Setting up a PC can get expensive really fast. You might find yourself with a processor that comes without a cooler, or maybe the stock fan that came in the box is just too loud and annoying. I have been there, and I know the frustration of trying to find a decent cooling solution that does not cost as much as a fancy water-cooling kit.
That is why I decided to test the AMD New Ryzen Wraith Cooler Wraith Prism Fan Original 4 PIN. It is a popular pick for anyone needing a solid upgrade without breaking the bank. After running it on my own rig for a few weeks, I have plenty of thoughts to share on whether this piece of hardware actually delivers.
What is this Ryzen cooler?
This is the stock cooler that AMD used to include with their top-tier processors. Since people often upgrade to water cooling, many of these fans end up on the resale market. It is a beefy air cooler with a copper base, heat pipes, and that signature RGB light ring that makes your case look a bit more interesting.
The main draw here is definitely the price. You can find these for a steal on sites like AliExpress, and most sellers include free shipping. It is a genuine piece of AMD gear, not some knock-off brand that might rattle after a month of use.
Real world cooling performance
The first thing you notice is that it is much heavier than the basic fans that come with entry-level CPUs. Those heat pipes do a good job of pulling heat away from the processor. In my testing, it kept my mid-range chip idling at nice, low temperatures.
The RGB lighting is controlled via a 4-pin header or a USB cable that plugs into your motherboard. If you have a matching AMD board, you can sync the colors to match the rest of your setup. It is not going to win any records for extreme overclocking, but for a normal gaming rig or a home office PC, it works just fine.
Honest pros and cons
- Pros
- Much quieter and cooler than the basic budget fans.
- The RGB lighting looks surprisingly good in a glass case.
- It feels like a high-quality, solid piece of metal.
- Fits almost any standard AMD motherboard socket.
- Often comes with free shipping, saving you extra cash.
- Cons
- Shipping from overseas can take a long time.
- Installation can be a bit tricky if you have big fingers.
- There is no local warranty if the fan motor dies early.
- Customer support is basically non-existent compared to buying locally.
- Some of these are pulled from used PCs, so they might have a bit of dust.
Who should buy this fan?
If you are building a budget gaming PC and need something better than a stock fan, this is a great choice. It is also perfect if you bought a used CPU online that did not come with a cooler in the box. Students, home builders, and anyone on a tight budget will appreciate the value here.
You should probably skip this if you are planning to do heavy overclocking or if you have a very hot high-end processor. In those cases, you really need a massive air cooler or an AIO liquid cooler. Also, if you are impatient, the long wait for shipping might drive you crazy.
What buyers are saying
I talked to a few friends who also picked one up from AliExpress. One person said, the fan was a bit dusty when it arrived, but it cleaned up well and runs silent. Another user told me, I was worried it would be a fake, but the build quality is definitely legitimate AMD hardware and it looks great in my case.
Most people seem to agree that as long as you know you are buying a part that might have been used, you will be happy. The performance for the price is hard to beat, especially when you factor in the free shipping.
Final verdict
Is the AMD New Ryzen Wraith Cooler Wraith Prism Fan Original 4 PIN worth it? For most users, yes. It is a huge step up from the basic, flat fans that come with cheaper processors. It keeps things cool, it looks cool, and it leaves extra money in your wallet for other parts.
Just be ready to wait for the package to arrive, and make sure you have a little patience for the install process. If you want a reliable, good-looking cooler without spending big money, this is a smart pick for your next build.
