Best Budget CPU Coolers for Ryzen 5950X: Cheap Coolers Tested!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Test Hardware Specifications
3. testing Methodology
4. Stock AMD Wraith Stealth Cooler Performance
5. Stock Prism Cooler Performance
6. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Performance
7. Vitru V5 Performance
8. PC Cooler G66A Performance
9. Deepcool Neptune RGB V3 Performance
10. Cooler Master ML 240L RGB Performance
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ

Introduction

In this article, we will be taking a look at budget CPU coolers and how they perform when paired with the high-end AMD Ryzen 9 5950X processor. The aim is to test various budget cooling options and see if they can effectively cool the most heat-producing chip in the Ryzen lineup. By doing so, we can determine whether these coolers will be suitable for other less power-hungry Ryzen CPUs. Before diving into the cooling performance, we will first discuss the test hardware specifications and methodology to ensure accurate and consistent results.

Test Hardware Specifications

For this testing, we have used the following hardware:

• Motherboard: Gigabyte Aorus X570 Master
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
• Thermal Paste: Chinese Branded High-Performance Thermal Grease
• Power Supply: Segotip 600W 80 Plus Gold Rated

The chosen motherboard provides ample power delivery support for the Ryzen 9 5950X. The CPU cooler testing is done with the same thermal paste applied to eliminate any variance caused by switching thermal pastes. It is also important to note that the testing is conducted at a constant room temperature of 73-75 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent any room temperature fluctuations from influencing the results.

Testing Methodology

To assess the cooling performance of the budget CPU coolers, we have conducted two main tests: Cinebench benchmarking and stress testing using AIDA64. The Cinebench benchmark runs five times consecutively to obtain an average score, while AIDA64 stress test is carried out for 20 minutes to ensure full heat saturation of the CPU and cooler.

The performance metrics measured include average load temperature, clock speeds, and voltage draw. These metrics allow us to assess the cooling efficiency and the impact on CPU performance. With these results, we will be able to determine how well each budget cooler handles the heat produced by the Ryzen 9 5950X and whether they provide adequate cooling for other Ryzen CPUs.

Now, let's dive into the performance of each specific cooler and see how they stack up against each other.

Stock AMD Wraith Stealth Cooler Performance

The stock AMD Wraith Stealth cooler, bundled with the Ryzen 9 5950X, is the first cooler we tested. This cooler is designed for lower-power CPUs and may struggle to handle the heat produced by the 5950X effectively. During the Cinebench runs, we observed rapid temperature increase, reaching a maximum of 91 degrees Celsius. While the CPU did not experience any thermal shutdowns, it throttled to maintain usability. The average clock speed and voltage draw were significantly reduced, impacting overall performance. This highlights the importance of investing in a better cooling solution for high-end CPUs.

Stock Prism Cooler Performance

Next, we tested the stock Prism cooler, which is an upgrade over the Wraith Stealth cooler. With four direct-touch copper heat pipes and a down-firing fan, it has better cooling capacity. During the Cinebench runs, we saw a noticeable improvement in both performance and temperature. The average load temperature dropped to 79.8 degrees Celsius, and the clock speeds and voltage draw experienced a boost. This indicates that the stock Prism cooler provides better cooling for the Ryzen 9 5950X compared to the Wraith Stealth cooler. However, there is still room for improvement.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Performance

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 is a popular budget CPU cooler known for its price-performance ratio. Equipped with four direct-touch heat pipes and a high RPM 120mm fan, it offers efficient heat dissipation. During the Cinebench runs, we observed further improvements in performance compared to the stock Prism cooler. The average load temperature decreased to 76.2 degrees Celsius, and there was a significant increase in clock speeds and voltage draw. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Hyper 212 in cooling the Ryzen 9 5950X, making it a reliable and affordable option for budget-conscious users.

Vitru V5 Performance

The Vitru V5 cooler, priced at around $35, is another budget option we tested. It features a similar design to the Hyper 212, with added heat pipes for enhanced cooling performance. During the Cinebench runs, the Vitru V5 performed slightly below the Hyper 212, but within a margin of error. The average load temperature was 78.3 degrees Celsius, and the clock speeds and voltage draw were comparable. Considering its affordable price and impressive results, the Vitru V5 is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable budget cooler.

PC Cooler G66A Performance

The PC Cooler G66A is a larger cooler with six heat pipes and dual fans, offering increased cooling capacity. Although its mounting system is more complex, it provides excellent cooling performance. During the Cinebench runs, the G66A achieved an average load temperature of 76.7 degrees Celsius, demonstrating its efficiency in cooling the Ryzen 9 5950X. However, the additional weight and potential RAM clearance issues should be taken into consideration when choosing this cooler. With some tweaking, it has the potential to deliver even better performance.

Deepcool Neptune RGB V3 Performance

The Deepcool Neptune RGB V3 is a budget-friendly all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler priced just over $60. It uses a dual fin stack tower design and offers the potential for better cooling than air coolers. During the Cinebench runs, it outperformed all the air coolers tested, achieving an average load temperature of 74.3 degrees Celsius. The clock speeds and voltage draw were also improved, resulting in better overall CPU performance. Additionally, the AIO solution provided a quieter operation compared to air coolers. The Deepcool Neptune RGB V3 proves that budget AIO coolers can compete with more expensive options.

Cooler Master ML 240L RGB Performance

Lastly, we examined the Cooler Master ML 240L RGB, another budget AIO cooler with a price tag of $60. This cooler offers an attractive RGB lighting solution along with its cooling performance. During the Cinebench runs, it outperformed all the other coolers, including the Deepcool Neptune RGB V3. With an average load temperature of 71.2 degrees Celsius, it provided the best cooling performance among the tested coolers. The clock speeds and voltage draw were further improved, resulting in optimal CPU performance. Additionally, it delivered a quieter operation, making it an attractive cooler for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

Conclusion

After thoroughly testing various budget CPU coolers with the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, it is clear that investing in a better cooling solution can significantly impact CPU performance and longevity. While stock coolers provided sufficient cooling for moderate-use scenarios, they struggled to handle the heat produced by high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950X. Among the budget coolers tested, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 and Deepcool Neptune RGB V3 stood out as reliable and cost-effective options. However, other coolers, such as the Vitru V5 and Cooler Master ML 240L RGB, also demonstrated impressive performance. Ultimately, the choice of a budget cooler should be based on individual requirements, budget constraints, and cooling expectations.

FAQ

Q: Is the stock cooler sufficient for the Ryzen 9 5950X? A: While the stock coolers provided by AMD are suitable for moderate CPU usage, they may struggle to handle the heat produced by high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950X. Investing in a better cooling solution is recommended for optimal performance.

Q: Can budget coolers compete with more expensive options? A: Yes, budget CPU coolers can provide adequate cooling performance and even compete with more expensive options. Cooler Master Hyper 212 and Deepcool Neptune RGB V3 are prime examples of affordable coolers delivering impressive results.

Q: Are AIO coolers worth the investment? A: AIO coolers offer better cooling performance and can be a worthwhile investment, especially for users who prioritize efficient heat dissipation and quieter operation. However, budget air coolers can still provide satisfactory cooling at a lower cost.

Q: Do I need to consider RAM clearance when choosing a cooler? A: Some larger CPU coolers, especially those with larger fin stacks or complex mounting systems, may interfere with tall RAM modules. It is important to check the cooler's specifications and ensure compatibility with your RAM modules before making a purchase.

Q: How important is thermal paste in cooling performance? A: Thermal paste plays a vital role in facilitating heat transfer between the CPU and the cooler. Using a high-performance thermal paste can improve cooling efficiency and ensure consistent results across different coolers.

Resources:

• Cooler Master Hyper 212
• Vitru V5 on Amazon
• PC Cooler G66A
• Deepcool Neptune RGB V3
• Cooler Master ML 240L RGB