Hey everyone! I'm thinking about upgrading to a 7800X3D and I'm looking at a few cooler options. Here are the ones I have in mind:
- Noctua: NH-U12S for 50€
- Noctua: NH-U12A for 50€
- Noctua: NH-D15 for 70€
- Noctua: NH-D15 G2 for 115€
- Be Quiet: Dark Rock 5 for 70€
- Be Quiet: Dark Rock 5 Pro for 90€
From what I've read, the AMD chip doesn't run that hot, but I want to future-proof for any potential upgrades. I'm also wondering about noise levels—specifically if the D15 G2 is worth the extra cash compared to the U12. What do you all think? I'd be okay spending an extra 50 bucks for a cooler that offers better performance, like a 10°C drop and 10 decibels less noise, but I'm not sure if that's realistic. Looking forward to your recommendations! Cheers!
5 Answers
If you're looking for an excellent budget option, check out the Thermalright Phantom Spirit. It performs better than most of the coolers you listed—only second to the NH-D15 G2—and it's cheaper too! Definitely worth considering.
If you want the best bang for your buck, the Peerless Assassin is a popular recommendation! But among your list, I’d suggest going for the NH-D15. It’s known for its performance and compatibility, especially with larger RAM. The G2 isn’t really worth that much extra.
I'd just go with the Phantom Spirit—it’s well-reviewed and very competitively priced! It could be a great option for your cooler needs.
I have a similar setup with a Thermalright Assassin X120, and it’s great! Overall, AMD CPUs run a bit cooler than Intel ones, so you might not need the highest-end cooler unless you're planning heavy overclocks.
Check out Hardware Canucks; they have good videos testing air coolers. From what I’ve seen, Noctua is a bit overpriced, and Be Quiet has some of the less impressive coolers out there. Look for something that fits well in your case and offers good airflow.
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