A new year is upon us and, with it, a new CPU cooling season. With 2018 bringing us the all-new AMD Ryzen and Intel 10th-gen Core processors, we can only expect that CPU cooler performance will improve. As is the nature of the beast, cooler performance will mean new styles, sizes, and features.
A CPU cooler is the key component that sits between the CPU and the motherboard. It provides airflow to keep the CPU from overheating. Coolers are also important because they can help dictate the clock speeds of the CPU. The best CPU coolers are the ones that provide the best performance at a low budget. That is why, in this article, we will cover the best budget CPU coolers that can be bought for under $100.
As a gamer you’ll no doubt find that some CPUs are simply better than others for overclocking. With the release of AMD’s latest Ryzen processors, the same can be said for their coolers. The first test was to see how far you can push the new processors without overheating, so we ran the Ryzen 5 2600 for an hour completely stock at 4.3GHz.
If you’re looking for the best cheap CPU coolers for overclocking, this article can help.
As a PC enthusiast who assists others in overclocking their processors, I am often asked which CPU coolers are ideal for overclocking on a budget.
Are you in a hurry? Check out the finest cpu cooler for the money.
So, in this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best budget CPU coolers based on several requirements so you don’t get confused and end up buying the incorrect one.
These CPU coolers have been tested with overclocked CPUs and have shown to be reliable and high-performing.
As a result, pay close attention to the article to learn about the finest budget CPU coolers for overclocking.
Also, for your chassis, see our expert-recommended best low-profile cpu cooler.
5 Best Overclocking CPU Coolers on a Budget
Overclocking an unlocked CPU gives your gaming PC a significant boost in raw performance. It’s useful whether you’re gaming or doing hard work like video editing. Overclocking, on the other hand, increases the CPU’s power consumption (TDP). As a result, a strong CPU cooler is required to properly cool the CPU and provide a steady run.
Fortunately, a good CPU cooler for your overclocked CPU does not have to be expensive. Some excellent budget choices offer enough cooling as well as additional features like as minimal noise, addressable RGB lighting, a high-quality fan, and more.
The top 5 best affordable CPU coolers for overclocking are as follows:
NZXT Kraken Z63 (No. 1)
The NZXT Kraken Z63 is one of NZXT’s most expensive AIOs.
The NZXT Kraken Z63 has the following noteworthy features:
- radiator liquid cooler with a diameter of 280mm
- On the CPU block, there is a 36-inch LCD screen that may be customized.
- Included are two Aer P 140mm PWM fans.
- Asetek pump, 7th generation
Check out the current price of the NZXT Kraken Z63.
The NZXT Kraken Z63 is a high-end AIO with a stunning design. The 2.36′′ customisable LCD above the CPU block is the major attraction here. It’s extremely configurable, and you may use it to show your pictures or PC stats.
Since we’re talking about overclocking, we’ll need to keep things cool. And it’s aces in this case. It has excellent cooling performance for its size, thanks to the newest 7th generation Asetek pump, which is much enhanced over its predecessor. The radiator performs a good job of dissipating heat.
Also, don’t forget to have a look at our best fanless CPU cooler if you want to run your PC quietly.
Are you bothered by noise?
You will not be disappointed with this establishment. The two Aer P 140mm PWM fans supplied make very little noise and are hardly heard most of the time.
The CAM program allows you to adjust the fan speed, LCD, and other features. The program is simple to use and understand.
The RGB lighting on the fans is the only thing it lacks. However, since it has a display on the CPU block, it does not feel as though it is far behind.
Overall, the NZXT Kraken Z63 is a top-of-the-line, high-quality 280mm liquid cooler.
Pros
- »LCD monitor
- »enough fans who are quiet
- »excellent cooling capacity
- Integration of CAM software
2. MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R MAG CORELIQUID 240R MAG CORELIQUID 240R
The MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R is a great choice for you if you want an AIO with RGB on the CPU block and fans at a reasonable price.
The MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R has the following notable features:
- AIO radiator 240mm
- block-head that can be rotated and has RGB lighting
- 2 RGB PWM 120mm fans
- Design of the radiator pump
Check MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R’s current price.
With a three-phase motor on the pump and evaporation-free tubing, the AIO is very efficient. The 240mm radiator may seem tiny at first glance, yet it is a powerful heat dissipator. This AIO’s liquid cooling performance is excellent. It performs a fantastic job of lowering the temperature of your overclocked CPU. When utilizing the AIO, you won’t have to worry about it overheating.
Don’t forget to look at our list of the finest CPU coolers for the LGA 1200 socket.
Here’s where it gets interesting:
The MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R is equipped with a radiator pump. This implies that the pump is mounted on the radiator rather than the CPU block. It reduces the size of the CPU block and speeds up the heat transmission process. You may feel vibrations on the PC casing, which may be alleviated by applying anti-vibration pads.
The CPU block may be rotated. If you wish to install it from a different angle, it’s a lifesaver. The CPU block is adorned with a dragon emblem in RGB, which looks great. You get a full RGB experience with the two PWM 120mm fans, which feature RGB.
This month, check out the award-winning best nzxt aio cooler.
Because the fans are PWM, the rotation rates may be adjusted appropriately. They have a maximum rotational speed of 2000 RPM and can provide a lot of airflow when required. To summarize, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R is a great value RGB AIO with outstanding thermal performance that’s ideal for overclocked CPUs.
Pros
- »excellent liquid cooling efficiency
- »quiet working environment
- »Beautiful to look at in RGB
- »CPU block cover that rotates
Cons
- »may create minor vibrations in the computer casing
Black Noctua NH-D15 chromax
The chromax of the Noctua NH-D15. One of the finest air CPU coolers that competes with the best liquid CPU coolers is Black.
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax has the following features: Black:
- Air cooler with twin towers of 140mm
- Included are two Noctua NF-A15 140mm PWM fans.
- Mounting system SecuFirm2
- Thermal compound NT-H1 was used.
- Heat sink coverings NA-HC3 and NA-HC4 are optional for various color schemes.
Check out the current Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black price.
With a dual tower design and a height of 160mm, the CPU cooler is enormous. As a result, you must first ensure that the cooler will fit in your PC case.
The enormous size results in a significant performance boost. Because of the greater surface area and strong blowers, the six high-quality heat pipes can transport a lot of heat to the twin tower heat sink, where it is rapidly dispersed.
It’s a high-performance air cooler that can effectively cool down an overclocked CPU. In terms of thermal performance, it can compete directly with some of the finest AIOs on the market.
The CPU cooler is very attractive. The Noctua NH-D15 is available in all-black. The color palette is versatile enough to go with most PC setups, and it has a luxury feel to it.
Concerning the audience:
Two NF-A15 140mm PWM fans are included with the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black. The fans are remarkably quiet for their speeds, and they’ve been fine-tuned for optimum airflow and little vibration. PWM enables it to change its speed as needed.
Don’t forget to look at the finest noctua cpu cooler on the market as well.
It may be used with either a single or two fans. In single fan mode, you have a greater memory clearance of up to 64mm. It shrinks to 32mm in twin fan mode. Because of Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting mechanism, it’s simple to set up.
Overall, for excellent thermal performance, the Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black is one of the finest CPU coolers for overclockers and enthusiasts.
Pros
- »exceptional cooling performance
- »low levels of noise
- »extremely well optimized
- »simple to install
- »premium construction
Cons
- »An problem with clearance with tall memory kits in dual fan mode
4. Keep your mouth shut! 4 Dark Rock
Be quiet, please! The Dark Rock 4 is one of the quietest CPU air coolers available.
Characteristics of the stay silent! 4th installment of Dark Rock
- 135mm CPU air cooler for a single tower
- TDP support up to 200W
- Maximum noise level is 4 dB(A).
- 1x 135mm PWM Silent Wings fan is included
- six heat pipes made of copper
- and wave-shaped fins
- An extra 120mm fan may be installed if desired.
Dark Rock 4’s current price may be found here.
This air cooler’s primary goal is to offer excellent cooling performance with little noise. Be quiet, please! At maximum volume, Dark Rock 4 generates just 21.4dB(A) of sound. It also has a maximum TDP of 200W, making it an excellent choice for overclocked CPUs.
It’s a single tower air cooler with wave-contoured aluminum fins and six optimized heat pipes. In addition, the surface has a ceramic particle covering for increased efficiency. All of this, taken combined, contributes significantly to improved cooling performance.
Be quiet, please! A Silent Wings 135mm PWM fan is included with Dark Rock 4. For quiet cooling and decreased vibration, the fan features fluid dynamic bearings and six pole motors.
Check out the TR4 socket compatible CPU cooler.
Do you want to improve your performance?
It may be supplemented with a second 120mm fan. It will make a little increase in loudness, but it will provide greater cooling. If you’re into severe overclocking, it may come in useful.
The installation of the CPU cooler on the machine is a small stumbling block for me. However, if you are a seasoned professional, it will not worry you.
In general, the be silent! Dark Rock 4 is a top-of-the-line air cooler with exceptional cooling performance and unrivaled quiet operation.
Pros
- »Excellent cooling capacity
- »quiet working environment
- »strong TDP support
5. ID-COOLING SE-224-XT ARGB V2 ID-COOLING SE-224-XT ARGB V2 ID-COOLING SE-224
The SE-224-XT ARGB V2 from ID-COOLING is one of the most cost-effective ARGB CPU air coolers on the market.
The ID-COOLING SE-224-XT ARGB V2 has the following features:
- Heat sink for a single tower of 120mm
- 1x ARGB PWM 120mm fan is included.
- The top cover has ARGB illumination.
- RGB controller (wired) is included
Check the current price of the ID-COOLING SE-224-XT.
One of the most inexpensive CPU coolers with excellent thermal performance and ARGB illumination is the ID-COOLING SE-224-XT ARGB V2. It makes the device an appealing option for anybody seeking for a low-cost ARGB.
Here, the cooling performance is adequate. The CPU cooler is a single tower design with four direct contact heat pipes. It enables the CPU cooler to effectively and rapidly transfer heat, which is critical for overclocked CPUs.
In terms of acoustics, the 120mm PWM fan performs well. You won’t hear the fan while it’s idle. The fan rotates at a maximum of 2000 RPM and generates a maximum of 31.5 dB at its peak (A). At this volume, some may find it too loud.
Let’s speak about ARGB for a moment.
ARGB lighting may be seen on the top cover and the accompanying fan. If your motherboard doesn’t have an ARGB header, no worries; it comes with a wired RGB controller. The ARGB lighting seems to be very good. It definitely improves the overall appearance of the structure.
Also, have a look at the quietest CPU cooler we’ve tested for your PC.
You don’t have to be concerned about clearance. The single tower CPU cooler is small enough that it shouldn’t interfere with RAM or PCIe slots on most motherboards. To summarize, the ID-COOLING SE-224-XT ARGB V2 is an ARGB CPU air cooler that performs admirably quietly. If you require ARGB, it’s a clear option based on the pricing.
Pros
- »Excellent-looking Lighting in the ARGB color space
- »reasonable cooling
- »for the most part, near-silent
- »Excellent visibility
Cons
- »can be very noisy when the fan is running at full speed
Buyer’s Guide to CPU Coolers
A good CPU cooler can help you maintain a stable system by preventing your CPU from overheating and shortening its lifespan. Here are some things to consider when purchasing cheap CPU coolers for overclocking:
Types
Air coolers, AIO or closed-loop coolers, and open-loop coolers are the three major kinds of CPU cooling. Open-loop coolers are prohibitively costly, complex, and difficult to install for most individuals. As a result, you’ll have to pick between AIO, closed-loop, and air coolers.
AIOs come with a radiator, pump, and fans all rolled into one. The liquid coolant is pre-filled, so all you have to do now is screw the liquid CPU cooler into your PC. Due to the use of liquid coolant and large radiators, they have better thermal performance than air coolers.
A heatsink and a fan are included in air coolers (s). Although they have a lower thermal capacity than AIO liquid coolers, some good air coolers work just as well.
Don’t forget to compare the finest dark rock pro 4 cpu cooler options.
Price
When comparing air coolers with AIOs, air coolers are less expensive. Though the more costly liquid coolers or AIOs provide greater cooling, there are several good air coolers available that provide sufficient cooling at a reasonable price.
Clearance
When purchasing a CPU cooler, the first thing to examine is clearance. You must ensure that the CPU cooler is compatible with your PC case and motherboard, and that it does not obstruct any VRMs or PCIe slots. Also, check sure you can install your memory modules correctly and without any obstacles.
TDP
In an ideal world, you’d have a CPU cooler that can handle more TDP than your CPU consumes. It will give the CPU cooler more breathing space, allowing it to work more effectively.
Also, have a look at our list of the top cooler master cpu coolers, as suggested by our experts.
Noise
Nobody wants a CPU cooler that makes a buzzing noise all the time. CPU coolers with good bearings and tuned pumps and fans have anti-vibration characteristics. These all work together to ensure that there is little and unobtrusive noise.
FAQ
What is the greatest overclocking CPU cooler on a budget?
The Noctua NH-D15 chromax is the answer. The greatest cheap CPU cooler for overclocking is black. It has excellent cooling capabilities and can handle an overclocked CPU without breaking the budget. It’s a dependable CPU cooler that’s appreciated by techies all around the globe.
Is a stock cooler sufficient for overclocking?
Answer: While certain stock CPU coolers, such as the AMD Wraith Stealth Cooler, can tolerate a modest overclock, you should avoid overclocking with stock coolers in general. It will either cause long-term harm to your CPU owing to increasing heat, or it may result in an unstable system.
Is liquid cooling preferable for overclocking?
Answer: Liquid coolers, also known as AIOs, are more efficient at cooling the CPU than air coolers, but they are also more costly. Liquid cooling is the way to go if you have the money; otherwise, a high quality air cooler will suffice.
Last Thoughts
Which CPU cooler from the list above best fits your needs? The Noctua NH-D15 chromax would be my choice. Black wins every time owing to its consistent performance and dependability. If I want a premium AIO liquid cooler with amazing design and aesthetics, I’ll go with the NZXT Kraken Z63.
The goal here is to find a cooler that doesn’t have any trouble getting its job done for a great price. While we have seen some CPU Coolers that have taken over the market, their capabilities don’t always line up with the fantastic pricing they have. We found 5 that we gurantee are great, at great prices.. Read more about best cpu cooler 2021 and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CPU cooler for overclocking?
The best CPU cooler for overclocking is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO.
What is the best budget CPU cooler?
The best budget CPU cooler is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO.
Do I need a better CPU cooler for overclocking?
Yes, you will need a better CPU cooler for overclocking.
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