Buying Guide
The Best Budget Air Coolers for Gaming
From the AXP120-X67 to the IS-55: five air coolers ranked on heat pipe count and fan size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
A dual-tower heatsink.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-tower heatsink.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black
A black-coated dual-tower heatsink.
Best for: Buyers who want black-coated dual-tower heatsink.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Thermalright AXP120-X67
A lower price than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Thermalright AXP120-X67 (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
A dual-tower heatsink.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-tower heatsink.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Height
ID-COOLING IS-55
The lowest height here (57mm).
Best for: Buyers who put height first.
Our take Check price for ID-COOLING IS-55 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A dual-tower heatsink. | Buyers who want dual-tower heatsink. | Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE (opens in a new tab) |
| A black-coated dual-tower heatsink. | Buyers who want black-coated dual-tower heatsink. | Check price for Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Thermalright AXP120-X67 (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual-tower heatsink. | Buyers who want dual-tower heatsink. | Check price for Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest height here (57mm). | Buyers who put height first. | Check price for ID-COOLING IS-55 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE packs seven heat pipes and two 120mm fans into a 154mm-tall dual tower.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-tower heatsink.
Skip if
- Skip it if height matters most to you; the IS-55 offers 57mm.
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 ties with the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black at 7.
On height it trails the group at 154mm, while the IS-55 comes in at 57mm. Check that your case offers at least 154mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. Its price falls between the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black, based on our last check. If height is your priority, the IS-55 (57mm) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & 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
- Height trails the IS-55 (57mm)
- Costs more than the AXP120-X67 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black is a seven-heat-pipe dual tower with two PWM fans at a budget price.
Best for
- Buyers who want black-coated dual-tower heatsink.
Skip if
- The maker gives no height, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
The black coating covers the heatsink and heat pipes for a consistent dark look. At 154mm tall it fits most mid-tower cases, and the black coating extends to the heat pipes rather than just the fin tops. Its S-FDB fans are rated for long service, and the heatsink has cut corners to clear tall RAM.
Mounting hardware covers AM4, AM5 and Intel sockets up to LGA1851. Its price falls between the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the IS-55, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed height should compare it with the IS-55, which comes in at 57mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 7
- Fan size: 120mm
- Fans included: 2
Pros
- 7 heat pipes
- Two fans included
- Black-coated dual-tower heatsink
- Two TL-C12B V2 PWM fans
Cons
- No published height
- Costs more than the AXP120-X67 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Thermalright AXP120-X67 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AXP120-X67 fits six heat pipes and a 15mm-thick 120mm fan into 67mm.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: heat pipe count of 6, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (7).
Why we like it
It is the value choice for small cases with a 65W or mid-range CPU. It matches the Peerless Assassin 120 SE on heat pipe count (6). Its 67mm height ranks second of 3 here, behind the IS-55 (57mm) and ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (154mm).
You also get a 26.1dB(A) noise rating. At 67mm 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 Peerless Assassin 120 SE was closest. What it gives up: heat pipe count of 6, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (7); by contrast, the Phantom Spirit 120 SE offers 7.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 6
- Fan size: 120mm
- Height: 67mm
- Fans included: 1
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- 15mm-thick 120mm fan
- 26.1dB(A) noise rating
- Heat pipe count of 6, ahead of the IS-55
- Height of 67mm, ahead of the Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Cons
- Heat pipe count of 6, behind the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (7)
Worth a Look4 of 5
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Peerless Assassin 120 SE is the budget dual tower most builders reach for, with six heat pipes and two 120mm fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-tower heatsink.
Skip if
- Its height is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Thermalright does not list its height on Amazon, so check the spec page before buying for a narrow case. At 155mm tall it fits most mid-towers, and its six heat pipes and two PWM fans handle mainstream CPUs. It is one of the best-known budget dual towers.
On heat pipe count it ties with the AXP120-X67 at 6. You also get a 25.6dB(A) noise rating. The maker names AM5 but not Intel LGA1851, so check the maker's site if you are building on Core Ultra.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper AXP120-X67 and the pricier Phantom Spirit 120 SE, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its height; if that figure matters, the IS-55 comes in at 57mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Heat pipes: 6
- Fan size: 120mm
- Fans included: 2
- Sockets named: AM5, AM4, Intel
Pros
- Two fans included
- Dual-tower heatsink
- 25.6dB(A) noise rating
- Heat pipe count of 6, ahead of the IS-55
Cons
- No published height
- Costs more than the AXP120-X67 at the time of writing
Lowest Height5 of 5
ID-COOLING IS-55 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 put height first.
Skip if
- Skip it if heat pipe count matters most to you; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE offers 7.
Why we like it
It fits cases too short for the 67mm to 70mm coolers. Its 5 heat pipe count is the lowest in this group; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE leads at 7. On height it leads this guide at 57mm, ahead of the AXP120-X67 (67mm).
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 Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & 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
- Lowest height of the picks (57mm)
Cons
- Heat pipe count trails the Phantom Spirit 120 SE (7)
- Costs more than the AXP120-X67 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Budget Air Coolers for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Phantom Spirit 120 SE to the IS-55, state heat pipe count, fan size and fans included.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE give no height; the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black gives no sockets named.
- Price range
- From the AXP120-X67 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
Here heat pipe count runs from 5 on the IS-55 to 7 on the Phantom Spirit 120 SE. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is the pick for heat pipe count.
How much height you need
Here height runs from 154mm on the Phantom Spirit 120 SE to 57mm on the IS-55. The AXP120-X67 comes second for less money. No figure for the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE.
Setup checks
Check that your case offers at least 154mm of CPU cooler clearance before ordering. At 67mm 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.
Features beyond the spec table
The AXP120-X67: a 26.1dB(A) noise rating. The Peerless Assassin 120 SE: a 25.6dB(A) noise rating. The IS-55: a 15mm-thick 120mm fan.
How much to spend
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the AXP120-X67 at the low end to the IS-55 at the top, so decide on features first.
Confirm the mounting kit
Check that the cooler lists your socket: AM5 and AM4 share mounting, while Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 share hole spacing. Older coolers may need a free or paid adapter.
How to Choose a Budget Air Cooler for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want dual-tower heatsink | Phantom Spirit 120 SE | A dual-tower heatsink |
| Buyers who want black-coated dual-tower heatsink | Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black | A black-coated dual-tower heatsink |
| Spending as little as possible | AXP120-X67 | A lower price than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want dual-tower heatsink | Peerless Assassin 120 SE | A dual-tower heatsink |
| Buyers who put height first | IS-55 | The lowest height here (57mm) |
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 Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black at 7. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Cooler | Heat pipes | Fan size | Height | Fans included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE | 7 | 120mm | 154mm | 2 |
| Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black | 7 | 120mm | Not listed | 2 |
| AXP120-X67 | 6 | 120mm | 67mm | 1 |
| Peerless Assassin 120 SE | 6 | 120mm | Not listed | 2 |
| IS-55 | 5 | 120mm | 57mm | 1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IS-55 ahead of the AXP120-X67 on height?
The IS-55 comes out best at 57mm, with the AXP120-X67 at 67mm. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE is at the other end of this group with 154mm. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the IS-55 worth paying more than the AXP120-X67?
On paper it adds height (57mm against 67mm). It does not win everywhere: the AXP120-X67 still leads on heat pipe count (6). The AXP120-X67 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the IS-55 the Lowest Height?
It earns the label for the lowest height here (57mm). It suits anyone who put height first.
What should I check before buying the AXP120-X67?
At 67mm 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. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Phantom Spirit 120 SE and the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black apart?
The Phantom Spirit 120 SE: a dual-tower heatsink. The Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black: a black-coated dual-tower heatsink. The AXP120-X67: a 15mm-thick 120mm fan.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Phantom Spirit 120 SE, chosen for a dual-tower heatsink. Look at the Phantom Spirit 120 SE Black for a black-coated dual-tower heatsink, the AXP120-X67 for a lower price than the Peerless Assassin 120 SE and the rest when we checked and the Peerless Assassin 120 SE for a dual-tower heatsink if those matter more to you.
Remove the plastic film from the cold plate.