I picked up a used PC case for $20 that came with most of a system inside, including 16GB of DDR3, an AM3+ motherboard, an FX-8350, a power supply, fans, and an AIO cooler. Unfortunately, the AIO started failing and died completely after a few days. I have a spare GTX 960 and a 120GB SATA SSD, so I'd like to turn the system into a basic usable PC without spending much on it. Since the FX-8350 runs fairly hot, I'm looking for a cooler under $30 that can handle its 125W heat output. I've already ordered a replacement stock mounting bracket and backplate.
2 Answers
Be careful with newer Thermalright models such as the Assassin X 120 or Peerless Assassin SE. They’re often recommended for budget builds, but many versions only include mounting hardware for newer sockets like AM4/AM5 and may not directly support AM3+. Check the exact product’s included brackets before buying; otherwise you may need an adapter.
A Thermaltake Contac Silent 12 is a decent inexpensive option, and it supports AM3+ mounting. It has a 120mm fan and four heat pipes, which should be much better than a tiny stock cooler for the FX-8350. They usually sell for around $30, depending on availability.
That was my concern. I wasn’t sure how those coolers would attach to an AM3+ motherboard, so I’ll look for a model that specifically lists AM3+ support.