The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE is the objective winner of this comparison, securing two out of three spec victories. While the Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V3 holds a notable advantage in thermal design power rating, which is 22% higher than its competitor, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE provides the most impactful benefit by offering a 38% better manufacturer's suggested retail price. This cost efficiency makes the air cooler the superior choice based on the provided specifications.

Users prioritizing budget efficiency should select the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE, as its MSRP advantage offers significant value. Conversely, those who require the specific thermal capacity offered by the Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 V3 should opt for that model. By choosing based on these distinct advantages, builders can align their cooling solution with either a focus on lower acquisition costs or a preference for the higher TDP rating provided by the liquid cooling unit.