10 Best CPU Cooler (Liquid/ Water/Air Fan) For Gaming in Budget

best cpu cooler

One of the most critical installations that you can attach to your custom PC is the CPU cooler. All CPU does come with a Fan cooler, but they do not provide that amount of cooling to use it on your PC, as per the experts speak. You can use the CPU cooler with your cooling system of your PC in the case whether it is liquid cooling system or a fan cooling system.

There are many advantages of CPU cooler especially when your CPU is over clocked. Here we are going to list some of the best CPU cooler that is available in the market for your personal computer, in order to keep them cool and steady for heavy usage. However, before that let’s take a look at the points we should look for while purchasing a CPU cooler for your PC. Below is the best buying guide that would help you buy the perfect CPU cooler for your PC.

 

CPU cooler Buying Guide: All you need to know

What is CPU cooler?

CPU cooler is nothing but a heat sink, that takes the heat generated by the CPU and throws the heat out, but at the same time pumps cool air over the CPU.

Why do we need buy a different CPU cooler when we get a stock CPU cooler with the processor itself?

When you buy any processor, almost in all the case you get a stock tower CPU cooler, which is enough if you use your PC for regular day to day work. In case, you want to overclock your CPU, then your stock CPU cooler will not be able to handle much of the heat generated and will affect the processor. Also, other third-party cooler is tuned more to remove heat more than the stock CPU coolers.

Liquid cooler vs. Fan cooler

While there are both some Pro and Cons with both of them, it comes down to whether you want it or not. Liquid coolers look cool. But it does not necessarily make less noise. In fact, depending on the pump present, it might make same or even more noise than the noise generated by the Fan Cooler. Here is why you should go for CPU liquid cooler.

    1. When you are over clocking your processor to a very high level
    2. When you have less space, then liquid cooler might free up space compared to Fan cooler
    3. If you move your PC very often, the option for CPU liquid cooler is a wise idea as it will not be dismantled while moving, which happens with the CPU fan cooler.

What do you need to keep in mind if you are going to buy a third-party cooler?

    1. Whether you are purchasing a Fan cooler or a liquid cooler, you need to see whether it fits the CPU socket and the motherboard
    2. While large coolers do cool your CPU fast, but you also need to see the available space. A Large cooler is good, but bigger coolers might cause a problem.
    3. Larger Fan are less noisy when compared to fans smaller than them
    4. You should check the height of the cooler in case you are going for Fan cooler, as if the height is more, it might not fit in your PC case.

Best CPU COOLER to Buy:

Now that we are familiarized with all the background information let’s see some of the best Cooler that is available online. Let’s begin

At a glance:

Here are all the Coolers that have been featured on the list.

Best CPU FAN COOLER

NamePriceDimensionNoise (Maximum)
COOLER MASTER HYPER 212 EVO RR – 212E – 20PK – R2
$29.994.7 x 3.13 x 6.24 in
36 dB
ENERMAX ETS – T40 FIT ETS – T40F – BK$40.995 x 6.5 x 7.5 in10 dB (Single Fan)
Be quiet! BK019 DARK ROCK PRO 3 – 250W TDP$85.656.1 x 8.27 x 6.89 in26.1 dB
CRYORIG R UNIVERSAL CR-RB DUAL TOWER CPU HEATSINK$89.005.06 x 5.51 x 6.63 in24 dB
NOCTUA NH-D15 DUAL FAN NF-A15 $89.956.34 x 5.91 x 6.5 in20 dB

Best CPU LIQUID COOLER

Name
PriceDimensionNoise (Maximum)
CORSAIR HYDRO SERIES H55 QUIET EDITION$59.997.4 x 9.17 x 5.59 in30 dB
DEEPCOOL CAPTAIN 240EX ALL-IN-ONE$99.998.3 x 13.6 x 5.2 in31.3 dB
THERMALTAKE WATER 3.0 AIO CL – W107 – PL12SW – A$119.995.91 x 3.39 x 7.87 in30 dB
CORSAIR HYDRO SERIES H100I GTX HIGH PERFORMANCE CW – 9060021 – WW$139.998.8 x 12.1 x 5.9 in
35 dB
NZXT KRAKEN X62 ALL – IN – ONE CPU (RL – KRX62 – 02)$156.896.1 x 13.66 x 8.23 in36 dB

1.COOLER MASTER HYPER 212 EVO RR – 212E – 20PK – R2 CPU COOLER

It is the bestselling Fan cooler that is available in the Market. Evo is the primary force behind making this CPU cooler. It is a very attractive model with the new patent Continuous Direct Contac or the CDC. This is the cheapest cooler available on the list.

Price: $29.99 (4 heat pipes)

Features:

  • Fins optimized for different speed of the fan.
  • Different number of heat pipes are available depending on your need (2 to 8).
  • Blades are shaped for maximum air-flow.
  • Very less noise level of 36 dB at max speed.
  • Aluminium Heat pipes.
  • Supports both Intel and AMD CPU (use the link above to see all the compatible CPU sockets).
  • This CPU cooler has a dimension of 120mm x 79.7mm x 158.5mm.
Pros
  • Aluminium heat pipes
  • Up to 8 heat pipes
  • Supports all types of processor
Cons
  • Not that quieter compared to other CPU coolers

Verdict: A good cooler considering the price point. Also, it is the most selling product which clears all the doubts regarding this CPU fan cooler. It is quite low and compact which will not cause any problem. If you are looking for a budget Fan cooler than this is the one for you.

 2.ENERMAX ETS – T40 FIT CPU COOLER ETS – T40F – BK

The CPU fan cooler in our list is the Enermax ETS CPU cooler. It is small and sleek. It requires very low power to run the fan. This CPU cooler also comes with Blue LED attached to the blades of the Fan. All the features are listed below as follows.

Price: $40.99 (4 heat pipes)

Features:

  • Patented Circular Type LED to create unique visual effects and eye-catching light effects
  • It supports both Intel and AMD CPU sockets. (Click on the link above to see the detail list of all the compatible socket).
  • Very easy to install
  • Comes with high thermal conductivity grease to ensure best thermal conversion between CPU and the heat sink
  • All-in-one plate design for universal AMD and Intel CPU compatibility.
  • Comes with 3 / 4 / 5 heat pipes
  • Each heat pipes are 6mm thickness, high-performance pipes to maximize heat conductivity
  • The CPU cooler comes with one 120mm LED fan, but you can also install an extra one, in case you want the cooler to cool your CPU faster.
Pros
  • Unique design, with eye-catching light effect
  • Supports both Intel and AMD CPU socket
  • Less power consumption
  • Two fan CPU cooler
  • Up to 5 heat pipes
Cons
  • AM4 bracket must be purchased separately
  • Less cooling that other larger CPU cooler available
  • Average thermal paste

Verdict: A decent CPU cooler. A small and sleek design which runs on very low power. You can choose between heat pipes and also attach a second fan to power up. Overall a good product to go for at this price tag.

3.Be quiet! BK019 DARK ROCK PRO 3 – CPU COOLER – 250W TDP

One of the quietest CPU cooler. This CPU cooler is comparatively large but not massive. The inside fan is 135mm while the outer fan is 120mm. This can comes with various power rating from 120W to 250W. So, you got many options on which powered rated CPU cooler you want. All the features of this CPU cooler are listed below.

Price: $85.65 (For 250W type)

Features:

  • Enhance double tower layout offers high cooling power but at the same time reduces weight
  • Comes with seven high-performance heat pipes with copper lining and aluminum caps to maximize the heat conduction.
  • 250W TDP offers high cooling capacity by providing low temperature even at peak performance.
  • A 135-mm fan is used with the heat sink. Additional a 120mm separate fan can be added to the heat sink
  • Improved dynamic wave-contour cooling fins with small dots to increase the air circulation and thus increasing the overall efficiency
  • Generates less noise but at the same time cools your overclocked processor
Pros
  • Generates low noise level
  • Gives the best performance
  • Dual Fan support
Cons
  • Separate kit for AM4
  • A bit higher might face problem if you are using a mid-tower PC case

Verdict: This CPU cooler is all about keeping it silent. The size is overall good but might face a problem if your PC case is small or overcrowded. If you want a CPU fan cooler which produces very little to no noise at all but at the same time keeps your CPU cool even if the CPU is overclocked then this is the one to go for.

4.CRYORIG R UNIVERSAL CR-RB DUAL TOWER CPU HEATSINK

Here we have the Cryorig R Universal Dual tower CPU cooler. It has some unique optimization made to this cooler, to maximize the cooling effect of the heat pipe displacement optimization and jet fine acceleration system. All the features are listed down below.

Price: $89.99

Features:

  • The heat pipes are soldered using the Direct Compress soldering. This increases the surface in contact with 10% more than it is by tradition soldering, resulting in faster heat conduction
  • Comes with two fans: XF140 and the XT140 which generates low noise
  • Heat pipes are arranged in convex order for more area in contact
  • The heat pipes have copper base to for faster heat conduction
  • The heat pipes are placed using the new Heatpipe Displacement Optimization which spreads the heat evenly over the fins which are better than linear arrangement
  • It uses the jet Fin acceleration system which squeezes the air flow and increases the exhaust air speed
  • The fans are PWM low-noise fan with a diameter of 140mm
  • It supports both Intel and AMD CPU sockets. (Click on the link above to see the detail list of all the compatible socket).
Pros
  • Copper pipes for better heat conductivity.
  • Unique optimization technique to cool faster like the jet Fin acceleration system and the Heatpipe Displacement Optimization.
  • Effective but at the same time it also provides silent cooling.
Cons
  • AMD4 users need to order CPU socket separately.

Verdict: One of the best Cooling fans regarding technology. Cooper pipes with different optimization technique used to maximize the benefit of the cooling system use. It also uses low noise fans. Overall this is the one where the Cooling power is not compromised to lower the noise level. A must buy for anyone who uses CPU overclocking.

5.NOCTUA NH-D15 DUAL FAN NF-A15 CPU COOLER

This new NH-D15 is the upgraded CPU cooler D14 and is optimized for low noise and temperature. Six heat pipes made out of aluminum together with the twin radiator fitter 140mm fan will not disappoint you. All the features of this CPU cooler are listed down below.

Price: $89.95

Features:

  • One of the best radiator for the cooling system
  • 6 heat pipes with dual radiator system
  • Heat pipes are made from aluminum for fast heat conduction
  • The CPU is designed asymmetrically for high compatibility
  • This CPU cooler has two 140 mm fans. The fan used is the NF-A15 PWN fan setup
  • Better noise reduction than its predecessor the NH-D14.
  • The CPU cooler falls under mid-size as it is neither small nor big in size. Make sure to check whether there will be enough space to fit this CPU cooler
  • It supports both Intel and AMD CPU sockets. (Click on the link above to see the detail list of all the compatible socket).
  • This CPU cooler comes with a warranty of 6 years so that you do not have to worry about it.
Pros
  • Low noise level production (<20 dB)
  • Comes with a Y-connector in-case you need more connector
  • Cools your overclocked CPU with ease
  • Good and long-time warranty
Cons
  • The CPU cooler one of the expensive cooler in the Fan CPU cooler
  • It is quite heavy compared to other CPU coolers

Verdict: An expensive CPU fan cooler. This is especially for those who do not move their PC much as the CPU cooler which quite heavy. Though it is expensive, it cools the CPU as said due to its large cross-section but at the same time produces less noise compared to other CPU coolers. A good place to invest money as you get 6 years long warranty.

6.CORSAIR HYDRO SERIES H55 QUIET EDITION LIQUID CPU COOLER

Our first Liquid CPU cooler in the list is the Corsair’s H55 CPU cooler. It is one of the easy cooling upgrades for your cooling system. Easy installation and the liquid is pre-filled, so you do not have to worry about it. All the features are discussed below as follows.

Price: $59.99

Features:

  • Come with pre-filled liquid, and you do not have to refill the liquid
  • The setup completely tools free
  • Comes with a single 120mm fan
  • The pipe is rubberized for more flexible and also reduces any possibility of leakage
  • This CPU cooler is designed so as you can install it even in small ATX PC cases
  • The heat exchanger is fitted with aluminum for better heat conduction
  • It supports both Intel and AMD CPU sockets. (Click on the link above to see the detail list of all the compatible socket).
  • The pump unit can be fitted outside to save space
  • To enhance the heat dissipation and better cooling, it has micro-fin copper cold plate
  • Thermal compound comes pre-applied to the heat exchanger
Pros
  • Can fit even in small PC case
  • Low noise production
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Might not be ideal for heavily overclocked CPU
  • AMD4 CPU socket is not provided

Verdict: A decent product if you are into light gaming. At this price point it does its job quite efficiently, but if you are a pro gamer who is into very high overclocking and playing games at max out settings, then this might not be the right choice.

7.DEEPCOOL CAPTAIN 240EX ALL-IN-ONE CPU COOLER, BLACK

Here we have the Deep cool’s new 240EX all – in – one CPU liquid cooler. It comes with dual fan radiator for maximum heat dissipation. All the features are listed down below.

Price: $99.99

Features:

  • It comes with powerful pump which helps in circulating the water faster and keep the CPU cooler
  • This CPU cooler comes with dual 240mm fan which offers higher air-flow and reducing the temperature
  • All the fans come with double blade for better heat dissipation
  • This CPU cooler light comes with LED for better visual looking effect.
  • The heat exchanger has optic glass tube to show the liquid circulation
  • The heat pipes are made out of rubber for space saving installation and also prevent any water spill
  • The heat exchanger comes with a copper base for accelerated heat transfer. The thermal compound is pre-applied to the copper base
  • The radiator is made from aluminum fins for better dissipation of heat
  • It comes with 3 years of warranty
Pros
  • Anti-explosion, flexible rubber tubes
  • Aluminium fins and Copper plated base
  • LED display for better looking
  • It does not create much sound as compared to other liquid coolers
Cons
  • It is quite heavy

Verdict: It supports both Intel and AMD CPUs. The cooler is quite well made with aluminum alloys fins, the good quality rubberized tube which helps in installation. The radiator is not that loud, but it is comparatively ok. A good product to get your hands on if you use your CPU for overclocked speed.

8.THERMALTAKE WATER 3.0 AIO WATER COOLING SYSTEM CL – W107 – PL12SW – A

A color CPU liquid cooler. This Thermaltake’s new all – in – one water cooling offers both beauty and performance. It comes with a LED light to give it good visual effect when the fans roll. All the features are mention below as follows.

Price: $119.99

Features:

  • This Liquid cooler comes with double LED RGB cooling fans of 120mm diameter.
  • The radiator is made to accompany up to 6 x 120 mm fans
  • The LED comes with a controller by which you can select 5 colors and cycle through 256 colors.
  • This Liquid cooler comes with different size radiators
  • The pump is of high quality for fast water circulation and to keep the CPU cool
  • It supports both Intel and AMD CPU sockets. (Click on the link above to see the detail list of all the compatible socket).
  • Easy installation
  • The bae is made from copper for the best heat conductivity
  • This cooler comes with 1-foot long cable
  • It comes with 3 years of warranty.
Pros
  • Excellent Cooling performance
  • Zero leakage from the water table
  • LED RGB lights with switch to control it or disable it
Cons
  • AM4 bracket is not provided
  • Not one of the quietest CPU liquid cooler

Verdict: Made specially for heavy CPU overclocking. At this price tag, it is the one of the best CPU liquid cooler that you can get your hands on. The LED RGB also makes an excellent visual appeal to the mood of your gaming. If you do not like the light, you can change it or disable it with the controller. A good CPU cooler to purchase.

9.CORSAIR HYDRO SERIES H100I GTX HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CPU COOLER CW – 9060021 – WW

Another Corsair liquid cooler in our list. This the H100i GTX CPU liquid cooler from Corsair. The unique feature is the built-in Corsair link by which you can control everything from your desktop. Other features are listed down below.

Price: $139.99

Features:

  • Comes with 240mm dual fan radiator for better heat dissipation
  • This CPU cooler comes with improved cold plate and better pump to give better efficiency while removing the heat
  • The radiator house the advance SP120L PWM fan which provides high-static air pressure
  • As mention, it comes with built-in link by which you can monitor CPU as well as coolant temperature, adjust fan speed and customize the light
  • It supports both Intel and AMD CPU sockets. (Click on the link above to see the detail list of all the compatible socket).
  • The liquid comes pre-filled
  • Easy installation with modular tool-free setup
Pros
  • Corsair Link to monitor and control the CPU cooler
  • Best quality fans
  • LED RGB light for good visual effects
  • No leakage heat pipes
  • Easy installation with tools-free modular
Cons
  • AMD CPU sockets are not provided
  • Size is quite big
  • Not quite
  • There might be some leakage from the pump

Verdict: One of the better AIO liquid cooler provided by the Corsair. The best fan system with LED lights for the visual. Another useful feature is a link to monitor the cooling unit. A good buy if you want to get your hands on both the stylish and tech CPU liquid cooler.

10.NZXT KRAKEN X62 ALL – IN – ONE CPU LIQUID COOLING SYSTEM, BLACK (RL – KRX62 – 02)

The last CPU cooling system on our list is the NZXT Kraken X62. It is the upgraded version of X61. All the pump, radiator and the fans have been redesign. This cooler also has an interface to control it from your CPU. Other features are listed down below.

Price: $156.89

Features:

  • All new pump for faster flow of the liquid and keep the CPU cool
  • It comes with Aer P fan which has been made and optimized for the radiator only
  • As said, this cooler comes with interface by means you can control and monitor the temperature, the speed of the fan and even the LED lights
  • Comes with LED light attached to the fans to match the mood while you are using your computer
  • The Pump also comes with the light which you can customize as you like
  • The heat tubes come with elegant nylon sleeves to strength the rubber tube
  • It supports both Intel and AMD CPU sockets. (Click on the link above to see the detail list of all the compatible socket).
Pros
  • RGB light to make it visually appealing
  • Strength rubber tubes
  • Leakage-proof both for the pipes and the pump
  • Good specially designed fans
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not that silent

Verdict: A great product to get your hands on. Though its bit expensive it provides the best value for money. It is not that silent but gives the best performance. If you are into gaming and you heavily overclock your CPU, then this is the one to go for.

Conclusion

Here we come to the end of the list as the best CPU cooler. Keeping CPU cool is the top priority, and here we have mentioned some of the best CPU coolers that you can go for. Decide the one that suits your need. Especially what type of CPU you want to use, how much you want to use and how heavily you are overclocking your CPU. As you are going to invest one time on this CPU cooler, choose the one that will meet most or all of your need.

Dharmesh is Co-Founder of TechnoFizi and a passionate blogger. He loves new Gadgets and Tools. He generally covers Tech Tricks, Gadget Reviews etc in his posts. Beside this, He also work as a SEO Analyst at TechnoFizi Solutions.

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