Unveiling the Ultimate CPU Coolers for Unprecedented PC Performance in 2023

When searching for the best CPU cooler to meet the demands of high-performance modern processors, it is important to prioritize certain factors. Intel's 13th generation CPUs have TDP requirements exceeding 300 watts, while AMD is not far behind. As a result, aftermarket CPU coolers have become more of a necessity than a novelty. To ensure optimal performance and prolong the lifespan of your gaming PC, it is crucial to select a suitable cooling solution. When evaluating the range of available options, focus primarily on the following factors:

Compatibility: Ensure that any potential CPU cooler comes with updated accessories to accommodate the changing dimensions of CPU sockets that occur with each new generation of Intel or AMD CPUs.

Cooling Method: Air cooling, the widely preferred method, utilizes fans and heat sinks to disperse heat from processors. However, liquid cooling has become increasingly affordable and is a quiet and efficient option for controlling overclocked CPU temperatures. Additionally, passive air cooling, which exclusively uses a heatsink and eliminates fans, is ideal for completely silent builds, although it has certain limitations.

Overclocking: The stock coolers that come with Intel and AMD CPUs are sufficient for cooling these processors when they are running at their default settings. However, if a gamer decides to overclock their CPU, they will need a more powerful cooler to handle the increased heat generated by the processor. Some coolers are capable of pushing the CPUs to their limits, while others are only suitable for light to moderate overclocking.

Noise Level: Manufacturers often provide decibel ratings to indicate the noise levels of their coolers, although the exact numbers may vary depending on the specific build and testing environment. It is important to note that certain CPU coolers produce more audible noise than others, and this is not always correlated with their cooling performance.

The Noctua NH-D15 CPU Cooler stands out as one of the diverse collection of CPU coolers available, offering not only efficient CPU temperature reduction but also a stylish enhancement to any modern and sleek gaming rig.

Best Overall CPU Cooler $109 at Newegg

ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler

Best AIO Liquid CPU Cooler $323 at Newegg

Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120

Best Small Form Factor AIO CPU Cooler $78 at Newegg

Noctua NH-L9i

Best Small Form Factor CPU Cooler $45 at Amazon

ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler

Best Budget Air CPU Cooler $20 at Amazon

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Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler

Best High Airflow CPU Cooler $44 at Amazon

Scythe Ninja 5 Rev. B CPU Air Cooler

Best Silent Air CPU Cooler $60 at Amazon

ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler

Best Budget AIO Liquid Cooler $55 at Amazon

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo White CPU Air Cooler

Best White CPU Cooler $40 at Amazon

Noctua NH-P1

Best Passive CPU Cooler $110 at Amazon

Save $10 on the Noctua NH-D15 CPU Cooler, the ultimate cooling solution for your CPU. This high-performance air-based cooler is designed to keep your CPU temperature low while operating quietly. Equipped with dual Noctua NF-A15 PWM fans and low-noise adapters, this cooler gets the job done efficiently. It even comes bundled with top-of-the-line NT-H1 thermal paste for maximum cooling performance.

Brand: Noctua

Cooling Method: Dual Fan Air CPU Cooler

Integrated Lighting: None

Noise Level: Up to 24.6 dBFan Speed: 1500 RPM +/- 10%

Pros: One of the top CPU air coolers on the market

Premium price but comparable to the best AIO liquid coolers available

Powerful yet very quiet

Cons No RGB effects

Looks somewhat better in its black 'Chromax' trim which sells for a premium

$110 at Amazon $109 at Newegg

The Noctua NH-D15 is an exceptional CPU air cooler and a worthy successor to the NH-D14. With its standard brown color (although a black version is available), it effortlessly outperforms other coolers in various tests, thanks to its 6 heat pipe tower design and 2 efficient Noctua NF-A15 fans.

In addition to its impressive cooling performance, it includes the top-notch Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste and low-noise adapters. Unlike many other coolers, it doesn't prioritize RGB or ARGB support, which is often favored by gamers or workstation users. It's important to consider the size specifications before purchasing this cooler, as it may be larger than it appears in pictures. Certain mid-tower cases may even have limitations in terms of available space. However, if it does fit, you'll have the privilege of owning arguably the best air cooler on the market right now.

The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler is the ultimate choice for CPU cooling. This top-of-the-line liquid cooler features Noctua fans in the non-ARGB version, and it also pairs perfectly with Asus's own ROG AF 12S ARGB fans. Equipped with the powerful Asetek 7th Gen pump, a copper base, and a tri-fan radiator, the Ryujin II 360 ARGB can handle the most demanding AMD and Intel processors with ease, all while maintaining impressive temperature levels.

Brand: ASUS

Cooling Method: AIO Liquid Cooling

Integrated Lighting: Yes, featuring ARGB fans and a 3.5" OLED Screen

Noise Level: 36.45 dB

Fan Speed: 600 - 2200 RPM +/- 10%

Pros: Offers efficient cooling for nearly all overclocked CPUs, stunning RGB effects, and includes a 3.5" LCD display.

Internal block pump fan keeps VRM and M2 slots cool

Comes with 6 year warranty

Cons Somewhat expensive compared to the competition

Armoury Crate software has reputation for bloat

The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB CPU Cooler excels as a top-notch cooling solution with its sleek design and outstanding performance. By replacing its previous Noctua fans with ASUS-themed ARGB fans, it showcases a more vibrant aesthetic. Rest assured, the ARGB variant of the Ryujin II still delivers an impressive performance, efficiently keeping even the most powerful processors well within their temperature limits.

The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB CPU Cooler is a powerful and visually appealing AIO cooler that successfully maintains the fully maxed-out 13900K within the optimal temperature range of 70–80 degrees. Our test unit was equipped with the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme and the Thermal Grizzly 12th generation contact frame. The impressive 3.5' LCD screen can be easily customized using the included Armory Crate software.

Overall, this AIO cooler from ASUS is not only visually striking but also delivers exceptional performance thanks to its high-quality components, all backed by a comprehensive 6-year warranty. While the price may be a concern for some, we believe it deserves recognition as both the best CPU air cooler and the best AIO cooler.

If a buyer detests using the occasionally fiddly Armoury Crate app and favors non-RGB fans, explore Game Rant's evaluation of the MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 AIO Liquid Cooler.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120

Best Small Form Factor AIO CPU Cooler

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 offers budget-conscious PC builders the opportunity to experience liquid cooling. This water cooling system is designed with a low-profile dual-chamber pump and a low-vibration pump for silent operation. The FEP tubing prevents evaporation and promotes optimal liquid flow. With its 120 mm air balance fan, the system operates quietly and is compatible with most PC cases.

Brand: Cooler Master

Cooling Method: Water, Air

Integrated Lighting: No

Noise Level: 8 dB

Fan Speed: 2500 rpm

Pros: Very affordable price

Compact size makes it easy to fit any case

Simple installation

Cons Cannot handle intense overclocking

Lacks flashiness of other liquid coolers

$89 on Amazon, $78 on Newegg

Cooler Master not only excels in cooling solutions but also offers exceptional gaming mice and keyboards. However, the company's expertise still lies in keeping cases and CPUs at safe temperatures. Despite not being the latest AIO option available, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 offers a unique advantage that many of its newer competitors lack: its ability to fit into virtually any case and its remarkable affordability. For a mere $70, you can effortlessly enhance your next small form factor build with this AIO cooler. However, if you intend to overclock your CPU, this cooler may not be suitable for your needs. Nevertheless, considering the high thermal demands of modern CPUs, overclocking may not have been a feasible option for your compact build anyway.

The Noctua NH-L9i is a versatile cooler that is compatible with any CPU socket, whether you are using an AMD or Intel processor. Its thermal performance is exceptional, especially considering its affordable price. Aside from the most high-end CPUs, this compact AIO offers excellent cooling capabilities. Additionally, the included 120 mm fan operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful computing experience.

A compact and efficient cooling option, the Noctua NH-L9i is the best small form factor CPU cooler. With a height of just 37mm, it is perfect for HTPC or small PC builds. Despite its size, the 2500 RPM fan provides ample airflow to effectively cool LGA115x and AMD 4 series processors. It is specifically designed for Mini ITX motherboards, ensuring that it does not obstruct other components. Additionally, this CPU cooler operates quietly with a noise level of only 23.6 dB. Grab this high-performing cooler now for a discounted price of $45, saving you $5.

Minimal fan noise

No clearance issues, even with tiny motherboards

Cons Not a good choice for overclocking

$45 at Amazon $45 at Newegg

Noctua coolers, like our top choice NH-D15, are reliable air cooling solutions. However, when building in a compact case, the NH-D15 may pose some challenges. This is where the NH-L9i comes into play. This small CPU cooler has dimensions of 95 mm x 95 mm x 37 mm, making it easy to fit into any case while still providing exceptional cooling performance. Additionally, for those who do not prefer the standard brown-on-tan color scheme, there is an all-black variant available. The NH-L9i easily fits into any build, accommodating RAM size and even the largest GPUs. Noctua excels in making cooler installation a breeze with just four screws. Using a diagonal screw pattern ensures even pressure on the cooler and CPU.

The ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU Cooler is an exceptional air cooler for those on a budget. It outperforms the standard coolers provided by Intel and AMD, offering excellent cooling capabilities at an unbeatable price. With the ability to efficiently cool CPUs with a TDP of up to 180W and a high-quality bundled PWM ARGB fan, this cooler not only provides impressive cooling performance but also adds a touch of vibrant color to your setup. At its incredibly affordable price, choosing to overlook this cooler would be a criminal mistake.

The ID-Cooling brand offers a single fan tower air cooler with integrated lighting. It has a noise level of up to 30.5dBA and a fan speed of up to 1500±10% RPM. One of its advantages is that it includes an ARGB fan at an affordable price. Additionally, it does not obstruct memory slots.

Vast chipset compatibility

Cons Somewhat noisy

Installation instructions could be clearer

$20 at Amazon

Content must be written in English.

When building a PC, costs can add up quickly. Many builders on a budget choose to use stock Intel and AMD coolers to save money. However, these coolers are often noisy and less effective than other options. Additionally, they may not match the stylish look of a gaming case. Thankfully, there are affordable alternatives available, such as the ID-COOLING SE-214-XT CPU cooler.

The ID-COOLING SE-214-XT is a compact air cooler that uses a 4 heat pipe design to maximize contact between the heatsink and CPU. Its aluminum fins have a micro wave orientation, increasing the surface area for heat dissipation. Although not the smallest cooler on the market, the ID-COOLING SE-214-XT is still compact enough to not block memory slots on most gaming motherboards.

Despite its affordable price of the SE-214-XT, one might not expect it to have the appearance of a high-end component. However, ID-Cooling has successfully included an ARGB fan that can be connected to a motherboard's 5V 3-pin header, catering to gamers. The fan is also PWM-enabled, allowing the PC's BIOS and various software to adjust speeds based on the CPU's current temperatures. Additionally, the heatsink comes with an all-black cover to seamlessly blend with the look of cases, regardless of whether it is turned on or off.

While the instructions provided with the SE-214-XT could benefit from more detailed explanations, it is worth noting that this air cooler is compatible with Intel's latest LGA 1700 chipset, as well as the LGA 1200/115X, and AMD's AM4 specifications.

In terms of overall performance, the ID-COOLING SE-214-XT falls slightly short when compared to more expensive coolers. Despite this, it delivers a commendable airflow of 68.2 CFM. However, it does produce noise levels of up to 30.5 dBA. To reduce fan noise, gamers should ensure their case is adequately insulated. Nevertheless, the SE-214-XT offers undeniable value and style at an incredibly affordable price point.

The Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU cooler is the best option for maximizing airflow without compromising on noise levels. With two fans operating at 1550 rpm, it delivers an impressive airflow of 66.17 CFM while keeping the noise level at just 25.6 db. This CPU cooler features 6 heat pipes and is compatible with both Intel and AMD chip sockets. Additionally, there is also an RGB version of the Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 SE available. Overall, this brand offers excellent value for its high airflow capabilities.

Simple installation despite size

Solid build quality

Cons Somewhat noisy

Some versions difficult to find in stock

The Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 is a dual-tower, dual-fan air cooler that offers impressive cooling performance and is perfect for newcomers to PC building. It takes up significant space on a motherboard but can rival the cooling efficiency of certain liquid coolers. Additionally, the Peerless Assassin 120 is competitively priced and comes in various colors and ARGB fan variations. Find it at $44 on Amazon and $50 on Newegg.

The Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 stands out from conventional single-fan air coolers by utilizing six anti-gravity heat pipes. This innovative design effectively cools CPUs, regardless of their position within the PC case. Despite its large size, the cooler is carefully designed to avoid obstructing memory slots and other important motherboard components. Thermaltake ensures a memory clearance of 46 mm in most standard setups, accommodating the majority of memory sticks. However, when using two fans, one fan may need to be placed directly on top of the memory, but it can easily be removed from the heat sink with metal clips.

Concerned gamers who worry about noise levels will find solace in the Peerless Assassin 120. The included TL-C12 fans, which operate at 1550 RPM, feature S-FDB bearings that not only reduce vibrations but also enhance the cooling system's durability. The maximum noise level remains at 25.6 dB, surpassing some single-fan coolers. Impressively, the Peerless Assassin 120 delivers outstanding cooling performance, generating sufficient airflow to effectively cool even overclocked CPUs.

Despite its affordability, Thermaltake has ensured that the rock-solid Peerless Assassin 120 maintains a high build quality. Moreover, this cooler offers an installation process that simplifies the attachment of the heatsink to motherboards, ensuring optimal mounting pressure. For gamers seeking maximum performance without venturing into the realm of AIO liquid coolers, the Peerless Assassin 120 stands as the top choice for a CPU air cooler.

Scythe Ninja 5 Rev. B CPU Air Cooler

Introducing the Best Silent Air CPU Cooler, the Scythe Ninja 5 Rev. B. This incredible dual-fan single-tower cooler offers exceptional cooling performance while minimizing noise. Equipped with two Kaze Flex 120 mm fans operating at just 800 RPM, this cooler ensures a near-silent experience. Its push-pull configuration and anti-vibration rubber further contribute to its quiet operation. With its 6 heatpipe design, the Ninja 5 Rev. B may take up space on your motherboard, but it features a cutout design to enhance memory clearance.

Brand: Scythe

Cooling Method: Air

Integrated Lighting: No

Noise Level: 4 - 14.5 dBA

Fan Speed: 800 RPM

Pros: Intelligent design leads to near-total silence.

Black stealth look will blend in with most rigs

Doesn't have the memory clearance issues of other large coolers

Cons Some dual fan coolers perform marginally better

Lacks RGB fan option

$60 at Amazon and $93 at Newegg.

When it comes to creating a peaceful gaming environment, liquid cooling is not the only option for competitive gamers. The Scythe Ninja 5, a single-tower cooler, challenges conventional wisdom with its dual fans that generate less noise compared to most single-fan air coolers. By using a push-pull configuration with two Kaze Flex 120 fans, it achieves a maximum airflow of 43.03 CFM. Despite spinning at only 800 RPM each, the noise levels range from 4 to 14.5 dBA, which is significantly lower than the average for any air cooler.

The Scythe Ninja 5 plays a crucial role in cooling systems, towering over motherboards with its large six-pipe heatsink. Given the limited space in many builds with powerful graphics cards situated below CPU sockets, Scythe cleverly designed the heatsink with a cut-out fin structure, ensuring that it can comfortably fit above RAM sticks. The generous memory clearance measures 55 mm, although caution should be exercised as one fan may obstruct access when removing a stick.

Scythe is renowned among enthusiasts for its coolers, known not only for their performance but also for their user-friendly installation process. The H.P.M.S. IV mounting system utilized in the Ninja 5 makes it a hassle-free experience to attach the cooler to motherboards, thanks to the easily accessible spring-loaded screws. The package includes all the necessary hardware to effectively cool a wide range of Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X chips, as well as fitting various popular AMD sockets.

The performance of the Ninja 5 CPU cooler is somewhat limited by the presence of two 800 RPM Kaze Flex 120 fans. Consequently, when it comes to overclocking powerful CPUs, there are superior options available in the market, both in terms of dual fan air coolers and liquid coolers. Nevertheless, for gamers seeking a balance between noise reduction and effective heat dissipation, the Ninja 5 remains the top choice for a CPU cooler.

ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler

The ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler is an affordable and high-quality option for liquid cooling. It features longer tubing compared to other 360 mm coolers in the market, ensuring effective cooling for your system. Additionally, it offers pleasing LED lighting that adds a touch of style to your setup without breaking the bank.

Brand: ID-Cooling

Cooling Method: Liquid-cooled AIO

Integrated Lighting: Yes, with White LEDs

Noise Level: 35.2 dB

Fan Speed: 700-1800 RPM +/- 10%

Pros: Compatible with a wide range of processors

Longer tubing allows for more placement flexibility

Excellent cooling for an affordable price

Cons Some parts and screws included are not the best quality

$55 at Amazon

The ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler is a well-considered choice for us. It boasts a range of features, including wide compatibility, a dual fan radiator, LED lighting, and satisfactory performance. Despite its affordable price, it has a premium appearance. It is capable of handling most, if not all, currently available CPUs with ease. However, it may struggle with Intel's high-end Core i7/i9 processors that have TDPs of 250-300W, especially when overclocked.

Interestingly, the ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler also supports AMD's Threadripper platform, providing an additional option. While there have been some quality control concerns with certain platforms, it does not change the fact that the Frostflow 240 cooler performs well. If you are dissatisfied with the limited option of white LEDs on a liquid cooler, it is built to specifications and can be enhanced by adding any inexpensive pair of ARGB 120 mm fans. This will provide more color choices, improved airflow, or quieter operation, giving it the appearance and performance of a more expensive cooler.

Upgrade Your CPU Cooling with the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo White Air Cooler!

Get the Best White CPU Cooler for only $40 $45 and Save $5. The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo White CPU Air Cooler takes stock coolers to the next level. Offering excellent air-cooling performance for your CPU, this budget-friendly option is perfect for meeting your thermal needs without breaking the bank. Experience improved cooling efficiency with this small yet powerful cooler.

Cooler Master's brand CoolerMaster utilizes an air cooled cooling method in its latest iteration of the celebrated Hyper 212 CPU cooler lineup. It features an integrated single ARGB fan with a dual loop design. The noise level is measured at 27 dBA and the fan speed ranges from 650 to 2050 RPM ± 10%. Additionally, this CPU cooler is aesthetically pleasing with its very nice ARGB fan.

Costs under $50 while offering compatibility across the board

Cons Might underperform with higher-end processors which have TDPs > 150W

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo White CPU Air Cooler is the newest addition to Cooler Master's renowned Hyper 212 CPU cooler lineup. Cooler Master, a PC cooling and power supply specialist based in Taiwan, has consistently provided excellent performance with their Hyper 212 coolers, offering a cost-effective alternative to stock coolers. This CPU cooler allows unlocked mid-range processors to reach higher clock speeds, providing ample room for overclocking. With the rising popularity of white cases in computer builds, the Halo White variant is a highly welcomed addition to the esteemed Hyper 212 family.

The Halo White edition of the Hyper 212 not only provides the same level of performance but also focuses on enhancing the cooler's visual appeal. It competes with other coolers that prioritize efficient CPU cooling and in some cases, even surpasses the Hyper 212's performance. However, the Hyper 212 does excel in certain key areas, benefiting from its compact and sleek white design. In addition, it operates with minimal noise, making it suitable for both office and gaming setups. While it may not be the ideal choice for the latest high-end processors like Intel Core i9 or Ryzen 9, it surpasses the performance of stock coolers available for current-gen processors. Overall, it offers satisfactory performance for most processors, except for the top-tier models.

The Noctua NH-P1, the best passive CPU cooler, goes above and beyond expectations by delivering completely silent and fanless PC cooling. By incorporating six heatpipes and large, well-spaced heatsink fins, this cooler maximizes heat dissipation. Its asymmetrical design and layout ensure that memory modules are not obstructed on most motherboards, while PCIe slots remain unaffected. As a result, high-end CPUs can be effectively cooled without the bothersome noise or accumulation of dust commonly associated with active air CPU cooling systems.

Brand NoctuaCooling Method PassiveIntegrated Lighting NoFan Speed N/APros Completely noise-free

No fans that collect dust

Outstanding build quality

Cons Not intended for overlocked CPUs

Huge heatsink

$110 at Amazon $110 at Newegg

Passive CPU coolers are not commonly chosen by gamers or system builders. Unlike active air coolers with fans, the Noctua NH-P1 relies solely on its large heatsink, eliminating any noise and dust concerns. However, passive CPU coolers are most effective in cases with minimal or no fans that promote natural airflow. While overclocking is not recommended with the Noctua NH-P1, it can maintain safe temperatures for recent CPUs at stock settings.

Although there are large air CPU coolers available, they cannot match the impressive size of the Noctua NH-P. With no fans, the heatsink takes on the majority of the cooling work, featuring thick fins that are spaced further apart to exceed the capabilities of typical components.

The Noctua NH-P1's asymmetrical design allows for the heatsink's fins to be positioned towards the top of the motherboard, minimizing any blockage of memory or PCIe slots. Additionally, this layout reduces the chances of memory sticks being too tall to fit under the cooler. However, it is still recommended for potential buyers to consult Noctua's website for compatibility with their specific motherboard and CPU to avoid any disappointments.

While the Noctua NH-P1 is primarily designed for fan-less cooling, it is still compatible with 120 mm fans. These fans can be attached to the cooler and configured to spin only when CPU temperatures reach potentially dangerous levels. Although this may compromise the appearance of a completely fan-less setup, it allows users to push their CPUs harder than what is typically possible with passive cooling.

How To Pick The Right CPU Cooler For You?

Unlike some PC components, there is actually a fairly straightforward process for picking a CPU cooler. Ultimately it comes down to a handful of considerations.

Compatibility

Most CPU coolers nowadays are designed to adapt and cater to the demanding performance needs of the latest processors. Game Rant has recognized the Noctua NH-D15 as the ultimate CPU cooler, primarily due to its remarkable compatibility with almost every processor available in the market. Even if users are concerned about the possibility of a bulky heatsink obstructing their memory slots, the Noctua NH-D15 is still able to efficiently cool down CPUs with just a single fan.

Cooling Method

To manage the temperatures of power-hungry processors, CPU coolers employ various techniques. Air coolers utilize fans and heatsinks to disperse the heat generated around a CPU socket. The most effective air coolers, such as the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120, employ a dual fan and dual tower heatsink design to generate a powerful airflow.

The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360, an AIO liquid cooler, offers a unique solution to minimize CPU heat generation. By using a water block on the CPU socket, a water pump, and a radiator, it consistently circulates cool liquid over the CPU while directing heated liquid to a radiator equipped with fans to dissipate the heat. Additionally, the ROG Ryujin III 360 features a stylish 3.5-inch LCD screen for real-time monitoring of temperatures and system information.

Compared to air coolers, liquid coolers typically operate with less noise. However, for buyers who prioritize absolute silence in their builds, the Noctua NH-P1, a passive air cooler, may be the better choice. Although the NH-P1 may not match the performance of many air and liquid coolers, it provides an option for buyers who prefer to run their CPUs at stock settings.

Overclocking

To ensure optimal performance after making adjustments to the clock speeds and voltages of CPUs in a BIOS, it is crucial to have a sufficient CPU cooler for a PC rig. Employing a top-of-the-line liquid cooler such as the ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 enables Intel and CPU processors to function safely at higher speeds. However, certain air CPU coolers like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 can also facilitate mild to moderate overclocking, depending on the specific processor and airflow within the case.

Noise Level

Efficiently reducing processor temperatures while minimizing noise and vibrations, modern CPU coolers offer a remarkable solution. Notably, the Scythe Ninja 5 exemplifies an air cooler that operates as silently as AIO liquid coolers by employing a stealth mode. With its dual fans operating at a mere 800 RPM, the Ninja 5 effectively maintains optimal CPU temperatures without causing distracting noise.

CPU coolers also vary significantly in appearance, with certain options complementing a black, white, or pink case more effectively than others. Whether a purchaser desires a cooler with an ARGB fan or a specific colored heatsink cover, this guide discusses an ideal candidate.

FAQ

Q: Is an Air Cooled or Liquid Cooled CPU cooler better?

The superiority between AIOs and CPU air coolers is subjective, as there is no definitive answer. While AIOs are generally perceived as superior overall, there are instances where good CPU air coolers can perform just as well, if not better. However, the crucial factor to consider is whether your case has the ability to effectively dissipate the heat extracted by the CPU air cooler. In order to work optimally, a high-quality CPU air cooler may require assistance from the case to maintain a lower ambient temperature inside. On the other hand, AIO coolers do not typically face this limitation as they are mounted at the exhaust or intake points of a casing.

Q: Why do some high-end CPU coolers not have RGB?

When it comes to CPU coolers, the inclusion or exclusion of RGB lighting has no impact on performance. Companies like Noctua and BeQuiet! prioritize the cooling effectiveness of their products, with aesthetics being a secondary consideration. They adopt a less-is-more approach, focusing on maximizing cooling efficiency. This strategy has proven successful, as demonstrated by Asus's earlier version of the Ryujin II, which featured Noctua fans due to high consumer demand.