12 best CPU coolers

Computer operation is impossible without many components. But if you single out the priority ones, then the processor will probably come first. It is he who is responsible for the calculations. The overall performance of the OS, the rendering speed, and the stability of the frame rate in games depend on it. For stable operation of the "stone", you need to observe the optimal temperature regime, because otherwise the PC will not be able to provide maximum performance and will even start shutting down due to overheating. In this review, we'll take a look at the best CPU coolers and liquid coolers that effectively deal with heat dissipation.

Cooler for the processor of which company is better to buy

• Noctua... The legendary Austrian company that produces premium air cooling systems. The main advantage is very quiet operation.
• be quiet! A brand renowned for its power supplies, cases and, of course, cooling systems with incredible silence and amazing efficiency.
• Deepcool... A Chinese company that competes on an equal footing with global brands. The company produces both fans and air handling units at a very attractive price.
• Zalman... South Korean giant, one of the leaders in its segment. The brand focuses on low noise levels, which is confirmed by many patents.
• Cooler master... A private Taiwanese corporation founded in 1992. The company has repeatedly received prestigious awards for cabinet design and CO quality.
• NZXT... A relatively young American manufacturer that quickly won the leadership in the gaming market. NZXT products are excellent, but not cheap.

Best CPU coolers

Air cooling is most common in home and work "machines". Its advantage is ease of installation and availability. A fairly efficient cooler can be purchased for relatively little money, and simple solutions suitable for entry-level processors are included in the kit. But for users who want to take advantage of the overclocking option and are trying to achieve a silent system, they are not suitable. In this case, it makes sense to buy something better.

1.Noctua NH-D15

The TOP cooler starts with an ideal combination of price and quality. Noctua NH-D15 comes in a massive box with several smaller boxes inside. They have the device itself with the main fan, an additional "turntable" and mounts for it, power splitters and resistors to reduce the rotational speed, as well as clips for systems based on Intel and AMD with detailed installation instructions.

A Phillips screwdriver and a tube with high-quality thermal paste are also included, so if they are not available, you will not need to spend extra.

This cooler can definitely be called a gaming cooler, since it will cope with top-end blue and red processors not only in stock, but also under overclocking. The design of the NH-D15 model resembles its predecessor - a two-piece radiator weighing 1 kg. To this must be added the weight of one or a pair of "turntables" of 320 grams each. But on the other hand, such a system provides very effective cooling with noise up to 25 dB.

Advantages:

• the highest build quality;
• silence and cooling efficiency;
• 6 years official warranty;
• rich delivery set;
• ease of installation.

Disadvantages:

• impressive size.

2. Thermalright Macho Rev. A

One of the quietest coolers in our review - from 17 to 21 dB at maximum load. This model is equipped with a proprietary TY-140 fan. Its rotation speed (from 900 to 1300 rpm) is controlled by the PWM method. The Macho Rev.A radiator turned out to be quite massive. It consists of 6 copper heat pipes, the heatsink itself includes 31 aluminum fins. The base of a boxed cooler is not ideal, but it is better to check it for a specific instance. However, the slight curvature does not interfere with efficient heat dissipation, so the fan does not have to run at full capacity.

Advantages:

• quiet at high revs;
• good screwdriver included;
• reasoned cost;
• brackets for two fans;
• excellent efficiency.

Disadvantages:

• noticeable traces of soldering;
• not the easiest mount.

3.be quiet! Pure Rock (BK009)

A highly efficient CPU cooler that has been one of the most popular on the market for several years now. It is equipped with four 6mm heatpipes and a 120mm 9-bladed fan. Their shape has been thought out in such a way as to provide the best result at a low noise level. Even at 100% rpm, the reliable Pure Rock cooler (BK009) emits less than 27 dB. Confirmation of the be quiet! is a three-year official warranty.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• effective work;
• ease of installation;
• 3 years warranty;
• strict design;
• decorative caps;
• flat base;
• almost silent.

Disadvantages:

• complete thermal grease.

4. Zalman CNPS10X Optima

The review continues with one of the best tower coolers for the processor - CNPS10X Optima from Zalman. This model is distinguished by an interesting design of the blades, which received the so-called "shark fins". According to the manufacturer, this increases efficiency while reducing noise levels. As for the characteristics of the "turntable", it has a standard size of 120 mm and can accelerate to 1,700 rpm. The power connector is 4-pin, and the radiator is made of 47 aluminum plates 0.5 mm thick each (the distance between them is 2.5 mm) and nonlinearly located copper heat pipes. Assembled, all this weighs a relatively modest 630 grams.

Advantages:

• attractive design;
• moderate size and weight;
• effective cooling;
• excellent combination of price and quality;
• reasoned price tag;
• low noise level.

Disadvantages:

• instruction without Russian;
• not perfect polishing of the base.

5. Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 Blue

The list continues with a budget cooler for a processor manufactured by Deepcool. The GAMMAXX 400 has an incredibly smooth outsole surface, and four copper heatpipes directly contact the processor. The cooling system itself is very compact.

The reviewed model is also available in a version with a red "turntable".

At a modest cost of The 120mm cooler boasts illumination. It matches the color of the blades and does not turn off. The fan is very efficient here, and easily bypasses more expensive competitors from be quiet! and Noctua. But, alas, the noise is higher here.

Advantages:

• small thickness;
• effective cooling;
• moderate cost;
• easy installation;
• fan illumination.

Disadvantages:

• not impressive design;
• the noise level is high.

6.PCcooler GI-X5R

Another popular model of a cooler on an aluminum heatsink with direct contact copper heat pipes. The device comes in a black cardboard box, decorated with its image and technical specifications. Inside there is a cooler with a pre-installed mount for AMD-based systems, an adapter for motherboards with Intel processors, a syringe with average thermal paste and an English-language manual. According to the manufacturer, this model is sufficient for a CPU with a heat dissipation of up to 160W.The fan speed and noise level of the GI-X5R are limited to 1800 RPM and 27 dB.

Advantages:

• recommended price;
• solid workmanship;
• minimum dimensions;
• circular illumination;
• low noise.

Disadvantages:

• installation on Intel sockets;
• declared working life.

7. Arctic Freezer 34 eSports

Next in line is the best cooling system for the central processor in terms of design in the budget segment. The main color of this device is black (even the radiator fins are painted in it). But for the fan, you can also pick up several accents: green, white, yellow or red.

For about from above, you can purchase the DUO modification. Its design and characteristics are similar, except for the presence of a second fan.

The four copper heatpipes are also black, except for the point of contact with the CPU. Their surface is perfectly flat, excellent heat dissipation. The standard 120 mm fan boasts a low noise level and the ability to operate at speeds from 200 to 1200 per minute. The Freezer 34 has a maximum power dissipation of 200 watts.

Advantages:

• cool appearance;
• ease of installation;
• extremely quiet operation;
• Thermal paste MX4 included.

Disadvantages:

• online instruction only.

8. Cooler Master GeminII M5 LED

If you are planning to assemble a system in a compact case, then you need a low-profile cooler for this. Among interesting solutions in this segment, we would like to highlight the GeminII M5 from Cooler Master. The model in question is installed as simply as possible. However, please note that the GeminII M5 cooler will not work for new AMD processors.

The device consists of 48 aluminum fins, between which there are 5 copper heat pipes. Above, the structure is covered with a 120mm fan equipped with 13 wave-shaped blades. The heatpipes, by the way, are in direct contact with the processor cover, thereby providing increased efficiency.

Advantages:

• high performance;
• low cooler profile;
• democratic cost;
• removes heat efficiently;
• moderate noise level.

Disadvantages:

• for AM4 only new revisions;
• will not fit on all motherboards.

9. Deepcool ICE EDGE MINI FS V2.0

And the compact tower cooler closes the category from the Deepcool brand already noted in the review. The ICE EDGE MINI FS, revision 2, is suitable for entry-level and mid-range processors with a heat dissipation of less than 100W. The cooler is slightly more efficient than its predecessor due to an enlarged aluminum radiator and redesigned heat pipe geometry. The cosmetic changes are insignificant, the device looks quite attractive and fits well into compact cases.

Advantages:

• minimum dimensions;
• excellent value;
• declared noise about 25 dB;
• high rotation speed;
• ease of installation and cleaning;
• easy to replace the fan.

Disadvantages:

• the base is slightly rough;
• turns are not regulated.

Best liquid coolers for CPU

Water cooling systems do not belong to the mass segment. Collecting really high-quality SVO requires certain knowledge and skills. Of course, you can opt for pre-packaged kits, eliminating the need to buy components separately. True, the cost of liquid cooling systems (LSS) still significantly exceeds the price of a good tower cooler. Who is this option suitable for? Mainly for users looking for maximum performance. And also thanks to LSS, you can design the software in an original way if it is installed in a prominent place.

1. Alphacool Eisbaer 420

And the best liquid cooling system Alphacool Eisbaer 420 begins this category. Unlike competitors, this model has received a completely copper radiator. Its dimensions are quite impressive (489 × 144 mm), so the SVO does not fit in every case. With a total radiator thickness of 30 mm, its working area is 17 mm.

The radiator outlets are of standard G1 / 4 size, which allows the user to easily modify the cooling system in the future. In the standard delivery, hoses with a length of about 27 cm and a diameter of 8 mm lead from the pump to the radiator. On one of them there is a shut-off valve that allows you to add a water block for the video card to the circuit without draining the liquid from the system. The hoses are also well protected against kinking.

Advantages:

• copper radiator;
• high quality hoses;
• the possibility of modification;
• high efficiency;
• very quiet fans;
• suitable for top-end CPUs.

disadvantages:

• impressive size;
• hoses are short.

2. NZXT Kraken X72

The NZXT company continues its review of the best cooling systems for the processor with its excellent SVO Kraken X72. The device is delivered in a box. Its design, like the system itself, is minimalist. Everything is well packed inside, the package includes all the necessary stands, screws, washers, frames and other accessories. There are also clear installation instructions. You will have to stock up on the screwdriver yourself.

NZXT offers proprietary cooling management software. The program interface is simple, and will be understandable to any user.

The Kraken X72 radiator is as similar as possible to other devices produced under the Asetek license. The pump is connected to it with high-quality rubber hoses 40 cm long, placed in a strong nylon sheath. The outer diameter of the hoses is 11 mm and the inner diameter is about 7 mm. The cylindrical water block, as usual in ready-made kits, is combined with a pump. From above, it is covered with a translucent mirror, so colorful ARGB lighting shimmers in the work here.

Advantages:

• high performance of water supply systems;
• colorful ARGB lighting;
• high-quality pump;
• convenient branded software;
• high quality long hoses;
• excellent appearance;
• minimum noise level.

Disadvantages:

• for the declared value, an aluminum radiator.

3. Deepcool Castle 240 RGB V2

There are many stylish and effective water cooling systems available for the processor today. But many users are frightened by the possibility of their leaks, so they remain adherents of classic solutions. But not only does this result practically never happen with high-quality LSS, there are also models like Castle 240 RGB V2, which use an overpressure compensation system.

However, this is not the only advantage of this device. An important plus against the background of competitors for many will be the low cost. Yes, it is still comparable to the top-end tower coolers from the aforementioned Noctua, but it no longer looks like something outrageous. The water block of this model resembles a trapezoidal tower, which is covered with a plastic casing, and on top is decorated with ARGB-backlighting.

The device received a powerful induction motor, the minimum service life of which, according to official information, is 120 thousand hours. At the base of the water block is a square copper plate with a side length of 55.5 mm; its flat area bounded by fasteners is 47 × 47 mm. There are two power connectors: one for the cooling system itself, and the second for controlling the backlight.

Advantages:

• illumination of the water block and fans;
• high performance;
• branded leakage protection;
• chic equipment;
• even suitable for Threadripper;
• remote control for ARGB effects.

Disadvantages:

• noisy at maximum speed.

How to choose a processor cooling system

First of all, you need to decide on the type of CO. For water, you need to consider:

1. Waterblock material... The better its thermal conductivity, the higher the efficiency. However, the correct design of the coolant also affects the operation.
2. Pump power... Low power solutions are usually combined with a water block. To select a more powerful option, the other components of the CBO must be matched. It is wrong to assume that pump power always increases performance.
3. Radiator... In addition to the suitable material, this component must be different in size so that heat can be dissipated quickly. Also note that a radiator will not perform well without powerful fans.
4. Tubes... Usually PVC and silicone solutions are used. The thickness of the tubes should be selected individually based on the fluid flow rate in the system.

Interested in buying air cooler? Then pay attention to:

1. Base... The smoother and smoother it is, the better the cooling system will remove heat from the processor.
2. Heatpipes... The more, the better the dispersion. But an important point is also the correct geometry.
3. Fan... In addition to efficient work, it should be quiet, because few people want to hear the constant rustling in the system unit.
4. Thermal paste... As a rule, the kit contains a tube or thermal paste is initially applied to the base. But it is not always of good quality.

Which CPU cooler is better to buy

The best liquid cooling system is rightfully the model from Alphacool. However, the company NZXT is not too far behind the competitor, and users like it even more in appearance. If you want to save money, we recommend Deepcool. The same company also sells inexpensive air COs. They are also offered by the brands Cooler Master and Zalman. But if the price is not important, but simply the best cooling systems for the processor are required, then take a closer look at the popular manufacturers be quiet! and Noctua.