Overview
The PCCOOLER CPS Paladin EX400 is a cost-effective air CPU cooler featuring four nickel-plated heat pipes and a 130mm PWM fan. It supports up to 180W TDP, making it suitable for mid-range to high-end CPUs. Manufactured by PCCOOLER, it is available on Amazon Japan (ASIN: B0CSJD5QQH).
Key Features
- Four nickel-plated heat pipes with an anti-oxidation protective layer ensure efficient heat transfer and long-term durability.
- The 130mm PWM fan operates at 200–1600 RPM, delivering up to 73.6 CFM of airflow while keeping noise at a maximum of 25 dBA.
- Uses a 3-pin connector compatible with motherboard PWM headers for speed control.
- Compact dimensions (130×75×157 mm) fit most ATX and MicroATX cases without clearance issues.
- Rated for 180W TDP, capable of cooling CPUs like Ryzen 7 and Core i7 under typical loads.
Compatibility Guide
Supported sockets:
- AMD: AM4
- Intel: LGA 1700 / LGA 1200 / LGA 115X (1150/1151/1155/1156)
Memory clearance is generally good due to the 157mm height; however, tall RAM heatsinks may interfere with the first slot. Check your motherboard layout.
The fan uses a 3-pin connector; connect to the CPU_FAN header. PWM control works on both 3-pin and 4-pin headers (DC mode recommended for finer control on 3-pin).
Ideal Builds
- Mid-range gaming PCs (Ryzen 5 / Core i5) where quiet operation and solid cooling are priorities.
- Budget-conscious builds that still need to cool CPUs up to 180W.
- Compact cases (mid-tower or some Mini-ITX) that can accommodate a 157mm tall cooler.
Upgrade Considerations
- While the EX400 handles 180W TDP, it may struggle with sustained heavy loads on Ryzen 9 or Core i9 CPUs. For overclocking or all-core workloads, consider a larger air cooler or 240mm+ liquid cooling.
- The 3-pin fan offers PWM control but with a slightly narrower range than 4-pin. Set your motherboard to DC mode for better speed adjustment.
- Always verify your case's maximum CPU cooler height before purchase. 157mm is standard, but slim cases may not fit.