I've just built a new PC but I'm really frustrated with my current AIO cooler. It's super loud, one of its LEDs is malfunctioning (so I have to send it back), and there seems to be an issue with the fan bearings. I'm looking to switch to an air cooling solution instead. Cooling performance is key for me, but noise levels are equally important. Right now, my temperatures are pretty good (50°C while gaming, 40°C idle) and I'd like to maintain those after the switch. I'm not particular about RGB lighting, but I wouldn't mind it if it's included. Here are my build specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Current Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro A-RGB 360
- Motherboard: MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
- Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB
- Storage: Lexar NM790 2 TB
- Video Card: Palit GamingPro GeForce RTX 5080
- Case: Lian Li LANCOOL 216 RGB
- Power Supply: NZXT C850 Gold
What are the best air cooler options for my setup?
1 Answer
For the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, you should be fine with a dual tower cooler since your CPU runs under 100W for most gaming. The Phantom Spirit is frequently recommended for its performance and price. It's not overly flashy, but if aesthetics are a concern, plenty of alternatives will work just as well. You can definitely get by with a cooler that looks good within your budget!
I was looking at the NH-D15S chromax black too, which is a bit pricier. Can anyone detail what real differences there are in noise and cooling efficiency compared to the Phantom Spirit?