My computer started sounding like a jet engine during a gaming session last month. The stock cooler that came with my processor was struggling to keep up, and the noise was driving me crazy. I needed a fix that would not empty my bank account.
I found this 90MM CPU Air Cooler 4PIN PWM PC Processors CPU Cooler for Intel 1150/1151/1155/1156/1700/1200/1366/2011/2011-3/X99/X79 on AliExpress. It looked like a solid way to quiet things down without spending a fortune. This review covers my honest experience with the unit after a month of heavy use.
What is this CPU cooler?
This is a budget-friendly cooling tower designed to replace the basic fan that usually comes with your Intel processor. It uses a 90mm fan that attaches to a metal heatsink to pull heat away from your chip.
The main appeal here is the price. You get a decent upgrade for very little money, and because many sellers offer free shipping, the final cost stays very low. It is a no-frills piece of hardware that focuses on getting the job done.
Real world performance
The first thing I noticed was the 4PIN PWM connector. This is helpful because your motherboard can automatically adjust the fan speed based on how hot the CPU is getting. When I am just typing emails, the fan stays quiet and spins slowly.
When I start up a game, the fan ramps up to move more air. It is much quieter than the stock cooler I replaced, which makes my desk setup feel a lot more professional. Installation was standard for this type of hardware, though you should have a screwdriver ready.
The size is compact enough that it fits in most standard computer cases without hitting the side panel. It does not look fancy, but it does exactly what it promises to do.
Honest pros and cons
Here is the breakdown of what I liked and what annoyed me during the setup.
- Pros:
- Keeps temperatures much lower than the basic stock fan.
- PWM control keeps the noise level low during normal work.
- Very affordable price point for a basic hardware upgrade.
- Free shipping makes the deal even better for tight budgets.
- Fits a wide variety of older and newer Intel sockets.
- Cons:
- Shipping takes a long time since it comes from overseas.
- The included thermal paste is pretty low quality, so buy your own.
- Customer support is almost non-existent if you have a technical question.
- The metal fins on the heatsink can be sharp if you are not careful.
- No local warranty means you are on your own if it breaks later.
Who should buy this cooler?
If you are building a budget PC or just trying to fix an overheating problem on an older machine, this is a great pick. It is perfect for people who know how to swap out a cooler and want to save every dollar possible.
You should skip this if you are a high-end gamer or an overclocker. If you have a very expensive processor that runs hot, you should look for a larger, more premium model with more heat pipes. Also, avoid this if you are not comfortable working inside your computer case, as the lack of an instruction manual can be frustrating.
What other buyers say
I checked in with a few friends who also grab parts from AliExpress. One builder told me he bought three of these for his office computers. He said they all arrived in about three weeks and worked perfectly right out of the box.
Another user mentioned that he had trouble mounting it at first because the bracket felt a bit flimsy. He managed to get it installed after a few tries, but he agreed that you need to be patient during the process. Most people seem to agree that it is a great value for the price.
Final verdict
This 90MM CPU Air Cooler 4PIN PWM PC Processors CPU Cooler for Intel 1150/1151/1155/1156/1700/1200/1366/2011/2011-3/X99/X79 is a solid piece of gear for the price. It is not going to win any design awards, and you will have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive.
However, if you want a quiet, functional cooler that fits your Intel motherboard, it is a smart purchase. Just remember to pick up a small tube of decent thermal paste when you order it. For the money, you really cannot expect much more than what this unit delivers.
