Top Budget PC Cooling Solutions 2023

Particularly for novice PC builders, cooling solutions often take a backseat. Most PC cases come equipped with front and rear fans, while Intel and AMD CPUs include stock heatsinks in their retail boxes. This hardware pairing is sufficient for low-end and mid-range gaming PCs. However, those seeking to push the limits of their new system and overclock components like processors and graphics cards may find themselves facing heat levels that typical fans cannot handle. CPUs tend to generate the most heat in a PC case, and so cooling solutions aim to dissipate the excess heat produced by overworked processors.

In addition to this, the diverse selection of air and liquid cooling products available on the market also offer other advantages. Gaming rigs can be complemented with sleek designs and RGB lighting effects on installed fans, memory sticks, and graphics cards. Fortunately, even gamers on a budget can find affordable solutions that are more effective than stock heatsinks in reducing CPU temperatures. The PC cooling options listed here strike a balance between performance, cost, and style.

When selecting a CPU cooler for your next build, there are a few things to keep in mind besides budget:

- Compatibility: Ensure that the CPU cooler fits the CPU socket you intend to use it on.

- Air vs. Liquid Cooling: Decide which type of cooling you want to use for your build.

- TDP Rating: Consider how much heat the CPU cooler can dissipate.

- Noise Level: Decide whether a silent computer is important to you.

The Deepcool GAMMAXX GT CPU air cooler is the best overall budget PC cooling option, priced at $43 at Newegg. It combines efficient power usage with stunning RGB effects and uses four direct-contact heat pipes for 180w TDP heat dissipation, making it suitable for even the most intense gaming PCs. The 1500 RPM PWM fan provides ample airflow without distracting noise levels. The DeepCool GAMMAXX GT is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD processors.

Deepcool, a company that has been serving PC users since 1996, has risen to prominence in recent years with their budget-friendly coolers for Intel and AMD chipsets. The Deepcool GAMMAXX GT presents an impressive combination of performance and noise levels with a modest heatsink size, making it a great option for those on a budget. In addition, the GAMMAXX GT looks spectacular sitting in a PC case, displaying vivid RGB effects either controlled by motherboards or LED controls on the cooler. The short warranty and larger size compared to some other budget coolers are the only potential downsides to this excellent cooler.

The GAMMAXX GT utilizes four direct-contact heat pipes to effectively dissipate heat. With a 1500RPM PWM fan that produces 56.5 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow, this setup is suitable for most PC builds without extensive CPU overclocking. The installation process is straightforward for new PC builders, involving screwing the backplate to the motherboard and applying thermal compound to the CPU before attaching the heatsink.

What sets the GAMMAXX GT apart from other budget air coolers is its striking lighting effects, optimized for motherboards with a 12V 4-pin port to control the vibrant RGB effects. However, for gamers with motherboards lacking this port, in-line LED controls attached to the CPU cooler are necessary. Overall, PC builders seeking a cooler that outperforms other budget options will find that the Deepcool GAMMAXX GT is the best choice on the market.

The Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE is an excellent budget option for big air cooling. This dual-fan CPU cooler offers outstanding performance with minimal noise at an affordable price. Each fan operates at 1550 rpm, producing an airflow of 66.17 CFM at a noise level of just 25.6 db. The 6 heat pipe CPU cooler is compatible with Intel 115X/1200/1700/17XX and AMD AM4/AM5 chip sockets. An RGB version of the Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE is also available.

Pros of this cooler include dual fan cooling on a budget, easy installation, and excellent build-quality. However, it may be difficult to find in stock and the fans may block some memory slots. Available for $40 at Newegg.

The Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a fantastic option for those who want a high airflow CPU cooler on a budget. This double-tower, double-fan cooler is compatible with a wide range of AMD and Intel chipsets, including recent Intel Alder Lake CPUs. What sets the Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE apart is its anti-gravity heat pipe (AGHP) technology, which overcomes the limitations of most standard heatsink orientations.

Despite its beefier appearance, the Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE is simple to install with included stand-offs and brackets that easily mount to motherboards. This dual-fan CPU cooler outputs an airflow of 66.17 CFM, making it sufficient for higher-end CPUs and a great option for budget-minded shoppers who demand maximum performance. RGB-enabled versions are also available, although they can be difficult to find in stock. Overall, the Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the best air CPU cooler for those on a budget.

For those looking for a low profile budget cooling option, the Noctua NH-L9i is a great choice. Standing at only 37mm, this air CPU cooler is ideal for HTPC or small form factor PC builds. Despite its small size, the NH-L9i's 2500 RPM fan outputs enough airflow to cool LGA115x and AMD 4 series processors. Designed not to block other components, this cooler is an excellent choice for Mini ITX motherboards with limited space. At a price point of $45-$50, the Noctua NH-L9i is the best option for those looking for a low profile and budget-friendly cooling solution.

The Noctua NH-L9i is a top-tier air CPU cooler that is specifically designed for small form-factor PCs and motherboards. It is also suitable for other builds, provided that CPUs are not overclocked. Despite its compact size, the Noctua NH-L9i offers surprisingly effective cooling, thanks to its integrated NF-A9x14 PWM fan that can crank up to 2500 rpm.

One of the best things about the Noctua NH-L9i is its very low-profile. With a height of only 37 mm, it easily fits into most systems without blocking essential components like memory and other vital parts, even on mini ITX motherboards. The cooler is compatible with Intel i3, i5, i7, and i9 processors with model numbers including LGA115x. Moreover, there is also a version of the cooler, Noctua NH-L9a-AM4, designed for AMD AM4 chipset fans.

Although the Noctua NH-L9i is a budget cooler, it is sturdier than one would expect and offers a 6-year warranty. Even better, Noctua includes a low-noise adapter that helps to reduce the noise level to a mere 23.6 dB. However, it is worth noting that each version of the cooler has limited compatibility, and the unusual brown/tan color scheme may not be to everyone's liking.

Overall, if you are looking for a low-profile CPU cooler that is both effective and quiet, the Noctua NH-L9i is an excellent choice. Just keep in mind that it is not intended as a showpiece in a high-end gaming rig.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black is a top choice for budget PC cooling that offers both stunning looks and outstanding performance. With enlarged fan blades and a sleek black aluminum top cover design, the Halo Black is a great fit for any PC rig. It also features dual-loop ARGB lighting effects that make it stand out as one of the most visually appealing options on the market. Compatible with both AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4 and Intel LGA1700/1200 chip sets, the Halo Black is a reliable choice for any PC builder.

Cooler Master has a reputation for excellence in PC cooling, and the Hyper 212 series is no exception. The Halo Black edition improves on past models with larger fan blades that produce an impressive 51.88 CFM airflow. While the cooler's design is certainly eye-catching, it's also functional, with 4 heat pipes that help dissipate heat efficiently.

Overall, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black is a sleek and stylish choice for PC cooling that offers great performance at an attractive price point. While some similarly priced options may offer better airflow, the Halo Black's stunning design and easy installation make it a great choice for any PC builder.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black is a compact air CPU cooler that blends in well with other components before the ARGB lighting takes effect. Its noise level of 27 dB is more than acceptable, and it doesn't hinder gaming rigs with graphic card fans that drown out any noise. Although it doesn't offer the best raw performance in terms of airflow output at 51.88 CFM, its improved mounting brackets make it easy to install. It's the perfect choice for anyone building a new PC rig who wants maximum visual impact.

For those seeking liquid cooling on a budget, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 is a great option. It offers the experience of liquid cooling at a fraction of the cost. Its low-profile dual-chamber pump design and low-vibration pump ensure near-silent performance. The substantial FEP tubing reduces evaporation and keeps liquid flowing at the highest rates possible. The 120 mm air balance fan ensures quiet operation and fits in most PC cases.

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 aims to give PC builders an affordable way to test the waters of liquid cooling systems. While it may not be sufficient for extreme overclocking, it's an attractive option for gamers looking to replace their traditional air coolers with modern cooling technology. It's a significant improvement over air coolers, and its simple installation and compact design make it an excellent choice for those on a budget.

When it comes to installing the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120, don't expect an extensive parts list. The brackets and screws are kept to a minimum, but once installed, the dual-chamber pump operates without distracting noise or vibrations. Worried about evaporation? The thick FEP tubing included is resistant to snagging and should stand the test of time. Plus, the 120 mm fan doesn't significantly increase the overall noise level, which measures at a level of 8 dB.

While the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 may not have the flashy RGB lighting effects of more expensive AIO coolers, its no-frills entry-level design is perfect for those on a budget. Despite some drawbacks, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 is the top choice for a budget liquid cooler.

If you're in the market for a budget CPU cooler, compatibility is key. Make sure the cooler is compatible with your CPU socket and motherboard before making a purchase.

Compatibility is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a CPU cooler. It's important to ensure that the cooler is compatible with the specific socket type of your CPU. While many CPU coolers are sold as universal mounts, it's essential to check the cooler's specs to make sure that it supports the socket type of your CPU.

Apart from socket compatibility, it's also important to ensure that the cooler fits in your PC case without interfering with other components such as RAM. While most AIO coolers don't pose a problem for RAM clearance, some of the larger air coolers like Thermaltake Peerless Assassin could cause clearance issues. Therefore, it's important to check the dimensions of the cooler and compare them to the rest of your build to avoid any issues.

When it comes to choosing between air and liquid cooling, there's no clear winner. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Liquid cooling systems have certain advantages over air coolers. They have lower profiles, which makes them easier to fit into a wider range of cases. Additionally, certain liquid coolers are capable of achieving superior cooling performance compared to even the best air coolers. However, it's worth noting that liquid cooling systems are typically more expensive than air coolers in terms of price to performance. Furthermore, they can be more challenging to install, particularly for PC builders who do not have prior experience with liquid cooling.

Air cooling has its advantages over liquid cooling when it comes to maintenance. It requires little to no maintenance and offers better price to performance ratio. However, the size of air coolers can be quite large, which can cause problems with RAM and case clearance. Additionally, air coolers may not be able to meet the extreme cooling needs of heavy overclocking.

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When it comes to noise level, it's important to consider how loud your CPU cooler will be during operation. If you're building a workstation or gaming PC, you'll likely want a cooler that operates quietly so that you can focus on your work or gaming without any distracting noise. Look for coolers with a low decibel rating and consider investing in a fan controller or PWM fan to further reduce noise levels. Keep in mind that some high-performance coolers may operate at higher noise levels, but this can be a trade-off for better cooling performance.

When building a PC, the noise level of the cooling products can be a crucial factor for some users. While it may not be a major concern for everyone, paying attention to the noise level rating is highly recommended if you or those around you prefer a nearly silent PC. The noise level is measured in decibels, with 0 dB being the lowest audible level for humans and around 60 dB being the volume of a typical conversation.

Most of the air coolers listed have a noise level rating of around 26 to 27 dB, which is typical for air coolers. However, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 is an AIO cooler that has a significantly lower noise level rating of just 8 dB. This makes it an excellent option for those who want a budget-friendly and nearly silent PC. It's important to note that these coolers will be installed inside the case, which will dampen the noise to some degree.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to purchase cooling products if I already have a stock CPU cooler?

The stock CPU fans and heatsinks that come with many Intel and AMD processors are adequate for most users. However, if you plan on overclocking your CPU, the standard coolers may not be able to handle the excessive heat generated by an overworked processor.

You may be concerned that larger CPU coolers will block access to important components such as memory sticks. While some air CPU coolers may be bulky, manufacturers take great care to design them to fit into most PC cases without interfering with memory sticks or graphics cards. It's always a good idea to consult the specifications and reviews of coolers to determine if a specific cooling system is suitable for your motherboard and case.

As for whether liquid cooling is better than air CPU coolers, it depends on your specific needs. Liquid cooling can be more efficient at dissipating heat, but it can also be more complex and expensive to install. Ultimately, the choice between air and liquid cooling will depend on your budget, skill level, and cooling requirements.