10 best CPU coolers

Heavy loads placed on a modern central processor lead to an inevitable increase in temperature indicators. Intense heating is fraught with increased noise in operation (due to the maximum speed of the native "boxed" cooler), overheating of the CPU, frequent random reboots, the danger of failure of the processor and motherboard. To ensure the long-term operation of all PC components, it is important to take care of their sufficient cooling, therefore, consider purchasing a high-quality computer fan. And since they have a different structure, efficiency and compatibility with processors, first of all, let's turn to the main selection criteria. Next, let's take a look at the best coolers for Intel and Ryzen processors.

What do they look for when choosing CPU coolers?

1. Cooler type. Everything is simple here. Boxed coolers are those that the processor manufacturer equips its product with. However, their efficiency is insignificant, akin to an integrated video card, which cannot compete with a full-fledged discrete card. For serious (including gaming) systems, tower coolers are suitable, with an aluminum radiator, a large fan and, which is not uncommon, copper heat pipes. Hybrid devices are also produced, their difference from the tower ones is the blowing of the near-socket space; they are expensive, but often more effective. There is an even more efficient alternative to coolers - liquid cooling systems, but this is a fundamentally different solution.
2. Compatibility. The most elementary criterion, but forgetting about it is unacceptable. Make sure that the cooler fits the required processor socket (we are talking about the socket programming interface).
3. Physical dimensions. The cooler must fit into the case and not affect other components of the system unit. Chassis specifications often include information on maximum CPU cooler heights.
4. Dissipated power. The unit of measurement for this value is watt. This indicator allows you to understand how much heat the cooling system can take away. Manufacturers often indicate an overestimated value for their products, so we recommend taking with a margin. For example, for an overclocked Ryzen 5 2600, the power dissipation of the cooler should be at least 130 W, ideally more. Savings in this case will result in serious heating in games.
5. The presence of heat pipes. In the days of weak processors, which did not show high temperatures even with a "native" cooler, there was no need to transfer heat to cooling surfaces. However, the increase in CPU performance has led to an increase in the amount of heat generated and the appearance of heat pipes on the coolers. Since the efficiency of such tubes is not affected by their physical parameters, it is necessary to rely on their number. More generally, the better.
6. Fan parameters. There is an opinion that the number of fan revolutions "decides" on the cooling efficiency. In fact, the physical dimensions of the turntable are much more important. With a large impeller diameter, more air is taken in per revolution, so the rotation speed can be reduced without compromising temperatures, and with it the noise of the cooler. That is, a 120 mm fan at 1200 rpm should work more efficiently than an 80 mm fan at 2400 rpm. There is also a difference in the type of bearing. Ball bearing (hydrodynamic) type is durable and quiet, while Slide bearning ("sliding") is worse in this regard.
7. Maximum air flow. Not all manufacturers provide such information, but we still recommend asking about this on the official website of the manufacturer of the selected model. This parameter directly measures the efficiency of the cooling unit, in cubic feet per minute.
8. Power connector. The 4-pin connector allows you to manually control the fan speed, adjust them to suit your conditions. The 3-pin does not have this option.

Best Budget CPU Coolers

You don't have to buy an expensive cooling system to keep your processor warm to normal. Budget coolers (up to 3,000 rubles) can also cope with this task, especially if your "stone" itself does not tend to high temperatures.

5 Deepcool ICE BLADE 100

Let's start, by tradition, with the cheapest, but at the same time worthy of attention, product. This small cooler has a fan diameter of only 92 mm, which is enough for cooling inexpensive processors of not the newest model. So, Intel sockets 1150/51, 1155/56 and "amd-shny" FM2 / FM2 +, AM3 / AM3 +, as well as some outdated connectors are supported.

To a certain extent, the small size of the fan is compensated for by its high rotation speed - up to 2200 rpm. The maximum noise level is 31.6 dB, although some users say the turntable is noisy. The use of the patented Core Touch Technology offers better grip on the processor surface. Deepcool has an excellent reputation in this market segment, and even a mini device from the company like the ICE BLADE 100 has been able to become in demand.

Pros:

• Optimal for small cases and weak processors
• Low price
• Socket versatility
• Light weight, saving space in the system unit

Minuses:

• Small fan
• Not the quietest in operation, you cannot adjust the speed

4 PCcooler GI-X6R

An efficient cooler in terms of technical parameters, high-quality according to customer reviews and an attractively priced cooler from a little-known brand. In the wake of the popularity of the GI-X5R model, which has some significant drawbacks, an improved version, the GI-X6R, with a beautiful red backlight came out. This is a great aesthetic plus if the cover of the computer case is transparent or open.

The fan speed is a minimum of 1000 and a maximum of 1800 rpm, the air flow rate is 35-65 CFM, with a maximum noise level of up to 26.5 dB. Power Dissipation Capability - TDP 160W. Many sockets are supported, including Intel LGA115x and the relatively new AMD AM4. The warranty period is 1 year. Among the shortcomings, there is a meager configuration in the form of thermal paste and a plastic frame with clamps.

Pros:

• Effective heat dissipation
• 5 heat pipes
• No noise at work
• Backlight
• Replacement of the stock fan is possible

Minuses:

• Tight fastening latches
• The "sole" is carelessly processed

3 Zalman CNPS10X Optima

A budget option from a well-known manufacturer, which has received many reviews from users, mostly positive. The cooler of a vertical design has copper pipes (in the amount of four) and dissipates up to 130 watts of heat. The radiator is made of a combination of aluminum and copper. The cooler's fan rotates at a speed of 1000 to 1700 rpm. It copes with the task of cooling the processor perfectly, but it is difficult to call it completely silent. The "tower" itself does not get warm at all, even under intense gaming loads.

In the package you can find thermal paste (of very good quality) and several mounts for different sockets. The easiest installation awaits owners of a motherboard with an AM3 connector.

Pros:

• Quality cooling
• ZM-STG2M thermal paste included
• Universal mounts for all sockets
• Secure fit on the motherboard
• It is possible to install a second fan

Minuses:

• Not a very simple installation, requires studying the instructions
• Poor grinding of the contact surface with the processor

2 Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO (RR-212E-16PK-R1)

"Old doesn't mean useless." Released in 2011, as a representative of the third generation of Cooler Master in 2007, this cooler is still capable of quietly, with comfortable acoustic pressure, cooling powerful processors, even under overclocking loads. What, in fact, explains its relevance in the market.

The single-tower design and direct contact heat exchanger are complemented by 4 flattened tubes that completely cover the heated part of the processor, which gives a much better heat dissipation compared to the closed base design. Even overclocked modern Ryzen processors cannot leave this cooler out of business. The universal mounting system allows installation on the LGA 2011-V3 socket.

Pros:

• Effective cooling
• Noiselessness
• Vertical and horizontal installation
• Possibility to replace the fan
• Excellent thermal paste included

Minuses:

• Difficulties with fixing to the processor

1 Deepcool GAMMAXX 300

The most popular cooler that works out its price by 200%. In terms of price-quality ratio, this solution is practically unmatched. The GAMMAXX 300 does an excellent job of cooling lower and mid-range processors, with power dissipation reaching 125W. If you need to cool a top-end "stone", then you need a corresponding cooler segment.

The model is universal, suitable for almost all processor models. The kit includes the necessary mounts and soles. For the production of the radiator, aluminum fins were used, supplemented with 3 copper pipes. The fan does not make much noise even at maximum speed, which can be 1600 rpm. The air flow is 40 CFM.

Pros:

• Excellent reputation among the people
• Effective cooling
• Relatively quiet operation
• Reliability
• Best value for money
• Automatic fan speed control

Minuses:

• Inconvenient clamps with unreliable plastic "ears"
• Tight mount for AMD

Best premium CPU coolers

A powerful gaming system requires increased cooling, which primitive budget coolers cannot provide. For serious tasks, you need a more powerful device. And even if the costs for it may exceed expectations, your processor will forget what high temperatures are for many years, and under any possible load.

5 Deepcool fryzen

The best cooler for Ryzen CPUs is Fryzen. Deepcool is positioning this product as one of the best options for the super-powerful AMD Ryzen Threadripper processor. Despite the standard fan diameter (120 mm), the cooler has a fairly large base area. The striking design with RGB lighting on the blades catches the eye at first glance.

Maximum Power Dissipation 250W, Airflow 64 CFM. The manufacturer did not hesitate to announce a fairly high noise threshold - 41.5 dB, which is more than that of many analogs. In the complete set you can find a syringe tube with thermal paste, high reliability mounts, power adapters. Buyers note the quality of the aluminum frame and the durability of the radiator.

Pros:

• Solid copper base
• X-shaped fan cover with LEDs
• Cute design
• Relatively easy installation
• Easy dust removal

Minuses:

• Small fan relative to competitors
• Heavy weight

4 be quiet! DARK ROCK PRO 4

There have been decent solutions in this model line before, but the fourth generation has undergone several important changes. Of course, if your processor is equipped with DARK ROCK 3, there is no point in changing it to the 4th PRO, but if the choice is between buying "3" and "4", it is better to prefer a newer sample, given the absence of a fundamental difference in price.

What changed? The radiator is painted strictly black; ceramic particles are used in the coating. The cooler has acquired new Silent Wings 3 fans, which are supported by the noiselessness of the three-phase motor and the reduced power consumption. Also improved mounting and easier installation on the CPU.

What can you boast of in general? The model performs well in reviewers' tests, showing noiselessness during overclocking. Supports processors with a TDP of 250W. There is potential for equal competition with liquid cooling systems.

Pros:

• 2 fans + 7 heat pipes
• Style and severity of appearance
• Quiet in all modes
• Elegant packaging and equipment
• Clever mount

Minuses:

• Price with 120mm fan
• MicroATX overlaps the nearest RAM slot

3 Thermalright Archon IB-E X2

For a lower price than DARK ROCK PRO 4, you get a powerful cooler with a 140mm fan diameter, versatile and with a rich package. The model bypasses many competitors in various test scenarios, and all thanks to the presence of the second standard fan. And even though it has a rather thin radiator, this does not prevent it from competing with large counterparts with double radiators.

The maximum noise level is 21 dB, although experts note that at high fan speeds the cooler's operation is quite audible. But the maximum power dissipation is an impressive 320 watts. Due to the size of the device, it is recommended to check compatibility if you wish to place it in a narrow case.

Pros:

• Two fans
• High power dissipation
• AM4 socket support out of the box
• Does not overlap the first RAM slot
• Fits perfectly in ATX cases
• Reliability and simplicity of design

Minuses:

• Noise at high rpm

2 Noctua NH-D15S

The second line is a lighter version of our first line. With the release of Noctua NH-D15S, the Austrian manufacturer managed to eliminate the problem of compatibility between the cooler and other components of the system unit - RAM and video card, thanks to an asymmetric radiator. In addition, the NH-D15S offered the efficiency of the NH-D15 at the price of the NH-U14S, which caught the attention of buyers.

Unlike the older version, this one received only one fan. The serious price of the device is due to the high-quality cooling of the hottest "ovens" with minimal noise output. Full versatility, ease of mounting and the ability to install a second fan are provided. Buying such a cooler, you will forever forget about checking the temperature of your processor, compatibility issues and intrusive noise.

Pros:

• Quiet and efficient
• Durable fan
• Secure attachment SecuFirm2
• 6 years manufacturer's warranty
• High quality thermal paste for repeated use
• Mini-ITX compatible

Minuses:

• Dimensions and weight
• Price

1 Noctua NH-D15

Looking for a good Intel CPU cooler? Your choice is Noctua NH-D15. The flagship solution that replaces the NH-D14 and proves that even higher efficiency with lower noise levels can be shown in the cooling of computer processors. This became possible with new fans and a slightly redesigned design. From its predecessor, the model has adopted high production quality, easy installation, generous equipment and a 6-year warranty.

The best use case is Intel LGA2011 connectors or ATX boards (or larger) with new AMD sockets. For the MicroATX form factor, this is not the best solution. In the 30-minute stability test of AIDA64, the maximum heating was 55 degrees, and at the highest fan speeds.

There is a solution with a black color Chromax.black, released especially for those who have not “entered” the branded milk-chocolate color of Noctua products.

Pros:

• Highly efficient cooling
• Reliability and durability
• Rich equipment
• Quality service from Noctua
• No noise
• Excellent thermal paste

Minuses:

• Massiveness
• Price

What is the best PC cooler to buy in 2020?

In fact, not everyone needs to buy a cooler to replace a boxed one, and not always. Most often, the owners of AMD processors turn to this question, the FX-4xxx and FX-8xxx lines come to mind, which could easily heat a room of 10m2.

As soon as you start to notice that the fan noise is growing, spontaneous computer reboots appear, and the CPU temperature rises above 60-70 degrees, then there is an urgent need for a new air cooling system. You should also think about purchasing it when assembling a productive gaming system.

A budget cooler with limited cooling efficiency and modest technical parameters is suitable for most computers, since it will still not allow the CPU to heat up to critical levels. It makes sense to use expensive coolers and advanced water cooling systems only under critical loads on the computer hardware, when the purchase of such coolers is dictated by an urgent need. The rule "what is the processor, so is the cooler" comes into effect.