Good and quiet(under 17dBA) cpu cooler for less than $30

[joshyua]

Just like to get some suggestions on a good cpu cooler. the quieter the better of course, also not giant...haha.
i had a Cooler Master RR-B10-212P-G1 Hyper 212 Plus, but it was a bit too big for my cooler master case, the side panel is touching the top of the fan. not a major problem, but i would prefer something a bit smaller.
my budget for the cooler is around $30, if it goes over a bit its ok.


thank you very much!

 

[archer7282]

I had the same problem with my cooler master case and the hyper 212. Ended up switching to the cooler master Hyper Tx-3.

currently have my rig Overclocked to 3.53 Ghz.... still runs nice and chilly under full prime 95 load. (core temps usually just barely reach 40 degrees.

 

[enzo matrix]

I got the sythe Katana 3 for those reasons. I'm not sure the Db level but I know I can't hear it. It's a bit shorter than most- able to fit my in win dragon slayer case with a bit of room to spare.

I'm running a Phenom IIx6 1055t at 3.3 turbo to 4.0 (the motherboard is unstable past ~250MHz FSB). After correcting for the thuban temperature inaccuracy (ie readings are always ~10*C lower than actual), I haven't seen it go over 40*C. I don't play with voltage though. I will once I get a good motherboard.

 

[joshyua]

I had the same problem with my cooler master case and the hyper 212. Ended up switching to the cooler master Hyper Tx-3.

currently have my rig Overclocked to 3.53 Ghz.... still runs nice and chilly under full prime 95 load. (core temps usually just barely reach 40 degrees.

ya haha...i thought as technology progress, things should get smaller...xD

 

[Emperus]

If you need a seriously small footprint then get one from the Corsair Hydro series.. Its no where close to 30$ btw.. And certainly not inaudible even when idling.. Awesome performance none the less..

 

[beanoslim]

Think your ganna struggle to get under 17db for $30, you could get some quiet fans to go on something like the 212 but again that would cost more. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185097&cm_re=scythe-_-35-185-097-_-Product

 

[joshyua]

Think your ganna struggle to get under 17db for $30, you could get some quiet fans to go on something like the 212 but again that would cost more. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185097&cm_re=scythe-_-35-185-097-_-Product

the 212 actually says 13dBA in the description, and i assumed thats idle.

 

[beanoslim]

Yes its quite loud full speed 13-32db.
Enermax Magmas run at 18bd full speed, one would probably be enough.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835214001&cm_re=enermax_magma-_-35-214-001-_-Product

 

[joshyua]

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
Zalman CNPS10X Performa CPU Cooler

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1260/5/

what about noise level?

 

[joshyua]

Best answer selected by joshyua.