The Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan is the best am3+ cooler for most buyers because its two fin stacks provide more cooling surface than a basic single-tower design. Its 120mm PWM fan can also adjust speed with processor temperature, which helps balance cooling and noise during everyday use.
This guide is for anyone upgrading an older AMD AM3+ desktop, replacing a noisy stock heatsink, or building a budget gaming PC. Check two details first: socket mounting support and cooler height, since a large tower may not fit smaller cases. Fin material, heat-pipe design, and fan size also affect how well each unit handles sustained processor loads. The five picks below are ranked with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan | High-heat gaming PC builds | ~$30 | View → |
| 2 | CPU Air Cooler with 120mm Fan | Budget 120mm cooling upgrades | ~$24 | View → |
| 3 | upHere Dual-Fan CPU Air Cooler | Quiet dual-fan workstation builds | ~$28 | View → |
| 4 | AMD Wraith Prism CPU Cooler Fan | AMD Ryzen RGB replacements | ~$45 | View → |
| 5 | Jungle Leopard TK1 ARGB CPU Water Cooler | ARGB liquid-cooling enthusiasts | ~$45 | View → |
5 AM3+ CPU Coolers Worth Considering
Here are five AM3+ CPU coolers, ranked from solid budget choices down to our top pick.
5. Jungle Leopard TK1 ARGB CPU Water Cooler
Best for: Budget 360mm RGB gaming builds
The Jungle Leopard TK1 is a 360mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler with three 120mm PWM fans and an ARGB pump cover. Its infinite-mirror pump design adds lighting around the CPU block, while the included hardware supports Intel LGA115X, 1200, 1700, 1366, 2011, and 2066 sockets. AMD support covers FM2, FM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, and AM5. At around $45, it targets buyers who want a large cooler without spending premium-brand prices.
The pump measures 76 x 82 x 50mm and runs at up to 2,400RPM, with a listed noise rating of 27dBA. Each 120 x 120 x 25mm fan uses an HDB bearing and runs from 800 to 1,800RPM, though the listing also references speeds up to 2,000RPM. Airflow is rated at 75CFM, with 1.2mmH2O static pressure. The cooler is listed to support up to 280W of CPU heat and includes a three-year warranty. Installation hardware covers the listed platforms, but a 360mm radiator still needs a compatible case.
Pros
- Broad Intel and AMD socket support, including AM5 and LGA1700.
- Three PWM fans provide 75CFM airflow and adjustable speed control.
- Three-year warranty adds coverage for a budget-priced cooler.
Cons
- A 360mm radiator will not fit many compact or mid-size cases.
- Published fan-speed figures conflict, listing both 1,800RPM and 2,000RPM maximums.
4. AMD Wraith Prism CPU Cooler Fan
Best for: Ryzen owners needing a genuine replacement
The AMD Wraith Prism is a stock-style CPU cooler for compatible desktop systems. It uses a four-pin fan connector and supports AM2, AM3, AM3+, and AM4 motherboards. That broad socket range makes it useful for replacing a damaged cooler or matching an older Ryzen build. AMD lists it as an official branded part, rather than a generic aftermarket substitute.
Its aluminum heat sink uses a copper-core base and direct-contact heat pipes to move heat away from the processor. Thermal paste comes pre-applied, so installation requires less preparation, though users should confirm the paste condition before mounting. A switchable fan profile provides a choice between standard operation and a more aggressive overclock-oriented setting. At around $45, it costs more than many basic AM4 coolers. Its value depends on finding the correct mounting hardware and wanting an original AMD design.
Pros
- Supports AM2, AM3, AM3+, and AM4 sockets.
- Copper-core base and direct-contact heat pipes aid heat transfer.
- Pre-applied thermal paste simplifies installation.
Cons
- Around $45, it costs more than several entry-level replacement coolers.
- Compatibility does not guarantee mounting hardware is included for every desktop case or motherboard setup.
3. upHere Dual-Fan CPU Air Cooler
Best for: Budget gaming and mainstream builds
The upHere CPU air cooler uses a dual-tower design with six 6 mm heat pipes. Those pipes connect to a 30 mm direct-contact area, moving processor heat into the fin stacks. Two 120 mm fans push air through the cooler at up to 1,600 RPM, with a rated airflow of 68.2 CFM. Around $28, it targets buyers who want more cooling capacity than a basic stock cooler without paying for liquid cooling.
Socket support covers current AMD AM5 and AM4 chips, along with AM3-series processors. Intel support includes LGA 1700, 1851, 1150, 1155, 1156, 2011, and 2066 platforms. The fans use 4-pin connectors and run from a 12V supply. The listed noise rating stays below 25.6 dB(A), although that figure applies to the manufacturer’s stated operating conditions. Fan installation does not require removing the motherboard, and the layout leaves room for many taller memory modules.
Pros
- Six 6 mm heat pipes and two towers provide substantial heat-transfer capacity.
- Dual 120 mm fans offer up to 68.2 CFM of airflow.
- Broad AMD and Intel socket support suits many upgrade builds.
Cons
- The cooler’s height is not listed, so case-clearance checks are necessary before buying.
- At 1,600 RPM, fan noise and performance may vary with motherboard controls and workload.
2. CPU Air Cooler with 120mm Fan
Best for: Budget gaming and office PCs
This tower-style CPU air cooler uses four 6 mm heat pipes and a 120 mm fan to move heat away from the processor. The heat pipes make direct contact across a 25 mm area, which can help transfer heat during sustained workloads. Its 6.1-inch height fits many mid-tower cases, but buyers should check case clearance before ordering.
The fan runs up to 1,650 rpm, with a listed airflow of 68.2 CFM and noise below 26 dB(A). A 4-pin, 12V connector works with most modern motherboard fan headers. Support covers Intel sockets such as LGA 1700, 1851, 1200, 1155, 2011, and 2066, plus AMD AM5, AM4, AM3, AM2, FM2, and FM1 families. The fan attaches without removing the motherboard, and its layout leaves space around the memory slots. At around $24, it offers a low-cost alternative to many stock coolers.
Pros
- Four 6 mm heat pipes provide more heat-transfer capacity than basic aluminum heatsinks.
- The 120 mm fan delivers a listed 68.2 CFM at up to 1,650 rpm.
- Broad Intel and AMD socket support helps fit older and newer systems.
Cons
- The 6.1-inch height may not fit compact cases or narrow side panels.
- There is no stated thermal design power rating, so buyers of high-wattage CPUs should seek a cooler with clearer capacity limits.
1. Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan
Best for: Budget gaming and workstation PCs
This dual-tower air cooler uses six heat pipes to move heat away from the CPU. The listing describes two 120mm PWM fans, with speed control up to 1,650 RPM and a claimed noise level of 25 dB or less. That setup should suit gaming, rendering, and other sustained workloads better than a small stock cooler. At around $30, it targets buyers who want more cooling without adding liquid components or pump noise.
Socket support is broad. It includes AMD AM5, AM4, AM3, AM2, FM2, and FM1, along with Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, and 2066. The design is advertised as RAM-friendly and quick to install, with no need to remove the fan during setup. Still, the product page does not state the cooler’s height, weight, or supported CPU wattage. Check your case clearance and memory layout before ordering. The listed compatibility also includes some unusual socket entries, so confirm your exact motherboard socket first.
Pros
- Six heat pipes and a dual-tower layout provide more cooling surface than basic single-tower designs.
- Two 120mm PWM fans can adjust speed with CPU temperature.
- Broad AM5, AM4, LGA 1700, and LGA 1851 support covers many current builds.
Cons
- The cooler’s height and CPU wattage limit are not provided.
- Dual-tower coolers can interfere with tall RAM or narrow cases, despite the RAM-clearance claim.
Buying Guide
The most important factor is rated cooling capacity, because many AM3+ FX processors run hot under sustained loads. Choose a heatsink and fan rated for at least your CPU’s listed TDP, with extra headroom for overclocking.
- AM3+ mounting support: Confirm the product page lists AM3 and AM3+, not only AM4, AM5, or Intel sockets. A cooler without the correct bracket will not install securely.
- Thermal rating: For a 125-watt FX-8350, target a cooler rated for 150 watts or more. Overclockers should look for 180 to 220 watts.
- Heatsink size: A tower measuring 120 to 160 mm tall often fits mid-tower cases, but compare its height with your case’s CPU clearance before ordering.
- Fan noise and control: Prefer a 120 mm PWM fan with a 500 to 1,800 RPM range. A stated noise level near 30 dBA or lower suits office use.
- Price and included parts: Budget $25 to $45 for a basic tower cooler. Check for thermal paste, AM3+ brackets, and a second-fan clip for push-pull airflow.
If you cannot have everything, prioritize verified AM3+ mounting and cooling capacity over lighting or extra accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a cooler for an AM3+ processor?
Choose an AM3+ cooler by checking socket support, rated heat capacity, cooler height, and your case’s airflow. Start with your processor’s thermal design power, then select a unit rated above it. A tower cooler with a 120 mm fan often needs about 155 to 165 mm of clearance, so measure the case before buying.
What coolers are compatible with an AM3+ motherboard?
AM3+ processors usually work with coolers that list AM3, AM2+, or AM2 support, but the mounting bracket must match. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility list before ordering, since some older models need a separate bracket. Many standard tower coolers use 120 mm fans and support several AMD socket generations.
Can an AM3+ cooler handle an FX-8350?
Yes, a capable aftermarket AM3+ cooler can handle an FX-8350 if it supports at least the chip’s 125-watt thermal design power and your case has adequate airflow. A 120 mm tower with a copper heatpipe base is a common choice, while a small stock-style heatsink may run hotter and louder.
Are low-profile coolers good for AM3+ CPUs?
Low-profile AM3+ coolers are suitable for compact cases, but larger tower models usually provide more cooling headroom for high-wattage chips. Check the case’s maximum CPU cooler height, since compact designs may allow only 55 to 75 mm. A low-profile unit can fit that space, but it may produce more fan noise during heavy workloads.
Conclusion
Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan is the strongest pick for AM3+ owners who want lower processor temperatures and quieter everyday operation without moving to liquid cooling. If your priority is a smaller case, easier installation, or a lower upfront cost, choose a compact single-tower heatsink instead, even if it gives up some cooling capacity. Before buying, double-check the cooler’s height, AM3+ compatibility, included fan quantity, and current price, since listings and bundles can change. Also confirm your case has enough room around the memory slots and that the mounting kit supports your motherboard. A cooler that fits these details can provide a safer, more practical upgrade for an older AMD system.
