cpu-coolers
by Perfect Tech Reviewer
Suppose you are tired of your CPU overheating and don’t want to deal with your PC’s complications while gaming or working. It is not exactly simple to find a perfect cooling solution, but we still have some options to resolve it. You are provided a list of some CPU coolers, and each of them could be labeled as the best CPU cooler that will surely help you reduce your CPU’s temperature. All you have to do is to upgrade your stock cooler with one of the high-end units out there. You can do it with simple investment, and you will notice all the improvements you want to see in your CPU. If you’re going to make the best PC build, you have to choose the right cooler for your smart PC.
At A Glance:
Best pick
Best Premium CPU Cooler
ASUS ROG RYUJIN
✓
Solid radiator
✓
It’s quiet and cool
✓
Customizable OLED screen
Budget Pick
Best Budget CPU Cooler
EVGA CLC CPU Liquid Cooler 400-HY-CL
✓
Lowest noise level
✓
Pretty small and easy to install
✓
Designed without messy wires
Staff Pick
Best Overall CPU Cooler
Cooler Master MasterAir MA620M
✓
Bright RGB LEDs
✓
One of the best-looking coolers
✓
Compatible with the AM4 socket
It will make a big difference in noise, temperature, and performance, especially overclocking. Suppose your present cooler can’t handle your chip’s heating temperature. In that case, that will lead you to slower performance and a shorter lifetime for your incredible processor, and we are sure you never want that to happen. If you are unaware whether you want air or liquid cooling AIO, there are few things to consider.
Nowadays, air coolers are getting more affordable, and the top-class air coolers reach the 100$ range. But it depends on the user, which cooler best suits them. We will further discuss the pros and cons and quick shopping tips related to these CPU coolers. So let’s get started.
Quick Shopping Tips
You may like to consider these points while choosing the best CPU cooler.
Compatibility of size:
Compatibility of size is also crucial for a perfect build. Large coolers and low-profile units can strike against big RAM and VRM heatsinks sometimes. On the other hand, giant coolers can lead to clearance issues with your window or case door. You should check the advertised clearances and dimensions of any cooler you will buy and your case before considering.
The balance between cooling and noise:
The coolers who perform their job well and take warm air away from your CPU and out of the case are usually loudest. If you don’t like the fan noise, you should go for a cooler to make the right balance between cooling and noise.
Specs and feature:
A product’s performance is based on its specs and features. There are numerous products with fewer differences in specs and features that undoubtedly affect their interpretation. Do not trust only on comments and reviews because people mostly stand biased or may exaggerate their experiences. So it would help if you took a deep acknowledgment about the specs and features list of a product on its official website or Amazon, which is the world’s most trusted eCommerce platform.
Performance/price balance:
There should be a reasonable balance between performance and price because the market has several similar products with minor differences in price and performance, so you must choose a perfect balanced cooler for your smart PC.
Cooler packed CPUs:
Most Ryzen 2000 and 3000 series processors and some previous Ryzen versions came up with coolers, and most of them can handle average overclocks. If you want to facilitate yourself with the best CPU clock speed, you should buy an aftermarket cooler. For most Ryzen users who don’t want to spend a lot of cash that exceeds their limits, the perfect CPU cooler should be a free one in the box.
Our Recommendations For Best Liquid CPU Cooler
Our Recommendations For Best CPU Air Cooler
ASUS ROG RYUJIN
Best pick
View on amazon
Brand: ASUS | Power Connector Type: 4pin | Cooling Type: Water Cooler | Socket: AM4 | Fan Size: 240mm | Speed: 450 to 2000 RPM | Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 14 inches
ASUS ROG RYUJIN Liquid cooler is the ultimate product specifically designed for high-end builds to provide top-class thermal performance. It features Noctua industrial fans for maximum cooling and quieter operation. It has an underneath fan in the pump housing for extra and improved cooling to the M.2 and VRM. It is the cooler that keeps your system running at its best. It is designed with a LiveDash OLED that shows custom graphics or setup stats and the most attractive Aura Sync RGB lighting.
It is the excellent thermal solution compelled to become an essential part of your high-end gaming rig. It works great, fantastic, but some buyers complained about its high price, and the overall look could be more durable. Some buyers also said that the cover is not of good quality and could be scratched very quickly.
The overall installation procedure is straightforward, and the performance is impressive. Moreover, it is the world’s first AIO cooler that features an implant 1.77inch LiveDash color OLED that shows useful system details such as voltages, temperatures, frequencies, and fan speeds. It is also compatible with a vast range of AMD and Intel motherboard platforms, which gives you the complete flexibility to match it with the processor of your class and choice. It also features 38cm of tubing to make routing and to mount more uncomplicated and comfortable.
The Pros
✓
Solid radiator
✓
It’s quiet and cool
✓
Customizable OLED screen
The Cons
✗
Noisy under heavy loads
Alphacool Eisbaer 420
Brand: Alphacool | Power Connector Type: 3pin | Cooling Type: Water Cooler | Socket: AM4 | Fan Size: 420mm | Speed: 2600 RPM | Dimensions: 19.69 x 9.84 x 6.30 inches
The Alphacool Eisbaer 420 cooler is a combo of ultimate radiator and 320mm PVC tubes with anti-kink springs and a fast machine. It offers a tremendous high-end cooler available in the market. It features a closed water cooling system that is easy to install and conveniently enlarged with its quick-lock closure. The cooler has a blue brighten logo and a couple of G1/4inch threads used to fix the common water cooling standard. It enables switching or replacing any elements conveniently.
Moreover, it features a fill port that refills the fluid conveniently if the circuit is enlarged with a radiator. Alphacool has always invented pure copper radiators. Additionally, the front chambers and the cooling fins are also made of copper. It is beneficial for perfect heat exchange and heat transfer. For this reason, this is known to be the most popular radiators in the world. Some users complained about the extremely short hoses for front radiator assembling, making the mounting mechanism complicated.
Overall, Alphacool has a good reputation in its circle, and it is known to deliver the quality products that provide what it offers. Its fans were specially designed to produce high static pressure for radiators to force air through the radiator’s fins. Its Y-adapter, along with two fans, provides full control through the motherboard. We recommend you to try this product as it has been added to the best CPU cooler list.
The Pros
✓
Expandable
✓
Plenty of brackets
✓
Top-quality radiator
The Cons
✗
Hoses are too short
Thermaltake Water 3.0 ARGB Sync CL-W
Brand: Thermaltake | Power Connector Type: 3pin | Cooling Type: Water Cooler | Socket: LGA1200 | Fan Size: 360mm | Speed: 500 to 1500 RPM | Dimensions: 7 x 5.74 x 18.5 inches
Thermaltake Water 3.0 ARGB Sync CL-W is a top-class cooler designed to support motherboards with a 5V addressable RGB header. It allows you to directly handle the lights from various software like ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, without installing any additional lighting software or controllers. It also features nine fast-airflow compression fan blades and a fascinating color LED ring along with nine addressable LEDs. Moreover, the 3600 RPM pump quickly spreads coolant to take away heat and keeps the copper plate always cool.
This ultimate product is compatible with major Intel or AMD sockets and is developed with a tool-free pump for easy installation. Its ARGB controller lets users switch LED modes, LED speeds, and LED colors. The users can choose between flow, pulse, ripple, wave, blink, RGB spectrum, full light, and off modes with different colors and LED speed options. The cooler performs well, but some customers reported that the fan is not durable and stopped working after a few months.
In short, this water cooler has an impressive build quality. Its efficient radiator enlarges the cooling surface and unusual heat dissipation. The high-performance copper plate is used to increase the heat conductivity. Moreover, its reliable and top-quality pump is helpful in the circulation of a large amount of water. This brand has a good reputation in its circle and doesn’t sacrifice the quality and features.
The Pros
✓
Triple-fan with large surface radiator
✓
LEDs Sync with motherboard software
✓
Higher performance at a lower temperature
The Cons
✗
No software control
EVGA CLC CPU Liquid Cooler 400-HY-CL
Budget Pick
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Brand: EVGA | Power Connector Type: 3pin | Cooling Type: Water Cooler | Socket: AM4 | Fan Size: 120mm | Speed: 1800+/-10% RPM | Dimensions: 9.17 x 7.4 x 5.59 inches
EVGA CLC CPU Liquid Cooler 400-HY-CL is the perfect cooler that is easy to install because of its small size. It is an all-in-one cooling solution that is entirely self-contained. It doesn’t need maintenance and custom tubing, and you need to be plugged and played. Its unique wiring system makes this cooler more comfortable without messy wires. It features a copper base, which offers maximum heat dissipation. It also features a built-in 120mm radiator and 120mm fan that enables dissipation of heat to maintain the CPU’s cooling system.
The elite-class liquid cooler provides you the remarkable performance, healthy software controls, and fantastic performance. The fan is specially designed to make less noise, deliver superior airflow and static pressure. It has excellent performance, but some users complained about the poor mounting design, and the included fan is satisfactory. They suggested replacing the fan with the better one.
On the other hand, the latest cooling block offers a better flow rate and heat transfer surface area for excellent and efficient cooling solutions. The EVGA, as always, introduced premium fans that are built for high-end cooling and silent noise. Its stylish blade design provides brilliant cooling performance, and curved housing minimizes the noise level. Moreover, the Teflon Nano Bearings guarantee a long-life span. It is the best CPU cooler that helps you use your processor for long hours.
The Pros
✓
Lowest noise level
✓
Pretty small and easy to install
✓
Designed without messy wires
The Cons
✗
Poor mounting design
Corsair A50 Air Cooler
Brand: Corsair | Power Connector Type: 3pin | Cooling Type: Air Cooler | Socket: AM3 | Fan Size: 120mm | Speed: 1600 to 2000 RPM | Dimensions: 17 x 19 x 11 inches
Corsair A50 Air Cooler is the one that protects your CPU in the best possible way. As we all know, excessive heat is a deadly alarm for any gaming rig to be destroyed. If your system is heated up, you could not get high-performance in any task you perform. This CPU can extend the lifespan of your CPU by silently and efficiently taking that heat away. By using this cooler, you can also get faster performance. The Intel Core i5 and i7 are designed for overclocking when it is needed automatically. It is the best way to lower your CPU operating temperature.
Your CPU knows when it is required to turn on your CPU cooler and when it is needed to boost its speed instantly. But if you don/t want to go for i5 or i7, and you want to set your overclocking settings by yourself, this cooler will give you the maximum temperature headroom you needed. Overall it has good performance, but some buyers complained that it doesn’t fit in the average mid-tower cases and doesn’t have detailed instructions.
Some buyers also stated that it only has three wire fans, so you can’t handle the temperatures.
Overall the cooler works well and has remarkable aesthetics. The premium engineering of the Air series A50 allows it to outperform your processor’s stock heatsink. It’s 8mm copper heat pipes make a direct link with your CPU and instantly take away heat through the aluminum cooling fins. You can enjoy long years of good performance by replacing your CPU’s stock heatsink.
The Pros
✓
Solid mounting
✓
Silent performer
✓
Cool temperatures under heavy load
The Cons
✗
No detailed instructions
Cooler Master MasterAir MA620M
Staff Pick
View on amazon
Brand: Cooler Master | Power Connector Type: 4pin | Cooling Type: Air Cooler | Socket: AM4 | Fan Size: 120mm | Speed: 650 to 2000 RPM | Dimensions: 5.31 x 4.92 x 6.50 inches
Cooler Master MasterAir MA620M is a vast size cooler that efficiently performs its job systematically. It features a combo of two sets of heatsinks that allows more extensive and more expanded surface area. The black paint is used to enhance radiation cooling performance. Its six heat pipes Array improved uniform layout and ultimate thermal connectivity divide heat equally across heatsinks. Moreover, it also features an all-in-one mounting layout for easy installation.
Its new SF120R fan has a silent driver IC and a massive range of speed settings that can be used for quiet operation to deliver maximum cooling operation. It also features the addressable RGB LED controller that offers customizable effects and colors with just one click. Everything is fantastic, but some users complained about being too large to keep it in mind before buying.
Some buyers also said that it is a non-sense to provide only two screws held on for such a massive product. Overall, the product has excellent features and exceptional aesthetics. It amazingly supports the CPU to deliver high-quality performance. Besides this, its hexagon logo and embedded addressable RGB lighting strip offer a fascinating perspective light effect.
The Pros
✓
Bright RGB LEDs
✓
One of the best-looking coolers
✓
Compatible with the AM4 socket
The Cons
✗
Fewer written instructions
Noctua NH-D15
Brand: Noctua | Power Connector Type: 4pin | Cooling Type: Air Cooler | Socket: AM4 | Fan Size: 140mm | Speed: 300 to 1500 RPM | Dimensions: 5.91 x 6.34 x 6.5 inches
Noctua NH-D15 is the fan that delivers a fantastic performance compared to few liquid coolers and is worth its price. This ultimate dual-tower power model can provide the requirements of overclocking at its peak. It has two NF-A15 140mm fans and PWM support that enables automatic speed control, which provides improved efficiency. Moreover, it delivers outstanding and remarkable cooling performance that a passionate gamer requires, and on the top of the line, it is incredibly silent, as well.
The majority of the people were amazed and blown out by this unit’s quality aesthetics and performance. People declare that they would rebuy this product as it covers all the quality features. The installation is effortless, and the product has no comparison regarding its build quality. People appreciated that the fan does not have a whisper of sound. But some people complained about the defective product delivery, and the fans have to be more comprehensive than the heatsink.
Overall, if you want to buy a reliable, fast, and quiet cooling fan, this one is best suitable for you. It has a top-notch performance and is famous for its durability. Moreover, it is also compatible with all the top-end RAMs available out there. This unit is known to be most demanding among overclockers, silent enthusiasts, and those who want complete quality solutions.
The Pros
✓
High-quality fins
✓
Excellent mounting
✓
Comprehensive cooling
The Cons
✗
Not compatible with Mini-ITX case
be quiet! Dark Rock Pro TR4
Brand: Be quiet | Power Connector Type: 4pin | Cooling Type: Air Cooler | Socket: AM4 | Fan Size: 120mm | Speed: 1200 to 1500 RPM | Dimensions: 5.35 x 6.4 x 5.75 inches
Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro TR4 is the product that helps you reach your destination. It makes no compromise in being calm and performance for overclocked setups with high-demanding graphics applications. This ultimate product is specifically designed for AMD TR4 and offers an excellent rating of 250W TDP. Its PWM fan features the latest and advanced fluid-dynamic bearings, airflow optimized fan blades, and smooth six-pole motors. This fan does a fantastic job so that you can run your heavy workloads for long hours.
This incredible unit is highly equipped with seven latest technology 6mm copper heat pipes that expand heat conductance. The cooling fins have small dots on their surface that helps in better and improved air circulation. The unique black coating with ceramic particles helps in transferring heat in the best possible way. The product has fantastic build quality, but some users complained that it’s not suitable for overclocking, while some stated that it doesn’t have compatibility with all the CPUs.
Besides this, it contains two aluminum heatsinks. The cutouts offered with it enhance its RAM compatibility. It has two pre-installed fans, plus you can also install another 120mm fan for improved and efficient cooling. The mounting kit that comes with it is entirely black, which perfectly matches with the cooler itself. The cooler is easy to install with the motherboard from the top. The aluminum top cover has a diamond-cut finish that adds a touch of decency to this premium cooler.
The Pros
✓
Runs silently
✓
Good looks and aesthetics
✓
High-class cooling performance
The Cons
✗
No RGB options
Summary For Best Liquid CPU Cooler
Summary For Best CPU Air Cooler
Conclusion
So we have rounded up the best CPU cooler to make it easier for you to decide which cooler best suits you. It is essential to have a reliable CPU cooler for making any gaming rig or any workload impressive and fantastic. You don’t need to worry about your CPU lagging or to heat up when you need to run it for long hours. With excellent CPU coolers, overclocking and overheating will be no more a problem for you. You only have to do a thorough consideration of all the essential aspects. And you will be in the right place.
It is very vital to have a good CPU cooler for your processor. Heating your unit can lead your system to a disaster that can not be recovered again. If you can afford the expensive CPU cooler, we recommend you to go for ASUS ROG RYUJIN Liquid. On the other hand, if you have a tight budget, we suggest choosing the EVGA CLC CPU Liquid Cooler 400-HY-CL. It is affordable and doesn’t compromise on quality and performance. We are sure; once you will buy this, you will not regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CPU air cooler?
As we all know, there are a lot of air coolers available in the market. However, all of them have quality features and an extraordinary level of performance. All you need to do is to make sure that the fan should be compatible with your processor. Choices differ from person to person, but if you gave us an option to recommend, we advise you to go for none other than Noctua NH-D15. It is the best air cooler with a rich set of features.
What is the best CPU cooler 2021?
The quarry is a little bit tricky because it is not easy to rate the best choice. Because priorities vary from person to person and people decide the product according to their requirements. We recommend you to go for ASUS ROG RYUJIN Liquid, and it is the best CPU cooler as reported by the customers. It is expensive but has high-level aesthetics. Moreover, it delivers top-notch performance with high-quality aesthetics.
Is liquid cooling worth it 2021?
Liquid cooling is expensive but delivers high-quality performance. It provides more significant potential for cooling in all kinds of heavy workloads and looks much stylish and fascinating in your system. If you can not afford the expensive cooler and are okay with the air cooler’s bulky heatsink, then choosing the air cooling solution is not a bad idea. You can try the product to be quiet! Dark Rock Pro TR4, we are sure you will not disappoint.
Is Cooler Master CPU Cooler good?
Cooler Master’s MasterLiquid ML360R 360mm CPU cooler is one of the best liquid coolers out there. It has a beautiful CPU block design and a muted centerpiece logo created for a clean and smooth lighting setup. It is also joined with three addressable RGB fans. Even the ML360R performs and cools well. The cooler also runs smoothly while providing some mesmerizing lighting for your entire system. You should again try EVGA CLC CPU Liquid Cooler 400-HY-CL. It also has the excellent build quality and top-class performance. We are sure this product will not disappoint you.
Perfect Tech Reviewer
I write about PC gaming hardware and tech gadgets for gamers and professionals. My mission is to help you build individualized and unique high-performance PCs for your special needs and budget.
