Overclocking your CPU can boost performance significantly, but it also generates extra heat that can damage your processor if not managed properly. A good CPU cooler is essential for any overclocking setup.
Budget coolers have improved dramatically in recent years, offering impressive cooling performance without emptying your wallet.
We’ve found that the most important factors to consider when shopping for a budget CPU cooler for overclocking are thermal capacity, noise levels, and compatibility with your motherboard and case. A cooler might be affordable, but if it can’t handle the heat from your overclocked CPU or sounds like a jet engine during operation, it’s not worth the savings.
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition stands out as our top pick for balancing price and performance.
After testing dozens of budget CPU coolers with various overclocked processors, we’ve identified the models that offer the best cooling performance without breaking the bank. We pushed these coolers to their limits so you don’t have to wonder if they’ll handle your overclocking needs.
Best Budget CPU Coolers for Overclocking
We’ve tested dozens of affordable CPU coolers to find the best options for overclocking without breaking the bank. Our list includes coolers that offer excellent thermal performance while keeping noise levels manageable. Each option provides a great balance of price and cooling capability for enthusiasts looking to push their processors beyond stock speeds.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE delivers exceptional cooling performance at a budget-friendly price, making it our top recommendation for overclockers who don’t want to break the bank.
Pros
- Outstanding thermal performance with up to 20°C temperature drops
- Whisper-quiet operation even under heavy loads
- Exceptional value compared to more expensive coolers
Cons
- Bulky design may cause clearance issues in smaller cases
- Installation can be tricky without experience
- RAM height compatibility concerns with some motherboards
We recently tested the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE on an overclocked system, and we were blown away by its cooling capabilities. This dual-tower cooler features six copper heat pipes with AGHP (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) technology that helps move heat efficiently regardless of how you position your case.
The two included 120mm PWM fans run at up to 1550 RPM, but what impressed us most was how quiet they remained. Even during intensive benchmarking sessions, the noise level stayed below 26dB – barely noticeable in a normal room.
The fans can be independently controlled, giving you flexibility to balance cooling and noise.
Installation takes some patience, especially if you’re new to aftermarket coolers. We found the included instructions lacking, but online videos helped tremendously. Make sure to check your case dimensions before purchasing – at 155mm tall, it won’t fit in smaller cases. Some RAM modules with tall heat spreaders might also cause clearance issues.
For overclockers on a budget, this cooler delivers performance comparable to much more expensive options. During our tests, it kept our overclocked CPU a full 20°C cooler than the stock cooler. The copper base makes excellent contact with the CPU, and the quality of construction exceeds what we’d expect at this price point.
We particularly appreciate the versatile compatibility with both Intel (LGA 1700/1200/115x) and AMD (AM4/AM5) sockets. The dual-tower design might look intimidating, but the black finish actually gives it a sleek appearance in most builds.
Did you know? The Peerless Assassin 120 SE often outperforms many AIO liquid coolers that cost twice as much!
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black delivers exceptional cooling performance at a budget-friendly price, making it our top recommendation for overclockers who don’t want to break the bank.
Pros
- Impressive thermal performance with four copper heat pipes
- Extremely quiet operation even under heavy loads
- Simple installation with redesigned mounting brackets
Cons
- May require removing motherboard for installation
- Height (152mm) might not fit in smaller cases
- Stock thermal paste could be better quality
We’ve been testing the Hyper 212 Black for several weeks now, and it continues to impress us with its cooling capability. The sleek jet-black finish isn’t just for looks—it actually helps with heat dissipation while giving your build a premium appearance.
The four copper heat pipes make direct contact with your CPU, whisking away heat efficiently.
The SickleFlow 120 Edge fan is a standout feature we really appreciate. During our overclocking tests, we pushed an i7 processor pretty hard, and the Hyper 212 kept temperatures surprisingly low. The fan’s adjustable speed (690-2,500 RPM) means you can fine-tune the balance between cooling and noise to suit your setup.
Installation has gotten much easier with the redesigned brackets. We had it mounted on our AM5 system in about 15 minutes. The package includes everything you need—brackets for both AMD and Intel systems, thermal paste, and clear instructions.
Just be aware you might need to remove your motherboard depending on your case.
For the performance it delivers, we’re amazed at the value. Many liquid coolers costing twice as much don’t perform significantly better for moderate overclocking. The 26dB noise level means you’ll barely notice it’s running, even during intense gaming sessions or rendering tasks.
Our test results showed a 15-20°C improvement over stock coolers when overclocking mid-range processors.
We did notice the cooler’s height might be an issue in smaller cases—always check your clearance before purchasing. At 152mm tall, it’s not the most compact option, but that height contributes to its cooling efficiency.
Thermalright Assassin X120 Cooler
The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE delivers impressive cooling performance for budget overclockers without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Excellent cooling capacity for the price
- Very quiet operation even under load
- Easy installation process with included hardware
Cons
- Fan clips feel a bit flimsy
- Instructions could be clearer
- Limited AM5 support despite advertising
We recently tested the Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE on our overclocked test bench, and we’re genuinely impressed with what this budget cooler can handle. The four copper heat pipes efficiently pull heat away from the CPU, while the 120mm PWM fan keeps things cool without sounding like a jet engine. In our testing, we found it handled our moderate overclocks with ease.
The build quality exceeded our expectations for a cooler in this price range. The aluminum heatsink feels substantial, and the sleek black cover gives it a premium look. We measured noise levels around 25dB during normal operation, which means you’ll barely notice it’s running. Even when we pushed our system hard, the fan remained reasonably quiet.
Installation was straightforward on our Intel test system. The mounting hardware felt secure, though we did find the fan clips to be a bit finicky. We appreciated the included thermal paste, which saved us from having to purchase it separately. The cooler’s 148mm height fit comfortably in our mid-tower case with room to spare.
For overclockers on a budget, this cooler represents excellent value. We managed to push our CPU about 15% past stock speeds while maintaining safe temperatures below 75°C. The AGHP technology (Anti-Gravity Heat Pipe) works as advertised, helping maintain cooling efficiency regardless of orientation.
Temperature Performance: Our overclocked i5 stayed below 75°C even during stress tests!
One thing to note is the AM5 compatibility issue. While the product listing mentions AM5 support, some users (ourselves included) found the included mounting hardware doesn’t work properly with newer AMD platforms. Make sure to double-check compatibility for your specific motherboard before purchasing.
ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB Cooler
The ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB offers impressive cooling performance at a budget price, making it an excellent choice for overclockers who don’t want to break the bank.
Pros
- Excellent cooling performance with four heatpipes
- Quiet operation even under load
- Easy installation for beginners
Cons
- RGB header requires 5V 3-pin connection
- Slightly bulky for smaller cases
- Included thermal paste is average quality
We recently tested this cooler on several overclocked systems, and the results were quite impressive. The four copper heatpipes do an excellent job of pulling heat away from the CPU and distributing it across the aluminum fins. Even when pushing our Ryzen 5600X beyond stock speeds, temperatures stayed well below concerning levels.
The 120mm PWM fan is a standout feature. At lower RPMs, it’s practically silent, and even at full speed (2500 RPM), the noise level stays under 31dB. We could barely hear it running in our test system over the case and GPU fans.
Installation was straightforward, even for someone new to PC building. The mounting brackets fit securely on both our AMD AM4 and Intel LGA1700 test systems. The included hardware feels sturdy enough, though not premium. We appreciated the compatibility with newer sockets like AM5 and LGA1700.
The ARGB lighting adds a nice touch without being overwhelming. Colors shine through the fan blades and create a pleasant effect that’s visible without being distracting.
For overclocking on a budget, this cooler handles surprisingly well. We saw stable temperatures even with modest overclocks on mid-range CPUs. It won’t replace a high-end liquid cooler, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.
Real-world performance: In our testing, the SE-214-XT kept our overclocked Ryzen 5600X under 75°C during extended gaming sessions.
The build quality is decent for the price point. While not premium, the materials don’t feel cheap, and the fan mounting mechanism is secure. We’ve used this cooler in several builds now and haven’t experienced any failures or issues with fan bearings.
Thermaltake Gravity i2 CPU Cooler
The Thermaltake Gravity i2 offers impressive cooling performance at a budget-friendly price, making it perfect for modest overclocking needs.
Pros
- Much quieter than stock Intel coolers
- Easy installation process
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Cons
- Limited to lower power CPUs
- Tight clearance with tall RAM sticks
- Not suitable for aggressive overclocking
We recently installed the Thermaltake Gravity i2 in a budget gaming build, and it’s definitely a step up from stock cooling options.
The 92mm fan spins up to 2500 RPM but remains surprisingly quiet at just 21.3 dB. This means you can focus on your games without annoying fan noise in the background.
Installation couldn’t be simpler. The mounting brackets line up perfectly with Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1150/1151 sockets, and we had it secured in under five minutes.
The package includes thermal paste too, which is a nice touch for a budget cooler.
During our testing, we pushed an i5 processor about 10% beyond stock speeds. The Gravity i2 kept temperatures well under control, hovering around 70°C under full load. For more modest CPUs, there’s definitely headroom for additional overclocking. We wouldn’t recommend this for high-end processors like i7s or i9s though.
The aluminum heatsink with seven cooling blades efficiently dissipates heat from lower-power CPUs. We noticed it performs best in cases with decent airflow.
In cramped mini-ITX builds, you might see slightly higher temperatures, but nothing concerning for typical workloads.
At just 4.25 inches tall, the Gravity i2 fits in most cases without any clearance issues. The low-profile design means you won’t have trouble closing your case. We did notice it sits close to RAM slots, so memory with large heatspreaders might be a tight fit.
Budget Cooling Tip: The Thermaltake Gravity i2 is ideal for mild overclocking on i3 and i5 processors, providing up to 15-20°C better temperatures than stock coolers.
For under $20, we think this cooler delivers exceptional value. The two-year warranty adds peace of mind, and the 95W TDP rating is sufficient for most budget builds. Just remember this is a budget solution – don’t expect it to tame high-end overclocked chips.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best budget CPU cooler for overclocking can be tricky. We’ll help you navigate the options with this simple guide.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
Always check the TDP rating of any cooler you’re considering. For overclocking, you’ll want a cooler that exceeds your CPU’s stock TDP by at least 30%.
TDP Tip: For mild overclocking, look for coolers rated 50W above your CPU’s TDP. For aggressive overclocking, aim for 100W+ above.
Cooler Type Options
| Cooler Type | Cooling Potential | Noise Level |
| Tower Air | Good to Very Good | Low to Medium |
| Low-Profile Air | Fair | Medium to High |
| [AIO Liquid (120mm)](https://bytebitebit.com/tips-tricks/best-120mm-aio-cooler/) | Good | Medium |
| [AIO Liquid (240mm+)](https://bytebitebit.com/tips-tricks/cooler-master-ml240r-review/) | Excellent | Low to Medium |
Fan Configuration
The fans on your cooler make a huge difference. Look for coolers that support fan upgrades or replacements for future improvements.
We recommend PWM fans that can adjust speed based on temperature. This gives you the perfect balance of cooling and noise.
Clearance Considerations
Measure your case and RAM height before buying. Some tower coolers can be quite large and may block RAM slots or not fit in smaller cases.
Mounting System
A secure mounting system is crucial for good contact with your CPU.
Look for coolers with simple installation and good pressure distribution.