Buying Guide
The Best Dual-Tower CPU Coolers
Five air coolers ranked on heat pipe count and fan size; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Two fin stacks give a dual-tower cooler the surface area to handle hot CPUs near liquid-cooler level. Every pick is a dual-tower design, ordered by heat pipe count.
We ranked these air coolers on heat pipes, fan size and fans included using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out sockets named, we say 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
Noctua NH-D15 G2
An offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot.
Best for: Buyers who want offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot.
Our take Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Undercutting the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black
A black-coated dual-tower heatsink.
Best for: Buyers who want black-coated dual-tower heatsink.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
An all-black dual-tower design.
Best for: Buyers who want all-black dual-tower design.
Our take Check price for Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| An offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot. | Buyers who want offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot. | Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE (opens in a new tab) |
| A black-coated dual-tower heatsink. | Buyers who want black-coated dual-tower heatsink. | Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black (opens in a new tab) |
| An all-black dual-tower design. | Buyers who want all-black dual-tower design. | Check price for Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Noctua NH-D15 G2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NH-D15 G2 is Noctua's flagship: eight heat pipes, two 140mm fans and a six-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Phantom Spirit 120 SE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its offset design keeps the top PCIe slot clear, but it is a large cooler, so check your case first. Its fans have a speed offset for acoustic fine-tuning, and there is 20% more fin area than the original NH-D15. It matches the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black on heat pipe count (8).
It also offers 59mm RAM clearance with one fan fitted and NT-H2 paste in the box. Worth noting too: 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow. It also brings mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. When we checked, only the NH-D15 chromax.black and cheaper picks cost less, and the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black cost more.
Key dimensions & 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 Phantom Spirit 120 SE at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax.black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NH-D15 G2 chromax.black is Noctua's second-generation flagship in black, with eight heat pipes and two NF-A14x25r G2 fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its offset design clears the top PCIe slot and leaves 59mm for RAM. On heat pipe count it ties with the NH-D15 G2 at 8. Worth noting too: 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow.
Worth noting too: mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851. The nearest alternative on fan size is the Phantom Spirit 120 SE at 120mm, against 140mm here. It makes the most sense for buyers who want the most complete package, since it offers the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the NH-D15 G2.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 8
- Fan size: 140mm
- Fans included: 2
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 8 heat pipes
- 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
Cons
- Costs more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE packs seven heat pipes and two 120mm fans into a 154mm-tall dual tower.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: heat pipe count of 7, behind the NH-D15 G2 (8).
Why we like it
Thermalright rates it for CPUs up to 280W, which covers most gaming chips with room to spare. Thermalright rates it for CPUs from 105W to 280W, and mounting kits cover AM4, AM5 and Intel up to LGA1851. It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on heat pipe count (7).
Check that your case offers at least 154mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black the next step up. What it gives up: heat pipe count of 7, behind the NH-D15 G2 (8); by contrast, the NH-D15 G2 offers 8.
Key dimensions & 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
- Heat pipe count of 7, behind the NH-D15 G2 (8)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black is a seven-heat-pipe dual tower with two PWM fans at a budget price.
Best for
- Buyers who want black-coated dual-tower heatsink.
Skip if
- Skip it if fan size matters most to you; the NH-D15 G2 offers 140mm.
Why we like it
The black coating covers the heatsink and heat pipes for a consistent dark look. At 154mm tall it fits most mid-tower cases, and the black coating extends to the heat pipes rather than just the fin tops. Its S-FDB fans are rated for long service, and the heatsink has cut corners to clear tall RAM.
Mounting hardware covers AM4, AM5 and Intel sockets up to LGA1851. It was priced above the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and below the NH-D15 chromax.black at the time of writing. It gives ground on fan size, where the NH-D15 G2 comes in at 140mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 7
- Fan size: 120mm
- Fans included: 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Black-coated dual-tower heatsink
- Two TL-C12B V2 PWM fans
Cons
- Fan size trails the NH-D15 G2 (140mm)
- Costs more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The chromax.black NH-D15 is Noctua's classic dual-tower cooler in an all-black finish, with two NF-A15 140mm PWM fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want all-black dual-tower design.
Skip if
- Skip it if heat pipe count matters most to you; the NH-D15 G2 offers 8.
Why we like it
It cools on par with many AIOs and includes NT-H1 paste and the SecuFirm2 mount. Noctua backs it with a six-year warranty. Its SecuFirm2 mount installs on Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 as well as AMD AM5 and AM4.
Low-Noise Adaptors cut fan speed further for a near-silent idle. Its 6 heat pipe count is the lowest in this group; the NH-D15 G2 leads at 8. Another plus is 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow. When we checked, only the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black and cheaper picks cost less, and the NH-D15 G2 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 6
- Fan size: 140mm
- Fans included: 2
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 140mm fans that can spin slower for the same airflow
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- All-black dual-tower design
Cons
- Heat pipe count trails the NH-D15 G2 (8)
- Costs more than the Phantom Spirit 120 SE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Dual-Tower CPU Coolers
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Fit
- We compared listed heights and footprints, since case and RAM clearance decide what fits.
- Cooling hardware
- We noted heat pipes, fan size and fan count from each listing.
- Sockets
- We checked that each maker names current AM5 and Intel LGA1851 support.
- Support
- We recorded warranty length where the maker states it.
What to Look for in a Dual-Tower CPU Cooler
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: heat pipe count
Among these picks, heat pipe count runs from 6 on the NH-D15 chromax.black to 8 on the NH-D15 G2. Pick the lowest figure that covers your use; the extra usually costs more than it returns.
Watch RAM clearance
Large towers and low-profile coolers can overhang the memory slots. Tall RAM heatsinks may force you to raise a fan or pick a slimmer cooler.
Makers publish RAM clearance figures; check them against your memory's height.
Confirm the mounting kit
Check that the cooler lists your socket: AM5 and AM4 share mounting, while Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 share hole spacing. Older coolers may need a free or paid adapter.
Warranty reflects fan life
Coolers have few failure points besides the fans. Longer warranties, such as Noctua's and Arctic's six years, cover the parts most likely to wear.
Check the cooler height against your case
Every case offers a maximum CPU cooler height. Tower coolers run from about 150mm to 170mm, and low-profile coolers from under 40mm to about 70mm.
Leave a few millimetres for the side panel.
How to Choose a Dual-Tower CPU Cooler
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot | NH-D15 G2 | An offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | NH-D15 G2 chromax.black | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15 |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Phantom Spirit 120 SE | Undercutting the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want black-coated dual-tower heatsink | Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black | A black-coated dual-tower heatsink |
| Buyers who want all-black dual-tower design | NH-D15 chromax.black | An all-black dual-tower design |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Cooler | Heat pipes | Fan size | Fans included | Sockets named |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH-D15 G2 | 8 | 140mm | 2 | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| NH-D15 G2 chromax.black | 8 | 140mm | 2 | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE | 7 | 120mm | 2 | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black | 7 | 120mm | 2 | Not listed |
| NH-D15 chromax.black | 6 | 140mm | 2 | AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Coolers |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Phantom Spirit 120 SE, Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black |
| About $100 to $150 | NH-D15 chromax.black |
| About $150 to $250 | NH-D15 G2, NH-D15 G2 chromax.black |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on fan size?
The NH-D15 G2, at 140mm. The NH-D15 G2 chromax.black follows at 140mm, while the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black has 120mm.
Which pick costs the least here?
Start with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The NH-D15 G2 chromax.black is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
What cooler does a 65W CPU need?
A single-tower cooler handles it easily; a good low-profile cooler works in small cases.
Do AM4 coolers fit AM5?
Yes, AM5 keeps AM4's mounting, so most AM4 coolers fit. Check the maker's compatibility list to be sure.
Do I need to buy thermal paste?
Most coolers include paste, and some ship it pre-applied. Buy a tube only if you plan to remount the cooler.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the NH-D15 G2, chosen for an offset design whose recessed lower fins clear the top PCIe slot. Look at the NH-D15 G2 chromax.black for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an all-black finish on Noctua's second-generation NH-D15, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE for undercutting the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on price when we checked and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black for a black-coated dual-tower heatsink if those matter more to you.
Measure RAM height and case clearance; dual towers are wide and tall.