Best Budget PC Cooling Options in 2023

Sep 26, 2023

For a minimal investment, these air and liquid PC cooling solutions will keep costly CPUs from overheating.

Particularly for inexperienced PC builders, cooling solutions are often an afterthought. Many PC cases ship with front and rear fans already installed and some Intel and AMD CPUs come with stock heatsinks in their retail boxes. In reality, this cooling hardware combination is sufficient for most low-end and mid-range gaming PCs. However, if users want to push the limits of their new system and overclock components like processors and graphics cards, heat can quickly build to levels ordinary fans can't handle. Since CPUs usually generate the most heat in a PC case, typical cooling solutions attempt to dissipate the extra heat emanating from overstressed processors.

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There are of course other advantages to the diverse selection of air and liquid cooling products on the market. For gaming rigs, installed fans, memory sticks, and graphic cards can enhance a PC case with sleek designs and RGB lighting effects. Thankfully, even gamers lacking unlimited funds can find affordable solutions that reduce CPU temperatures more effectively than stock heat sinks.

When picking a CPU cooler for your next build, there are a couple of things you will want to keep an eye on besides budget.

The PC cooling options listed below strike a fine balance between performance, cost, and style.

The DeepCool GAMMAXX GT CPU air cooler combines the best performance with efficient power usage and stunning RGB effects. The cooler uses four direct-contact heat pipes for 180w TDP heat dissipation, cooling 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.

Since 1996, Deepcool has served a wide range of PC users with an extensive selection of cooling products used in custom PC builds. In recent years, their budget-friendly coolers for Intel and AMD chipsets have risen to prominence including the Deepcool GAMMAXX GT. This air CPU cooler presents an impressive combination of performance and noise levels with a modest heatsink size. 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.

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The GAMMAXX GT relies on 4 direct-contact heat pipes for heat dissipation. Combined with a 1500 RPM PWM fan producing 56.5 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow, the setup is sufficient for most PC rigs without extensive CPU overclocking. The CPU cooler is an excellent option for new PC builders, with a straightforward installation process involving screwing the backplate to the motherboard and applying thermal compound to the CPU before attaching the heatsink.

The lighting effects of the GAMMAXX GT set it apart from other budget air coolers, optimized for motherboards with a 12V 4-pin port to control the vibrant RBG effects. Unfortunately, gamers who have motherboards without this port will have to rely on in-line LED controls attached to the CPU cooler. Regardless, PC builders looking for performance that's a step up from other budget options will find that the Deepcool GAMMAXX GT is the best PC cooler on the market.

The ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler is one of the better air coolers in the market that replaces stock coolers from Intel and AMD, doing an excellent job at a price that makes it a steal. With the ability to cool CPUs with a TDP of up to 180W and an excellent bundled PWM ARGB fan, this adds both color and competent cooling at a price that seems almost criminal to ignore.

The ID-COOLING SE 214X is not a newcomer to the air cooling scene, but the manufacturer has faithfully updated it over the years. Now offering a 120mm ARGB PWM fan and compatibility with LGA 1700 chipsets, the asking price for the SE 214X is almost hard to believe. Not surprisingly, the cooler does not ship with an RGB controller, but buyers can connect the ARGB fan to a 5V 3-pin connector for motherboard software control.

Despite its ultra-budget status, the SE 214X has a few other qualities that make it a better choice than other basic air coolers. The SE 214X uses a 4-heat pipe configuration which increases the amount of contact that the heat sink makes with a CPU. However, the bottom of the heat pipes curve in such a way that the cooler creates minimal interference with memory slots. New and veteran system builders are often frustrated when access is blocked to components and while not exactly low-profile, the SE 214X makes it easier to assemble a compact gaming rig.

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As is often the case with air coolers, the installation instructions for the ID-COOLING SE 214X could offer more detail when it comes to the various compatible CPU sockets. Still, with relatively few parts to work with, it's not an ordeal to figure out where and how to install one of the 3 included motherboard brackets. The ID-COOLING SE 214X is now compatible with LGA 1700, LGA 1200, and AMD A4 sockets. Another problem system builders often face when installing an air cooler, is reaching the mounting screws which are usually hidden deep in a heatsink. Fortunately, the reverse side of the ID-COOLING SE 214X has some large grooves running through it that welcome many common screwdrivers.

If a buyer is looking for the most whisper-quiet air CPU cooler on the market, then the ID-COOLING SE 214X may cause some disappointment. When a CPU is not stressed, the 120 mm fan is barely audible. Otherwise, the SE 214X can reach a maximum noise level of 30.5 dBA which is somewhat higher than other budget coolers. Obviously, the SE 214X is not an ideal choice for overclocking but still provides significantly better performance than stock Intel or AMD coolers.

With a surprisingly vibrant ARGB fan and a design that allows for easy access to memory slots, the ID-COOLING SE 214X is the best air CPU cooler for system builders with limited funds.

The Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE dual-fan CPU cooler offers incredible performance with minimal noise at a budget price. Each fan operates at 1550 rpm to produce 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.

Assembling a new PC build on a budget doesn't mean that a high airflow CPU cooler is out of reach. The Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a double-tower, double-fan CPU cooler compatible with a wide range of AMD and Intel chipsets. Users have even had success using the Peerless Assassin 120 SE with recent Intel Alder Lake CPUs, which are sometimes notoriously hard to keep cool.

Thermaltake is a Taiwanese manufacturer of PC cooling products that is always at the forefront of innovation, even combining their products in their own branded PC builds. The symmetrical 6-heat pipe Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE utilizes a technique the company calls anti-gravity heat pipe (AGHP) to overcome the limitations of most standard heatsink orientations.

Despite its beefier appearance compared to other budget cooling options, the Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE remains simple to install with the included stand-offs and brackets easily mounted to motherboards. It's no small feat that Thermaltake has managed to design a dual-fan CPU cooler that outputs an airflow of 66.17 CFM sufficient for higher-end CPUs, without breaking the bank. RGB-enabled versions are also available but are occasionally challenging to locate in stock. The Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the best air CPU cooler for budget shoppers who demand maximum performance.

The Noctua NH-L9i is the ideal air CPU cooler for HTPC or small form factor PC builds. The NH-L9i stands at a height of only 37mm and yet its 2500 RPM fan outputs enough airflow to cool LGA115x and AMD 4 series processors. The NH-L9i is an excellent choice for Mini ITX motherboards, designed not to block other components even with limited space to work with.

As effective as other budget cooling options are, space is sometimes at a premium when putting together a new PC rig. Also, with graphics cards consuming more power than ever, the total number of watts consumed by components can quickly become an issue. The Noctua NH-L9i is the best air CPU cooler designed for small form-factor PCs and motherboards but also many other builds without seriously overclocked CPUs.

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With a height of only 37 mm, the Noctua NH-L9i finds a home in most systems without blocking memory or other vital parts, even on mini ITX motherboards. The Noctua NH-L9i is compatible with Intel i3, i5, i7, and i9 processors with model numbers including LGA115x. AMD AM4 chipset fans don't have to feel left out, as the Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 is a low-profile cooler designed for those CPUs.

The compact NF-A9x14 PWM fan included with the Noctua NH-L9i can crank up to 2500 rpm. While already quiet, Noctua also includes a low-noise adapter when dead silence is preferable in a home theater PC. The Noctua NH-L9i is sturdier than one would expect from a budget low-profile cooler, and the company is confident in its durability offering a 6-year warranty. Not everyone will embrace the brown and tan colors of the cooler which looks straight out of the 1970s, but without RGB lighting, the Noctua NH-L9i is not intended as a showpiece in a high-end gaming rig.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black blends stunning looks with outstanding cooling performance at an attractive price for all PC builders. The Halo Black improves on Cooler Master's super popular Hyper 212 series with enlarged fan blades, and a black aluminum top cover design that fits in with almost any PC rig. The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black offers dual-loop ARGB lighting effects, complimenting the most stunning-looking gaming PCs. The Hyper 212 Halo Black is compatible with AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4 and Intel LGA1700/1200 chipsets.

Over the years, Cooler Master has expanded their product lineup to include mice and keyboards, but solving overheating issues in PCs remains its main mission. The Cooler Master Hyper 212 series is so legendary in PC cooling circles that many other brands have copied the basic design of the cooler over the years. In what seems like an impossible task, Cooler Master tries to make some improvements over past Hyper 212 models with the Halo Black edition. The changes aren't all cosmetic, as the blades on the 120 mm fan are larger than ever, now producing an airflow of 51.88 CFM.

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While looks certainly aren't everything with an air CPU cooler, it's hard not to see the appeal of the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black's design. True to its name, everything except the fan blades themselves are jet black, including the aluminum top cover and 4 heat pipes. However, the cooler really comes to life when its ARGB lighting is active, also compatible with ARGB Gen 2 using the appropriate 3-pin motherboard header.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black measures in a height of 154 mm, which is small enough to blend in among other components before the ARGB lighting takes effect. The noise level of 27 dB is more than acceptable, with graphic card fans drowning it out in most gaming rigs. This cooler doesn't offer the best raw performance in terms of airflow output at 51.88 CFM, but the improved mounting brackets make it a cinch to install. Anyone building a new PC rig should consider the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black as the best air CPU cooler for maximum visual impact.

The DeepCool AK620 is a rare all-white air cooler that distinguishes itself with more than just its looks. Relying on two FK120 mm fans that can spin with a maximum of 1850 RPMs, producing an airflow of up to 68.99 CFM. Even so, the AK620 system keeps noise levels below the 28 dBA threshold with an optional low-noise adapter included. The 6 mm white heat pipes with raised copper cold plates reduce temperature levels near CPU sockets with unmatched efficiency.

After years of predominantly black PC cases, white components have become in more demand from system builders. Some parts are easier to find in white than others, and while white case fans are not super rare, all-white air CPU coolers were previously more difficult to track down. DeepCool took on the task and came through with flying colors with the AK620 WH dual 120 mm fan cooler. Everything on this cooler is white, including the 6 heat pipes and copper cold plates.

With a Zero Dark version of the AK620 also for sale, this air cooler is about more than just its unusual color scheme. High-performance CPU air coolers should focus most on dissipating the tremendous heat emanating from overclocked processors. The AK620 accomplishes its mission, earning an impressive 260w Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating.

The 2 included FK120 1850 RPM fans are also responsible for handling much of the heat generated by powerful CPUs and absorbed by the AK620's heat sink. The fans employ noise-dampening pads on their corners but nevertheless excel more at generating airflow than staying ultra-quiet. Pumping out nearly a 69 CFM airflow, the AK620 can compete with even more expensive alternatives with its cooling potential. DeepCool does include a low-noise adapter in the package, which of course will come at the expense of cooling performance when a CPU is taxed.

As well as the DeepCool AK620 performs, memory clearance is a potential problem for buyers with certain motherboards and memory combos. The manufacturer claims that the cut-out fin design of the heat sink allows for a 43 mm memory stick clearance with both fans installed. That's below some other dual-fan air coolers, so buyers may have to make some comprimises in their builds if they purchase the AK620.

The number of available white CPU cooling systems continues to grow, but the DeepCool AK620 with its raw performance has few competitors in its price bracket.

The Scythe Ninja 5 Rev. B is a dual-fan single-tower air CPU cooler that provides maximum cooling performance with minimal noise. Two Kaze Flex 120 mm fans operate at only 800 RPM, but a push-pull configuration and anti-vibration rubber on its corners allow the cooler to operate with little or no audible noise. With a 6 heatpipe design, the Ninja 5 Rev. B consumes considerable space on a motherboard but has a cutout design to increase memory clearance.

The Scythe Ninja 5 Rev.B is an air CPU cooler that lives up to its moniker, both with its color scheme and performance. There are no RGB fans to be found on the Ninja 5 with the cooler instead showcasing black heat sink covers and silver fans. Based on a single-tower design with 6 heat pipes and 2 Kaze Flex 120 mm fans, the Ninja 5 is an attractive option for overclockers who detest noise.

Scythe decided to spin its Kaze Flex fans at only 800 RPM, which may seem like a mistake. However, with a push-pull configuration, the fans can maximize airflow around the large heat sink without causing an excess of noise. Also, the anti-vibration rubber pieces on the corners of the fans aren't revolutionary but help to reduce any rumbling made by the Ninja 5 system. The end result is a most impressive maximum noise level of just 14.5 dBA.

A giant dual-fan air cooler almost always introduces concerns about blocking memory slots. Fortunately, with some sound foresight from Scythe, the heat sink benefits from cut-outs that enable DDR5 and other memory sticks up to 55 inches in height to fit snugly underneath it. Of course, with the fans installed, it's likely a buyer will still have to remove one in order to actually take out or install sticks.

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To accommodate LGA 1700 sockets, the Scythe Ninja 5 Rev.B utilizes what the manufacturer calls a Hyper Precision Mounting System IV (H.P.M.S. IV). With a longer more rectangular than square shape, the LGA 1700 socket presents some challenges for coolers. However, any problems are overcome by a revised spring-loaded mounting system that ensures maximum contact between the motherboard, socket, and heat sink. The Ninja 5 is also a great choice for most other common Intel and AMD sockets, but buyers should check the cooler's specs before purchasing.

The cooling performance of the Ninja 5 doesn't lead the pack of dual-fan coolers but is more than acceptable for its asking price. Ultimately, it's the Ninja 5's ability to cool many overclocked CPUs without causing a commotion that ranks it highly among the best air CPU cooler candidates.

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 gives PC builders the experience of liquid cooling at a budget price. This water cooling system features a low-profile dual-chamber pump design and a low-vibration pump for 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 that the system runs quietly and fits in most PC cases.

Liquid cooling products have the reputation of being difficult to install and far more expensive than air cooling solutions. The Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 aims to give PC builders an affordable way to test the waters of liquid cooling systems. AIO CPU coolers present overclockers with a solution to the added heat that traditional fans and heat sinks just can't handle. While the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 isn't the best liquid cooler for extreme overclocking, it's an attractive option for gamers looking to take a step up from their traditional air coolers.

Installers of AIO coolers might expect an extensive parts list to greet them when they open the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 box, but the brackets and screws are kept at a minimum. Once installed, the diminutive dual-chamber pump operates without distracting noise and vibrations. Evaporation is a valid concern, especially on inexpensive liquid cooling systems, but the thick FEP tubing included is resistant to snagging and should stand the test of time. Fortunately, the 120 mm fan doesn't affect the overall noise level of the system significantly, which measures at a level of 8 dB.

For a budget price, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 is a no-frills entry-level liquid cooling system. RGB lighting effects can really shine on more substantial AIO coolers, but buyers of the MasterLiquid Lite 120 will have to settle on its more basic aesthetic qualities. Despite some drawbacks, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 is the top budget liquid cooler available.

The MSI MAG Coreliquid P240 is an affordable dual 120 mm fan AIO liquid cooling system that brings with it plenty of innovation. Compatible with the latest LGA 1700 socket, the Coreliquid P240 relies on an aluminum radiator with a split-flow water cooling system. The pump is placed directly on the radiator away from the central heat source, which also reduces noise levels to as low as 14.3 dBA.

If a buyer has a bit more space in their case, then there are also several affordable dual-fan AIO liquid cooling systems available. The MSI MAG Coreliquid P240 doesn't face a ton of competition among water coolers at its price point, but still benefits from some innovative design choices.

The MAG Coreliquid P240 is available in several variations including an option with ARGB fans. Although the standard black version doesn't have an excess of flair, the water block and fans both showcase MSI's famous dragon logo found on its MAG Forge cases. Even more interesting, the water block is split into 4 diamond-cut segments to give it a modern-looking angular exterior.

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Unlike many AIO liquid coolers, the MAG Coreliquid P240 positions its water block directly on the radiator. Among other benefits, this keeps the water pump away from the CPU which is the central source of heat in any cooling system. Also, this configuration allows much of the noise generated by the pump to be absorbed in the radiator housing. Even so, some users have noted that when the pair of 120 mm fans are idle, they notice a constant high-pitched whine from the pump. Overall noise ratings will depend on what load a CPU has to deal with and whether a processor is running at above stock settings. Still, the MAG Coreliquid P240 generates as little as 14.3 dBA of noise during normal usage.

Purchasing a budget AIO liquid cooler doesn't have to mean an increased likelihood of leaking and system failures within months. The MAG Coreliquid P240 utilizes mesh evaporation-proof tubing with three layers of plastic to keep hot and cold liquid flowing without interruption. The radiator connected to the tubes relies on a simple split pathway design where the radiator dissipates heat from the processor before sending cooled liquid back toward the CPU socket.

The MAG Coreliquid P240 is compatible with most common CPU sockets including the 13th generation LGA1700. Mounting the radiator fans and water block is a relatively simple process with a flexible mounting bracket that accommodates a variety of CPUs.

It's difficult to argue with the value that the MAG Coreliquid P240 offers with a pair of 120 mm fans and some design elements that further enhance its cooling power. If a buyer has more funds to spend, then the MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 which Game Rant reviewed recently features a more powerful 7th generation Asetek water pump and an LCD screen to monitor temperatures.

Compatibility is one of the most critical factors when choosing a new CPU cooler and can eliminate many possibilities with a quick check. Whatever CPU you are using has a specific socket type where it sits. A lot of CPU coolers are sold with universal mounts nowadays, but make sure that the socket you are using is listed in the specs of the cooler before going any further.

Another vital part of compatibility is ensuring that a cooler fits in your PC case and does not interfere with other components like RAM. Memory and case clearance can become a problem for some larger air coolers like the Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120. For most AIO coolers, you will not have to worry about clearing RAM, but make sure your case has enough space to hold the radiator correctly. If you are concerned about a cooler not fitting, make sure to check the dimensions and compare it to the rest of your build.

The argument over whether to go with air or liquid cooling has been going on ever since liquid cooling was introduced. However, when it comes down to it, there is not a clear winner between air and liquid cooling a PC. Each has its pros and cons.

Liquid Cooling Pros

Liquid Cooling Cons

Air Cooling Pros

Air Cooling Cons

Among air coolers, the Deepcool GAMMAXX GT was chosen as Game Rant's best overall budget PC cooler, in large part because of its leading performance among budget contenders. The 1500 RPM fans of the GAMMAXX GT strike a compromise between airflow and noise levels and its RGB fans add some style to an otherwise ordinary PC case.

Purchasing an AIO liquid cooler doesn't necessarily require an astronomical investment. The MSI MAG Coreliquid P240 is a dual 120 mm fan liquid cooling system that benefits from a water pump placed far away from a toasty CPU socket and water block. Producing a minimal 14.3 dBA of noise when idle, the MAG Coreliquid P240 is the perfect solution for novice overclockers.

TDP, or thermal design power, is a great way to gauge how much heat a CPU cooler can dissipate. Both CPUs and CPU coolers will have these specs listed; ideally, you should look for a cooler at or above the listed TDP for your CPU.

Most CPU coolers at this point will exceed the recommended TDP to keep up with most current CPUs, but it's still wise to check, especially with Intel's chips getting more powerful and generating more heat.

Some budget air coolers are more than capable of dealing with above-normal CPU temperatures without costing a fortune. The DeepCool AK620 which is available in an all-white color scheme, boasts a 260w TDP rating, able to cool even the most powerful overclocked CPUs.

To some PC builders, it's vital to have a nearly silent PC; to others, it's not a major concern. But if you or the people around you want a quiet PC, paying attention to the noise level rating is highly recommended. This spec will be measured in decibels. For reference, 0 dB is about the lowest thing a human can hear, and around 60 dB is a typical conversation's volume.

Most of the air coolers we have listed here are around 26 to 27 dB, which is pretty typical for air coolers, but the one AIO we have is all the way down at 8 dB. So if you want to stick to a budget and have a pretty much silent PC be sure to look at the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120. Keep in mind that these coolers will be inside cases, dampening the noise slightly.

Among affordable air coolers, few fan and heat sink combos can compete with the Scythe Ninja 5 Rev. B when it comes to noise levels. The 2 120 mm fans of this cooler only rotate at only 800 RPM contributing to its 4-14.5 dBA noise rating. Even so, with a clever push-pull fan layout, the Ninja 5 provides excellent cooling performance.

Whether a buyer ends up deciding on an air cooler or an AIO liquid cooler, a limited budget doesn't have to be an excuse to avoid pushing a gaming rig to its limits.

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The stock CPU fans and heatsinks that ship with many Intel and AMD CPUs are fine for many users. However, if you wish to overclock a CPU, the basic stock coolers may not handle the excessive heat that an overworked processor generates.

Despite the bulk of some air CPU coolers, manufacturers carefully design them to fit into most PC cases without interfering with memory sticks and graphics cards. However, it's wise to consult specs and reviews of coolers to judge better if a cooling system is suitable for specific motherboards and cases.

Liquid cooling is best suited for CPUs that are significantly overclocked. These cooling systems use water as an alternative to air since liquid is a much better conductor of heat. The majority of PC builders will find lower-priced and easier-to-install air CPU coolers a more practical solution.

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An avid gamer since childhood, Adam Corsetti became hooked on video games after using the original Nintendo console. During college, he created a site aggregating gaming review scores and wrote features about the industry. Adam has since witnessed the popularity of video games rise further and become part of mainstream culture. Adam's video game interests include simulation, strategy, and sports titles on PC and consoles, as well as peripherals and hardware. As a seasoned freelance writer, he recently joined the Game Rant team and is excited to share his experiences and insights with readers.

Marc Storch is a tech writer currently based in Denver, Colorado. His experience includes extensive work training senior citizens in the ever-changing world of technology. He is passionate about making tech accessible to all and being excellent to each other. Outside of writing about tech and video games, Marc has a background in video editing and broadcasting. When not writing or playing games with his friends (He is currently on a break from Breath Of The Wild due to a misunderstanding over mushroom-to-diamond exchange rates), Marc enjoys being a camera operator and broadcast tech for an indie wrestling league and traveling with his partner all over the world. Marc feels it is vitally important for readers to note that all his work is carefully proofread by his black cat Rue who has very strong opinions and will only accept payments in the form of cheese.