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- Best overall: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black
- Best budget: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black
- Best premium: Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black
- Best for premium air cooling: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is the value-focused air cooler pick, with a dual-tower design and 6 heatpipes.
- Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black is the liquid-cooling pick for a 360mm radiator and a clean showcase build.
- Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black adds a seventh heatpipe while keeping the straightforward air-cooler format.
- Check case cooler clearance, radiator positions, memory height and motherboard socket support before choosing.
- Black Friday 2026 shoppers should match the cooler to their build and noise priorities, not just its appearance.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is the better value-focused choice for most air-cooled builds, while Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black suits builders who want a 360mm liquid cooler. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to separate practical cooling choices from premium styling.
The right Black Friday 2026 cooler depends on your case, processor, noise goals and preference for air or liquid cooling. My pick for most people is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black: its dual-tower layout and 6 heatpipes deliver a strong feature set without adding a radiator or pump to the build.
How We Picked
- Compared radiator size, tower design, heatpipe count and included fan layouts.
- Prioritized fit details, including cooler height, radiator support, RAM clearance and socket compatibility.
- Considered owner feedback and published reviews for noise, installation and long-term usability.
- Grouped models by practical use: value air cooling, premium liquid cooling, quiet builds and display-focused systems.
- Selected recognizable full product models with useful differences, rather than listing near-identical options without context.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Cooling type | Radiator size or heatpipes | Fan layout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black | Value-focused air cooling | Dual-tower air | 6 heatpipes | 2 × 120mm |
| Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black | Showcase liquid cooling | All-in-one liquid | 360mm radiator | 3 × 120mm |
| Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black | Compact liquid cooling | All-in-one liquid | 240mm radiator | 2 × 120mm |
| Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black | ARGB air cooling | Dual-tower air | 7 heatpipes | 2 × 120mm |
| Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Black | Enthusiast air cooling | Dual-tower air | 7 heatpipes | 2 × 120mm |
| Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black | Premium air cooling | Dual-tower air | 6 heatpipes | 2 × 140mm |
| DeepCool AK620 Black | Minimalist air cooling | Dual-tower air | 6 heatpipes | 2 × 120mm |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is the best value air cooler for builders who want strong cooling without a liquid loop, with a dual-tower design and 6 heatpipes.
Best for: Value-focused air-cooled gaming and desktop builds
- Heatpipes
- 6
- Fan layout
- 2 × 120mm
- Cooler height
- 155mm
- Dual-tower design provides substantial cooling surface.
- Two included 120mm fans support a ready-to-install setup.
- No pump or radiator to accommodate.
- Large tower can crowd tall memory modules or narrow cases.
- Air-cooler appearance is less suited to builds centered on a visible liquid-cooling display.
Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is a strong Black Friday 2026 shortlist choice for air-cooled builds, combining 6 heatpipes, a dual-tower heatsink and two 120mm fans without requiring radiator space.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black
The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black is the best liquid cooler for showcase builds that need a large radiator, with a 360mm radiator and three 120mm fans.
Best for: Showcase PCs with 360mm radiator support
- Radiator size
- 360mm
- Fan layout
- 3 × 120mm
- Cooling type
- All-in-one liquid
- Three-fan radiator suits high-performance builds with the right case support.
- Pump-head styling complements display-focused systems.
- Keeps a large heatsink tower away from the center of the motherboard.
- Needs a compatible 360mm radiator position.
- Adds pump and tubing to the system.
Is the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black is worth considering for a showcase PC with 360mm radiator support, especially when liquid cooling and pump-head styling matter more than the simpler installation of an air cooler.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black
The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black is the best compact liquid-cooling pick for builders who want an all-in-one cooler with a smaller radiator, using a 240mm radiator and two 120mm fans.
Best for: Liquid cooling in cases with 240mm radiator support
- Radiator size
- 240mm
- Fan layout
- 2 × 120mm
- Cooling type
- All-in-one liquid
- Smaller radiator format fits more cases than a 360mm unit.
- Two-fan layout keeps the installation straightforward.
- Pump styling gives the system a coordinated liquid-cooling look.
- Requires a case with a compatible 240mm radiator mount.
- Still adds tubing and a pump compared with an air cooler.
Is the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black is a sensible choice for a builder who wants an all-in-one liquid cooler and has 240mm radiator support, but it is not the simplest fit for a compact air-cooled system.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black is the best air-cooling upgrade for builders who want lighting and extra heatpipe capacity, with 7 heatpipes and a dual-tower heatsink.
Best for: ARGB air cooling with a dual-tower design
- Heatpipes
- 7
- Fan layout
- 2 × 120mm
- Cooler height
- 154mm
- Seven heatpipes distinguish the design from many six-pipe alternatives.
- ARGB fans add lighting without requiring a liquid loop.
- Dual-tower layout provides substantial heatsink area.
- Lighting requires suitable motherboard headers or a compatible controller.
- Check memory and case clearance before installation.
Is the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black is a good fit for buyers who want a 7-heatpipe dual-tower cooler with lighting, provided the case has room for its 154mm height and the motherboard supports the lighting connection.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Black
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Black is the best enthusiast air cooler for builders who want a feature-rich tower design, with 7 heatpipes and two 120mm fans.
Best for: Enthusiast air cooling without a radiator
- Heatpipes
- 7
- Fan layout
- 2 × 120mm
- Cooling type
- Dual-tower air
- Seven heatpipes support heat transfer across the dual towers.
- Two fans arrive as part of the cooler setup.
- Avoids the pump and radiator of liquid-cooling systems.
- Large heatsink needs careful clearance checks.
- A dual-tower cooler can make access around the socket tighter.
Is the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Black suits builders who want a high-capacity air cooler with 7 heatpipes and two 120mm fans, as long as the case and memory layout leave enough room around the CPU socket.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is the best premium air cooler for builders who value a proven dual-tower format, with 6 heatpipes and two 140mm fans.
Best for: Premium air cooling and quiet-focused builds
- Heatpipes
- 6
- Fan layout
- 2 × 140mm
- Cooler height
- 165mm
- Two 140mm fans give the cooler a substantial airflow layout.
- Black finish fits dark-themed PC builds.
- Air cooling avoids pump noise and liquid-loop maintenance.
- 165mm height rules it out for some cases.
- The large heatsink needs close attention to RAM clearance.
Is the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is a premium air-cooling option for buyers who want a large dual-tower cooler with two 140mm fans, provided their case supports its 165mm height and surrounding component clearance.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
DeepCool AK620 Black
The DeepCool AK620 Black is the best understated dual-tower cooler for builders who want a clean air-cooled look, with 6 heatpipes and two 120mm fans.
Best for: Minimalist builds and straightforward air cooling
- Heatpipes
- 6
- Fan layout
- 2 × 120mm
- Cooler height
- 160mm
- Dark, restrained styling suits minimalist builds.
- Dual-tower design uses two included fans.
- No radiator placement or liquid tubing to manage.
- 160mm height needs a compatible case.
- Large tower format can limit access near memory and motherboard components.
Is the DeepCool AK620 Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The DeepCool AK620 Black is a practical pick for a minimalist air-cooled build, with 6 heatpipes and two 120mm fans. Confirm that the case supports its 160mm height and that the motherboard layout allows room for the towers.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which cooler is better: Lian Li Galahad or Thermalright Peerless Assassin?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is the better fit for value-focused air cooling, while Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black is the better fit for a build with 360mm radiator support. The difference is more than the cooling method: an air cooler sits over the CPU socket, while an all-in-one liquid cooler places its radiator elsewhere in the case.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black keeps the build simpler with 6 heatpipes, two fans and no pump. Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black offers a three-fan radiator layout and a pump head suited to a showcase system. Pick the air cooler for simplicity and value; choose the Lian Li cooler when liquid cooling and radiator space are priorities.
Which cooler is better for gaming?
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Black and Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black are both relevant gaming choices, but the best match depends on processor heat and case layout. The 7-heatpipe Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Black is a capable-looking air-cooling option that avoids radiator planning.
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black makes more sense for a powerful gaming system that has an open 360mm radiator mount and a preference for liquid cooling. For either option, confirm socket compatibility and check independent CPU and cooler reviews for your processor model. A larger cooler does not replace airflow through the case.
Do air coolers or liquid coolers offer better value?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black offers the more straightforward value proposition because its 6-heatpipe air-cooling design needs no pump or radiator. Air coolers also reduce the number of system components involved in the cooling loop and simplify case planning.
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black and Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black suit builders who specifically want an all-in-one liquid setup. Radiator size, case support and visual design matter alongside cooling capability. Skip it if a liquid cooler does not solve a clear build requirement: a well-matched tower cooler is easier to accommodate in many systems.
How do you check whether a CPU cooler fits?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black needs 155mm of case cooler clearance, while Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black stands 165mm tall. Compare the cooler's stated height with the case specification before ordering, and leave room for side panels and any raised fan position.
For liquid models, check the case's supported radiator locations and thickness limits before choosing Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black or Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black. Also check motherboard socket support, memory height and fan clearance. Tall RAM can conflict with a dual-tower cooler, while a front-mounted radiator can affect graphics-card space.
Which cooler should Black Friday 2026 shoppers choose?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is the strongest starting point for a straightforward air-cooled build, while Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black is the liquid-cooling pick for a case with 360mm support. Black Friday 2026 is a useful moment to compare complete model names and specifications instead of relying on a broad product-family label.
Choose Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black for lighting with a 7-heatpipe tower, or Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black for premium dual-tower air cooling. A cooler only makes sense when its height, radiator support and socket hardware match the rest of the PC. Compare those details first, then select the styling and cooling format that suit the build.
Buying Guide
Choose air cooling or liquid cooling
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is the simpler air-cooling choice, with 6 heatpipes and no pump. Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black requires a supported 360mm radiator position, so confirm case layout before selecting an all-in-one cooler.
Measure case and memory clearance
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is 155mm tall, and Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black is 165mm tall. Compare the exact cooler height with your case limit, then check tall memory clearance and room around the motherboard socket.
Match the cooler to your processor
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO Black serve different cooling formats, so compare independent results for your exact processor. Confirm socket compatibility and consider power limits, case airflow and noise preferences together.
Compare complete model names
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black are distinct coolers with different heatpipe counts and lighting. Check the full model and included fan details to avoid confusing variants when comparing Black Friday 2026 listings.
Plan radiator placement before checkout
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black needs a 240mm radiator position, while Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black needs a 360mm position. Check top and front mounts, radiator clearance and graphics-card space against your case manual.
FAQ
Lian Li Galahad vs Thermalright Peerless Assassin: which is better?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is better for straightforward value-focused air cooling, with 6 heatpipes and no pump. Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black is the better fit for a showcase build with 360mm radiator support and a preference for all-in-one liquid cooling.
Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black good for gaming?
Yes. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black is a practical gaming PC cooler with a dual-tower design, 6 heatpipes and two 120mm fans. Confirm socket support, case clearance and independent performance for your specific processor before choosing it.
Is a 240mm or 360mm Lian Li Galahad better?
Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 240 Black suits cases with a 240mm radiator mount, while Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black needs 360mm support and uses three 120mm fans. Choose the largest radiator format your case supports comfortably.
Does the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black need special lighting support?
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB Black includes ARGB lighting, so check for compatible motherboard lighting headers or a suitable controller. The cooler also has a dual-tower design, 7 heatpipes and a stated height of 154mm.
Which is quieter, an air cooler or an AIO liquid cooler?
Neither format is automatically quieter in every system. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black avoids pump noise, while Lian Li Galahad II Trinity models add a pump alongside radiator fans. Compare noise measurements for the exact cooler, fan settings and processor load.
What should I check before buying a CPU cooler on Black Friday 2026?
Check the complete model name, socket support, cooler height or radiator size, memory clearance and case airflow. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black needs 155mm of cooler clearance, while Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360 Black needs a compatible 360mm radiator position.