Keeping your computer's CPU cool is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Excess heat can cause throttling, instability, and shortened component lifespan, the whole nine. Now, at this point, you're probably wondering "Hey, what is the best CPU cooler I can install to keep my computer frosty cold?" If you are, then don't sweat it, (God, we love puns) we've got you covered.
In this article, we will cover both air coolers and all-in-one liquid coolers, based on factors like noise levels, cooling performance, price, aesthetics, and compatibility. Whether you're looking to tame your overclocked i9 processor or simply want to upgrade the stock cooler that came with your CPU, you'll find the right pick for your needs here. Let's dive in.
Updated on May 2, 2024, by Sai Vsr: In this little update, we come bearing an impressive Dual Tower setup - the Scythe Fuma 3. Check it out below.
Scythe Fuma 3 Air Cooler
Best Dual Tower See at AmazonCryorig C7 Cu
Best Compact See at AmazonNoctua NH-L12S
Best Low-Profile See at AmazoniCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT
Best RGB $206 at Best BuyNZXT Kraken Z63
Best High-End $255 at Best Buy- See More
Noctua NH-D15
Best Mid-Range See at AmazonCooler Master Hyper 212 EVO V2
Best Low-End $60 at Walmart
Best CPU Coolers
Best Dual TowerScythe Fuma 3 Air Cooler
Two's better.
The Scythe Fuma 3 is a powerful dual-tower CPU air cooler with a compact 154mm height, perfect for high-end builds or small form-factor cases. Its asymmetric design ensures full RAM clearance while delivering exceptional cooling performance.
Pros & Cons- Excellent cooling performance.
- Asymmetric design provides full RAM clearance on all slots.
- Compact 154mm height for compatibility with small form-factor cases.
- Larger footprint may cause clearance issues in compact cases.
Looking for a dynamite cooling solution that's big on performance while being petite? Enter the Scythe Fuma 3 CPU air cooler. It may not tower over the competition in terms of size (it's a petite 154mm high), but it sure pulls its weight when it comes to keeping things frosty.
Now, what makes this little big guy tick? For starters, it boasts an asymmetric design. The heatsink towers offset layout not only gives your RAM slots some breathing room (no matter how skyscraper-like they may be), but it also boosts airflow and heat transfer efficiency.
And the airflow is taken care of by a duo of 120mm Kaze Flex PWM fans. These bad boys spin in opposite directions, which amps up the static pressure for improved airflow through the thick fin array. Also, they know how to keep it down – they run at a maximum of 30 dBA at full throttle.
When it comes to installation, it's a bit of a project due to the dual-tower design (we did say petite, not simplistic), but no worries. Scythe’s got you covered with all the necessary hardware and an instruction manual detailed enough to guide even a tech newbie to success.
Best CompactCryorig C7 Cu
For those who like tinier builds.
Engineered for small form factor builds, the all-copper Cryorig C7 CU delivers exceptional cooling in a tiny footprint. With 4 heatpipes, a 92mm fan, 115W TDP, support for the latest sockets, and a 30 dBA noise level, it offers silent yet powerful performance.
Pros & Cons- 92mm fan provides solid airflow at 40.5 CFM and 30dBA.
- 115W TDP capacity handles modern high-end CPUs.
- Compact 97mm width and 47mm height fit most ITX/mATX cases.
- Smaller 92mm fan requires fast 2500RPM speed for cooling.
The Cryorig C7 CU is a mini cooling beast ready to take on hot temps in small form factor builds. This itty-bitty all-copper CPU cooler may not look like much at first glance, standing at a mere 97mm wide and 47mm tall, but man can it pack a punch when it comes to cooling performance. Designed to fit nicely in cramped ITX and mATX cases, the C7 CU still manages to cram in four copper heat pipes and a dense copper fin array to give the heat dissipation capabilities a solid boost over aluminum alternatives.
Out of the box, the C7 includes a 92mm fan optimized for high air pressure through the dense heatsink array. Spinning up to 2500 RPM, it tops out at 40.5 CFM airflow while maintaining a subtle noise profile at just 30dBA. Sure, the installation takes a tiny bit more effort than your typical coolers due to the orientation and everything, but honestly? The results speak for themselves with effective cooling that remains remarkably quiet.
Best AIOEVGA CLCx 280mm Liquid Cooler
Everything in one place.
The EVGA CLCx 280 mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler rocks a vivid 2.1-inch 480x480 RGB LCD right on the pump housing for monitoring temps and customizing lighting effects. With a large 280 mm aluminum radiator and two quiet 140 mm hydro dynamic bearing PWM fans, this premium AIO cooler keeps your overclocked Intel or AMD CPU chilled.
Pros & Cons- Interactive LCD screen displays temps and allows customization.
- Quiet hydro dynamic bearing fans optimize airflow and noise.
- ARGB lighting on fans and LCD creates cool visual effects.
- Large radiator may not fit in some smaller PC cases.
- Fans max out at moderate 2380RPM speed for 140mm models.
When it comes to all-in-one liquid CPU coolers, EVGA's new CLCx 280 mm model makes quite a splash. With its fancy integrated 480x480 RGB LCD on the pump housing, this cooler brings some high-tech style and customization options to your build. If you're wondering whether it's all flashy lights or actual solid performance, we're happy to report that this AIO delivers on both fronts.
Let's start with the basics. Installation is a breeze, just like most closed-loop systems today. EVGA has all the parts pre-filled and connected; the pump, radiator, fans, tubing, the works. Slap on the mounting brackets, screw it into your Intel or AMD CPU socket, apply some thermal paste, and you're good to go.
Now on to the good stuff. This 280 mm radiator is a beast, measuring a lengthy 313 mm. With all that surface area for dissipation and two 140 mm PWM fans pushing air through, this cooling system laughs in the face of a hot, overclocked processor. But what really makes this cooler stand out is, of course, the slick integrated LCD screen.
The crisp 480x480 display lets you view temps and fan speeds right on the pump housing. But it also adds some flashy visuals to your rig! Overall, EVGA put together a solid AIO performer here with customizable lights and visuals that give your rig some high-tech flavor.
Best Low-ProfileNoctua NH-L12S
Compact and powerful.
The NH-L12S is Noctua's ultra-compact, low-profile CPU cooler that still delivers premium performance. With its clever flexible design and quiet 120mm fan, it's ideal for small form factor builds and HTPCs.
Pros & Cons- Very compact 70mm height fits in small cases.
- Quiet cooling from 120mm PWM fan.
- SecuFirm2 mounting for easy install.
- Not suitable for overclocking or very high TDP CPUs.
- Limited compatibility with tall RAM modules.
As the latest version in their famous NH-L12 low-profile CPU cooler line, it brings premium cooling to small form factor builds and home theater PCs. Now, we know what you're thinking. How can such a tiny cooler deliver serious performance? Well, let us break it down for you.
Right off the bat, you can tell this thing is built to last. The aluminum fins and copper heatpipes just ooze quality. Fitting it onto your CPU is a breeze too, thanks to Noctua's clever SecuFirm2 mounting system. And don't get us started on the extras they toss in the box, we're talking thermal paste, low-noise adapters, anti-vibration pads...the whole shebang.
But let's talk about the star of the show, the NF-A12x15 120 mm fan. This slim PWM fan is custom-designed to be near silent even when spinning fast. It makes the previous 92 mm fan look downright old-fashioned. With the included low-noise adapter, you can slow it down to a quiet murmur. And here's the brilliant part: you can install it on top of the heatsink for RAM clearance, or underneath for a super slim 70 mm height. If your working space is limited but cooling is something of a concern for you, this low-profile cooler is really hard to beat.
Best RGBiCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT
Who likes monotones anyway?
Keep your overclocked Intel or AMD CPU chill with the seriously cool Corsair H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT. This stylish all-in-one liquid cooler boasts a 360 mm radiator, RGB lighting, and quiet operation for high performance.
Pros & Cons- Triple 120mm RGB ELITE fans provide max airflow and style.
- Corsair iCUE software enables customized cooling profiles.
- 10-year warranty gives long-term peace of mind.
- Potential for pump noise at high speeds.
- Radiator size limits case compatibility.
Sporting a massive 360 mm radiator and three 120 mm CORSAIR AF RGB ELITE PWM fans, the H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT offers an enormous cooling surface area for dissipating heat from some of today's most power-hungry CPUs. The ELITE series fans are optimized for static pressure and airflow, thanks to anti-vortex vanes that improve consistency across the radiator fins. With a speed ranging from 400 to 2,400 RPM, these fans can deliver massive airflow. Plus, when you need whisper-quiet cooling operation, the zero RPM mode has your back.
And let's not forget those killer RGB lighting effects, courtesy of the super-bright CAPELLIX LEDs embedded in the pump head. We're talking 33 ultra-bright LEDs shining through the frosted pump cap to put on an amazing light show. Hook it up with Corsair's iCUE software, and you've got complete control over cooling profiles, fan speeds, pump speeds, and, of course, some really cool RGB customizations.
Of course, being Corsair, you know this cooler is built to last with premium materials. And you can always upgrade the snazzy LCD kit if you want to pimp it out with an integrated screen showing off coolant temps, CPU clocks, or fully customized graphics and animations.
Best High-EndNZXT Kraken Z63
No compromises.
The NZXT Kraken Z brings high-performance liquid cooling to your CPU with a slick customizable LCD display for monitoring temps and usage. Customize your rig with animated GIFs, precision cooling from the 140mm radiator and Aer P fans, and intuitive controls through NZXT CAM software.
Pros & Cons- Aer P 140mm fans optimize airflow and keep noise levels low.
- Rotatable pump head fits in tight spaces.
- 400 mm reinforced rubber tubing is durable and resists kinks.
- Additional AM5 bracket not included.
- Pump noise may be audible at max speeds.
When it comes to high-end liquid coolers, the NZXT Kraken Z LCD takes things to a whole new level. With its slick integrated 2.36” display, you can monitor key stats like CPU temp and fan speeds right on the cooler itself, something that's a major step up from past designs. Plus, NZXT includes all the mounting hardware you'll need for Intel and AMD platforms.
At the heart of this bad boy is a pump that cranks from 800 up to 2800 RPM. It works together with the two Aer P 140 mm fans to push some seriously good airflow. The fans use fluid bearings, so they run smooth and quiet, even when ramping up speed during intense gaming or workload sessions. You can also tweak the fan curves and noise levels through NZXT's CAM software.
Where the Kraken Z LCD really excels, though, is the customization and aesthetics. The display is crazy bright at 650 nits and can show 24-bit color. In CAM, you can upload animated GIFs and personalize the cooler with your own images, logos, or looping animations. Additionally, the pump head rotates in 90 degree turns, so you can have the display upright or sideways, depending on your preferences.
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Best Mid-RangeNoctua NH-D15
All-black excellence.
With the same excellent cooling performance and quiet operation as the original NH-D15, the all-black chromax.black version lets you experience Noctua's premium dual-tower heatsink design stealthily. Built with a proven dual-tower layout, NF-A15 fans, and SecuFirm2 mounting, it provides potent cooling with an understated style.
Pros & Cons- Stealthy all-black color scheme.
- Easy to install SecuFirm2 mounting.
- Virtually inaudible quiet operation.
When it comes to premium air cooling on a mid-range budget, Noctua's NH-D15 has been the reigning champ for years. And now, folks, Noctua has released an all-black version for those who wanna sneak in some stealthy aesthetics to match the trademark killer performance.
The NH-D15 chromax.black retains the same dimensions, standing 160 mm tall and 150 mm wide. The dual-tower heatsink itself uses copper for the base and heatpipes, with aluminum for the fins, a classic combo. This is paired with two 140 mm NF-A15 PWM fans that can hit 1500RPM, blasting serious airflow over those tightly packed fins. Together they can actually dissipate up to 300W of heat, which is just bonkers for even the most power-hungry overclocked CPUs.
Best Low-EndCooler Master Hyper 212 EVO V2
Mo' money, mo' problems.
The reinvented Hyper 212 EVO V2 delivers upgraded cooling performance and hassle-free installation with its redesigned heatsink, SickleFlow fan, and universal mounting brackets. The asymmetrical heat pipe layout ensures complete RAM clearance while the Direct Contact pipes and aluminum fins provide effective heat dissipation from the CPU.
Pros & Cons- Direct contact heat pipes provide maximum heat transfer from CPU.
- Asymmetrical design ensures clearance for tall RAM modules.
- Low-noise SickleFlow fan optimizes airflow and acoustics.
- Mounting mechanism may feel flimsy to some users.
- Not the best option for extreme overclocking.
Right out of the gate, the 212 EVO V2 makes an awesome first impression with its slick black aluminum fins and shiny direct contact heat pipes. Design-wise, Cooler Master got smart with an asymmetrical pipe layout to avoid blocking any RAM slots.
But enough about looks, it's really about performance.
This is where the 212 EVO V2 pulls ahead of its predecessor with the new SickleFlow 120 mm fan. Its custom blade design kicks out great airflow while keeping noise low and controlled. You can crank it to max RPM without it getting overly loud or whiny. The 4-pin PWM fan control and 160,000 hour lifespan are sweet bonuses too.
For daily use, the 212 EVO V2 runs cool and nearly silent thanks to that smart SickleFlow fan. Only really crushing tasks like gaming and rendering ramo up the fan speeds. But then again, considering the price point, this is about as good as it gets for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an aftermarket CPU cooler for my PC?
The stock cooler included with your processor might seem like it gets the job done, but those barebone fans are just the bottom of the barrel. But once you start really pushing your CPU with overclocking, high-intensity tasks, or just want your system to run cooler and quieter all the time, an aftermarket cooler is the way to go. To sum it up, yes. You definitely need an aftermarket CPU cooler for your PC.
Is liquid or air cooling better for CPUs?
When it comes to maximizing your CPU's cooling, liquid is the way to go for the extreme overclocking set, hands down. Long story short, giant liquid coolers can just handle dissipating more watts of heat energy, which is something that traditional air cooling system sometimes struggle with. Then again, some of today's top air coolers still come surprisingly close to the cooling performance on the liquid models. It really boils down to the budget, if we're being honest. If you have a few extra bucks to spend, go for a liquid cooler. If not, then a really good air cooler ought to do the trick.
Do I need to replace the thermal paste when installing a new CPU cooler?
Slapping a new beefy cooler onto your CPU is super exciting, but don't let the factory applied paste ruin the party. That paste they pre-apply just can't transfer heat nearly as well as the good stuff you apply yourself. Even a tiny pea-sized dot of quality paste like Arctic Silver between your processor and cooler can make a big difference in temps. The LAST thing you want is your nice new cooler not performing as it should because of bad paste! It only takes a minute to clean and reapply, so take the extra step and do it right.
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