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From taking tight corners to picking the perfect drop spot, it’s important to keep your cool while gaming. Get too hot, and your performance can slip.
The same thing applies to your rig. Loading your PC up with top-of-the-line processors and GPUs means nothing if your battle station overheats.
Unfortunately, when picking the best parts for your PC, coolers might not be at the top of your list, and when it comes time to drop the temp, you might not have much dough left to drop.
That’s why we put together this list of the top 10 best budget CPU air coolers in 2024.
The coolers on this list will help break the heat without breaking the bank.
Best Budget CPU Air Coolers in 2024 Round-Up
The table below will give you a quick look at our selections for the 10 best budget CPU air coolers currently available on the market. To read a full review, simply click on ’review>>’ in the respective row.
Product | Image | Rating | |
1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO V2 ''Best budget CPU air cooler in 2024'' |  | 9.8 | |
2. ARESGAME River 5 ''Best budget RGB cooler'' |  | 9.7 | |
3. Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B ''High-performing and quiet option'' |  | 9.6 | |
4. Noctua NH-L9x65 ''Best budget low-profile air cooler'' |  | 9.5 | |
5. Scythe Ninja 5 ''Quietest budget air cooler'' |  | 9.4 | |
6. ARCTIC Freezer 34 Esports Duo ''Air cooler for life'' |  | 9.4 | |
7. Scythe Big Shuriken 3 ''Best low-profile budget cooler runner-up'' |  | 9.2 | |
8. ID-Cooling SE-234-ARGB ''Editor's pick'' |  | 9.1 | |
9. ID-Cooling SE-914-XT Basic ''Honorable mention'' |  | 9.0 | |
10. ARCTIC Freezer 7 X ''Honorable mention #2'' |  | 8.7 |
1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO V2
Overall Dimensions: 155 x 120 x 80mm / 6.1 x 4.7 x 3.1” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 650 – 1800 RPM +/- 10% | Noise Volume: 8 – 27 dBA | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Great cooling performance
- Quality construction
- Highly compatible
- Stays quiet
- Provides additional clearance for RAM
- Affordable price
REASONS TO AVOID
- No RGB lighting
- Only a 2-year warranty
Our Rating:Â Â 9.8/10
Long-lasting, versatile, and high-performing. The Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO V2 might be a mouthful to say, but it is a strong budget choice for your setup. Installation may be a little bit of a challenge, but once you get this installed into your rig, you will see great results.
The Hyper 212 EVO V2 is an excellent mid-sized and well-priced cooler that is not only compatible with almost all Intel and AMD CPUs, but its asymmetrical pipe and fin design mean that, with most builds, you won’t cover up any RAM slots or components.
Additionally, with four heat pipes, a large array of heatsink fins, and the second most powerful fan on this list, adding this component to your case can drop the temperatures of even the most powerful CPUs.
Installation can be tricky. You may find the included picture instructions incredibly easy to follow, but you may also want to check out some videos to make sure you know exactly which parts go where and how to apply the included thermal paste.
Installation is likely the biggest challenge with this cooler as the instructions may be hard to follow, and there are a decent number of components; however, adding a spacer may make it easier, and thankfully, it does not require any tools to get set up.
Another minor drawback is the 2-year warranty. Most mishaps are likely going to happen in installation, so the warranty should be ok, but after 24 months, you are on your own. However, this is more than made up for by its quality and longevity.
Its predecessor, the Cool Master Hyper 212 EVO, has the longest reported life of any of the other coolers on this list, so it’s safe to assume you can expect the same quality and longevity with the Hyper 212 EVO V2. With a fair price point, comparable to other lower-performing coolers, the investment is well worth it.
While it may have a mid-range physical profile, it has a relatively small audio footprint. When operating at 100%, the fan is slightly noticeable but is not obtrusive.
And for high-performance cooling, you might be comfortable with the tradeoff. It may not be the quietest cooler on the market, but its strong performance more than makes up for the slight whisper you may hear when overclocking your rig.
With a high heat capacity and incredible airflow, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO V2 is a great choice for almost any rig. Its comfortable size and lack of obtrusion onto RAM and component slots mean it can easily fit into most builds. While installation may be a challenge, particularly for new builders, the benefits outweigh the potential frustrations.
Compatible with almost all CPUs and providing excellent cooling power, the Hyper 212 EVO V2 is our pick for the best budget air cooler in 2024.
- RELATED READING: Best budget AIO liquid coolers
2. ARESGAME River 5
Overall Dimensions: 160 x 120 x 83mm / 6.3 x 4.7 x 3.2” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 600 ~ 1800 RPM | Noise Volume: Up to 31.6 dBA
REASONS TO BUY
- Great cooling performance
- Exceptional build quality for the price
- Incredible value
- Very easy installation
- RGB lighting
- Great price
REASONS TO AVOID
- Unknown manufacturer
Our Rating:Â Â 9.7/10
If you are looking for something that combines price, performance, and personalization, then you will find it hard to beat the ARESGAME River 5. This mid-size cooler provides excellent airflow while staying quiet.Â
While it outranks most of its competitors when it comes to cooling and looks great while doing it, it’s still a relatively new product, and we can’t be sure how long it’s going to last. However, it looks and feels high quality and should stick with you for a while.
Compatible with almost all Intel and AMD CPUs, this unit is easy to install and does not take up too much space in your case. When you open the box, you will find the easy-install mounting bracket, a tube of thermal paste (with applicator), and all the bolts, clips, and bearings to quickly assemble the cooler.
ARESGAME does a great job of walking you through the installation and has video support in case reading the directions isn’t your thing.
Once you get the cooler up and running, you will find that it is a solid size but doesn’t get in the way. The direct contact heat pipes and heatsink fins are big enough to provide plenty of cooling power but positioned so that they don’t hang over the RAM slots.
This means that once you put the cooler in, you don’t have to take it off to swap out parts on your rig. Even when the fan is attached and pushing that hot air away, you will not have to worry about it getting in the way.
Fan speed and sound are often a big concern when looking for the right cooler. You may find a fan that is a veritable arctic breeze but sounds like a space shuttle launch, or you may find something as quiet as a mouse but is no better than a balmy summer’s day when it comes to cooling things down. The 9-blade fan provides some of the best cooling power in its class while staying quiet enough to make a librarian happy.
Finally, the ARESGAME River 5 has addressable RGB lighting that allows you to add some personality to your build. It needs to be noted that your motherboard needs to have an aRGB header to control the light. Otherwise, you will need to purchase an extra controller. Once you get it set up and ready, you will be able to keep your PC cool and look cool doing it.
The ARESGAME River 5 is an excellent choice when it comes to budget air coolers. The high cooling performance, mid-sized footprint, controllable light, and quiet sound are all available for a very fair price. While we can’t be sure whether it’s going to last as long as some of its competitors, if you consider the cost, you really can’t go wrong with the River 5.
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3. Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B
Overall Dimensions: 155 x 130 x 110mm / 6.1 x 5.1 x 4.3” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 27mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fan Speed: 300 (+/- 200) ~ 1200 (+/- 10%) RPM | Noise Volume: 4 ~ 24.9 dBA | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Superb cooling performance
- Incredibly quiet
- Excellent build quality
- Easy to install
- No clearance issues
REASONS TO AVOID
- No RGB
- Large footprint
Our Rating:Â Â 9.6/10
An upgrade on an already solid air cooler, the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B has added compatibility to AMD AM5 CPUs, making it compatible with nearly all Intel and AMD processors. This monster of a cooler is a high-quality build that is easy to install, provides excellent cooling power, and will last a long time.
While not the largest cooler on this list, the Mugen 5 Rev.B has by no means a small physical footprint. If you are looking for a compact cooler, then you may want to move on; however, if you have the space in your case, then the Mugen 5 Rev.B is an excellent option.
The asymmetrical design and shorter heatsink fins at the bottom mean that it should not block RAM slots, although you may have to take the heatsink off to switch them out. It is not overly large or unwieldy, but you will definitely notice that the Mugen 5 Rev.B is there.
Coming with its own screwdriver and thermal paste, installation of the Rev.B is incredibly easy. The provided instructions are detailed but not overly complicated. The tools and hardware provided make set up a breeze, and once you get it on, you are good to go.
It may also have a slightly higher price point, but it performs just as well as coolers that cost twice as much, and the easy installation means you will likely be happy with the investment.
The Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B is all about performance. With 6, count them, 6 direct contact heat pipes, and a large array of heatsink fins, you will likely see a marked drop in average temperatures, even when overclocking.
Additionally, while not the fastest fan on the market, it is powerful enough to ensure a lot of airflow. The Rev.B is specifically designed to allow for an additional fan to be attached, allowing for a push/pull action, ensuring even better performance than the already stellar marks.
Unlike its large physical footprint, the Mugen 5 Rev.B has a relatively small sound profile. Working at full capacity, you may notice the fan blade running, but it is unobtrusive and won’t distract from your gaming.
Adding the additional fan may increase sound a little bit, but with the extra fan, you would also likely not need to run at 100% as often. Overall, the Mugen 5 Rev.B provides solid performance without drawing too much attention to itself.
Performing on par with coolers that cost twice as much, the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B is a great option for any build that has the space for it. Compatible with nearly all CPUs and leaving space for RAM and other components, this cooler offers a high level of performance and stays quiet. Easy to install and boasting a long life, the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B is an excellent budget choice for any PC build with enough space for it.
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4. Noctua NH-L9x65
Overall Dimensions: 95 x 95 x 65mm / 3.7 x 3.7 x 2.6” | Fan Dimensions: 92 x 92 x 25mm / 3.6 x 3.6 x 1” | Fan Speed: 600 – 2500 RPM | Noise Volume: Up to 23.6 dBA | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Perfect for mid-range, compact builds
- Excellent cooling performance
- Compact, low-profile design
- Quality, long-lasting build
- 6-year warranty
- Easy to install
REASONS TO AVOID
- No RGB
- Plain looks
Our Rating:Â Â 9.5/10
Known for high-quality coolers, Noctua has hit gold with this low-profile, budget cooler. The Noctua NH-L9x65 might not have the overall cooling power of some of the others on this list, but its small size and long life make it a great choice for your build.
If you aren’t paying close attention, you may not notice that the NH-L9x65 is even there. By far the smallest cooler on this list, you can easily put this into your case and still have plenty of room to work and upgrade without any issues. However, the Noctua’s greatest strength may also be its greatest weakness.
While the airflow and fan speed should be more than enough to keep your CPU cool, it, unfortunately, falls near the bottom when looking at sheer cooling power. The small fan punches way above its weight but only has two heat pipes, and a smaller array of heatsink fins means that this cooler can’t compete with some of the larger models.
So, you might ask: why is this cooler a good buy?
Well, to start, the NH-L9x65 is compatible with many Intel and AMD builds and works wonders in space-restricted builds. If you have the space and more powerful components, then you may want to look at something with a little bit more oomph, but overall, the Noctua is an excellent choice for any mid-range and compact build.
Additionally, installation is a breeze. Initially, you will have to get to the backside of your motherboard, but after that, it’s a walk in the park. The brackets are of good quality and easy to align, and their small size and weight make it easy to maneuver into the perfect position.
Just like its small physical profile, it has a very small audio profile as well. While you may be able to hear it when running at 100%, even then, it is no louder than a whisper.
Additionally, its long life and six-year warranty mean that you can be gaming with this compact and quiet cooler for years without worry. The price point is a little higher than some of the competition but still fair, and with its ease of installation and long life, it’s a comfortable investment.
Overall, the Noctua NH-L9x65 is not for everyone, but it is the perfect cooler for builds with restricted spaces, and it definitely punches above its weight class. With a wide range of compatibility, easy installation, low profile, and respectable performance, the NH-l9x65 is a solid choice for most rigs and the perfect fit for smaller stations.
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5. Scythe Ninja 5
Overall Dimensions: 180 x 155 x 138mm / 7.1 x 6.1 x 5.4” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 27mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1.1” | Fan Speed: 300 ~ 800 +/- 10% RPM | Noise Volume: 4 ~ 14.5 dBA | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent cooling performance
- Whisper-quiet
- Quality construction
- Easy to install
- Great price
REASONS TO AVOID
- SizeÂ
- Covers RAM once installed
Our Rating:Â Â 9.4/10
An expensive silent giant. The Scythe Ninja 5 has the highest price point, and the biggest physical footprint of any of the budget coolers discussed, but as the name suggests, it is also the quietest. A very solid choice for performance, compatibility, and sound as long as you have the space in your case.
A good way to describe this unit might be if Godzilla was a ninja. The Ninja 5 has 6 heat pipes, like the Mugen 5 before it, but this unit includes a larger array of heatsink fins and two fans. While these fans operate at a relatively low rate, the dual-action means that they can easily push the warm air out while pulling the cool air in.
Further, with the massive array of fins and the high number of pipes, this unit can cool down even the most taxing processors and does so quietly. Because the fans rotate at such a low rate, and there is a lot of surface area, even when overclocking, the Ninja 5 is almost completely silent.
As long as you have the space for it, not only does the Ninja 5 offer high performance, but it is also easy to install. Coming with a screwdriver designed specifically for the hardware and its own thermal paste installation is straightforward and easy.
However, the size of this cooler is not all beneficial, and the ease of installation is important because you may have to take it on and off several times. The lower fins are shorter to allow for RAM slots; however, once installed, the cooler completely covers slots, and therefore, if you want to add or change your RAM, you have to take the cooler off to do so.
Compatible with nearly all Intel and AMD processors, the Ninja 5 can be a great cooler as long as you have a case big enough. The Y-PWM splitter makes it easy to run both fans with your motherboard, and the long lifetime means that you likely wouldn’t have to find another cooler for quite some time.
As an all-around cooler, the Scythe Ninja 5 is potentially the best on the market. While the price point is higher than other budget coolers, you are getting the performance and value that few high-end coolers can offer.
So why does it rank middle of the pack? The size and the fact that it will cover RAM and component slots means that this cooler is not for everyone. If you have a small case or a looking for a compact build, then the Ninja is not for you.
However, if you can devote the real estate and don’t mind taking the cooler off when updating RAM, then you will likely not find a better cooler for the money out there. For the right build, the Scythe Ninja 5 is one of the best on the market.
- RELATED READING: Best 240mm AIO liquid coolers
6. ARCTIC Freezer 34 Esports Duo
Overall Dimensions: 157 x 124 x 103mm / 6.2 x 4.9 x 4.1” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 200 – 2100 RPM | Noise Volume: Up to 26 dBA | Warranty: 10 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Great cooling performance
- Nice aesthetics
- Stays quiet
- 10-year warranty
- Quality construction
REASONS TO AVOID
- Lacks compatibility with some CPUs
- Higher price
- No RGB
Our Rating:Â Â 9.3/10
The ARCTIC Freezer 34 Esports Duo provides a solid performance while offering an aesthetically pleasing addition to your build. Its mid-range price point makes it an easy option, assuming you have a compatible CPU. With a tricky installation process, this cooler is a good mid-sized option if you are looking to dazzle your desktop.
As far as compatibility, this cooler can be mounted on the majority of modern CPUs, including the latest LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets.
The biggest struggle of the 34 Esports Duo is installation. Assuming you have a compatible processor, getting the screws to align and keeping the baseplate can be tricky. Making for a potentially frustrating process to get the cooler into your case. However, once installed, the unit provides competitive cooling and looks nice while doing it.
While it doesn’t have any RGB capabilities, the coloring on this cooler provides just enough pop to add some personality to your PC. As a mid-size cooler, the 34 Esports Duo sits comfortably on the CPU without overlapping any RAM slots or components, meaning that once it is installed, you don’t have to worry about taking it out to upgrade or switch parts.
Where this cooler shines is the dual fans that provide the push-pull action. With 4 heat pipes and a relatively small array of heatsink fins, compared to other coolers on this list, the high-capacity fans work well to provide adequate cooling for your system. However, the separate PWM connections mean you have to have space on your motherboard to run both.
When working at full capacity, the dual fans are no louder than a whisper, so you don’t have to worry about waking the neighbors up. With a decent lifespan and a 10-year warranty from ARCTIC, the 34 Esports Duo is an investment that you won’t have to worry about.
The ARCTIC Freezer 34 Esports Duo comes in at a good price point and provides very solid performance when it comes to cooling quietly. While it is not breaking any records and may be a little difficult to get in place, its average size and long warranty mean that once you install it, you don’t have to worry about changing it out unless something happens, and in that case, you’re covered.
The 34 Esports Duo is a very solid option if you are looking to add an aesthetic flair to your build while still offering solid cooling performance.
7. Scythe Big Shuriken 3
Overall Dimensions: 122 x 122 x 69mm / 4.8 x 4.8 x 2.7” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 17mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 0.7” | Fan Speed: 300 – 1800 +/- 10% RPM | Noise Volume: 2,7 – 30,4 dBA | Warranty: 2 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Great cooling performance
- Easy to install
- Highly compatible
- No clearance issues
REASONS TO AVOID
- Bit louder at max RPM
- Shorter warranty
- Not the best performer
Our Rating:Â Â 9.2/10
Like the Noctua, the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 is a good cooler for compact builds. Slightly bigger and a little louder than the Noctua, the Shuriken is compatible with a wide range of CPUs and offers a high performance, especially for its size.
Coming in just under the price point of the other compact cooler, the Big Shuriken 3 is at a good price point because it offers a lot of performance for your dollar. With 5 heat pipes, this air cooler is strategic in its use of space to allow for maximum heat dispensation. While it does have a rather small array of heatsink fins, the fan provides better airflow than many of the other full-sized coolers.
Utilizing the standard HPMS III mounting system that the other Scythe coolers use, the installation of this unit is very easy and straightforward. While considered a compact cooler, its size splits the difference between the Noctua and the other mid-sized options.
While it may not be the most compact on the list, its smaller size means that you can easily put it into any compact build and not have to worry about the overlap of RAM or component slots.
Compatible with nearly all AMD and Intel processors, the Shuriken 3 is a great option if you are trying to save space without sacrificing performance. However, when running full tilt, the fan noise is noticeable. Unlike the Ninja, which is enormous but silent, the Shuriken 3 provides a compact package but will whisper to you, reminding you that it is there.
As an added bonus to the Shuriken 3, the fan can easily be swapped out for additional cooling power. While this may increase the noise, it will also help boost the cooling power, meaning that you are able to operate at lower temperatures on a regular basis. While the standard fan works fine, the versatility of this cooler makes it a great addition to your build.
If you are looking for a compact budget cooler at a good price point, then you should consider the Scythe Big Shuriken 3. Compatible with almost all CPUs and able to fit into compact builds, this high-performing cooler is a great option.
It may not offer the silence or high capacity of its Ninja cousin; the Shuriken 3 should be included on your shortlist for any smaller case builds. Providing versatility with performance, the Shuriken 3 represents a good value.
8. ID-Cooling SE-234-ARGB
Overall Dimensions: 154 x 126 x 88mm / 6.1 x 5.0 x 3.5” | Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm / 4.7 x 4.7 x 1” | Fan Speed: 900 (+/- 200) ~ 2000 +/- 10% RPM | Noise Volume: 16.2 – 31.5 dBA | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Well-performing cooler
- Decent RGB lighting
- Comes with an RGB controller
- Beautiful looks
REASONS TO AVOID
- Low compatibility with AMD CPUs
- Could be a pain to install
- Noisier (but not obtrusive)
Our Rating:Â Â 9.1/10
Like the ARESGAME, the ID-Cooling SE-234-ARGB is a solid choice for combining price, performance, and personalization. While the SE-234-ARGB is still a solid budget option, its price point is still fair but slightly higher, dips in comparative performance, and can be a challenge to install.
You may read this and think that, overall, it is a less efficient and more expensive version of the ARESGAME River 5, and for the most part, you would probably be right.
However, the SE-234-ARGB is a solid cooler for the price, and it has a pretty solid redeeming factor; it comes with a dedicated RGB controller in case your motherboard does not have RGB compatibility. While not integral to the overall performance of the cooler, this is a feature that may help save time, money, and effort when putting your PC together.
The ID-Cooling series has a smaller range of compatibility than many of the other units on this list, working with most of the common Intel CPUs, and is also compatible with the latest AMD AM5 socket. While this means that it works with current-gen processors, the ID-Cooling SE series won’t work if you have an older AMD build.
Installation of the SE-234-ARGB could be potentially frustrating. The instructions are basic but potentially too basic as they may not provide enough direction to easily follow. Additionally, the images are small and difficult to understand, and there are a couple of tricky steps that are not explained very well.
Once you get the cooler installed, however, you will find that it performs pretty well overall. A bit noisier than other coolers, when operating at full levels, the fan is definitely noticeable but not obtrusive.
Further, the four heat pipes and the standard array of heatsink fins coupled with the high-rate fan mean that this cooler can move a good amount of heat. While there may be other more powerful coolers out there, you will find that the SE-234-ARGB punches well above its weight class.
As far as size goes, this budget cooler will fit in most builds, and the asymmetric positioning of the heatsink means that it will not interfere with RAM accessibility. Tying into its most attractive feature, its looks, the sleek design, and positioning of the fan and heat sink make the SE-234-ARGB a cooler that is nice to look at while not getting in the way of the rest of your PC.
Overall, the ID-Cooling SE-234-ARGB is a decent budget air cooler. While there may be coolers that perform better, are easier to install, or offer more compatibility, this is still a solid unit. If you want to add a cooler that is nice to look at and offers great cooling performance, and as long as you have a compatible build, then this could be the unit for you.
9. ID-Cooling SE-914-XT Basic
Overall Dimensions: 126 x 104 x 87mm / 5.0 x 4.1 x 3.4” | Fan Dimensions: 92 x 92 x 25mm / 3.6 x 3.6 x 1” | Fan Speed: 600 – 2200 RPM | Noise Volume: 14 – 25.8 dBA | Warranty: 3 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Good cooling performance
- Easy to install
- Stays quiet
- No clearance issues
- Lowest price on the list
REASONS TO AVOID
- Low compatibility with AMD CPUs
- No RGB lighting
Our Rating:Â Â 9.0/10
The ID-Cooling SE-914-XT Basic has the lowest price point, but it seems that you get what you pay for. Similar in build to the SE-234-ARGB, this cooler is a solid option, but compared to other coolers on the market, comes up short in performance and compatibility.
Compatible with a decent range of Intel and AMD CPUs, the SE-914-XT also works with the latest sockets. In addition, this mid-sized cooler is slightly smaller than others but not small enough to be considered compact.
It will fit in most builds and does not overlap RAM slots or components. While still offering a solid array of heatsink fins, it seems that its slightly smaller size may impact its overall performance.
While not weak by any means, the SE-914-XT has 4 heat pipes and a full-sized high-capacity fan. However, its airflow is only slightly more than that of the Noctua and less than the Big Shuriken 3. As far as performance goes, this cooler will get most jobs done but might not work for more aggressive builds.
On the flip side, when running all out, the unit produces a slightly lower-than-average amount of noise. Somewhat noticeable if you are paying attention and putting a heavy load on the CPU when running at normal levels, the cooler is basically silent.
Installation is relatively straightforward. You may run into some trouble in getting the bracket in place, but overall, it should not present too much of a challenge. Once it is in place, the unit is very solid, and you don’t have to worry about wiggle or movement.
Additionally, since it is sized to ensure access to the rest of your components, you won’t have to remove it unless you decide to swap it out or move it to another build.
Both the ID-Cooling SE-234-ARGB and the SE-914-XT Basic come with a 2-year warning, meaning that you have a decent amount of coverage. The overall simplicity of the design and the fact that installation is easy and you don’t have to remove it often means that this coverage should ensure a healthy lifespan for the cooler.
The ID-Cooling SE-914-XT Basic is the definition of a budget air cooler. Providing average performance and easy installation, this cooler will work well in an average build, but it doesn’t blow your socks off. Compatible with a smaller range of processors and occupying a strange space between a compact and a mid-sized, the SE-914-XT Basic is a decent option for an everyday PC.
While it is not bad across the board, it seems to perform on a mundane level without providing any additional features or frills to set it apart from the pack. It is easily the most cost-effective option and provides decent performance, but ultimately, you get what you pay for.
10. ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
Overall Dimensions: 133 x 111 x 74mm / 5.2 x 4.4 x 2.9” | Fan Dimensions: 92 x 92 x 25mm / 3.6 x 3.6 x 1” | Fan Speed: 300 – 2000 RPM | Noise Volume: Up to 24.5 dBA | Warranty: 6 years
REASONS TO BUY
- Quality construction
- Very easy to install
- 6-year warranty
- Compact design
- Excellent price
REASONS TO AVOID
- Lacks in cooling performance
- Noisier under heavier loads
Our Rating:Â Â 8.7/10
Coming in at the second-lowest price point, the ARCTIC Freezer 7 X is a decent option on a tight budget. With average performance and compatibility, this cooler’s bright spot is the ease of installation. Like the ID-Cooling SE-914-XT, with this low price point, it seems that there is a sacrifice of performance, making the overall value questionable.
With very few parts to handle and even pre-applied thermal paste, the ARCTIC Freezer 7 X is incredibly simple to install. If you have a tight setup, you may encounter some difficulty, but overall, installation is straightforward. You may see the pre-application of the paste as a setback since you are not able to add, remove, or ensure that it is spread to your liking, but overall, this cooler is a breeze for rookie builders.
As far as performance and compatibility are concerned, the 7 X comes up a little short. While it is not the least compatible cooler discussed, it works with 6 Intel and only 3 AMD sockets. In regard to performance, the two heat pipes and a slightly smaller array of heatsink fins mean that it will do fine in keeping you cool as long as you are not overclocking the CPU.
The high-capacity fan offers pretty average airflow, but since it can heat up easier than others, it errs on the louder side when running at full capacity. While no space shuttle, you will likely notice the noise as you are running this cooler. However, at this price point, a little noise can be expected, and to be fair, it is quieter than some other budget coolers.
Slightly smaller than average, the ARCTIC Freezer 7 X fits well in most cases and does not overlap your components or RAM. While you shouldn’t have to move it to make updates, if you decide to switch this cooler to another build, the easy installation process makes it easy to pick and go. With a 6-year warranty and an okay lifespan, this cooler again proves that it is a decent option for the price.
While the ARCTIC Freezer 7 X is a solid budget cooler, for only a few dollars more, you can have the ARESGAME River 5, which offers better performance, more compatibility, and customizable RGB lights. Overall, its Freezer 7 X is a decent cooler option. Providing average performance, easy installation, and a footprint that fits in most builds without getting in the way.
If you are looking for something that will support a heavy lift for gaming or serious editing, then you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you want a simple install at a great price point, then the ARCTIC Freezer 7 X is for you.
Final Words
There you have it; these are the top 10 best budget CPU air coolers you’ll be able to find on the market in 2024.
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