Hey everyone, I have a Corsair 4000D Airflow case and I've been eyeing a new cooler since my CPU hits 80°C during certain games. I've done my research, and it turns out my current cooler is quite reputable despite being around four years old. I get that coolers are just metal pieces with fans, so I'm curious if there's a better one out there that won't break the bank. I'd prefer something under $100, though! Also, I should mention that I can't fit any 3-fan liquid coolers in the front due to my large GPU. Any suggestions?
4 Answers
Thanks for the input! I've actually repasted my CPU and checked the airflow setup already, so I guess I’m just looking for alternatives if they exist. It’s good to know 80°C is generally okay if the noise isn’t an issue, but I'm definitely curious about other cooling options.
Have you thought about just swapping out the fans? Premium fans like the Phanteks T30 can really improve airflow, but they do cost around $30 each. Even budget fans like the P12 Max can enhance cooling and are cheaper. Also, adjusting your fan configuration can help a lot—make sure the top fan is pulling air in to boost pressure at the CPU cooler!
There are quite a few alternatives out there. Thermalright has some recent models like the Peerless Assassin 140 and the Phantom Spirit Evo. Just a heads up, some users reported QC issues with the Royal Praetor, so keep that in mind. Also, if you're in the US, finding the Jiushark Jf800 Diamond can be a challenge!
I'll definitely look into those Thermalright models, but I agree that Noctua is a bit pricey compared to the performance.
You might want to check videos from Hardware Canucks about air coolers. I believe the Royal Praetor is technically better than what you have, but it’s really not a drastic improvement.
Just to add, it’d help to know which CPU you have for better recommendations. That might change the advice!