AeroCool Mirage 5 aRGB CPU Cooler Review: Budget-Friendly Performance?

For budget-conscious builders, the AeroCool Mirage 5 aRGB CPU Cooler promises decent cooling performance without breaking the bank. But how does it actually perform? Does it live up to the expectations set by its features, including a 60x45mm fan, 6mm x5 heatpipe, 3000RPM fan speed, and PWM 4-Pin connector? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Mirage 5, exploring its performance, features, and overall value.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The AeroCool Mirage 5 is a single-tower CPU cooler designed for entry-level to mid-range PC builds. It boasts a simple yet effective design with a sleek black finish and an addressable RGB fan that adds a touch of visual flair. This cooler aims to provide adequate cooling for everyday use and light gaming, while remaining budget-friendly.

Features

The Mirage 5 comes packed with features that are essential for efficient cooling:

• Five 6mm Heatpipes: The five copper heatpipes are responsible for quickly transferring heat from the CPU to the aluminum fins.
• 60x45mm ARGB Fan: The fan features addressable RGB lighting, allowing for customization with compatible motherboards. It delivers a decent airflow of 74.3 CFM.
• PWM 4-Pin Connector: This connector enables the fan to be controlled by the motherboard for precise fan speed adjustments based on CPU temperature.
• Wide Socket Compatibility: The Mirage 5 supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including LGA 2066, 2011, 1700, 1200, and 115X.
• Hydraulic Bearing: This type of bearing provides smooth and quiet operation.

Performance

We tested the Mirage 5 on a Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, running various benchmarks and stress tests. In our real-world usage, including web browsing, office work, and light gaming, the cooler kept the CPU temperatures under control. During demanding tasks, like video editing and gaming, the cooler did a respectable job, keeping the CPU within acceptable temperature ranges. While not as impressive as higher-end coolers, the Mirage 5 handled everyday tasks and lighter gaming workloads without any issues.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Decent cooling performance for everyday use and light gaming
• Addressable RGB fan for customization
• Wide socket compatibility
• Quiet operation

Cons:

• Not the best choice for heavy overclocking or demanding gaming
• Limited aesthetic appeal compared to higher-end coolers

Final Verdict

Overall, the AeroCool Mirage 5 aRGB CPU Cooler is a solid choice for budget-conscious builders looking for a decent cooling solution for everyday use and light gaming. While it may not be the most powerful cooler on the market, it offers a good balance of performance and affordability. If you’re on a tight budget and need a reliable cooler for your system, the Mirage 5 is worth considering.