I've been on the hunt for a CPU cooler for my 9800X3D and doing some research for the past couple of months. I need something that fits well in my Fractal North case (non-XL version) while also considering my GPU, a Sapphire Nitro Plus 9070XT, which limits my options. I can't fit a 360mm cooler, so I'm deciding between a 240mm AIO and an air cooler with a height under 170mm. I'm looking at the Be Quiet Dark Rock Pro 5, which could fit but is 168mm tall, and the Arctic Liquid Freezer LLL Pro 240mm AIO, which should fit fine due to my RAM height of 32mm. I'm also considering air coolers like the Noctua NH-D1, Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 Evo, and the new Thermalright Royal Pretor 130. Any suggestions or opinions on which route I should take?
5 Answers
I have the same Fractal North case with a 7800X3D, and a 240mm Thermalright AIO fits in there, just barely. It’s a tight squeeze with the 8-pin connectors on my motherboard.
I've got the Dark Rock Pro 5 on my 9950X3D, and it works like a charm. Absolutely phenomenal performance.
If you lean towards an AIO, the Lian Li Galahad II 240mm is a great pick that won’t break the bank.
Which Lian Li models do you recommend? I've seen the Trinity and the Lite—any thoughts?
Awesome suggestions! I'm primarily using it for gaming. Does that make less expensive coolers like the Phantom Spirit a better choice?
The Thermalright Phantom Spirit is a solid choice for your setup. It's budget-friendly and does a great job at cooling without being overly flashy.
Totally agree! The 9800X3D doesn't run hot, so you don't need a top-tier cooler. The Phantom Spirit should work perfectly.
I've heard mixed reviews on it, though. Is the Phantom Spirit really all that good compared to the Royal Pretor 130?
That's great to hear! Just curious, are you using it in a Fractal North case too?