2023 is almost over and it’s been an interesting year for new CPU coolers and cases. With an increase in CPU power demands it means that choosing the right case and CPU cooler is more important than ever. So to close out 2023, I am taking a look at my favourite cases and coolers from this year’s reviews –  here are my best budget,  high-end and overall favourite cases and CPU coolers from 2023…

Watch the video via our VIMEO Channel (Below) or over on YouTube at 2160p HERE

Timestamps:

00:00 Start
00:46 James reflects on 2023
01:07 Best Budget CPU cooler
04:09 Best High end CPU cooler
06:52 CPU Cooler of the year
09:55 Best Budget Case
13:05 Best High End Case
16:55 Case of the year
20:55 Closing remarks

Best Budget CPU Cooler: DeepCool LT720 –  OverclockersUK Price £129.95.

Features:

• Built on the company’s 4^th generation high-performance pump to maximise cooling performance via a powerful three-phase motor running at speeds of up to 3100RPM.
• The CPU block is equipped with a solid copper base redesigned with an improved microchannel cold plate to ensure optimal coolant flow.
• Powerful FK120 White high static pressure fans with a PWM operating speed range of 500-2250 RPM and low noise levels of 32.9dbA at maximum rotational speed.
• Users can synchronise their setups with RGB lighting effects from the infinity mirror design CPU block by easily connecting to a 3-pin 5V ARGB header which can then be controlled by motherboard software.
• Quick and simple installation process with newly designed brackets which are hidden when installed into the system.
• Compatible with all current Intel and AMD desktop platforms including LGA1700 and AM5.

Specifications:

• Radiator Dimensions: 402 x 120 x 27mm
• Radiator Material: Aluminum
• Pump Dimensions: 94 x 80 x 68mm
• Pump Speed: 3100 RPM±10%
• Pump Connector: 3-pin
• Pump Power Consumption: 4.56 W
• Tube length: 410 mm
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm
• Fan Speed: 500~2250 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow: 85.85 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 3.27 mmAq
• Fan Noise: ≤32.9 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Fan Power Consumption: 2.64 W
• LED Type: Addressable RGB LED
• LED Connector: 3-pin(+5V-D-G)

Best High-End CPU Cooler: Lian Li GA II LCD 360 – UNIFAN SL-INF 120 Version – OverclockersUK Price £269.99.

Features:

• Available in Black or white, 280mm and 360mm. A total of 3 versions with either 120mm / 140mm ARGB PWM fans or a 360mm version with SL-INF 120 fans and an L-Connet controller.
• Based on the Asetek Generation 8 pump design with a low-profile CPU block which is more suitable for an LCD display.
• 2.88” IPS LCD Screen with 480 x 480 resolution to display system info, images, gifs etc, controlled by Lian Li L-Connect 3 software (hub included).
• 45-degree rotary fittings on the tubing at the radiator side and 90-degree rotary fittings on the CPU block.
• 30mm thick aluminium radiator with single wave fin design.
• 6-Year warranty.

Specification:

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1700 / LGA1200 / LGA115X, AMD AM5 / AM4
• Radiator Dimensions (L x W x H) 360mm: 399.5 x 120 x 30mm
• Fan Dimensions (L x W x H): 120 x 120mm x 25mm
• Pump Speed: 3600 RPM
• Fan Speed: 2100 RPM
• Fan Airflow: 3 CFM Max
• Fan Pressure: 66 mmH2O Max
• Fan Noise Level: 29 dBA
• Fan Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Power Connector: PWM
• LCD Screen type: IPS 480 x 480 resolution
• Warranty: 6 Years

Best Overall CPU Cooler: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB – Scan.co.uk Price £169.99.

Features:

• Compatible with all current desktop platforms such as Intel LGA 1700 / 1200 / 115X etc and AMD AM4 and AM5.
• Solid copper cold plate with dense microchannel fins to boost thermal transfer, 27mm thick aluminium and rotary 90-degree fittings for easy installation in the tightest space.
• It also includes a rotatable pump top cover with addressable RGB lighting effects and EK-Loop FPT daisy chainable RGB fans for easy cable management with standard motherboard headers so no additional RGB fan controller is required.
• The included fans have a speed range of 500 -2300 RPM, maximum airflow of 72 CF and maximum noise output of 36 decibels and are daisy-chainable to reduce clutter.
• 5-year warranty.

Specifications:

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel Sockets LGA1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD Socket AM4, AM5
• Radiator Dimensions: 400 x 124 x 27 mm
• Radiator Material: Aluminum
• Fan Compatibility: 120 mm
• Pump Unit Dimensions :3 x 69.2 x 61.6 mm
• Pump Unit Material: ABS housing, ABS top ring
• Pump Speed Range: 3100 RPM ± 10%
• Pump PWM Range: 20 – 100%
• Pump Unit RGB Type: 5V Digital (Addressable)
• Pinout: 5V, D, Empty, Ground Pump RGB Cable Length: 500 mm
• Tubing Material: Ultra-Low Evaporation Rubber with Nylon Braided Sleeve
• Tubing Length: 400 mm
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm
• Fan Speed Range: 550 – 2300 ± 10%
• Fan Noise Level: 36 dB (at maximum speed)
• Fan Air Flow: 72 CFM = 122,33 m³/h (at maximum speed)
• Fan RGB Type: 5V Digital (Addressable) Pinout: 5V, D, Empty, Ground

Best Budget Case: Endorfy ARX 500 Air and ARGB – Amazon.de Price €117.88 (ARGB Version)

Features

• Spacious Interior that allows for up to seven fans to be installed – 5 x 140mm Endorfy Strutus 140 PWM fans come pre-installed in the ARX 500 Air and 4 x 140mm ARGB fans in the RGB case, fans in the ARX 500 Air are regular Black fans.
• Both cases feature a built-in 5 port PWM fan controller, a 5 port 3-pin 5v ARGB Hub is also included with the ARGB model but not in the ARX 500 Air.
• Front and top panels are heavily ventilated with perforated steel ultrafine mesh that also acts as a single-layer dust filter, so they are less airflow restrictive compared with cases that have a secondary dust filter. Both panels are easily removable for cleaning.
• A tempered glass panel is fitted to the left-hand side of the case for an unobstructed view inside the chassis.
• ARX 500 is a compact ATX case measuring 486 x 228 x 429mm but still allows for the installation of 360mm and 280mm radiators, as well as graphics cards up to 350mm long and CPU coolers up to 179mm tall.
• Front I/O Connectivity includes a single USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, individual 3.5mm audio jacks for headphones and microphone, a power button and a reset button that can be repurposed as an ARGB control button.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 486×228×429mm
• Motherboard Form Factor: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
• Graphics card clearance: 350mm
• PSU Clearance: 300mm
• CPU Cooler Clearance: 179mm
• Storage bays: 6 x 2.5”, 1 x combined 2.5”/3.5”
• Max Fan Capacity: 7
• Included Fans: 3 x Stratus 140 PWM ARGB (front), 1 x Stratus 140 PWM ARGB (rear)
• Radiator Capacity: 1 x 120/240/280/360 (front), 1 x 120/240/280 (top), 1 x 120/140 (rear)
• Dust filters: Front, Top, Bottom
• Front I/O: 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A, 2 x 3.5mm Audio, Power, Reset/LED button

Best High-End Case: Be quiet! Dark Base Pro 901 – OverclockersUK Price £319.99.

Features

• Interchangeable top covers and front panel can be switched out for either maximum airflow or virtually inaudible operation.
• Front and top fan/radiator brackets feature integrated fan hubs for easy connection, quick installation and neat cable management.
• 3 Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM fans included (2 x front and 1 x rear) for a virtually inaudible operation and optimal cooling performance.
• Touch-sensitive I/O panel for state-of-the-art fan speed adjustment and ARGB lighting effect control as well as a front I/O Qi wireless fast charging base on top of the chassis.
• Generous dimensions ensure support of E-ATX motherboards and multiple radiator installations up to 420mm long.
• Dual purpose VGA holder prevents graphics card sag and conceals cables for a tidy-looking professional install.
• A highly modular design including a flexible motherboard tray allows for inverted layouts.
• Subtle 5v ARGB lighting is integrated into the front panel and along the PSU Shroud.

Specifications:

• Motherboard compatibility – E-ATX / XL-ATX / ATX / M-ATX / Mini-ATX
• Dimensions incl. stands – 604 x 275 x 569mm (L x W x H)
• Weight (kg) – 16.3
• PSU form factor – ATX PS/2
• Expansion slots – 8
• Max CPU Cooler Height – 190mm
• Maximum Fan Installation – 3 x 120/140mm (Top), 3 x 120/140mm (Front), 3 x 120mm (Side), 1×120/140mm (rear), 1 x 120/140mm (Bottom)
• Pre-installed Fans – 2 x Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM (Front), 1x Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM (rear)
• Optional Radiator Installation – 120/240/360mm (Top), 120/240/280/360/420 (Front), 120/240/360mm (Side), 120/140mm (Rear)
• Max Graphics card Length – 495mm (Side HDD Cages removed), 350mm (Side HDD Cages Installed)
• Drive bay Capacity – 2 x 3.5” (Included) 7 x 3.5” (Max), 6 x 2.5” (Included) 16 x 2.5” (max) 1 x 5.25” (Included/Max)
• Lighting – ARGB 5V
• Front I/O Panel – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen.2 Type-C, 4 x USB 3.2 Type-A, 2 x 3.5mm Mic+Audio, 15W Qi Quick charger
• Insulation and Damping – Top, Front, Side Insulation panels, Anti Vibration Decoupled HDD, Fan, PSU and Motherboard Tray
• Removable Dust Filters – Front, Side, Bottom

Best Overall Case: Lian Li O11 Vision – OverclockersUK Price £129.99 (White).

Features:

• Lian Li has teamed up with the PC Master Race community to design a dual chamber case that elegantly displays the system and the user’s installation skills.
• The O11 Vision features 3-piece panoramic tempered glass side panels for an unobstructed view of the system to produce the ultimate look. All support frames and columns are removed.
• Three glass panels connect at the top corners into a magnetic mounting key hidden behind a white and grey gradient on the glass.
• Similar to the O11 Dynamic EVO XL case, the O11 Vision motherboard tray can be removed and adjusted between high and low positions for improved cooling options.
• The O11 Vision features a modular side panel and radiator bracket design for easy installation and quick access to the system.
• Support for up to 2 x 360mm + 1 x 240mm radiators and up to eight fans or eleven fans in push-pull radiator configuration.

Specifications:

• Case Type: Mid-Tower (dual chamber)
• Dimensions: (D) 480mm x ( W ) 304mm x (H) 464.5mm
• Material: Steel 4.0mm Tempered Glass 3.0mm Tempered Glass Aluminum
• Motherboard Support: E-ATX (Under 280mm)/ATX/Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX
• Expansion Slots: 6+1
• Storage Bays: Behind MB Tray: 3 x 2.5” SSD Hard Drive Cage: 2 X 3.5′′ HDD or 2.5′′ SSD
• Max GPU Size: 455mm (Max.)
• Max CPU Cooler Height: 167mm (Max.)
• Max PSU Size: ATX (Under 220mm)
• Fan Support: (side) 3 x 120mm / 2 x 140mm (bottom) 3 x 120mm / 3 x 140mm (Rear) 1 or 2 x 120mm
• Pre-installed fans: N/A
• Radiator Support: (side) 360 / 240 / 280mm (bottom) 360 / 240 / 280mm (rear) 240/ 120mm
• Dust Filters: Bottom x 1
• Font I/O: 1 x Power Button 1 x Reset Button 2 x USB 3.0 1 x USB Type C 1 x Audio
• LCD Screen:  N/A

KitGuru says: These are our CPU cooler and case top picks from 2023, do you agree with our choices? if not, let us know your best of list for 2023.

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