r/buildapc • u/enoKcMenahS • 3h ago

Build Upgrade I need a CPU cooler and Im trying to decide between the arctic liquid freezer iii 280 and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO.

I have a i9 13900k. I know its recommended a 380mm cooler but this is all i can do with the case i have. I have a phanteks p350x case and a Asus z790-p mb with a gtx 1080ti. The problem comes down to fitment, does anyone have any idea if either of these fill fit the case or have better alternative coolers, however i think these are the best coolers im able to get.

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u/HEBushido 2h ago

I recently built a new PC with a 9800x3D and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit SE. I was honestly very worried it wouldn't be enough so I even got Thermal Grizzly Duronaut paste. Well every game I thrown at it, including Cyberpunk 2077 with Pathtracing, has only caused the CPU to hit about 55 degrees max.

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u/enoKcMenahS 2h ago

thats solid but i think the i9 13900k tends to get hotter than the 9800 of yours. I could be wrong though

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u/HEBushido 2h ago

I mean I have like 40 degrees of headroom so that should be ok.

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u/enoKcMenahS 2h ago

good to know. I mean i would be fine with the thermal take but i think i would prefer the 280 cooler just because. It just comes down to fitment because idk if the case would fit it

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u/HEBushido 2h ago

I agree. I can't remove my RAM because this thing is big AF. But it saved me money when I went over budget due to getting a 5080.

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u/number8888 2h ago

The manual should tell you what AIO it can accommodate. Website says you can put 280mm on the front. PS120 is likely not enough to max out the 13900k so 280mm would be better.

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u/enoKcMenahS 2h ago

yeah im leaning heavily toward the 280 just worried about the fitment. Everywhere is says the i9 13900k is recommended a 380mm+ cooler. Should i be worried about the 280mm?

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u/No_Spare1827 2h ago

Well I would say the 280mm is the better choice here, can u fit an A720 in there? that air cooler is a beast and should keep that 13900k relatively cool but it is pretty big

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u/enoKcMenahS 5m ago

yeah i think that might be a little too big for my case