Recommend me a CPU cooler

expxe · Post by **expxe** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:11 pm

I have a AMD Athlon II X3 425 CPU.

I would like a CPU cooler that is QUIET and CHEAP. it would be a plus if it can cool the CPU well but heat is not a big concern. My budget is $10 to $30 but I would prefer to spend around $20. I am located in Toronto, Canada.

Post by **NeilBlanchard** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:56 am

Hi,

I like the Scythe Mugen 2 -- it is around $35US so it is still a little above your budget... Hmmm -- have you looked for the 92mm fanned Xigmatek? Or at the SPCR recommended list?

GinsuMaster · Post by **GinsuMaster** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:48 pm

I've been researching coolers for the past few weeks. Here is what I've found:

best budget:
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus ($30)

best silent:
Scythe Orochi (add 1 Noctua NH-P12) ($90) **

best premium:
Noctua NF-P14 ($80)
Scythe Ninja 2 ($90)
Prolimatech Megahalems ($80) **

I own the ones w/ ** markings.

The best 3rd party fan is the Noctua NH-P12.

bonestonne · Post by **bonestonne** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:44 pm

What about the Arctic Cooling Freezer series? a little pricey, but correct me if I'm wrong, possibly within the top 3 budget coolers of all time (currently)?

CAD and USD are different though, so you'd have to check around websites for exact prices, but they're usually very close to the MSRP listed on the AC website.

SebRad · Post by **SebRad** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 5:59 am

Hi, I suggest a XIGMATEK HDT-S963. It's pretty cheap and the cooling from the 3 "direct touch" heatpipes is good, well it working well for me on an E6600 @ 3GHz anyway. Also not very tall or heavy so should be few compatibility worries. The only niggle is the minimum fan speed is ~1300rpm so not very quiet.
If want a replacement Fan I suggest Arctic Cooling F9 PWM, I have a couple and they are smooth running and quiet, run right down to ~500rpm and up to 1800rpm, which should be plenty with the Xigmatec Cooler for your CPU, unless you plan to over-clock it a lot. In UK this fan is available from only Â£5!
Seb