I'm trying to build a gaming pc for under $900 and I'm looking into alternative cooling for the AMD 8350 (since that is the one complaint I've read about it). My case is the nzxt Phantom 410 so just about anything should fit into it.
Right now my build is at $875 so that gives about a $50 budget for the cooler. (But I could probably stretch that a bit further given the need)
EDIT: If there is any chance the Cooler could come with thermal paste pre-applied that would be ideal.
On pcpartpicker.com I saw a Corsair H60 cooler for 49.99$. There's a 20 dollar mail-in rebate right now on newegg.
or coolermaster saidom 120 XL LC cooler.
if you wantto go for a aircooler there are many things to choose for 50 dollar max.
Coolermaster V6 GT
Coolermaster 212 Evo
Phanteks PH-TC12DX
Xigmatek Dark Knight II
Phanteks PH-TC12DX
Cooler master TPC 812
Arctic Cooling i30
Thermaltake Frio
Thats all ive been able to find that would be worth the money, personally id go with the Xigmatek or Phanteks though.
Night gave the best advice here. I'd really recommend the Dark Knight II as well.
research your MB choice against those huge aircoolers to avoid ram fit issues.
also consider the reliable Noctua NH-D14
ps, the Noctua NH-D14 comes with termal paste
lol thermal
Xigmatek Dark Knight II
This will suit all your needs, and is relatively small compared to other CPU heatsinks.
Or, you could save up and get a Noctua NH-D14. But keep in mind, that CPU headsink is freaking huge and won't let you have high profile RAM.