Buying Guide
The Best Budget Air Coolers for Gaming
From the AXP90-X47 to the IS-55: five air coolers ranked on heat pipe count and fan size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $40, tower coolers handle most gaming CPUs quietly. Every pick cost $40 or less, ordered by heat pipe count.
Our comparison rests on published figures for heat pipes, fan size and height; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out height, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Heat Pipe Count
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SEThe highest heat pipe count here (7).
Best for: Buyers who put heat pipe count first.
Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SEA 260W rating.
Best for: Buyers who want 260W rating.
Check price for ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB WhiteA white heatsink with white ARGB fans.
Best for: Buyers who want white heatsink with white ARGB fans.
Check price for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ID-COOLING IS-55The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 15mm-thick 120mm fan.
Best for: Buyers who want a 15mm-thick 120mm fan and can spend more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White costs.
Check price for ID-COOLING IS-55 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Height
Thermalright AXP90-X47The lowest height here (47mm).
Best for: Buyers who put height first.
Check price for Thermalright AXP90-X47 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Heat Pipe Count1 of 5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE packs seven heat pipes and two 120mm fans into a 154mm-tall dual tower.
Best for
- Buyers who put heat pipe count first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the AXP90-X47 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Thermalright rates it for CPUs up to 280W, which covers most gaming chips with room to spare. Thermalright rates it for CPUs from 105W to 280W, and mounting kits cover AM4, AM5 and Intel up to LGA1851. On heat pipe count it leads this guide at 7, ahead of the Frozn A620 Pro SE (6).
On fan size it ties with the Frozn A620 Pro SE, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White and the IS-55 at 120mm. On height it sits mid-pack at 154mm: the AXP90-X47 comes in at 47mm, and the Frozn A620 Pro SE comes in at 157mm. Check that your case offers at least 154mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. Its price falls between the Frozn A620 Pro SE and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 7
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 154mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- Dual-tower heatsink
Cons
- Costs more than the AXP90-X47 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE
The Frozn A620 Pro SE is the cheapest dual tower here, with six heat pipes, a 157mm height and a 260W rating.
Best for
- Buyers who want 260W rating.
Skip if
- Skip it if height matters most to you; the AXP90-X47 offers 47mm.
Why we like it
Its dual-tower heatsink and two 120mm PWM fans stand 157mm tall, which fits most tower cases. The black finish suits a dark interior. Its RAM clearance of 40mm fits standard-height memory under the front fan.
It is rated at 27.2dB(A) maximum noise. Its two PWM fans slow down at idle. It matches the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White on heat pipe count (6).
It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White and the IS-55 on fan size (120mm). Its 157mm height is the tallest in this group; the AXP90-X47 leads at 47mm. Check that your case offers at least 157mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. When we checked, only the AXP90-X47 cost less, and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE cost more.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 157mm
- Fans included
- 2
Pros
- Two fans included
- 260W rating
- 40mm clearance for standard RAM
- Heat pipe count of 6, ahead of the IS-55
Cons
- Height trails the AXP90-X47 (47mm)
- Costs more than the AXP90-X47 at the time of writing
The catch
Height is its weakest area, and the AXP90-X47 covers it better at 47mm.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB White
The Peerless Assassin 120 SE White is built around a white heatsink with white ARGB fans, with a 25.6dB(A) noise rating on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want white heatsink with white ARGB fans.
Skip if
- Pass if a published height matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 6 heat pipe count and offers a 120mm fan size. At 155mm tall it fits most mid-towers, and its two TL-C12C-S ARGB fans add lighting. The white heatsink and fans suit an all-white build.
Mounting hardware covers Intel LGA115x to LGA1700 and AMD AM4/AM5. It matches the Frozn A620 Pro SE on heat pipe count (6). It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Frozn A620 Pro SE and the IS-55 on fan size (120mm).
The maker names AM5 but not Intel LGA1851, so check the maker's site if you are building on Core Ultra. It was priced above the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and below the IS-55 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Two fans included
- White heatsink with white ARGB fans
- 25.6dB(A) noise rating
- Heat pipe count of 6, ahead of the IS-55
Cons
- No published height
- Costs more than the AXP90-X47 at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published height figure, whereas the AXP90-X47 comes in at 47mm.
Premium Pick4 of 5
ID-COOLING IS-55
The IS-55 is a 57mm cooler with five heat pipes and a slim 120mm fan, listed for AM5 and LGA1851.
Best for
- Buyers who want a 15mm-thick 120mm fan and can spend more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White costs.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AXP90-X47 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It fits cases too short for the 67mm to 70mm coolers. Its 5 heat pipe count ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (7) and ahead of the AXP90-X47 (4). It matches the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, the Frozn A620 Pro SE and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White on fan size (120mm).
Its 57mm height ranks second of 4 here, behind the AXP90-X47 (47mm) and ahead of the Frozn A620 Pro SE (157mm). You also get a 15mm-thick 120mm fan. At 57mm tall it suits slim and small form factor cases, but a cooler this low sits close to the memory, so check your RAM height against the maker's clearance figure. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 5
- Fan size
- 120mm
- Height
- 57mm
- Fans included
- 1
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700
Pros
- Mounts on both AM5 and Intel LGA1851
- 15mm-thick 120mm fan
- Heat pipe count of 5, ahead of the AXP90-X47
- Fan size of 120mm, ahead of the AXP90-X47
Cons
- Costs more than the AXP90-X47 at the time of writing
Lowest Height5 of 5
Thermalright AXP90-X47
The AXP90-X47 is 47mm tall with four heat pipes and a 92mm fan.
Best for
- Buyers who put height first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 92mm fan limits how much heat it can move quietly rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the slimmest option here with an AM5 listing. Its 4 heat pipe count is the lowest in this group; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads at 7. Its 92mm fan size is the smallest in this group; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads at 120mm.
Its 47mm height is the lowest here; the IS-55 comes next at 57mm. It also offers a 22.4dB(A) noise rating. At 47mm tall it suits slim and small form factor cases, but a cooler this low sits close to the memory, so check your RAM height against the maker's clearance figure.
The maker names AM5 but not Intel LGA1851, so check the maker's site if you are building on Core Ultra. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Frozn A620 Pro SE was closest.
Key specs
- Heat pipes
- 4
- Fan size
- 92mm
- Height
- 47mm
- Fans included
- 1
- Sockets named
- AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Very low 47mm height for slim cases
- 22.4dB(A) noise rating
- The lowest height here (47mm)
Cons
- 92mm fan limits how much heat it can move quietly
- Heat pipe count trails the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (7)
- Fan size trails the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (120mm)
The catch
Heat pipe count is its weakest area, and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE covers it better at 7.
How We Chose These Budget Air Coolers for Gaming
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five coolers on heat pipe count, fan size, height and fans included from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and height and sockets named are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Phantom Spirit 120 SE to the AXP90-X47, state heat pipe count, fan size and fans included.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Peerless Assassin 120 SE White gives no height; the Frozn A620 Pro SE gives no sockets named.
- Price range
- From the AXP90-X47 to the IS-55, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Budget Air Cooler for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Heat pipe count
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE tops heat pipe count at 7 and the AXP90-X47 sits lowest at 4. For less, the Frozn A620 Pro SE is the runner-up at 6.
How much fan size you need
Across these 5 picks fan size spans 92mm (the AXP90-X47) to 120mm (the Phantom Spirit 120 SE). The Frozn A620 Pro SE comes second at 120mm, in the same price tier as the Phantom Spirit 120 SE.
A tower air cooler in a case with red-lit fans How much height you need
Here height runs from 157mm on the Frozn A620 Pro SE to 47mm on the AXP90-X47, a 70% spread. If height is your first filter, the AXP90-X47 sets the ceiling at 47mm. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE White gives no height figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Peerless Assassin 120 SE White: a 25.6dB(A) noise rating. The IS-55: a 15mm-thick 120mm fan. The AXP90-X47: a 22.4dB(A) noise rating.
An all-in-one liquid cooler pump block above a graphics card How much to spend
Price does little to separate these 5: the AXP90-X47 through the IS-55 all landed in the under $50 tier, which leaves heat pipe count to decide it.
How to Choose a Budget Air Cooler for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put heat pipe count first | Phantom Spirit 120 SE | The highest heat pipe count here (7) |
| Buyers who want 260W rating | Frozn A620 Pro SE | A 260W rating |
| Buyers who want white heatsink with white ARGB fans | Peerless Assassin 120 SE White | A white heatsink with white ARGB fans |
| Buyers who want a 15mm-thick 120mm fan and can spend more than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White costs | IS-55 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 15mm-thick 120mm fan |
| Buyers who put height first | AXP90-X47 | The lowest height here (47mm) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads on heat pipe count at 7, ahead of the Frozn A620 Pro SE at 6. "Not listed" marks height where the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White leaves the figure out.
| Cooler | Heat pipes | Fan size | Height | Fans included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE | 7 | 120mm | 154mm | 2 |
| Frozn A620 Pro SE | 6 | 120mm | 157mm | 2 |
| Peerless Assassin 120 SE White | 6 | 120mm | Not listed | 2 |
| IS-55 | 5 | 120mm | 57mm | 1 |
| AXP90-X47 | 4 | 92mm | 47mm | 1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Phantom Spirit 120 SE ahead of the Frozn A620 Pro SE on heat pipe count?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads at 7, with the Frozn A620 Pro SE at 6. The AXP90-X47 closes the ranking at 4.
Which has the lowest height: the AXP90-X47 or the IS-55?
The AXP90-X47 is lowest on height at 47mm; the IS-55 follows at 57mm, 18% apart. The spread runs down to the Frozn A620 Pro SE at 157mm. No height figure is published for the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the IS-55 worth paying more than the AXP90-X47?
What it brings is heat pipe count (5 against 4) and fan size (120mm against 92mm). It does not win everywhere: the AXP90-X47 still leads on height (47mm). Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so the gains in heat pipe count and fan size cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Phantom Spirit 120 SE the Highest Heat Pipe Count?
It earns the label for the highest heat pipe count here (7). The Frozn A620 Pro SE is next on heat pipe count at 6, so this pick's 7 is 17% further out. It gives up height (154mm against 47mm) to the AXP90-X47, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for anyone who puts heat pipe count first.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the Frozn A620 Pro SE apart?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE: a dual-tower heatsink. The Frozn A620 Pro SE: a 260W rating. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE White: a white heatsink with white ARGB fans.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, chosen for the highest heat pipe count here (7). Look at the Frozn A620 Pro SE for a 260W rating, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE White for a white heatsink with white ARGB fans and the IS-55 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 15mm-thick 120mm fan if those matter more to you.
Remove the plastic film from the cold plate.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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