check price for be quiet! Dark Rock Elite on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
Noctua NH-D15The original NH-D15 remains a capable dual tower with two 140mm fans, now priced below its G2 successor.
Best for: Buyers who want 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow.
Check price for Noctua NH-D15 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Single Tower
Noctua NH-U12ATwo NF-A12x25 fans in a 120mm tower.
Best for: Smaller cases.
Check price for Noctua NH-U12A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SEThe Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the budget dual tower most builders start with.
Best for: Buyers who want two fans included.
Check price for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best White Air Cooler
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOWAn all-white tower with a temperature display.
Best for: White builds.
Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Air Cooler1 of 8
Noctua NH-D15 G2
The NH-D15 G2 is Noctua's current flagship air cooler with eight heat pipes and two 140mm fans.
Best for
- Quiet high-end builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Peerless Assassin 120 SE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is large and costly, and it carries a six-year warranty. Its fans have a speed offset for acoustic fine-tuning, and there is 20% more fin area than the original NH-D15. Its 8 heat pipe count is the highest here; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE comes next at 7.
You also get an offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot, 59mm RAM clearance with one fan fitted and NT-H2 paste in the box. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the NH-U12A. Buyers who need a confirmed height should compare it with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, which comes in at 154mm.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 8
- Fan size
- 140mm
- Warranty
- 6-year
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 8 heat pipes
- 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow
- 6-year warranty
- Two fans included
Cons
- Costs more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE at the time of writing
Best Value2 of 8
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE puts seven heat pipes into a dual-tower design at a budget price.
Best for
- Most builds.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 154mm height fits most mid-tower cases. Thermalright rates it for CPUs from 105W to 280W, and mounting kits cover AM4, AM5 and Intel up to LGA1851. On heat pipe count it ties with the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Elite, the NH-U12A and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW at 7.
Its 154mm height is the lowest here; the NH-U12A comes next at 158mm. Check that your case offers at least 154mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. On price it sat second of 8, between the cheaper Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the pricier Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its warranty; if that figure matters, the NH-D15 G2 offers 6-year.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 154mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Dual-tower heatsink
Cons
- Costs more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE at the time of writing
Best be quiet! Flagship3 of 8
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 6
The Dark Rock Pro 6 is be quiet!'s newest dual tower, rated at 300W, with a switch between maximum cooling and quiet modes.
Best for
- Quiet builds with hot CPUs.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its mode switch picks maximum cooling or a semi-passive mode that stops the fans below 40% PWM. Seven copper heat pipes carry the heat. A pre-installed mounting bridge and rail-mounted front fan make installation easier, and the fan height adjusts for tall RAM.
It comes with liquid metal thermal grease in the box. It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Dark Rock Elite, the NH-U12A and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW on heat pipe count (7). It matches the Dark Rock Elite on fan size (135mm). It was priced above the Dark Rock Elite and below the NH-D15 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 135mm
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- 300W TDP rating
- Active mode switch for maximum cooling or quiet operation
Cons
- Costs more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published height figure, whereas the Phantom Spirit 120 SE comes in at 154mm.
Best for Tall RAM4 of 8
be quiet! Dark Rock Elite
The Dark Rock Elite has seven heat pipes and two 135mm Silent Wings fans.
Best for
- RGB memory kits.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Peerless Assassin 120 SE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its front fan slides up to clear tall RAM. ARGB LEDs light the top cover, and the front fan slides on rails for tall RAM. It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Dark Rock Pro 6, the NH-U12A and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW on heat pipe count (7).
You also get a Speed Switch for quiet or performance modes and a 25.8dB(A) maximum noise rating. The nearest alternative on fan size is the NH-D15 G2 at 140mm, against 135mm here. It makes the most sense for RGB memory kits, since it offers a height-adjustable front fan. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 135mm
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Height-adjustable front fan for tall RAM
- Speed Switch for quiet or performance modes
Cons
- Costs more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed height, look to the Phantom Spirit 120 SE instead: it comes in at 154mm, while this one gives no figure.
Worth Considering5 of 8
Noctua NH-D15
The original NH-D15 remains a capable dual tower with two 140mm fans, now priced below its G2 successor.
Best for
- Buyers who want 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Peerless Assassin 120 SE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It includes NT-H1 paste and the SecuFirm2 mount for Intel LGA1851 to AMD AM5, and it carries a six-year warranty. It succeeds the classic NH-D14. It matches the Peerless Assassin 120 SE on heat pipe count (6).
Worth noting: 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow. When we checked, only the Dark Rock Pro 6 and cheaper picks cost less, and the NH-U12A cost more. If you want a confirmed height, look to the Phantom Spirit 120 SE instead: it comes in at 154mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 140mm
- Warranty
- 6-year
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow
- 6-year warranty
- Two fans included
- Two NF-A15 140mm fans
Cons
- Costs more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE at the time of writing
Best Single Tower6 of 8
Noctua NH-U12A
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
- Smaller cases.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Peerless Assassin 120 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. It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Elite and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW on heat pipe count (7). Its 158mm height ranks second of 3 here, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (154mm) and ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW (160mm).
You also get full RAM and PCIe clearance. Check that your case offers at least 158mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. Warranty is its weakest area, and the NH-D15 G2 covers it better at 6-year.
Key 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 Peerless Assassin 120 SE at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice7 of 8
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the budget dual tower most builders start with.
Best for
- Buyers who want two fans included.
Skip if
- Skip it if heat pipe count matters most to you; the NH-D15 G2 offers 8.
Why we like it
It has six heat pipes and two 120mm fans. At 155mm tall it fits most mid-towers, and its six heat pipes and two PWM fans handle mainstream CPUs. It is one of the best-known budget dual towers.
On heat pipe count it ties with the NH-D15 at 6. On fan size it ties with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the NH-U12A and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW at 120mm. You also get a 25.6dB(A) noise rating.
The maker names AM5 but not Intel LGA1851, so check the maker's site if you are building on Core Ultra. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE was the next step up.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Two fans included
- Dual-tower heatsink
- 25.6dB(A) noise rating
Cons
- Heat pipe count trails the NH-D15 G2 (8)
The catch
If heat pipe count is your priority, the NH-D15 G2 (8) is the stronger choice.
Best White Air Cooler8 of 8
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW
The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW is the all-white version of the Digital EVO, with a temperature display on top.
Best for
- White builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if fan size matters most to you; the NH-D15 G2 offers 140mm.
Why we like it
TRCC software shows CPU and GPU temperatures on the display, and the text colour can be changed. It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Elite and the NH-U12A on heat pipe count (7). Its 160mm height is the tallest in this group; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads at 154mm.
It also offers a magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature. Check that your case offers at least 160mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. When we checked, only the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and cheaper picks cost less, and the Dark Rock Elite cost more. Fan size is its weakest area, and the NH-D15 G2 covers it better at 140mm.
Key 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
- All-white finish
Cons
- Fan size trails the NH-D15 G2 (140mm)
- Height trails the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (154mm)
- Costs more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Air Coolers
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side 8 coolers on heat pipe count, fan size, height and warranty from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and height and warranty are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 8, from the NH-D15 G2 to the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW, state heat pipe count, fan size and fans included.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The NH-D15 G2, the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Elite, the NH-D15 and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE give no height; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Elite, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Peerless Assassin 120 SE (under $50) to the NH-D15 G2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in an Air Cooler
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much heat pipe count you need
Across these 8 picks heat pipe count spans 6 (the Peerless Assassin 120 SE) to 8 (the NH-D15 G2). For less, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the runner-up at 7 (under $50 tier).
Fan size across these picks
Here fan size runs from 120mm on the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW to 140mm on the NH-D15 G2, a 17% spread. The NH-D15 comes second at 140mm, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the NH-D15 G2.
A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans Height
Here height runs from 160mm on the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW to 154mm on the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, a 4% spread. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the pick for height. The NH-D15 G2, the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Elite, the NH-D15 and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE give no height figure, so 3 of 8 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The NH-U12A: full RAM and PCIe clearance. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE: a 25.6dB(A) noise rating. The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW: a magnetic ARGB display panel that shows CPU temperature.
An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE; $50 to $100 buys the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW and the Dark Rock Elite; $100 to $150 buys the Dark Rock Pro 6, the NH-D15 and the NH-U12A; $150 to $250 buys the NH-D15 G2 at our last check.
How to Choose an Air Cooler
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet high-end builds | NH-D15 G2 | Eight heat pipes and two 140mm fans |
| Most builds | Phantom Spirit 120 SE | Seven heat pipes at a budget price |
| Quiet builds with hot CPUs | Dark Rock Pro 6 | A 300W rating with a mode switch |
| RGB memory kits | Dark Rock Elite | A height-adjustable front fan |
| Smaller cases | NH-U12A | Two NF-A12x25 fans in a 120mm tower |
| White builds | Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW | An all-white tower with a temperature display |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The NH-D15 G2 leads on heat pipe count at 8, ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 SE at 7. "Not listed" marks height where the NH-D15 G2, the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Elite, the NH-D15 and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE leave the figure out.
| Cooler | Heat pipes | Fan size | Height | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH-D15 G2 | 8 | 140mm | Not listed | 6-year |
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE | 7 | 120mm | 154mm | Not listed |
| Dark Rock Pro 6 | 7 | 135mm | Not listed | Not listed |
| Dark Rock Elite | 7 | 135mm | Not listed | Not listed |
| NH-D15 | 6 | 140mm | Not listed | 6-year |
| NH-U12A | 7 | 120mm | 158mm | 6-year |
| Peerless Assassin 120 SE | 6 | 120mm | Not listed | Not listed |
| Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW | 7 | 120mm | 160mm | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, sat in the under $50 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the NH-D15 G2 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Coolers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Peerless Assassin 120 SE, Phantom Spirit 120 SE |
| About $50 to $100 | Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW, Dark Rock Elite |
| About $100 to $150 | Dark Rock Pro 6, NH-D15, NH-U12A |
| About $150 to $250 | NH-D15 G2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest heat pipe count: the NH-D15 G2 or the Phantom Spirit 120 SE?
Between the top two, it is 8 on the NH-D15 G2 against 7 on the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, a 14% difference. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE is at the other end of this group with 6.
How does the NH-U12A compare with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE on height?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE comes out best at 154mm, with the NH-U12A at 158mm. The Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW closes the ranking at 160mm. No height figure is published for the NH-D15 G2, the Dark Rock Pro 6, the Dark Rock Elite, the NH-D15 and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE, which leaves 3 of 8 picks ranked here.
Is the NH-D15 G2 worth paying more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE?
What it brings is heat pipe count (8 against 6) and fan size (140mm against 120mm). The Peerless Assassin 120 SE sat in the under $50 tier and the NH-D15 G2 in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 6 other picks between them; pay the difference only if heat pipe count and fan size decide your purchase.
What makes the Phantom Spirit 120 Digital SNOW the Best White Air Cooler?
It earns the label for an all-white tower with a temperature display. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits white builds.
Beyond the specs, what sets the NH-D15 G2 and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE apart?
The NH-D15 G2: an offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE: a dual-tower heatsink. The Dark Rock Pro 6: a 300W TDP rating.
Bottom Line
The NH-D15 G2 is the pick if it fits your case and budget. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the value choice, the Dark Rock Pro 6 the quiet alternative, and the NH-U12A the single-tower option.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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