Hey everyone! I've got a Corsair 4000D Airflow case, and I'm looking to upgrade my CPU cooler since it tends to hit 80C while gaming. I know the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE is one of the top coolers, but it's getting a bit old (about 4 years). I'm on the hunt for something better that won't break the bank—ideally, I don't want to spend over $100 for just a small improvement. Does anyone have suggestions for a better air cooler? Also, please avoid recommending 3-fan liquid coolers, as my big GPU won't fit them in the front of the case. Thanks!
5 Answers
If you're willing to spend a little on just fans, premium ones like the Phanteks T30 can really ramp up airflow and work wonders with your current cooler! Adjusting fan placement can also make a big difference. Make sure your front fan is set to intake for better pressure and airflow through the case.
You might want to check out YouTube channels like Hardware Canucks for air cooler reviews. The Royal Praetor should give you a slight edge, but it's not a huge difference from what you have.
There are a handful of good options out there! Recent models from Thermalright like the Peerless Assassin 140 or Royal Praetor 130 might work, but I’ve heard they have some QC issues, so keep that in mind. You could also look into the Jiushark JF800 Diamond if you're in the US, but it's kind of tricky to find. And if budget isn’t a huge deal, the Noctua NH-D15 is renowned, though pricey!
Have you tried reapplying thermal paste? Also, check if your case fans are arranged for optimal airflow. There are actually very few air coolers that outperform the one you have, but it could help to make sure everything is set up right.
I've already done the repasting and the airflow setup, unfortunately.
Honestly, 80C isn’t too bad as long as your fans aren’t too noisy. If you’re looking for an upgrade, you might want to mention what CPU you’re running for better suggestions!
Good point! I have a Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
I’ll definitely check out those Thermalrights. I agree, Noctua seems way overhyped for the price.