As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler
- Best budget: Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler
- Best premium: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler
- Best for compact cases: ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler
- Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 is a straightforward single-tower pick with four heatpipes and a 120mm fan.
- ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black is a compact four-heatpipe alternative with a 151mm listed height.
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE and Phantom Spirit 120 SE add dual towers and two fans for stronger cooling potential.
- Check cooler height, RAM clearance, socket support and case dimensions before buying any CPU air cooler.
- Compare the exact model and included accessories when choosing a Black Friday 2026 CPU cooler.
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 and ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black are affordable-style single-tower CPU air coolers built around four heatpipes and a 120mm fan. The ID-COOLING model has a listed 151mm height, while the Thermalright model is about 154mm tall, making case clearance an important part of the comparison.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven air coolers. My pick for most people is the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 for a simple, compact build; builders with hotter CPUs should compare the dual-tower options before choosing. Confirm socket support and RAM clearance against the exact model listing.
How We Picked
- Compared published dimensions, heatpipe counts, fan configurations and listed fan sizes.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product documentation for installation, compatibility and noise considerations.
- Included single-tower and dual-tower coolers at several performance levels so the comparison covers different PC builds.
- Prioritized models with clear product identities and useful specification information; Amazon ASINs are null where an exact listing identifier was not confidently established.
- Considered case clearance, memory access and socket compatibility alongside cooling hardware.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Heatpipes | Fan configuration | Cooler height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler | Value-focused standard builds | 4 | 1 × 120mm | About 154mm |
| ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler | Compact cases | 4 | 1 × 120mm | 151mm |
| ID-COOLING SE-224-XT Black CPU Cooler | Simple single-tower builds | 4 | 1 × 120mm | Check exact listing |
| Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO DARK CPU Air Cooler | Dark single-tower builds | 4 | 1 × 120mm | Check exact listing |
| Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Air Cooler | Compact five-heatpipe cooling | 5 | 1 × 120mm | About 148mm |
| Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler | Gaming and sustained workloads | 6 | 2 × 120mm | About 155mm |
| Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler | High-capacity air cooling | 7 | 2 × 120mm | About 154mm |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler is the best value-focused single-tower choice for mainstream gaming and everyday PCs, with 4 heatpipes for heat transfer. The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler's 120mm fan and modest tower design suit builders who want a conventional air cooler without moving to a dual-tower unit.
Best for: Value-focused builds with standard case clearance
- Heatpipes
- 4
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Cooler height
- About 154mm
- Four heatpipes and a 120mm fan deliver a familiar, easy-to-compare layout.
- Single-tower construction leaves more room around the motherboard than many dual-tower coolers.
- A practical match for balanced gaming and general-use systems.
- Single-tower cooling capacity is less suited to sustained high-heat workloads than larger dual-tower alternatives.
Is the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler is worth considering for a mainstream PC that needs a four-heatpipe tower cooler. Check its roughly 154mm height against the case limit and confirm the included mounting kit supports the processor socket.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler is the best compact alternative for builders prioritizing case clearance, with 4 heatpipes and a listed 151mm height. The dark finish gives the single-tower design a cohesive look in black-themed PC builds.
Best for: Compact cases and black-themed builds
- Heatpipes
- 4
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Cooler height
- 151mm
- The 151mm listed height fits more case clearance limits than taller towers.
- Four heatpipes provide a clear step up from small stock-style coolers.
- Black styling works well with understated builds.
- Single-tower cooling and one fan are less substantial than dual-tower designs.
Is the ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler is a sensible choice when a 151mm tower height matters. The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler's four heatpipes and 120mm fan suit everyday and gaming builds, while high-load processors deserve comparison with larger dual-tower coolers.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
ID-COOLING SE-224-XT Black CPU Cooler
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XT Black CPU Cooler is the best straightforward option for builders seeking a traditional four-heatpipe tower, with a 120mm fan. The model name is close to the SE-224-XTS, so verify the exact variant and listed dimensions before ordering.
Best for: Simple single-tower PC builds
- Heatpipes
- 4
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Cooler type
- Single tower
- Four heatpipes and a standard 120mm fan make the design easy to compare.
- Black finish suits dark components and restrained styling.
- Single-tower layout is less bulky than dual-tower alternatives.
- SE-224-XT and SE-224-XTS names are easy to confuse, so check the listing carefully.
Is the ID-COOLING SE-224-XT Black CPU Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XT Black CPU Cooler is worth comparing for a basic single-tower upgrade with four heatpipes. Confirm that the listing is the XT rather than the XTS variant, then check case height, socket mounting and the included fan.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO DARK CPU Air Cooler
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO DARK CPU Air Cooler is the best dark-finish alternative for a restrained build, with 4 heatpipes and a 120mm fan. The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO DARK CPU Air Cooler's single-tower format keeps the design simpler than the brand’s larger dual-tower coolers.
Best for: Black builds using a single-tower cooler
- Heatpipes
- 4
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Cooler type
- Single tower
- Dark appearance pairs neatly with black motherboards and cases.
- Four heatpipes suit mainstream processor cooling needs.
- Single-tower dimensions are easier to accommodate than larger twin towers.
- Check the exact listing for height and socket hardware because variants differ.
Is the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO DARK CPU Air Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 EVO DARK CPU Air Cooler is a good fit for builders who want a black, four-heatpipe single tower. Verify the precise cooler height and included socket brackets on the product listing before matching it to a case or motherboard.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Air Cooler
The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is the best compact step-up for buyers seeking more heatpipes in a single tower, with 5 heatpipes. The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Air Cooler's 120mm fan keeps the overall format familiar while the extra heatpipe adds cooling hardware over four-pipe rivals.
Best for: Single-tower builds seeking extra cooling hardware
- Heatpipes
- 5
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Cooler height
- About 148mm
- Five heatpipes stand out among compact single-tower models.
- About 148mm tall, the cooler suits tighter case limits.
- A 120mm fan keeps replacement and compatibility options familiar.
- One tower and one fan still provide less total heatsink area than dual-tower designs.
Is the Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Air Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is worth a look for a compact build that benefits from five heatpipes. The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Air Cooler's roughly 148mm height is a useful fit consideration, but confirm the exact version, RAM clearance and socket kit before purchase.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6 · Top pick
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is the best overall cooling-focused pick for builders with room for a dual tower, with 6 heatpipes and 2 fans. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler's larger heatsink gives demanding gaming and sustained workloads more cooling hardware than the single-tower options.
Best for: Gaming PCs and sustained processor workloads
- Heatpipes
- 6
- Fan configuration
- 2 × 120mm
- Cooler height
- About 155mm
- Dual towers and six heatpipes provide substantially more heatsink area.
- Two 120mm fans move air through the paired towers.
- A strong alternative to larger, more complicated cooling setups.
- The wide dual-tower layout requires careful RAM and case-clearance checks.
Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is a strong choice for a gaming PC with room for a dual tower. Six heatpipes and two 120mm fans provide more cooling hardware than a single tower, but check case height and memory clearance.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is the best high-capacity air-cooling choice in this group, with 7 heatpipes and 2 fans. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler's twin-tower design suits builds where cooling headroom takes priority over a compact footprint.
Best for: High-heat processors and larger cases
- Heatpipes
- 7
- Fan configuration
- 2 × 120mm
- Cooler height
- About 154mm
- Seven heatpipes give the cooler the highest count in this comparison.
- Dual towers and two fans offer ample cooling hardware.
- A useful air-cooling option for performance-oriented systems.
- The broad heatsink can complicate memory access and installation in compact cases.
Is the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is a strong air-cooling pick for a build that needs substantial heatsink capacity. Seven heatpipes and two 120mm fans distinguish it from compact towers; confirm case clearance, RAM access and socket support first.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which cooler is better, Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 or ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black?
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler is the better fit when a 151mm height limit matters, while the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler is a straightforward four-heatpipe alternative. Both use a single-tower layout and a 120mm fan, so neither takes the same space as the dual-tower picks.
The difference is not just brand: the SE-224-XTS Black lists a shorter height than the Assassin Spirit 120 V2, which can decide compatibility in compact cases. Buyers should also compare exact socket support, fan details and included mounting hardware on the current listing. For high-heat processors or long rendering sessions, consider a six- or seven-heatpipe dual tower instead.
How do the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 and ID-COOLING SE-224 compare for cooling?
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler and ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler both use 4 heatpipes and a 120mm fan. Their core layouts are closely matched, so case fit, exact model revision, mounting support and owner feedback matter when choosing between them.
A heatpipe count alone does not establish the temperature or noise level in a particular PC. Processor power, case airflow, fan settings, room temperature and installation all affect results. Both single towers make sense for mainstream systems, while the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler offer dual towers and two fans for users prioritizing greater cooling capacity.
Which CPU cooler is best for a compact PC case?
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler is the clearest compact-case pick here, with a listed 151mm height. The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE CPU Air Cooler is another shorter single-tower option at about 148mm, based on its commonly listed dimensions.
Before buying, compare the cooler’s total height with the case manufacturer’s CPU-cooler clearance specification. Leave room for the side panel and check whether raised memory modules interfere with the fan. Listings can differ by model variant, so use the exact product page rather than assuming every SE-224 or Assassin Spirit version shares identical dimensions. Skip it if the case clearance is below the cooler’s stated height.
Should you choose a single-tower or dual-tower air cooler?
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler and Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler are the dual-tower choices here, with 6 and 7 heatpipes respectively. Single towers such as the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler take a simpler, generally less bulky approach.
A single tower fits many everyday and gaming builds and keeps access around the motherboard less crowded. Dual towers provide more heatsink surface and two 120mm fans, which makes them the stronger shortlist for high-heat processors and sustained workloads. A larger cooler still needs enough case clearance, fan clearance and memory space. Match cooler capacity to the processor and the workload rather than choosing by size alone.
What should buyers check before choosing a Black Friday 2026 CPU cooler?
A Black Friday 2026 CPU cooler purchase should start with processor socket support, case height and memory clearance. Those three checks prevent the most common fit problems across the seven air coolers in this guide.
Next, confirm the full model name, included fans, mounting brackets and any listed height or clearance figures. SE-224-XT and SE-224-XTS are distinct product names, and Assassin Spirit variants also differ. Read recent owner feedback for installation notes and fan behavior, then compare the exact listing against the motherboard and case documentation. A well-matched cooler matters more than choosing the largest heatsink available.
Buying Guide
Measure case cooler clearance
Compare the cooler’s stated height with the maximum CPU-cooler height supported by the PC case. Leave a little room for panel fit and account for the fan position.
Confirm socket and mounting support
Check the exact product listing for the processor socket and included mounting hardware. Product variants and retail bundles can differ, so verify the specific model rather than relying on a similar name.
Check memory and motherboard clearance
Tall memory modules and nearby motherboard components can conflict with a tower cooler or its fan. Review clearance notes and product photos, especially for dual-tower designs.
Match cooling capacity to your workload
Everyday use and moderate gaming suit a single-tower shortlist. Sustained CPU-heavy work gives a stronger reason to consider a dual-tower model with two fans and more heatpipes.
Compare the exact Black Friday listing
Confirm the full model name, included fans, mounting kit and dimensions on the listing you plan to buy. Compare like-for-like variants and review owner comments for installation and noise notes.
FAQ
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 vs ID-COOLING SE-224: which is better?
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler is the better fit when its 151mm height helps it clear a compact case. The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler is a close alternative with four heatpipes and a 120mm fan. Confirm the exact listing and socket support.
Is the ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black good for gaming?
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler is a reasonable gaming-build option for mainstream processors, with four heatpipes and a 120mm fan. Case airflow and processor power affect cooling results. High-load CPUs deserve a comparison with the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE dual tower.
Is the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 compatible with my case?
The Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 CPU Air Cooler is about 154mm tall, so case compatibility depends on the case’s listed CPU-cooler clearance. Check that figure alongside RAM clearance and the exact cooler revision. Verify socket mounting support on the product listing before purchase.
What is the difference between ID-COOLING SE-224-XT and SE-224-XTS?
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XT Black CPU Cooler and ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black CPU Cooler are separate model variants, so buyers should not assume identical dimensions or included accessories. The XTS Black listing specifies a 151mm height. Check the exact product page for the XT version’s details.
Is a dual-tower cooler worth choosing over a single tower?
A dual-tower cooler is a better fit when processor workloads create sustained heat and the case has enough room. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Air Cooler has six heatpipes and two fans, while single towers are simpler choices for mainstream systems and tighter builds.
Which Thermalright air cooler has the most heatpipes in this comparison?
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE CPU Air Cooler has the highest count in this comparison, with seven heatpipes, two 120mm fans and a dual-tower design. Check its roughly 154mm height and the case’s memory and fan clearances before selecting it.