Hey everyone! I have a Corsair 4000D Airflow case and I've been using the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE for a while now. My CPU tends to hit 80C when gaming and I'm on the hunt for a cooler that might handle the heat better. I know this cooler is regarded as one of the best, even if it's a bit older—it's essentially just a metal block with fans after all, so not sure why it would need replacing. I'm hoping to find something better without breaking the bank, like I really don't want to spend over $100 just for a tiny upgrade. Also, please skip any recommendations for 3-fan liquid coolers since they won't fit with my bulky GPU. Any suggestions for a cooler that could do the job?
5 Answers
80C isn't terrible as long as you're okay with the noise levels. It would help if you mentioned what CPU you're running for better recommendations.
If you're open to exploring, check out the recent Thermalright models like the Peerless Assassin 140 or the Royal Praetor 130. They've got mixed reviews on quality control, but they're worth looking into. Hardware Canucks have some good reviews on air coolers if you haven't seen those yet.
There are definitely options out there! Consider the Jiushark JF800 Diamond, though it might be a challenge to find in the US. Also, the Noctua NH D15 G2 is great but a bit pricey relative to performance.
I’ll check out those Thermalrights, but I agree that Noctua doesn't deliver great price-to-value.
Have you considered reapplying thermal paste? Sometimes that can help a lot! Also, check your case fan setup to make sure you're getting good airflow. Honestly, there aren't many air coolers that outperform the Phantom Spirit at this price point.
I tried that already, but thanks for the suggestion! 🙂
You might just switch out the fans on your cooler. Premium fans like the Phanteks T30 can move a lot more air. However, if you're looking for a budget option, fans in the $15 range like the P12 Max can still provide a noticeable improvement. Also, don't forget to play around with your fan configuration—sometimes adjusting the airflow setup can make a significant difference in cooling performance for free!
You're right, my bad! It's a Ryzen 7 9800X3D.