I was convinced that spending more on a fancy CPU cooler was always necessary for any build. After a friend's budget system outperformed mine in thermals, I dug into several build guides focusing on case airflow and fan placement. By adjusting my fan configuration based on those guides, I achieved better cooling with my existing inexpensive cooler. Now I see that system balance matters more than any single component's price tag. What build guide tips have unexpectedly solved a persistent issue for you?
