Top-Ranked RGB CPU Coolers of 2023: Illuminate Your PC with Style
Discover the top RGB CPU coolers that will enhance your gaming experience! From air coolers to liquid coolers, we'll explore the pros and cons of each option Learn about the difference between RGB and ARGB coolers and find out if liquid cooling is superior to air cooling
PC manufacturers have long been experimenting with RGB lighting to enhance the appeal of gaming and hardware for users. As the PC gaming industry continues to grow, demand for high-performance hardware and improved aesthetics have become synonymous with the latest gaming rigs. CPU coolers have benefited from this trend, with the standard stock cooler being replaced by designs that factor in cooling capacity, noise levels, and RGB lighting that seamlessly syncs with other components.
GameRant has compiled a comprehensive list of top-notch ARGB CPU coolers, including both liquid-cooled and air-cooled options. One of our top picks is the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler, which is considered the best overall ARGB AIO CPU cooler and is available for purchase at Newegg for $363.
For those on a mid-range budget, the Deepcool GAMMAXX GT CPU Cooler is an excellent choice. Priced at just $43 on Newegg, this ARGB CPU air cooler provides great value without compromising on quality.
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ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler Best Budget ARGB CPU Air Cooler $20 at Amazon
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler is the ultimate choice for those in search of the best ARGB AIO CPU cooler on the market. With a sleek design, this cooler boasts superior RGB cooling that comes at a premium but is well worth the investment. Equipped with Noctua fans in the non-ARGB version, this cooler looks great with Asus's own ROG AF 12S ARGB fans too. The Asetek 7th Gen pump, copper base, and tri-fan radiator make the Ryujin II 360 ARGB capable of tackling the fastest consumer-grade AMD and Intel chips, while keeping them remarkably cool.
The ASUS brand utilizes AIO Liquid Cooling as its cooling method and features integrated ARGB fans and a 3.5" OLED Screen. With a noise level of 36.45 dB and fan speed range of 600-2200 RPM +/- 10%, this product offers impressive performance. It also includes an embedded fan that aids in cooling the motherboard VRMs and nearby M2 Slots, preventing latent heat from accumulating on the motherboard's surface. Additionally, ASUS provides a fantastic 6-year warranty, making it one of the most comprehensive warranties available on the market today.
Can handle some of the most powerful CPUs in the market without breaking a sweat
Cons One of the most expensive coolers available to purchase
Requires the somewhat-bloated Asus Armoury Crate crate to function
$400 at Amazon $363 at Newegg
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler is a well-known favorite among PC hardware enthusiasts. This liquid cooler, previously focused solely on performance, has received an ARGB upgrade that incorporates ASUS's own fans. These fans not only provide stunning visuals but also match the performance of its older Noctua fan-based counterpart.
The Ryujin II AIO cooler not only boasts impressive performance, but also features a sleek design highlighted by a 3.5' OLED screen at the center of the pump. This screen can be customized through Asus's Armoury Crate software, adding to the cooler's premium aesthetic. The ARGB fans and sleeved tubing further contribute to the Ryujin II's high-end appearance. Despite its high price point, the Ryujin II ARGB delivers on both performance and style, making it a top choice for serious PC gamers, creators, and builders.
The DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720 360MM ARGB Liquid Cooler not only boasts a sleek and stylish design, but it also provides impressive cooling capabilities that can handle even the most powerful CPUs on the market. This mid-range ARGB AIO CPU cooler offers an affordable alternative to some of the more expensive premium ARGB liquid coolers available, making it an ideal choice for those who want to cool their CPU with style without breaking the bank.
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The DeepCool brand offers an AIO liquid cooling system that comes with integrated lighting consisting of three ARGB fans and an ARGB infinity mirror pump block. The noise level of this cooling system can go up to 32.9 dBA, and the fan speed can reach up to 2250 RPM±10%. One of the advantages of this cooling system is that it can handle some of the hottest 13th generation Intel CPUs available in the market. Despite its budget pricing, it has a premium look and feel that makes it comparable to some of the highest-end liquid coolers in the market.
The Daisy-chained fans create a cleaner design and reduce the number of wires to manage. However, there have been reported quality control issues with certain fans and RGB lighting units. Although replacements are readily available, setting up an AIO unit can be time-consuming, which may frustrate users who receive a defective product.
Fans can get a bit loud when the AIO is pushed thanks to some of the hotter chips from Intel/AMD
$140 at Amazon $140 at Newegg
The DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720 360MM ARGB Liquid Cooler is an impressive tri-slot ARGB liquid cooler that effectively cools some of the hottest chips from Intel and AMD. Not only does it perform well, but it also boasts a premium design with intricate attention to detail and a set of daisy-chained fans that elevate its appearance. Although the fans may become noisy under heavy loads, the cooler itself is sturdy and allows for easy customization by adding your preferred fans to the existing setup. Although it may not be the top-performing AIO cooler, the LS720 holds its own against competitors and surpasses many higher-priced options in terms of aesthetics.
Looking for a budget-friendly yet efficient CPU cooler for your system? The ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler is a great choice! With longer tubing than most 360 mm coolers from competitors, this cooler provides excellent cooling performance while also featuring attractive white LED lighting. Plus, it won't break the bank, making it a smart investment for any budget-conscious builder.
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The ID-Cooling brand uses a liquid-cooled AIO for their cooling method, and it also includes integrated white LEDs for lighting. The noise level is at a reasonable 35.2 dB, and the fan speed ranges from 700 to 1800 RPM +/- 10%. One of its pros is that it is widely compatible, working with a large variety of processors, such as AMD's Threadripper, AMD's 7000 series (and older), and Intel's 12th and 13th gen processors. Moreover, it is an extremely affordable option for liquid cooling, with rates below $50.
The cooling system is ideal for mid-range CPUs as it performs exceptionally well under load while operating silently. Additionally, the longer tubing sets it apart from other CPU coolers, enabling it to be mounted in various locations within larger cases.
Cons Seems to have mild QC issues relating to spare parts such as screws for the cooler
Does not have the ability to change or control color. Has static white LEDs
The ID Cooling FrostFlow X 240MM Snow CPU Cooler, available for $55 on Amazon, is a top-notch AIO cooler that delivers impressive lighting and satisfactory cooling in a compact form factor. Its tubing length is longer than average, making it a breeze to install in even the tiniest of cases. Though it isn't technically an 'ARGB' or 'RGB' cooler, its sleek appearance and strategically placed white LED lighting give it the appearance of one.
The FrostFlow X 240MM Snow is a cost-effective cooler that provides impressive cooling power without causing a dent in your wallet. Although it does come with some limitations, such as the inability to alter or display RGB colors, we believe that most budget-conscious gamers seeking an RGB cooler would find the tradeoff worth it due to its excellent value.
What's interesting is that the FrostFlow is also compatible with AMD Threadripper processors, which are known for generating a significant amount of heat. However, we wouldn't recommend using it in this configuration as we haven't found any evidence of it being used and Threadripper CPUs require top-notch cooling to avoid throttling or damage. Nevertheless, it is an ideal choice for pairing with a mid-range CPU and should provide more than sufficient cooling performance for most current-generation processors.
The Cooler Master MasterAir MA612 Stealth ARGB CPU Air Cooler is a top-performing RGB CPU air cooler that can be used with the latest Intel and AMD sockets available. Featuring a 6 heatpipe design, nickel base, and black brushed aluminum finish, this cooler has a sleek and stylish look. Moreover, with the inclusion of two Sickleflow ARGB fans from Cooler Master, it delivers exceptional cooling while operating almost silently, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize both style and functionality.
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The Cooler Master brand utilizes a Push-Pull Configured Air Cooling method and features Integrated ARGB Fans. Despite its powerful cooling capabilities, it operates at a low noise level of only 27 dBA and has a fan speed of 1800 RPM. Additionally, this air cooler stands out from its competitors due to its subtle and controllable ARGB lighting, which seamlessly integrates with most ARGB-compatible motherboards.
While the MA612 Cooler boasts excellent cooling performance that can even compete with some lower-end liquid-cooled solutions, it's important to note that there may be some ram clearance issues on smaller motherboards, despite Cooler Master's claims to the contrary.
The Cooler Master MasterAir MA612 Stealth ARGB CPU Air Cooler is a standout option among other mainstream entries from Cooler Master vying for the title of best ARGB CPU air cooler. Its exceptional performance, combined with its understated yet striking ARGB lighting, sets it apart from the competition and showcases the mark of a premium Cooler Master air cooler done right. At just $93 on Amazon and $95 on Newegg, it's a great value for a top-of-the-line cooling solution.
The Deepcool GAMMAXX GT CPU Cooler is a fantastic product that offers excellent cooling capabilities and comes at a reasonable price point. However, on smaller motherboards, the air cooler's push-pull fan configuration can sometimes cover the first RAM slot, despite Cooler Master's assurances. This can be a drawback for some users. Additionally, to use this cooler with the latest Intel CPUs, you may need to purchase the standalone upgrade kit from Cooler Master for the LGA 1700 platform if it is not included in the box. Nonetheless, the GAMMAXX GT remains a solid mid-range ARGB air cooler that delivers exceptional cooling performance.
The DeepCool GAMMAXX GT CPU air cooler not only delivers exceptional performance and power efficiency, but also boasts stunning RGB effects. Equipped with four direct-contact heat pipes for 180w TDP heat dissipation, this cooler effectively cools even the most demanding gaming PCs. Its 1500 RPM PWM fan provides optimal airflow without producing distracting noise levels. The DeepCool GAMMAXX GT is designed to be compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD processors, making it a versatile choice for any PC build. Additionally, it offers excellent value for money and outperforms most stock cooler units that it aims to replace or compete with.
The ARGB fan and lighting effect are exceptional, giving it a premium feel when compared to other products in the same price range. It operates quietly, even when running at maximum RPM, which is a significant advantage over other air-cooled options.
Cons Somewhat inadequate for cooling some of the hotter 12th and 13th generation Intel chips in the market
The installation process is slightly more complicated that its competing coolers
This mid-range CPU cooler, the DeepCool GAMMAXX GT, is a solid replacement for most stock coolers and delivers excellent cooling for mid-range CPUs, thanks to its 4 heat-pipe design. At a reasonable price point, it's a great option for those looking to upgrade their cooling system without breaking the bank. Additionally, it performs exceptionally well with some mid-range unlocked processors from both Intel and AMD. You can find it for $50 on Amazon or $43 on Newegg.
The GAMMAXX GT stands out among its competition with a sleek ARGB logo and top-notch PWM ARGB fan. Not only does it compete with higher-priced air coolers in terms of value, but it also boasts a subtle design that effortlessly blends in with most PC rigs. Its quiet and efficient operation makes it a go-to choice for many users.
The ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler not only provides superior cooling performance compared to stock coolers from Intel and AMD, but also comes at an unbeatable price point. With a TDP capacity of up to 180W and an included PWM ARGB fan, this cooler not only keeps your CPU cool, but also adds a pop of color to your build. The wide compatibility with both Intel and AMD processors from the latest generation makes it a versatile option for any PC builder.
Has 4 heat pipes and an excellent fan that does a solid job at cooling most mid-range CPUs with ease
Has decent RGB lighting that can be controlled via your motherboard
Cons Installation instructions are not clear; Beginner users might have to do their own research to install the cooler properly
$20 at Amazon
The ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler is a top choice for budget-friendly ARGB CPU air coolers in 2023, and for good reason. This cooler not only boasts impressive RGB lighting capabilities, but it also exceeds expectations in terms of cooling performance. Equipped with four dedicated heat pipes and a high-quality fan, the SE 214 XT is a straightforward and reliable cooler that also adds a touch of flair to your system with its ARGB PWM fan.
Supporting a wide range of AMD and Intel processors, including the latest AMD 7000 series and Intel's 12th and 13th generation processors, this cooler may be a bit tricky to install for beginners. However, comprehensive installation guides are available to ensure that you can install the cooler with ease, provided you follow the instructions relevant to your motherboard's specific socket.
Should You Get A Liquid Cooler Versus An Air Cooler?
Liquid coolers for PCs are considered to be of higher quality than air-cooled options. They not only provide a more visually appealing option compared to bulky air coolers, but they also operate quietly while delivering superior performance to most air coolers.
Air Cooler Tradeoffs
While there are exceptions, it's generally true that air coolers don't perform as well as liquid coolers. However, there are a few air coolers, such as the Noctua NH-D15, that excel at lower price points. The downside is that they tend to take up a lot of space on the motherboard, and can interfere with the RAM's heatsinks and RGB effects, which can be frustrating for those who want to show off their hardware. This is especially true for mATX motherboards, where space is already at a premium.
When using an air cooler, it is important to take into account the level of noise it produces. Fans can become very loud when running at their maximum speed, especially when performance PC parts are under heavy load. Unlike liquid-cooled AIOs, most CPU air coolers have less room for adjustment before reaching their maximum fan speeds, resulting in a louder cooling process than desired for modern PCs. Although there are exceptions, such as the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU cooler, these options often come with a higher price tag that may not be preferred.
Liquid Coolers Leading The Way?
Liquid cooling systems offer greater flexibility in building PCs, are highly effective at cooling high-performance chips, and operate with reduced noise levels. In recent years, the market has seen the emergence of some excellent low- and mid-tier options, such as the FrostFlow X 240MM Snow CPU Cooler from ID Cooling that we discussed earlier.
However, AIO liquid coolers do offer a sleeker appearance and the ability for customization with standard 120 or 140-mm fans, depending on the specific cooler model. It should be noted that AIO liquid coolers are known to have a shorter lifespan and are susceptible to pump failures. Additionally, improper installation or damage to the cooler could lead to fluid leakage, potentially causing costly damage to the entire PC.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between RGB and ARGB Coolers?
ARGB and RGB are often used interchangeably by end users, but there is a subtle difference between the two. ARGB allows for each LED connected to it to have a different color, while RGB lighting can only support one color at a time.
Q: Is Liquid Cooling a CPU Superior to Air Cooling?
B: Despite the widespread belief that high-end liquid coolers are superior to their air-cooling counterparts, this is not always the case. In certain instances, top-performing CPU air coolers can outperform liquid coolers in the same price range, making them a more favorable option for avid PC gamers, content creators, and technology enthusiasts.
