Tech Forum

Hey everyone,

I'm building a new PC with an i5-13600K and I'm looking for a good air cooler that won't break the bank. My budget for the cooler is around $50-$70. I've been looking at the Noctua NH-U12S but it's a bit over my budget. Any recommendations for something that performs similarly but is more affordable?

I'm not planning on heavy overclocking, but I want to keep temperatures well under control during gaming sessions.

Thanks in advance!

Hey JohnDoe88,

For that price range and performance requirement, I'd highly recommend checking out the Deepcool AK620. It often punches above its weight class and can be found within your budget. Another solid option is the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE. It's an absolute beast for its price and is frequently compared to much more expensive coolers.

Both should handle the 13600K perfectly fine without extreme temps.

Echoing SilentKnight! The Thermalright Phantom Spirit is insane value. I have one on my 12700K and it barely breaks a sweat. You can usually find it for under $40.

Also, make sure your case has good airflow. That can make a big difference too!

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely look into the Deepcool AK620 and the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE. The Phantom Spirit sounds like a fantastic deal if it performs that well. My case is the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact, so airflow shouldn't be an issue.

Appreciate the quick responses!