Keeping your computer‘s CPU cool is critical to maintaining top performance and preventing crashes or damage, especially when overclocking or running demanding applications. That‘s why having a quality CPU cooler is a must for any build.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover the 7 best CPU coolers available today based on performance, noise levels, compatibility, and value. Whether you‘re building a new system or looking to upgrade, one of these coolers will keep your CPU frosty.
How CPU Coolers Work
Before diving into the top models, let‘s quickly go over how CPU coolers function. There are two main types:
Air coolers use a heatsink and fan(s) to pull heat away from the CPU into the fins where it dissipates into the air flowing through them. They offer good performance for the money but can be noisier at high speeds.
Liquid/AIO (all-in-one) coolers pump liquid coolant through a closed loop system with a cold plate contacting the CPU and radiator dumping heat. They cool better but cost more.
In both types, the idea is the same – extract heat so the CPU doesn‘t overheat and throttle performance. Now let‘s look at some stellar coolers to get the job done.
1. Noctua NH-D15 – Best Overall
Specifications
- Type: Air
- Fan(s): 2x 140mm
- Noise Level: 24.6 dBA
- Dimensions: 160 x 150 x 135 mm
- Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1200/115x, AMD AM4
Noctua is renowned for making some of the most efficient air coolers, and their flagship DH-15 model dominates the field in both cooling and low noise. It sports a massive dual tower heatsink with six copper heatpipes and two 140mm PWM fans for tremendous airflow and heat dissipation.
Capable of handling over 300W, the NH-D15 can tame the hottest CPUs like AMD‘s Ryzen 9 5950X or Intel Core i9-12900K with ease, even with moderate overclocks. And it does it extremely quietly thanks to the large, slow-spinning fans that still move plenty of air. It leaves liquid coolers in the dust in noise-normalized benchmarks.
With support for nearly every modern socket, SecuFirm2 mounting, and a 6-year warranty, the NH-D15 checks all the boxes. The only downside is the imposing size that may not fit in some smaller cases. But for performance, acoustics, and reliability, the Noctua NH-D15 is unrivaled.
Recommended For
- Those wanting the best air cooling performance
- Low-noise focused builds
- Top-tier CPUs including AMD Ryzen & Intel Core i9
Where to Buy
The Noctua NH-D15 is available at most major retailers online:
2. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II – Best AIO Cooler
Specifications
- Type: Liquid AIO
- Radiator Size: 280 or 420mm
- Pump Noise: 0.3 sone
- Socket Compatibility: Intel & AMD
If an all-in-one liquid cooler is on your radar, it doesn‘t get much better than the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II. What sets it apart is the integrated pump in the cold plate on top of the CPU for better heat transfer and lower noise. Paired with either a 280mm or 420mm radiator, it provides exceptional cooling.
This versatile AIO handles up to 250W+ for both Intel and AMD platforms, plus ARCTIC‘s excellent included fans run very quietly even at higher RPMs thanks to fluid dynamic bearings. It can cool even the top-end AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel i9 X-series chips, no problem.
With a simple, clean aesthetic that still offers some RGB variants, reliable six-year warranty, and a great price for the performance, the Liquid Freezer II is one beastly AIO cooler. The thicker radiators may cause some fit issues in compact cases but it‘s worth adjusting for what is currently the top all-in-one liquid CPU cooler money can buy.
Recommended For
- Those wanting premium AIO liquid performance
- Builders without space restrictions
- High-end AMD Threadripper and Intel X-series chips
Where to Buy
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II is stocked at leading retailers:
3. Thermalright Peerless Assassin – Best Big Air Cooler
Specifications
- Type: Air
- Fan(s): Dual 120mm
- Noise Level: 34.5 dBA
- Dimensions: 147 x 130 x 160 mm
- Socket Compatibility: AMD AM4/AM5/TR4, Intel LGA 1700
Thermalright shook up the status quo in air cooling with their Peerless Assassin series, offering performance rivaling Noctua‘s best for around half the cost. It truly is an aggressive, heat-eliminating ninja.
Sporting a massive heatsink with six 6mm copper heatpipes and aluminum fins, the surface area for heat dissipation is immense. Paired with included TL-C12C 120mm fans, it effectively transfers heat from the CPU into that vast finstack. The height may complicate some builds but it just clears standard RAM slots. Benchmarks show it trailing only top Noctua models.
Considering its robust build quality, great mounting hardware, and universal socket compatibility, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE packs incredible value. It punches far above its weight and budget, competing with coolers double or triple its cost. If you want big air-cooled power without breaking the bank, the Peerless Assassin is an unbeatable choice.
Recommended For
- Those wanting top air performance on a budget
- Users with vertical case clearance
- High core count AMD and Intel processors
Where to Buy
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is available now:
4. DeepCool AK620 – Best Mid-Sized Cooler
Specifications
- Type: Air
- Fan(s): Dual 120mm
- Noise Level: 30 dBA
- Dimensions: 130 x 123 x 163 mm
- Socket Compatibility: Intel/AMD
Many users prefer a compact CPU cooler that still offers high performance. That‘s where the DeepCool AK620 shines – providing stellar cooling in a mid-sized, dual-fan package. It leverages two 120mm fans surrounding an asymmetric aluminum fin stack and six copper heat pipes to tame today‘s hottest CPUs.
Thanks to the fluid dynamic bearing fans, it achieves fantastic benchmarks rivaling top air coolers and remains very quiet even with heavy loads. With compatibility for Intel Alder Lake LGA 1700 and AMD AM5 out of the box, along with modern AMD/Intel sockets, the AK620 is quite future-proof. Topped off with a sleek black aesthetic and bracketed RGB lighting, it checks every box.
For those wanting low-noise cooling that can still handle up 200W+ CPUs in a smaller footprint, the DeepCool AK620 is easily the best value option available. And with a reasonable price below $75 considering the performance delivered, it‘s a no brainer for compact cooling that packs a mighty punch.
Recommended For
- Mid-sized ATX/mATX cases
- Those wanting quiet but powerful cooling
- Budget-friendly high performance
Where to Buy
The DeepCool AK620 is stocked at all major component retailers:
5. Scythe Mugen 5 Rev. B – Best Low-Profile Cooler
Specifications
- Type: Air
- Fan(s): Single 120mm
- Noise Level: 28.9 dBA
- Dimensions: 100 x 134 x 160 mm
- Socket Compatibility: AMD/Intel
Finding a quality low-profile CPU cooler over 120mm can be tricky, but the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev. B delivers. It serves up modern performance in a compact form factor, making it a versatile pick for SFF builds.
A single 120mm Kaze Flex fan sits atop a dense stack of aluminum fins and multiple copper heat pipes, providing ample cooling for 65W to 120W CPUs. And thanks to the fluid dynamic bearing and speed control, it remains quiet and power efficient. While it can‘t compete with beefier twin/triple tower coolers, the Mugen 5 Rev. B punches above its weight given the size.
With a straightforward design in grey/black, universal socket support, and adjustable mounting system, the Mugen 5 Rev. B makes it easy to upgrade CPU thermals in tight confines. For low-noise low-profile cooling that handily beats stock, it‘s a standout choice with great value behind it.
Recommended For
- Small form factor (SFF) cases
- HTPCs and multi-media PCs
- General air-cooled upgrade from stock
Where to Buy
The Scythe Mugen 5 Rev. B is available now on leading retails sites:
6. Thermalright AXP120 X67 – Best Low-Profile Runner Up
Specifications
- Type: Air
- Fan(s): Single 120mm slim fan
- Noise Level: N/A
- Dimensions: 95 x 100 x 68 mm
- Socket Compatibility: AMD/Intel
The best things come in small packages – which aptly describes Thermalright‘s AXP120 X67, our runner up for low-profile cooling. With a minuscule 68mm height sporting a dense heatsink, single heatpipe, and slim 120mm fan, its effective volume-to-airflow ratio leads the SFF cooling class.
Benchmarks reveal the AXP120 X67 cooling on par with or better than comparable low-profile air coolers, effectively handling up to 125W CPUs with quiet airflow across the diminished heatsink/fins. And it does all this with universal compatibility across Intel and AMD sockets plus almost non-existent clearance issues.
While on the pricier side, that dwindles when factoring performance-per-dollar given how capable this tiny cooler is. If you have a confined case where space is at a true premium, the survival-of-the-fittest design Thermalright executed on the AXP120 makes it a miniature cooling beast.
Recommended For
- ITX or uATX small form factor cases
- Extremely compact builds
- Efficient low-profile processor cooling
Where to Buy
The Thermalright AXP120 X67 is stocked at specialty PC component retailers currently:
7. ID-COOLING SE-226-XT – Best Budget Air Cooler
Specifications
- Type: Air
- Fan(s): Single 120mm
- Noise Level: 32.6 dBA
- Dimensions: 103 x 135 x 160 mm
- Socket Compatibility: Intel/AMD
Skimping out on your CPU cooler generally backfires with poor thermals, loud fan noise, or failure down the road. But ID-Cooling proves with the SE-226-XT that even budget coolers can offer quality quiet performance when done right.
For under $30 you get a roomy heatsink with four copper heat pipes and120mm Whisper Silent fan that competes favorably with renowned budget names like the Hyper 212. Benchmarks reveal it cooling on par with the venerable Hyper 212 but at lower noise levels and a cheaper price.
While only suited for low-medium powered 65W-150W processors and lacking the robust build of premium coolers, the SE-226-XT accomplishes admirable cooling in any budget. If you just want basic aftermarket upgrade from loud annoying stock fans that won‘t break the bank, this ID-Cooling lands as a best-in-class recommendation.
Recommended For
- Budget system builders
- Basic CPU cooling upgrade
- General office/home use CPUs
Where to Buy
The ID-COOLING SE-226-XT is commonly available at online computer retailers:
What to Consider When Choosing a CPU Cooler
Finding the right CPU cooler for your needs involves weighing factors like intended processor TDP, overclocking plans, case fitment, performance demands, noise tolerance, and aesthetics preferences against budget. Consider the following when choosing the best CPU cooler for you:
Processor TDP – Will a 120W, 150W or 200W+ cooler be needed? Factor in overclocking.
Case Dimensions – Measure thickness limits, cooler height allowances. Ensure room for radiator or tall heatsinks.
Noise Tolerance – Look at fan sizes, decibel levels, types of bearings. Typically the more cooling, the more noise.
Aesthetics – RGB, blackout, all-in-one? Get the right look.
Budget – Set a cooler price cap for your build. Prices run from $25 to $150+.
Performance Targets – Research tests with hardware comparable to yours. See expected temps/clocks.
Selecting your CPU cooler doesn‘t need to be overwhelming. Ultimately, you want reliable cooling that meets demands quietly, fits the space, and looks good for a fair budget. Use the above buyers guide and component choices tailored exactly for that.
Your processor works hard – make sure you pick a cooler that can match its pace!
