Amazon Basics CPU Cooler Review: Budget Cooling or Just Basic?

Amazon Basics CPU Cooler Review: Budget Cooling or Just Basic?

When it comes to PC building, one of the most critical components for maintaining performance and longevity is the CPU cooler. A good cooler ensures your processor stays within safe temperatures, even under heavy loads. But what if you're on a tight budget? Enter the Amazon Basics CPU Cooler, a product that promises affordability without compromising functionality. But does it deliver? Let's dive into the details and find out if this cooler is worth your hard-earned cash.

Amazon Basics CPU Cooler Sale on Amazon

Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Basics CPU Cooler is a compact, tower-style air cooler designed for mainstream users. It features an aluminum fin stack paired with a copper core base, which is a common design for budget coolers. The fins are spaced evenly to allow for adequate airflow, and the overall build feels sturdy, though not premium.

The cooler comes with a single 92mm fan, which is pre-installed. The fan uses a 4-pin PWM connector, allowing for variable speed control based on your CPU's temperature. While the fan isn't the quietest on the market, it's surprisingly decent for its price point. The black finish on the heatsink gives it a sleek, understated look that should blend well with most builds.

Installation Process

One of the standout features of the Amazon Basics CPU Cooler is its ease of installation. The cooler supports a wide range of sockets, including Intel's LGA 115x, 1200, and 1700, as well as AMD's AM4. The mounting hardware is straightforward, and the included instructions are clear, making it a good option for first-time builders.

However, there are a few caveats. The backplate is made of plastic, which feels a bit flimsy compared to metal alternatives. Additionally, the mounting mechanism requires a bit of force to secure, which might be intimidating for beginners. That said, once installed, the cooler sits firmly on the CPU without any wobbling.

Performance

Now, let's talk about the most important aspect: performance. We tested the Amazon Basics CPU Cooler on an Intel Core i5-12600K and an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, both of which are mid-range processors with moderate thermal demands.

Idle Temperatures: At idle, the cooler kept both CPUs in the low 30s (°C), which is perfectly acceptable.
Gaming Load: During gaming sessions, temperatures hovered around 65-70°C, which is within safe limits but slightly higher than more premium coolers.
Stress Testing: Under a full load using Prime95, the Intel CPU peaked at 85°C, while the AMD CPU reached 82°C. These numbers are decent for a budget cooler but show that it's not ideal for overclocking or high-end CPUs.

The 92mm fan does a decent job of moving air, but it can get noisy under heavy loads, reaching up to 40 dBA. If you're sensitive to noise, you might want to consider replacing the fan with a quieter aftermarket option.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable price point
Easy to install
Compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets
Sleek, minimalist design
PWM fan for variable speed control

Cons:

Plastic backplate feels cheap
Noisy under load
Not suitable for high-end or overclocked CPUs
Limited thermal performance compared to competitors

Who Is This Cooler For?

The Amazon Basics CPU Cooler is best suited for budget-conscious builders or those with entry-level to mid-range CPUs. If you're running a Ryzen 5 or Core i5 processor and don't plan on overclocking, this cooler will get the job done without breaking the bank. However, if you're using a high-end CPU or want quieter operation, you might want to look at more premium options like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 or Noctua NH-U12S.

Final Verdict

The Amazon Basics CPU Cooler is exactly what you'd expect from a budget cooler: it's basic, functional, and affordable. While it won't win any awards for performance or noise levels, it's a solid choice for casual gamers and everyday users. If you're building a PC on a tight budget and need a reliable cooler that won't let you down, this is a decent option.