Top 5 Best Budget CPU Air coolers 2024

You should pick your CPU cooler carefully, regardless of whether you want to design a PC that is silent when under load or achieve the greatest potential CPU overclock. The temperatures and fan noise of your system will significantly change depending on which CPU cooler is appropriate for your setup. It can even improve performance in high-end systems by maintaining higher boost clocks for longer periods of time. Every year, we test dozens of models of all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers and PC air coolers. Our selections for the top coolers to regulate CPU temperatures are shown below. However, for even more fantastic cooler alternatives, make sure to visit our Best AIO Coolers page if you’re specifically looking for a liquid cooler.

There are a few things to think about if you’re unsure whether you want to use a liquid-cooled AIO (a pump connected to a radiator and fans) or an air-cooled AIO (a large metal heatsink with fans). Large air coolers typically require more vertical clearance off your best motherboard, which can limit the amount of internal room you can have in your PC case. Additionally, compared to liquid coolers, air coolers may be noisier and less effective in removing heat from the chassis and away from your CPU. But things aren’t that simple these days. There are other fanless air cooling solutions, like as Noctua’s Colossal NH-P1 if you’re willing to take an extreme approach for the ultimate truly silent cooling option, although you’ll still need case fans to move the warmed air out of your case.

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Last update on 2024-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Budget CPU Air coolers 2024

1. Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO

Last update on 2024-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The first Phantom Spirit 120 from Thermalright was released not too long ago, and I was so thrilled with it that I called the review “Simply the Best.” Since I normally steer clear of clickbait titles, when I say something along those lines, it’s not lip service or hype; rather, it comes from a sincere admiration for a product’s value and functionality.

Even though the last review was written less than six months ago, Thermalright has already produced the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO, an improved version of the same cooler. When I initially learned that an EVO version will be available, I didn’t understand the purpose. The first iteration set a higher standard for air cooling, therefore I was surprised to learn that it was possible to improve on its design – especially not after only a few months!

With today’s review we’ll look at the new EVO version of the Phantom Spirit to see if it can take the spot of the best air cooler from its predecessor. First, lets quickly take a look at the specifications from Thermalright and the features that set it apart from other coolers.

The only difference between this heatsink and the original Phantom Spirit 120 is that it comes in pure black instead of silver. The EVO model that we evaluated today is in black on the right in the image below, with the original model on the left.

The cooler is intended to be used with RAM that is 42mm or shorter in height; however, you will need to adjust the fan and position the fan clips a bit higher if your RAM is taller, such as my 45mm G-Skill DDR4 that is displayed below. Although this could theoretically result in a slight decrease in performance, our testing revealed that it had no negative effects, as you can see from the benchmarks.

A cooler is more than simply the heatsink or radiator; the fans included have a large impact on a cooler’s performance and are directly responsible for how loudly it runs. In the case of the Phantom Spirit 120 EVO, the fans are just about the only thing different in comparison to the original model. They feature Thermalright’s newest S-FDB V2 fan bearings and have higher maximum speeds, airflow, and static pressure ratings compared to the fans included with the original model of the Phantom Spirit 120.

Even though these fans have a higher maximum RPM, they often run quieter than the fans in the original model while still producing better cooling outcomes. In addition, Thermalright has incorporated 4 tiny RGB strips into the unit to give it a more subdued RGB appearance, which distinguishes it from the competitors. This is a unique way that they feature RGB.

Your cooling performance can be affected by a variety of things outside the CPU cooler, such as the case you use and the fans that are put in it. The motherboard of a system may also have an impact on this, particularly if the socket is bent, which causes inadequate cooler contact with the CPU.

In order to ensure that bending won’t affect our cooling outcomes, we’ve inserted the LGA 1700 contact frame from Thermalright into our test apparatus. Your thermal readings will be worse than those displayed here if your motherboard has been bent. This problem does not impact all motherboards in the same way. I put two motherboards with Raptor Lake CPUs to the test. Furthermore, after installing Thermalright’s LGA1700 contact frame, one of them displayed noticeable thermal gains, however the second motherboard displayed absolutely no temperature change at all! To learn more, see our evaluation of the contact frame.

2.Noctua NH-U14S

Last update on 2024-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

High-end cooling components from Noctua are known throughout the world for their outstanding performance, outstanding silence, and meticulous quality. Over 100,000 happy customers worldwide choose Noctua’s fans and heatsinks after they have won over a thousand awards and been recommended by top hardware websites and magazines.

As a leading producer of PC cooling devices, Noctua is distinguished by its remarkable performance, outstanding quality, and extremely low noise levels. Their followers are among of the best money can buy, even though they’re not very attractive. Their heatsinks are comparable in this regard. Their product support and warranty are also unparalleled. Sincerely, if a new socket for your Noctua cooler is released, make sure that it does not support, they will send you mounting hardware for it. Noctua is the perfect example of a company that truly offers a great customer experience.

Despite their high cost, many enthusiasts still prefer Noctua fans because of their exceptionally low noise output. In the meanwhile, enthusiasts continue to select the reliable NH-D14 because to its excellent performance. That being stated, each cooler and fan made by Noctua has a distinct purpose. Another illustration of that is the NH-L12, which fits perfectly in today’s growingly popular mini-ITX systems despite maybe having issues with larger CPUs due to its small size and low profile. Not everyone will find Noctua’s color selection appealing, but PC aficionados have been loyal to the brand because of each product’s high quality.

Today, I review the NH-U14S, another brand-new Noctua cooler. Comparing its single-tower design to its smaller brother, the NH-U12S, which I previously evaluated, it is slightly larger. Providing more surface area to disperse heat along with the option to add a second fan, this cooler could very well be a new contender. It being a Noctua product, I already expect top notch quality and low noise levels, but it still warrants a thorough look to see what is offered.

Despite their high cost, many enthusiasts still prefer Noctua fans because of their exceptionally low noise output. In the meanwhile, enthusiasts continue to select the reliable NH-D14 because to its excellent performance. That being stated, each cooler and fan made by Noctua has a distinct purpose. Another illustration of that is the NH-L12, which fits perfectly in today’s growingly popular mini-ITX systems despite maybe having issues with larger CPUs due to its small size and low profile. Not everyone will find Noctua’s color selection appealing, but PC aficionados have been loyal to the brand because of each product’s high quality.

Today, I review the NH-U14S, another brand-new Noctua cooler. Comparing its single-tower design to its smaller brother, the NH-U12S, which I previously evaluated, it is slightly larger. Providing the best possible overall performance while staying clear of the LGA2011/LGA2066 RAM slots. It also is slightly taller than the other coolers of this review, even if only by 4-5 mm (0.15”-0.2”).

3.Scythe Mugen 6

Last update on 2024-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Scythe’s Mugen 6 offers performance and noise levels that are on par with high-end versions from DeepCool and BeQuiet!, but at a lesser cost. In case you’re searching for an efficient air cooler with minimal noise output, the Mugen 6 and Mugen 6 Black Edition are definitely worthy of your consideration.

Other than the Phantom Spirit 120 from Thermalright, there aren’t many silent coolers available at this price range. For high-end CPUs, it can dissipate a little bit more power, but at a higher maximum noise level.

The Chiba, Japan-based Scythe is a fabless firm that collaborates with manufacturers in China and Taiwan to manufacture its fans, air coolers, and other PC hardware, in contrast to some of its rivals. For over 20 years, the company has been providing cooling systems with a primary focus on silent operation and low noise.

We currently have the Mugen 6 and Mugen 6 Black Edition air coolers from Scythe on our test bench. The Mugen 6 is equipped with Scythe’s most recent 120 Wonder Tornado fans and a single, sizable heatsink with a staggered design for complete RAM compatibility. Are these models good enough to be included in our list of the best CPU coolers available, and how do they stack up against the Fuma 3 from last year? We must take a look at the benchmarks to say for sure – but first, let’s quickly look at the specifications of these two coolers, straight from Scythe.

The accessories are kept in a little brown box inside the Mugen 6 container, while the fan is kept safe below by folded cardboard. The heatsink is encased in molded foam and located at the bottom of the container.

With the exception of color (black vs. silver), the heatsinks that come with the Mugen 6 and Mugen 6 Black Edition have the same design. What further distinction? Two fans are included with the Black Edition, while the ordinary Mugen 6 comes with just one 120mm fan.

Certain air coolers are incompatible with tall RAM, especially when using the first DIMM bank. Scythe’s coolers don’t interfere with or obstruct RAM in any way, therefore that’s not a problem. Any memory that works with your board can be installed here, regardless of how tall it is.

Six 6mm copper heatpipes are used in the Mugen 6 to transfer heat, one or two fewer than in comparable rival coolers. I was first concerned that these units could perform poorly because of this. But despite this shortfall, it performs satisfactorily enough, as you can see from our benchmarks.

A cooler is made up of components other than the radiator and heatsink. The fan or fans that come with a cooler directly affect how well it performs and how loudly it operates.

Scythe’s 120mm Wonder Tornado fan, which is tuned for thermal performance at lower noise levels, comes with the Mugen 6. These fans include an updated frame body for increased durability and nine swirl-shaped blades with a better blade-to-hub ratio than earlier Scythe fans.

4.Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black

Last update on 2024-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

When the ARGB lighting is turned off, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black is a great option if you’re looking for a reasonably discreet and affordable cooler. The cooler will blend in very easily with the rest of the build thanks to its all-black design, with the exception of the fan blades, which provide some contrast. I also like Cooler Master’s choice to make their emblem on the fan sticker and top cover simpler. Although there isn’t any excess fluff to take away from the cooler’s appearance, the form clearly identifies it as a CM product—something I wish other businesses would take into account.

Both test systems had complete memory clearance. The GPU functions similarly, with no issues to report. Regarding lawsuit resolution, as long as your chassis can handle coolers with a height of 154 mm or more, you should have no problems to speak of in that regard, either.

I don’t really have any concerns about the Hyper 212 Halo Black’s configuration overall, however some people adore it and others dislike ARGB. The cooler may be the center of attention in any setup because of the uniform and bright illumination that is produced by the LEDs that are integrated into both the fan hub and the frame. If you are not fond of the lights, you can turn it off and still have a very covert cooler. The fan blades and white diffusers provide a subtle contrast, and when the system is assembled correctly, the cooler will still blend in with the other parts.

In the PC industry, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 heatpipe cooler’s heritage dates back more than ten years, making it practically archaic. Its affordable price and decent performance have made it the tenacious go-to cooler for overclockers and system builders throughout history. Two Black Editions of the Hyper 212, equipped with an FP120 Silencio or an SF120R RGB 120mm fan, have now been produced by Cooler Master.

The stealth and RGB variants operate as though they were intended for entry-level to mid-range quad-core gaming rigs, and they both feel like direct descendants of the Hyper 212s of the past. But if you want to push more than four CPU cores to the edge of the silicon stratosphere, you might want to think about alternatives as this pair of Hyper 212s lacks at wrangling thermal loads on HEDT (high-end desktop) CPUs. This is no real surprise, though, as the Hyper 212 has always been a heatpipe cooler for the masses.

Except for the RGB control integration included in the Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition—which has become fairly typical for most Cooler Master products with 4-pin RGB functionality—the included standard fare of the two Hyper 212 Black Edition variants are practically identical, as was to be anticipated. An extra fan bracket is included with both the RGB and Silencio coolers so that they can run in a push-pull configuration if preferred.

The latest Black Edition coolers, like all Hyper 212 models, have a straightforward, quad-heatpipe tower architecture. A classy “dark chrome” plating on the heatsink base and heatpipes itself gives a subtle shimmer that balances out the brilliant brilliance.

A look at some of the current trends in exotic fans and lighting suggests that the 5-blade Silencio and the 9-blade RGB fans have very conservative designs. The 5-blade FP120 fan has wide, sweeping blades, whereas the 9-blade SF120R RGB fan has thin, elongated blades.

5. Scythe Fuma 3

Last update on 2024-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Chiba, Japan-based Scythe is a fabless firm that collaborates with manufacturers in China and Taiwan to manufacture its fans, air coolers, and other PC hardware, unlike some of its competitors in the cooler market. For almost two decades, the company has been providing cooling devices with a primary focus on silent operation.

Today, we’ll be examining Scythe’s Fuma 3, the highly successful air cooler that replaced their Fuma 2. Will Scythe’s upgrades be effective enough to warrant a place on our list of the best coolers? Let’s have a look at the product’s specs first before we put it to the test.

In my analysis, I look at the Scythe Fuma 3. My expectations are high because of the Fuma and Fuma 2’s exceptional performance history, which has allowed them to perform well above their relative weight class. This is in keeping with Scythe’s Fuma cooler series. The most recent model includes their reverse jet flow fan configuration for improved cooling and an asymmetrical design for flawless memory clearance—a fancy way of saying that the fans rotate in opposite directions to increase static pressure. The Fuma 3 cooler has its dual-tower, dual-fan architecture from the previous model and is still much smaller than other coolers with comparable designs. Whether the Scythe Fuma 3 proves to be a worthy successor will be exciting to see to its predecessors or not.

Though it doesn’t exactly hit as hard as its predecessors did, the Scythe Fuma 3 is still a good cooler. The cooler performs admirably when the fans are allowed to reach their maximum RPM; it can hold its own against comparable dual-tower coolers such as the Noctua NH-D15, NH-D15S, Montech Metal DT24 Premium, etc. But, the cooler lags significantly behind the AMD AM5 platform once its maximum noise output is set at 45 dBA. The primary cause of this is the fans, which are significantly louder than I had anticipated given the RPM range. However, other than the fans being louder, I didn’t hear any strange bearing noises or tone hums. Nevertheless, the cooler demonstrated its ability to manage the 175 watt test load without issue. It didn’t quite have enough pep to handle the 225 watt tests, however.

In terms of Intel performance, the cooler turned out to be superior. It performed admirably in the 250 watt heat load testing at 45 dBA, and even though it is still not as good as the competition, it is still almost half the price. With noise concerns disregarded, it could manage a maximum continuous heat load of 292.1 watts at maximum RPM. putting it in the highest category of air coolers, which normally have wattages of 290 to 300. That means the Fuma 3 is in the same category as the Noctua NH-D15, the Assassin IV, the AK620 Digital from DeepCool, and the be silent! Elite Dark Rock. When everything is taken into consideration, performance is usually regarded as good but a bit mixed compared to the ultra high-end air coolers. Therefore while not mind-blowing it’s still a respectable showing for Scythe’s compact dual-tower cooler.

This time, I believe Scythe really shines in the fit, quality, and installation. The heatsink is in good shape and has no bent fins or other issues. The copper base’s nickel plating was excellent, with hardly any machining marks showing through. In addition, the design itself considers a variety of build-related factors. For instance, Intel’s earlier HEDT systems with their bulky motherboard VRMs have plenty of room for RAM thanks to the removed fins on the back fin-stack. The front fin-stack, which similarly has a small cutaway to provide extra room near the VRMs and the standard CPU fan header location on most motherboards, is comparable in this regard. It also helps that the cooler’s graphics card and RAM are flawless clearances in addition. Installing quickly and easily is always a good thing.

Raw performance metrics can sometimes obscure the value proposition of the Scythe Fuma 3, which is one noteworthy feature that shouldn’t be disregarded. There is still a bright side, even though it might not operate as quietly or as well as some of its alternatives. That would be the Fuma 3’s relatively small height of 154 mm, which enables it to provide more case compatibility than its competitors.

Computex will bring new coolers and new CPU platforms

A plethora of new motherboards will undoubtedly be on display at Computex 2024 in early June, as new chipsets (and the CPUs that go with them) are anticipated from both AMD and Intel. We anticipate seeing a number of new coolers to go along with these impending new platforms because the trade show is also heavily component-heavy.

It would be fascinating to observe how the new silicon—along with an upgraded Intel socket—affects both the newly announced coolers in Taiwan and the current AIOs and air coolers. However, we’ll have to wait for the platforms to launch in order to do so. In the interim, visit our Computex 2024 coverage page to view every piece of new Taipei cooling hardware so much more.