Question Best budget CPU fan for i5 12600k under $65

[NathanWilker]

I'm on a tight budget, what's the best CPU fan I can get for the i5 12600k under $65?

 

[Lafong]

In what case?

You may be restricted if you have a relatively narrow case.

I assume you mean cooler and fan combination, not just the fan.

 

[NathanWilker]

In what case?

You may be restricted if you have a relatively narrow case.

I assume you mean cooler and fan combination, not just the fan.

I have the cooler master HAF XM. What are your thoughts on this fan?

Noctua NH-U12S Redux, High Performance CPU Air Cooler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WPDD6G...abc_586S1N2PVQE6569WHY9Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Lafong]

Used to have one.

Excellent if it will fit.

Research your case specifications to determine if it will accept a cooler as tall as a U12S.

Go to Noctua to find out the height of the U12S. I think it is about 159 mm, but you need to confirm that.

 

[Lafong]

I found the manual for your case.

It says it can accept coolers up to 196 mm, which means virtually any air cooler will fit.

 

[NathanWilker]

I found the manual for your case.

It says it can accept coolers up to 196 mm, which means virtually any air cooler will fit.

Perfect!! Thank you so much for the feedback and help. I'm going to order it now

 

[Karadjgne]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($57.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $57.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-01-07 15:15 EST-0500

 

[NathanWilker]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($57.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $57.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-01-07 15:15 EST-0500

Is this worth the extra $10 vs the one I just ordered? Noctua NH-U12S Redux

 

[Karadjgne]

Yes and no. The Arctic comes in several color options, has higher capacity, but otherwise performs roughly the same as the Noctua. If you had any thoughts of locking the cores or other OC, it will perform better because of its higher capacity, but for a stock 12600k, that's not a benefit.

Because of the wattage output, most of the better coolers will run roughly the same, even the big brother NH-D15, it's only when wattage is increased that the bigger capacity coolers have a distinct advantage over smaller.

It's a very good, relatively cheap option is all.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

The U12S Redux Is an okay cooler but I find it too expensive. It is basically similar to a $20-30 tower cooler (120mm, 4 heatpipe, bare silver) but with a better fan and a WAY steeper price tag. Its performance for the money is rather unimpressive.

It might do the trick for a 12600k but I would reccomend something better so there is more thermal headroom.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0982VWQN1?tag=pcpapi-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1

This would be my pick. 2 more heatpipes, an extra fan, and way more heatsink. And its $37.30

 

[Karadjgne]

Huh, haven't seen that one before, looks like a Fuma2 on steroids. Comes silver, black and white. Thermalrite makes seriously high quality coolers too (don't mistake them for Thermaltake!)