I've got a Corsair 4000D Airflow and my CPU hits 80°C during gaming. Although I know the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE is a solid option, I've had it for about four years and I feel like it might be time for an upgrade. I'm looking for a cooler that's better but won't break the bank—definitely don't want to spend over $100 for just a slight improvement. Also, please avoid recommending liquid coolers with three fans since my large GPU won't let them fit in the front of the case. Does anyone have suggestions for a cooler that fits the bill?
4 Answers
There are definitely better options out there! Consider looking into the Peerless Assassin 140 or the Royal Praetor 130 from Thermalright. The Jiushark JF800 Diamond is also a strong contender, but good luck finding it in the US. The Noctua NH-D15 G2 is great too, but it's pretty pricey.
80°C is actually not too bad as long as the noise from the fans isn't bothering you. Just for better suggestions, can you share which CPU you're using?
If you’re open to it, just replacing the fans might give you a nice boost! Premium fans like the Phanteks T30 can move a lot more air than the stock ones. Plus, try adjusting your fan config if you haven’t already. The top fan should ideally be set as an intake to help with airflow.
Have you tried reapplying thermal paste? Sometimes that can make a big difference. Also, check your case fan setup for optimal airflow. There aren't a lot of air coolers that beat what you currently have, to be honest.

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