Is your brand-new Intel 12th or 13th Gen CPU running a little too hot? You just invested in a powerful processor, but maybe you skimped a little on the cooler to save some cash. Now you’re wondering if that stock cooler will cut it, or if you need to find a better, budget-friendly option. We get it! Picking the perfect cooler for your LGA 1700 motherboard doesn’t have to break the bank, but the sheer number of choices can feel overwhelming. You want good cooling without spending a fortune, and that’s a common problem for many PC builders.
Don’t worry! This post is here to help you navigate the world of budget LGA 1700 coolers. We’ll break down what makes a cooler good, what to look for, and highlight some of the best affordable options that will keep your CPU running smoothly. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which cooler fits your needs and your wallet, so you can get back to gaming or creating without any overheating worries.
Our Top 5 Budget Lga 1700 Cooler Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Budget Lga 1700 Cooler Detailed Reviews
1. Thermaltake Gravity i3 Intel LGA 1700 Cocket
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Thermaltake Gravity i3, a CPU cooler designed for Intel processors using the LGA 1700 socket. This cooler can handle CPUs that use up to 95 watts of power. It comes in a sleek black color, fitting nicely into most computer builds.
What We Like:
- Keeps your CPU cool, preventing overheating.
- Simple to install, even for beginners.
- The black color looks good with many computer parts.
- It’s a good option for standard computer use.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might not be powerful enough for very high-end gaming CPUs.
- The fan noise could be noticeable under heavy load.
- More color options would be nice.
The Thermaltake Gravity i3 is a solid choice for basic cooling needs. It provides reliable performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
2. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 9.2/10
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Air Cooler is a fantastic upgrade for your computer. It keeps your processor cool, so your computer runs smoothly. This cooler works with many different computer parts, including AMD Ryzen and Intel processors. It’s also not too tall, so it fits in most computer cases.
What We Like:
- Keeps your CPU cool: The four copper heat pipes and copper base work together to move heat away from your processor. This is great for powerful processors like AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7.
- Great airflow: The SickleFlow 120 Edge fan moves a lot of air. Its special blade design helps it cool your computer efficiently.
- Adjustable fan speed: You can change how fast the fan spins. This means you can choose between more cooling or less noise.
- Easy to install: The brackets are designed to make putting it on your computer much simpler. This is especially true for newer AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1851/1700 motherboards.
- Fits in most cases: At 152mm tall, it’s not too big. This means it will fit into many different computer cases without a problem.
What Could Be Improved:
- Fan noise at high speeds: While you can adjust the fan speed, at its fastest, it might be a bit loud for some users.
- Limited RGB lighting: This model focuses on cooling performance and doesn’t have fancy RGB lights if that’s something you want.
Overall, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black is a solid choice for anyone wanting better CPU cooling. It offers good performance and is easy to install, making it a reliable upgrade for your PC.
3. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler
Rating: 8.9/10
Looking for a powerful cooler for your PC? The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler is here to help. This cooler uses advanced technology to keep your computer running smoothly. It has six heat pipes and two fans that work together to pull heat away from your CPU. This means your computer can handle demanding tasks without getting too hot.
What We Like:
- Excellent Cooling Performance: With its dual tower design and six heat pipes, this cooler is great at dissipating heat, keeping your CPU at lower temperatures.
- Quiet Operation: The fans are designed to be quiet, so you won’t be bothered by loud noises while gaming or working.
- Wide Compatibility: It supports many Intel and AMD sockets, making it a versatile choice for different computer builds.
- RAM Clearance: The cooler is designed to give you enough space for your RAM modules, so you won’t have trouble installing your memory.
- Affordable Price: Thermalright offers this high-performance cooler at a competitive price, making it a great value.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation for AMD: You’ll need to use your motherboard’s original backplate for AMD installations, which isn’t included in the cooler’s package.
- Size Check Needed: It’s important to make sure this cooler will fit in your PC case and won’t interfere with other components due to its size.
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and effective CPU cooler. It balances performance, quiet operation, and affordability, making it a strong contender for your next PC build.
4. Thermalright LGA 1700-SS2 Mounting Kit for CPU Coolers on Intel’s LGA1700 Platform
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrading your PC with Intel’s latest 12th Gen processors means you need the right gear. The Thermalright LGA 1700-SS2 Mounting Kit is here to help you easily install your compatible Thermalright CPU cooler onto Intel’s LGA1700 socket. This kit makes the installation process simple and ensures your cooler makes perfect contact with your CPU for optimal cooling performance. It’s designed for Intel Core i5, i7, and i9 processors on the LGA1700 platform.
What We Like:
- Makes installing CPU coolers on LGA1700 very easy.
- Ensures the cooler presses firmly and evenly on the CPU.
- Works with many popular Thermalright CPU cooler models like the PA120 and FS140 series.
- Built with high-quality materials for reliability.
- You can turn the cooler 90 degrees if your case has room.
What Could Be Improved:
- Does not work with Thermalright’s AXP series coolers.
If you have a compatible Thermalright cooler and a 12th Gen Intel CPU, this mounting kit is a must-have. It simplifies installation and ensures your CPU stays cool and performs its best.
5. ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler ARGB Light Sync with Motherboard(5V 3-PIN Connector) CPU Fan for Intel/AMD
Rating: 8.8/10
Keep your computer’s brain cool and looking awesome with the ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler. This cooler uses four heat pipes to move heat away from your CPU, and a 120mm fan to blow it out. Plus, it has cool RGB lights that can change color to match your computer’s style.
What We Like:
- Great cooling power with 4 heat pipes and a 120mm fan.
- Awesome RGB lights that can sync with your motherboard for a cool look.
- Works with lots of different Intel and AMD computer parts, including the newest LGA 1700.
- The fan is quiet, so you won’t be bothered by loud noises.
What Could Be Improved:
- The RGB lighting needs a 5V 3-PIN connector on your motherboard. Not all older motherboards have this.
- While it’s good, very high-end CPUs might need an even stronger cooler.
This cooler is a fantastic option for anyone wanting better cooling and a splash of color. It’s easy to set up and makes your PC look much cooler.
Cooling Your Budget Build: The Best LGA 1700 Coolers
Picking the right cooler for your Intel LGA 1700 processor doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, a workstation, or just a reliable everyday computer, a good budget cooler keeps your CPU happy and running smoothly. This guide will help you find the best bang for your buck.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a budget LGA 1700 cooler, keep these important features in mind:
- Cooling Performance (TDP Rating): This tells you how much heat the cooler can handle. Look for a cooler with a TDP rating higher than your CPU’s. For most budget CPUs, 125W TDP is a good starting point.
- Fan Size and Speed: Bigger fans often move more air quietly. Fan speed, measured in RPM, affects how much cooling power you get.
- Mounting System: It needs to be easy to install and securely attach to your LGA 1700 motherboard.
- Noise Level: Nobody likes a loud computer. Check reviews for how noisy the fan is, especially at higher speeds.
- RAM Clearance: Make sure the cooler won’t block your RAM slots, especially if you plan to upgrade later.
Important Materials
The materials used in a cooler directly impact its performance and durability:
- Heatsink: Most budget coolers use aluminum for the heatsink. Aluminum is lightweight and good at dissipating heat. Some might have copper heat pipes embedded in the aluminum for even better heat transfer.
- Heat Pipes: These are metal tubes that carry heat from the CPU base to the heatsink fins. Copper heat pipes are more efficient than aluminum ones.
- Fan Blades: Usually made of plastic, the design of the fan blades affects airflow and noise.
- Thermal Paste: This is a special paste applied between the CPU and the cooler to fill tiny gaps and improve heat transfer. Most coolers come with pre-applied thermal paste or a small tube.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a cooler better or worse:
What Makes a Cooler Better?
- More Heat Pipes: Coolers with more heat pipes can move heat away from the CPU faster.
- Larger Heatsink Surface Area: A bigger heatsink with more fins gives the heat more space to escape.
- PWM Fans: These fans can adjust their speed automatically based on CPU temperature, offering a balance of cooling and quiet operation.
- Quality Thermal Paste: A good thermal paste compound helps the heat transfer process.
What Can Reduce Cooler Quality?
- Cheaper Fan Bearings: These can wear out faster and become noisy.
- Fewer or Smaller Heat Pipes: This limits how much heat can be moved.
- Poorly Designed Heatsink Fins: This reduces the ability to dissipate heat.
- Difficult Installation: A bad mounting system can lead to poor contact and less effective cooling.
User Experience and Use Cases
Budget LGA 1700 coolers are great for a variety of users:
- Casual Users: If you mainly browse the web, watch videos, or do light office work, a basic budget cooler will be more than enough.
- Entry-Level Gamers: For less demanding games or if you don’t push your CPU to its limits, a good budget cooler can handle the heat.
- Quiet Builds: Many budget coolers are designed to be quiet, making them perfect for home theater PCs or offices where noise is a concern.
- Upgrading Stock Coolers: The coolers that come with CPUs (stock coolers) are often basic. A budget aftermarket cooler offers a significant improvement in cooling and noise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a budget LGA 1700 cooler?
A: The most important thing is the cooler’s TDP rating. It should be higher than your CPU’s TDP to ensure good cooling.
Q: Will a budget cooler be quiet enough for my setup?
A: Many budget coolers are designed to be quieter than stock coolers. Always check reviews for noise levels.
Q: Can I use a budget cooler for gaming?
A: Yes, for many games and less demanding CPUs, a budget cooler can provide sufficient cooling.
Q: Do I need to buy thermal paste separately?
A: Most budget coolers come with thermal paste either pre-applied or in a small tube.
Q: How do I know if a cooler will fit my motherboard?
A: Make sure it specifically supports the LGA 1700 socket. Also, check the cooler’s height to ensure it fits in your computer case.
Q: What is TDP and why is it important?
A: TDP stands for Thermal Design Power. It’s a measure of the maximum heat a CPU can generate. Your cooler needs to be able to handle this heat.
Q: Are there any budget coolers that look good?
A: Yes, some budget coolers have sleek designs and even basic RGB lighting to add some style to your build.
Q: What is the difference between an air cooler and an AIO liquid cooler?
A: Air coolers use a heatsink and fan. AIO (All-In-One) liquid coolers use a pump, radiator, and fans for cooling. Budget options are almost always air coolers.
Q: How often should I replace the thermal paste?
A: It’s generally recommended to reapply thermal paste every few years, or if you notice your CPU temperatures increasing.
Q: What if the cooler is too big for my RAM?
A: This is called RAM clearance. Look for coolers with a slim profile or check reviews to see if they mention RAM clearance issues.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.