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Those wanting to build a gaming PC setup on a budget might wonder what the best budget CPU air coolers are. Now, CPU air coolers aren't very expensive and are relatively affordable. Choosing the right one can not only keep your CPU cool but also significantly improve your in-game performance.
One of the most important things to do before buying an air cooler would be to check if it is compatible with your CPU socket and motherboard, matches your TDP rating, and is fast enough to keep your cooling in check. Another important factor would be the noise level. A good rule of thumb would be to look for coolers with less than 30 dB noise.
This article lists the best budget CPU air coolers that you can buy in 2024.
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Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer
What are the best budget CPU air coolers to buy in 2024?
1) Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
Price: $46.90
Thermalright has a good lineup of budget CPU air coolers, and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is a great option to go for if you're looking for 120mm fans. It offers a 105W to 280W TDP, so it can handle overclocking on certain CPUs.
With seven 6mm heat pipes, this dual tower cooler can keep your CPU cool down during intense gaming sessions or workloads.
With a noise level of 27 dBA, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is quiet enough for most setups. Its fans run at a max speed of 2150 RPM, generating a maximum airflow of 69 CFM, which is good for most systems.
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO is also widely compatible with a range of Intel and AMD cards. Available at $46, it is among the best budget CPU air coolers on the market today.
Pros:
- Provides unbeatable price-to-performance value
- Offers excellent cooling for mid-range CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 7000 series
- Has a quiet operation at low fan speeds
Cons:
- It has limited RAM clearance for some tall modules
- The ARGB lighting feels like a tacked-on feature
2) Noctua NH-U14S
Price: $79.95
The Noctua NH-U14S is a more premium option on this list of budget CPU air coolers, featuring a 140mm radiator. Its slim design allows enough space for RAM slots and does not overhand the slots on the AMD AM5 and AM4 motherboards. It comes with a low-noise adaptor, which makes it even quieter by running at a slightly lower RPM.
The Noctua NH-U14S is one of the quietest air coolers on this list with its 24.6 dB noise level and gets even quieter with its low-noise adaptor at 19.2 dB. It is also compatible with future sockets as Noctua aims to provide upgrade kits for the newer models. These features make it a great budget CPU air cooler.
Pros:
- Offers superior cooling performance for the price
- Has an incredibly quiet operation at 24 dB
- Has an excellent build quality and long lifespan
Cons:
- Its larger size can limit case compatibility
- Despite being a single-tower fan, it is bulkier than the dual-tower CPU mentioned above
- Though subjective, the brown and beige color schemes might not match all builds in terms of aesthetics
3) DeepCool AG620 BK ARGB
Price: $59.95
The DeepCool AG620 BK ARGB is a great air cooler for those who want good cooling capabilities and RGB lights to add to their aesthetic. It has an impressive TDP of 260W, allowing it to cool even powerful CPUs.
With six 6mm heat pipes, this dual tower 120mm cooler offers even cooling throughout, and its stacked design makes it even more efficient.
For $59, the DeepCool AG620 BK ARGB is a great budget CPU air cooler with its 1850 RPM and 67.88 CFM fan airflow. It has a great socket compatibility featuring support for a wide range of Intel and AMD motherboards. At 29.4 dB, it is one of the louder fans but is still a viable choice as it's less than 30 dB.
Pros:
- The addressable RGB lighting adds a touch of customization
- Has a wide socket compatibility
- The dual 120mm fans provide improved airflow
Cons:
- Its larger size can obstruct RAM clearance
- The ARGB lighting might not be for everyone
4) Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black
Price: $29.99
Cooler Master is well-known for producing great budget CPU air coolers, and the Hyper 212 Black is a great option in its lineup. This single tower cooler has a 120mm radiator and provides optimum cooling with its super high airflow of 70.7 CFM. It features four heat pipes, and its edged design allows for even cooling throughout.
The cooler has a high fan speed and runs up to 2500 RPM. It also comes with the CryoFuze thermal paste, adding to its value. Its one drawback, however, would be its relatively loud noise level, going up to 32.8 dB.
Nevertheless, the Hyper 212 Black is the cheapest option on this list, and with its features, is one of the best budget CPU air coolers on the market.
Pros:
- The most affordable option on the list
- Has a good value for the cooling needs of a budget CPU
- It is widely available and compatible with most motherboards
Cons:
- It may struggle with overclocked CPUs
- Has an older design with a bulkier aesthetic
5) Scythe Fuma 3
Price: $49.99
Last on our list of best budget CPU air coolers is the Scythe Fuma 3. Scythe is a popular name in the gaming world and produces some of the best-selling coolers in the industry.
The Fuma 3 is a great choice, with its 120mm dual tower design. It has a varying TDP featuring 120W-220W on select CPUs. Its design makes it suitable for even smaller cases with Mini-ITX motherboards.
The fans run in opposite directions, offering consistent airflow and stable pressure levels. At 28.8 dB, they are relatively quiet and have a varying airflow of 16.9 - 67.62 CFM. The 1500 RPM fan speed is optimum for most setups.
The Fuma 3 is a stellar buy, considering the features it provides at $49.
Pros:
- The asymmetrical heat sink layout offers great cooling
- Offers quiet operation with good airflow
- Has a very efficient design, making it compatible with most sockets
Cons:
- It is not the most pleasing in terms of design
- It is not as powerful as some larger air coolers
In conclusion, your setup doesn't need a very expensive cooler as you can get great cooling devices at affordable prices. As mentioned at the start, look for CPU air coolers that are compatible with your motherboard. Make sure the TDP rating of the cooler matches or is higher than that of your CPU to ensure optimum cooling.
All in all, we have listed out the best air coolers you can buy on a budget, and we hope you've found one that fits your needs.
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