One of the most commonly frequently asked questions among PC builders is how to provide a good cooling solution. As we all know, the two most energy-consuming components are the GPU and the CPU. And unlike the GPU, most of the time, the processor needs a good aftermarket cooler. Nevertheless, maintaining your processor under good temps doesn’t always require high-end coolers; in fact, you can do it with some CPU coolers that are under $50.
1-Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUO (Best Overall)
The Arctic is a brand that has been offering cooling solutions for our processors and graphic cards for quite some time now. While they are mostly known for their powerful liquid coolers, such as the 280mm AIO Liquid Freezer II, in the present article, we will tackle a less expensive yet impressive cooler: the Freezer 34 eSports DUO!.
What makes it good?
Available in various colors: white, yellow, green, and red. This kit is compatible with Intel and AMD sockets, excluding the AMD TR4 socket. It is also equipped with PWM PST for synchronous fan control and privileged with an extended life span and lower power consumption. The dimensions of this cooler will not cause compatibility concerns with some RAM kits, which may be high.
Indeed we find here two Arctic BioniX P120 fans providing optimized static pressure and updated thermal-coated heatsink. Note that these fans are relatively quiet since they can run at a maximum of 2100 rpm for 28 dB, with a 0dB mode for a PWM signal less than 5%. These fans also benefit from a new precise and durable double ball bearing.
As for the assembly, it is clearly perfectible with better differentiation between the fixing system’s spacers, via either separate bags or via an inscription on the spacers themselves.
With its outstanding cooling performance and low noise level, this cooler will soon be on top of your list! We are faced with a cooler that we believe offers good value and a very refined design for a relatively low price range.
What could have been better?
The Arctic Freezer 34 eSports DUO lacks ARGB/RGB lighting effects, and the compatibility range is narrowed. However, the lack of these features is justified considering its amazing price tag.
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
2-Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition (Most Stylish)
Once again, the legendary ‘Hyper air cooler’ surprises us with an interesting solution for processors’ heat dissipation problems: The Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition, which does look not only great but also very functional.
What makes it good?
Performing almost as good as some expensive air coolers, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 is a perfect CPU cooler equipped with an RGB LED lighting system. Also, it consists of a wired RGB LED controller, allowing you to customize colors and effects with a simple touch of a button.
With its superb design, incredible light effects, and high air cooling performance, this cooler has it all at once. Its Gun Metal black design brushed nickel fins, and compatibility with the latest CPUs will make it worth every penny.
The V-shaped structure of the X-Vents ventilation system ensures optimized airflow through the radiator for optimal cooling performance. In addition, this cooler consists of an aluminum heat sink with thin fins, four direct contact heat pipes, and an ultra-efficient 120mm RGB LED fan.
Plus, there is the possibility of adding a 2nd fan in the Push-Pull configuration. This will be perfect for cooling your processor. Therefore, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB is an ideal and inexpensive solution for heat problems.
What could have been better?
Unfortunately, no second fan is included, and no PWM splitter is available for a second fan. However, the overall performance is unharmed.
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3-BeQuiet! Pure Rock Slim (All Rounder)
Again with the interesting brand of power supplies, PC cases, and cooling solutions, ‘BeQuiet!’ Another cooler while remaining quiet got us hooked. The “Pure Rock Slim” is this brand’s representative for the best CPU coolers at a low price.
What makes it good?
The Pure Rock Slim consists of a 92 mm fan that contains seven optimized blades to ensure maximum airflow by limiting turbulence which can be noisy. Thus, this one provides quiet cooling with excellent cooling efficiency. In addition, this device never exceeds 25.4 dB, even when running at full speed, i.e., at 2000 RPM. Hence, it ensures the best price/performance ratio with a high cooling capacity of 120W TDP.
It consists of three high-performance 6mm heat pipes with aluminum caps transporting heat to the most efficient fin dissipation points. With its high-quality bearing, the PWM fan offers the perfect association between cooling solution and quiet operation.
Thanks to its asymmetric and compact design, the Pure Rock Slim is a fantastic option for mini ITX builds.
What could have been better?
The overall design of this cooler doesn’t have anything fancy. And you can’t rely on it to improve the look of your gaming rig. Despite that, the company succeeded in providing an interesting product.
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
4-DeepCool GAMMAXX GT (Best Value)
With a wide range of compatibility, closely similar to GAMMAXX 400’s, the internationally awarded “GAMMAXX GT” from DeepCool is an excellent CPU cooler known for its decent performance with a relatively low price.
What makes it good?
This model is designed with a 120mm PWN fan and has RGB LEDs on the frame. Its aluminum and copper structure ensures excellent heat dissipation, which allows keeping your processor at an ideal temperature. The cooler, meanwhile, is very quiet! No vibration or annoying noise is detected during our review.
It also contains an upgraded heat sink with the latest 0.5 mm fins of four integrated sintered metal powder heat pipes for direct heat dissipation. Moreover, the installation is made easy with an optimized mounting kit made of durable back-plate and clips.
Featuring hi-tech visuals, you can synchronize your lighting via the aluminum RGB top fin and fan. Thus, they can deliver incredible lighting effects simultaneously. Plus, the customization is easy with the wired remote control. If you have an RGB-compatible motherboard, then software control is available by simply plugging the included RGB connector into the motherboard connector.
What could have been better?
The warranty for DeepCool GAMMAXX GT is short, and the LED control occurs in-line. However, competitors like CRYORIG H7 offer the same RGD LED functionality at a higher price.
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
5-Noctua NH-L9a (Best Low Profile)
After a hook made at NOCTUA NH-U9S, we now tackle another impressive cooler with a low-profile design made specifically for AMD CPUs, the NOCTUA NH-L9a. With this device, Noctua aims above all for maximum airflow providing a fantastic cooling solution to your processor.
What makes it good?
This famous Noctua NH-L9a dedicated to CPU cooling has received over 50 accolades and recommendations from the international press and specialist websites.
First and foremost, the Noctua NH-L9a comes with an ultra-restricted height of 37mm makes it a benchmark that will fit into all cases, even the narrowest. Its small footprint ensures your RAM modules enough space, which prevents clearance issues. This makes it perfect for mini ITX! Besides, the installation is straightforward, thanks to the SecuFirm2 mounting system.
In addition to a format clearly focused on compatibility, the Austrian manufacturer emphasizes decent performance. The firm equips its NH-L9a with an NF-A9x14 92mm PWM fan offering “high performance.” Add to that some NT-H1 and fin-welded heat pipes; we should have something interesting. Plus, the NH-L9a offers a silent operation!
In order to make both sides satisfied, Noctua has included another version of this cooler named Noctua NH-L9i that supports Intel CPUs only.
What could have been better?
Even though there is no such perfect product, we didn’t find any major inconvenience with Noctua NH-L9a that is worth mentioning other than its ordinary design.
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
Bottom Line
Now that you come across the best CPU coolers under $50, you wonder which one you should choose. After our review, we find out that they all perform incredibly well for their price. And in our opinion, you should choose the one that suits your budget and case specifications the most.
And if you find out that these coolers are too expensive for you, you can check out our guide where we review the best CPU coolers under $30.
If you think that we forgot to mention a cooler that worth to be listed above, don’t forget to let us know in the comment section below. You can also share this article with your friends on social media to help them choose the perfect CPU cooler without breaking the bank.
