Introduction
When building your first PC, choosing out a cooler for your system can be a difficult task at times. The market is saturated with a myriad of options suited for all types of builds. There are a number of CPU coolers ideal for overclocking, ensuring your build is nice and cool whilst you’re pushing performance to the maximum. But due to the fact that there’s a significant premium that comes with liquid cooling, what are your options if you’re building on a budget?
Are there any options for you if you’ve only allotted a small amount to spend on your CPU cooler? Today we’ll be answering these exact questions with a roundup of the best budget liquid CPU coolers to buy under $100. We’re rounding up a variety of choices with different sizes and aesthetics whilst still providing excellent performance whilst giving you extra options for design and flair.
Suggested Article: The Best CPU & CPU Cooler Combos to Buy in 2022!
Best Budget CPU Liquid Coolers
Now for the section you’ve been waiting for, here are the best liquid coolers to buy on a budget. We’ve covered a wide range of options that feature a variety of different budgets and sizes for a plethora of builds.
1. Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120
👑 The cheapest liquid cooler.
Cooler Master‘s MasterLiquid Lite 120 is a discrete 120mm design perfect for smaller systems, or for those that want some excellent cooling but have a limited budget. The robust and strong tubing minimises any potential evaporation while ensuring that your tubes don’t accrue any kinks or bumps after installation. The smaller design also gives you plenty of options for mounting, as pretty much every case should be able to support a 120mm fan as a minimum.
The fact that this is such a small radiator also makes it perfect for a smaller build. If you’ve picked up a Mini-ITX case but you’re trying to be a bit more price conscious, this cooler will be excellent to fit in a small build. Not only is it a silent cooler, but moving heat away efficiently and quickly is no issue for the MasterLiquid Lite 120, making it ideal for a multitude of different PC builds!
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 |
|---|---|
| Size | 120mm |
| CPU Socket | LGA1200, AM4, LGA1700 (upgrade kit required) |
| Number of Fans | 1 x 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 2000RPM |
| Pump Connector | 3-Pin |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Durable design: This budget cooler puts a heavy influence on durability. With strong tubing and a sturdy bracket, this cooler will be able to sustain a lot of damage both during and after installation, which helps to prevent any catastrophic leaks from ruining your gaming PC.
Cheap liquid cooling: As one of the cheapest liquid coolers on the market, this 120mm option is a great alternative to air coolers. Liquid coolers are often considered a more efficient cooling solution, but most come with a higher price tag, which makes this a great choice for gamers that on a limited budget.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of RGB: Due to the budget pricing of the MasterLiquid Lite 120, the additional features are restricted in order to stick to the lower price point. One of the main features that gamers will miss out on when picking up this liquid cooler is RGB lighting, which is always a nice addition that can really brighten up a gaming rig.
Not for more powerful systems: Whilst the compact nature of this cooler is ideal for budget systems, it does cause some concerns for those looking to use a more powerful CPU. For systems with a mid-range or high-end processor, the smaller radiator size will struggle to keep up with the demands, leading to a rise in temperatures and possible long-term damage.
Summary
As a very budget-friendly liquid cooler, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 is a solid choice for entry-level gamers that want to keep their system’s temperatures down. Also, the 120mm radiator means this CPU cooler will have no issues fitting into compact gaming PCs. It may struggle when paired up with more powerful CPUs, but this cooler one of the cheapest alternatives for less reliable air cooling solutions.
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Compact design
- Made from durable materials
Cons
- Struggles with powerful CPUs
- No RGB lighting
- Simplistic design
Where to Buy
Buy the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120:
2. DeepCool GAMMAXX L240 V2
👑 The best budget 240mm liquid cooler.
We’ve looked at the Deep Cool GAMMAXX L240 V2 in a number of buyers guides, and needless to say it doesn’t disappoint. This CPU cooler comes kitted out with Deep Cool’s renowned anti-leak technology bringing relief to those worrying about water spilling out into their system. This technology helps achieve an automated pressure balance while improving the operating safety of AIO liquid coolers to ensure that your cooler isn’t damaged easily.
Not only does the GAMMAXX L240 V2 bring excellent thermal balance but you’ve also got the added flair of an RGB fan and CPU block. The water block and fans can be plugged into a 12V RGB header which can be controller with a variety of different RGB software such as AURA Sync, Mystic Light and more. This gives you the opportunity to customise your lighting effects and sync up any other RGB components you’ve decided to install in your build. You get the benefit of silent cooling, whilst also being able to show off your build in style with an excellent cooler.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Deep Cool GAMMAXX L240 V2 |
|---|---|
| Size | 240mm |
| CPU Socket | LGA1700, LGA1200 AM5, AM4 |
| Number of Fans | 2 x 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 1800RPM |
| Pump Connector | 3-Pin |
| RGB | Yes |
Things We Like
Easy installation: When building a gaming PC, one of the trickiest parts is installing the CPU cooler, so anything that can relieve some of that pressure is always welcomed. On top of the anti-leak design that helps gamers to avoid spillages, the GAMMAXX L240 V2 doesn’t require an upgrade kit for LGA1700, meaning Intel 13th-Gen users won’t have to mess around with swapping brackets out when installing their liquid cooler.
RGB lighting: Despite being priced fairly reasonably for a 240mm liquid cooler, the GAMMAXX L240 V2 features an abundance of RGB lighting. Located on the fans and CPU block, the customisable RGB on this cooler is a great way to brighten up a system, and can be synched up to other components for a cohesive look.
Things We Don’t Like
Lower fan speeds: Compared to the other options on this list, this liquid cooler has a lower max fan speed. Whilst the 1800RPM is enough to provide sufficient airflow to most systems, it does limit this cooler’s ability to handle more stressful workloads.
Summary
Overall, the DeepCool GAMMAXX L240 V2 is a excellent choice for gamers wanting a liquid cooler that offers great value for money. Featuring a durable design equipped with DeepCool’s anti-leak technology and lots of RGB lighting, this cooler has everything a gamer needs to keep their system cool and quiet.
Pros
- Anti-leak technology
- Custom RGB lighting
- Easy installation for new CPUs
Cons
- Lower max fan speeds
Where to Buy
Buy the Deep Cool GAMMAXX L240 V2 on:
3. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2
👑 The best white liquid cooler.
Cooler Master‘s ML240L V2 RGB is another liquid AIO that we’ve recommended in a number of buyers guides, but this time we’re taking a look at the white version. The ML240L brings awesome performance alongside excellent aesthetics giving you the ability to reinforce the aesthetic of your build with a white cooler. This 240mm design features a dual pump with improved housing designed to boost thermal dispersion, whilst remaining efficient and quiet removing any annoying buzzing or whirring that comes with fans and cheaper pumps.
The ML240L V2 also comes with Cooler Master’s SickleFlow RGB fans designed to bring impressive airflow and the additional RGB lighting that we love to see with components. The unique SickleFlow design maintains constant air pressure while giving you the ability to create a near-silent system due to the premium rifle bearings found in the fans.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 |
|---|---|
| Size | 240mm |
| CPU Socket | LGA1200 AM5, AM4, LGA1700 (upgrade kit required) |
| Number of Fans | 2 x 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 2400RPM |
| Pump Connector | 3-Pin |
| RGB | Yes |
Things We Like
Optimal airflow: This liquid cooler is one of the best performing budget options on the market thanks to its dual pump design and high fan speeds. This makes sure that any system using this CPU cooler maintains optimal airflow during intense gaming sessions, whilst keeping the noise down to a minimum.
Choice of aesthetic: The cooler that we have chosen to include in this list has a predominantly white appearance, which will slot nicely into an all-white gaming PC. However, Cooler Master also offer an all-black alternative, meaning that gamers can choose the aesthetic that would be better suited to their PC build. Both designs include custom RGB fans too, allowing gamers to brighten up their system with full control over the lighting effects.
Things We Don’t Like
Pricey for budget option: Whilst this design provides a lot of great features for a cheaper price than other options on the market with similar cooling capabilities. However, the varying price of this cooler causes it to creep towards the higher end of our $100 limit, making it less ideal for budget gamers looking to get the best bang for their buck.
Summary
Cooler Master‘ MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 is a versatile option that provide most budget gamers with the performance and aesthetic they are looking for from their CPU cooler. With a choice of either a black or white design, this cooler is an ideal pick for those looking to build an all-white gaming PC.
Pros
- High max fan speed
- RGB lighting on fans
- Available in black & white
Cons
- Not the best software support
- More expensive option
Where to Buy
Buy the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2 on:
4. Corsair iCUE H60i RGB PRO XT
👑 The best 120mm liquid cooler.
Corsair’s iCUE coolers, as a general rule of thumb, are excellent, and the H60i RGB PRO XT definitely follows suit. This 120mm design takes Corsair’s signature iCUE RGB technology alongside their renowned magnetic levitation fans creating a high performance but compact cooler. The high performance cold plate and pump gives users the opportunity to push the clock speeds of their CPUs ensuring that your system is kept nice and cool whilst under load.
The pump also features dynamic multi-zone RGB lighting, offering stunning and vibrant customisable effects that match the style and aesthetic of your build. This can all be synced up and configured using Corsair’s industry leading iCUE software which has intuitive and simple controls whilst also letting your customise lighting and fan curves to your heart’s content!
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Corsair iCUE H60i RGB PRO XT |
|---|---|
| Size | 120mm |
| CPU Socket | LGA1200 AM5, AM4, LGA1700 (upgrade kit required) |
| Number of Fans | 1 x 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 1800RPM |
| Pump Connector | 3-Pin |
| RGB | Yes |
Things We Like
Premium compact design: Compact liquid coolers naturally lean towards offering a budget-oriented design, as most compact systems are built to reduce costs and space. However, this CPU cooler is a more premium 120mm that offers a high-performance magnetic fan and a RGB lit CPU block, perfect for compact systems that contain a bit more firepower.
iCUE compatibility: One of the main benefits of picking up a Corsair product is that they are usually compatible with Corsair iCUE, which is arguably the best PC software available right now. Using iCUE, gamers can monitor the temperature of their system, as well as customise the lighting effects on the CPU block.
Things We Don’t Like
Lower fan speeds: In comparison to some of the other options featured in this roundup, the H60i RGB PRO XT possesses a slightly lower fan speed. This will restrict the fan’s ability to regulate heat loss during intense gaming sessions, which is more concerning for this cooler due to the lack of additional fans on this design.
Expensive 120mm cooler: With this cooler being pitched as a premium 120mm design, it comes with a pretty expensive price tag that stretches the $100 limit in some instances. This is pretty surprising given the compact form factor of this cooler, as this usually reduces the price. Because of this, we wouldn’t suggest this for budget gamers, but instead, for gamers with a bit more to spend that want to enhance the aesthetics of their compact PC build.
Summary
Gamers building the best compact gaming PC they can get their hands on will love the features that Corsair’s iCUE H60i RGB PRO XT liquid cooler provides. Packed with Corsair‘s popular magnetic levitation fans and iCUE software, this compact CPU cooler is built to offer gamers a perfect blend of performance and looks.
Although these features come with a hefty price tag, this cooler is an ideal way to add some practical flair to a compact system.
Pros
- Sleek & compact design
- High-quality magnetic fan
- iCUE software compatibility
Cons
- Lower max fan speed
- Pricey for a 120mm cooler
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair iCUE H60i RGB PRO XT on:
5. MSI MAG CORELIQUID P360
👑 The best budget 360mm AIO liquid cooler.
For our final budget cooler in this round up we’ve picked out MSI‘s MAG CORELIQUID P360. This 360mm cooler is perfect for a variety of different systems and will be ideal for those building a budget or higher-end system. Despite the performance and size, the CORELIQUID P360 is exceptionally cheap and brings a lot of value to the table versus performance.
The unique design of the CORELIQUID P360 makes it ideal for those trying to push the performance boundary with overclocking. The pump of the P360 is integrated into the radiator to reduce noise, but also to increase the life expectancy by moving it away from the core heat source. The split pathway design of the radiator then allows heat to dissipate heat rapidly with cooled liquid pumping back into the loop. With three fans you’ll also retain high air pressure keeping the rest of your system cool and near-silent.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MAG CORELIQUID P360 |
|---|---|
| Size | 360mm |
| CPU Socket | LGA1200 AM5, AM4, LGA1700 |
| Number of Fans | 3 x 120mm |
| Max Fan Speed | 2000RPM |
| Pump Connector | 3-Pin |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Affordable 360mm design: For a $100 price limit, it is rare to find a liquid cooler with a 360mm radiator that is worth purchasing. However, the MAG CORELIQUID P360 is one of these exceptions, as this larger cooler boasts a solid combination of performance and design, all within the $100 price point.
Silent cooling: With help from the additional fan on the design, this cooler is one of the most efficient options in this roundup. The improved airflow capabilities can manage greater workloads whilst remaining whisper quiet, giving this design a sound that matches its stealthy look.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of RGB: Whether it was to create a more sophisticated look, or just to cut down on costs, this CPU cooler does not include any RGB lighting within its design. The cheaper price point of this cooler suggest the reasoning for this was probably the latter, but the of RGB nonetheless will deter a number of gamers away from this design.
Expensive for budget: The main reason that a lot of budget gamers tend to go for smaller liquid coolers is often due to them being cheaper than the larger 360mm options. And whilst this 360mm AIO tends to sit beneath the $100 mark, it is on the higher end of the limit, and can even exceed it at times. Therefore, any budget gamers that don’t want to go over that price may struggle with this choice.
Summary
As one of the cheapest 360mm CPU coolers on the market, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID P360 is a great choice gamers looking to save some money on their more powerful PC builds. This increased size provides greater heat dissipation for budget systems, allowing gaming PCs to remain as quiet as possible. Whilst the lack of RGB, larger size, and higher price won’t be for all budget gamers, it’s provides great value when placed into a mid-range system.
Pros
- Sophisticated design
- Cheap 360mm cooler
- Great for high-end CPUs
Cons
- Lack of RGB lighting
- Expensive options for budget builds
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI MAG CORELIQUID P360 on:
Air vs Liquid Cooling
Air vs liquid cooling is an age-old argument that always comes into discussion when picking out a CPU cooler. Instead of arguing which is better I’ll instead argue the use-case for liquid cooling over an air cooler. Liquid coolers have become a more mainstream option for several consumers due to the increase in CPU performance, and the associated heat output.
If you were to look back at CPUs that were being released five or so years ago, you’d see a significant difference in clock speeds and total wattage output. Most older CPUs didn’t demand the need for a liquid cooler because the CPU thermals were easily dealt with by a decent air cooler. But, due to significant performance increases in the past few years, CPUs have become hotter and hotter. And if we look at overclocking, a practice whereby you run a CPU faster than its default speeds, the demand for more efficient coolers increases exponentially. This is clearly demonstrated by the boosting behaviour of AMD‘s latest Ryzen 7000 processors, where the fundamental design of the chip necessitates a good CPU cooler to handle the temperatures output.
Which Radiator Size Do I Need?
After you’ve determined a budget for your CPU cooler, you’ll next need to pick out a radiator size. There are a few main sizes, based around the standard 120mm and 240mm fan sizes.
| 120mm-based Designs | Use Case | 140mm-based Designs | Use Case |
| 120mm | – Budget systems – Small form factor systems – Fairly inefficient for cooling | 140mm | – Small form factor systems – Less efficient than a 240mm design |
| 240mm | – Best mi-range option – Widest variety of designs | 280mm | – Best compact option for high-end systems |
| 360mm | – Best high-end option – High-end systems | 420mm | – Fairly Niche – Very high-end Systems |
| CPU | Heat Rating | Recommended Cooler Size |
| Intel Core i3 Series | 🔥 | 120mm |
| AMD Ryzen 3 Series | 🔥 | 120mm or 240mm |
| Intel Core i5 Series | 🔥🔥 | 240mm |
| AMD Ryzen 5 Series | 🔥🔥 | 240mm |
| Intel Core i7 Series | 🔥🔥🔥 | 360mm |
| AMD Ryzen 7 Series | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 240mm or 360mm |
| Intel Core i9 Series | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 360mm or 420mm |
| AMD Ryzen 9 Series | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 360mm or 420mm |
You’ll also need to take stock of which radiator sizes the case you have selected supports. Smaller form factor cases won’t support all radiator form factors, while some chassis will better accommodate 120mm-based designs, rather than the larger 140mm alternatives. Radiator support in a case might also impede on GPU clearance, something to be mindful when spec’ing your system for the first time.
Socket Compatibility
Another major point to touch upon is socket compatibility. Although most modern CPU coolers tend to have updated mounting hardware, not all coolers will be compatible with your choice of CPU. To avoid not having compatible components we’d recommend checking out the manufacturers website to ensure it supports your CPU socket.
Why You Can Trust Us
Before diving into the recommendations, we wanted to clear up why you can trust our suggestions. As a team of PC hardware experts, we spend a lot a of our time with the products that come through our doors. During this time, we to see how they perform in a wide range of gaming benchmarks and scenarios. If you would like to learn more about the GeekaWhat team, along with more details on our editorial promise, head over to the About Us section.
How We Picked the Best Budget Liquid Coolers
Here at GeekaWhat, we test multiple a lot of different PC components each day, including plenty of different coolers. Every cooler that makes its way into the office gets put into a number of PC builds, with each varying in performance and cooling capabilities. From these builds, we gather a general understanding of what that cooler is capable of, along with what components are best to match up with it.
After acquiring enough knowledge, we form our final thoughts on a particular item. From here, we relay this information to consumers through YouTube videos and detailed web articles like this one. As part of these discussions, we go through the positives and negatives of these coolers, and how they will impact typical gaming PC builds.
For our liquid cooler reviews, the main aspects we take into consideration is the cooling capabilities, design, compatibility, and installation process. We combine all of these key factors to summarise how specific features will affect the experience of anyone that decides to pick up that particular product.
For more detailed analysis and discussions, take a look at some of our other roundups on CPU coolers below:
| Buyers Guide | Link |
|---|---|
| Best Liquid CPU Coolers | Best Liquid CPU Coolers to Buy in 2023 |
| 120mm AIO Coolers | Best 120mm AIO Coolers to Buy in 2023 |
| Best CPU Coolers for Intel 13th-Gen | The Best CPU Coolers to Buy for Intel 13th Gen CPUs |
| Best Silent CPU Coolers | The Best Silent CPU Coolers To Buy For Any Gaming PC Build |
| Best CPU Air Coolers | The Best CPU Air Coolers to Buy for a PC Build in 2023 |
Conclusion
All of the options featured in this roundup offer a great blend of features and performance to provide all types of gamers with a budget liquid CPU cooler that will be a perfect fit for their gaming PC. But, if we had to choose just one option to recommend for a budget-oriented gaming PC, we would choose the DeepCool GAMMAXX L240 V2, as this is an efficient and durable cooler that offers great RGB lighting and an easy installation process.
Alternatively, the MSI MAG CORELIQUID P360 is a solid choice for budget gamers wanting a cooler that is extremely stealthy, both in terms of sound and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right CPU cooler?
There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a CPU cooler for your PC build. However, the most important consideration is the compatibility with the PC case and CPU. Most CPU and PC case manufacturers state the cooler size limits and compatible sockets on the product page, so that’s always a good place to start.
How to test a CPU cooler?
The best way to test whether a CPU cooler is working as it should be is to run a stress test on this CPU. Running stress test software such as Cinebench will put prolonged stress on your CPU, which then monitors and provides feedback on temperatures. These results can then be used to determine how well a CPU cooler is performing.
Is air or liquid cooling better?
Whilst there are benefits to each method of cooling, liquid cooling is considered the more efficient option for gaming PCs. When installed properly, liquid coolers are able to move the heat away from the CPU faster than air coolers, whilst also pushing the air out of the system in a more controlled manner.
What size AIO CPU cooler is best?
As long as your system does not have any size constraints, a CPU cooler with a larger radiator size will typically provide better results. This is because the larger surface area and additional fans will be able to push the hot air out of your system more efficiently, which results in a quieter system that remains at a consistent temperature.
