14 Best CPU Coolers

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Boxed versions of processors are almost always equipped with simple active cooling – a cooler. According to the logic of things, a standard cooler, selected for a specific processor model by the manufacturer, should have fully coped with the cooling of the processor under all possible loads. In reality, this is far from always the case, and the standard cooler will need to be replaced either immediately during the PC assembly process, or after some time.

The editors of the online magazine Simplerule offer you an overview of the most effective and popular CPU coolers, which have collected the most positive feedback from real users at the beginning of 2020.

Rating of the best CPU coolers

The Best Classic Design CPU Coolers

In the first and most extensive selection, we will consider coolers of the classical design with direct airflow, when the fan, heatsink and the processor itself are in parallel planes. This is the most numerous group of models, since such a form factor in terms of its efficiency covers both the simplest processors with minimal heat dissipation and more powerful ones.

We will analyze models with a completely solid aluminum heatsink, as well as more advanced samples with a copper core. Copper inserts in radiators of certain models are needed not only and not so much for more efficient heat removal, but for the possibility of using liquid metal as a thermal interface. The chemical composition of the liquid metal does not allow it to come into contact with aluminum – the latter is quickly destroyed in such an interaction.

Deepcool CK-11508

Rating: 4.9

The review is opened by the traditionally most inexpensive model – the product of a Chinese company, which, due to the combination of very good performance and absolutely negligible cost, has been holding stable demand on the Russian market for more than a year.

This is a cooler based on an aluminum radiator without copper inserts. The radiator is quite massive: the total dimensions of the “turntable” bundle and the radiator are 95x70x95mm, of which 92x92x25mm are the dimensions of the fan itself. The total weight of the structure is 245g.

The fan with a diameter of 92 mm rotates on a hydrodynamic bearing with a frequency of up to 2200 rotations per minute. The power of the generated air flow is up to 40.9CFM. The maximum declared noise level of 20dB is mostly true. Lighting, of course, is not provided. The device is generally devoid of any design frills – everything here is extremely simple and to the point.

This model is compatible with LGA1150/1151/1155/S1156 sockets, which host a wide variety of Intel processors – from simple Pentium G to Core i7. The declared heat dissipation capabilities of the Deepcool CK-11508 correspond to a TDP of 65W. But this does not mean that the cooling will cope with any processor whose TDP has the same value.

As for noise, this model as a whole can be considered quiet. Independent tests have shown minimally audible noise up to 1600 rpm, almost complete noiselessness up to 1200 rpm. At maximum speed, the noise is already quite distinct, but within the declared norm.

For all its simplicity, this model belongs to the “difficult” in terms of installation. This refers to the frequent case when it is extremely difficult to install a cooler into a motherboard already installed in the case. For convenient installation, the motherboard most often has to be removed (if the cooler is being replaced) or the cooler must be installed before the motherboard is installed.

Deepcool ARCHER BIGPRO

Rating: 4.8

And in pursuit of the first cheapest model, let’s consider a cooler from the same Chinese brand Deepcool, but only a more advanced version with a copper core.

The kit dimensions are 124x70x121mm, of which the fan itself is 120x120x25mm. Construction weight – 380g. Outwardly, it looks very nice due to the blue blades. Even in the absence of illumination, the fan itself serves as a decor. The bearing is hydrodynamic. Power – from a 4-pin connector, which implies support for pulse-width modulation when controlling the speed of rotation.

The cooler is compatible with LGA775, LGA1150/1151/1155/S1156, AM2, AM2+, AM3/AM3+/FM1, AM4, FM2/FM2+ sockets. The copper core increases the rate of heat removal from the processor and allows the use of a thermal interface of increased efficiency – liquid metal.

The fan speed of this model is from 900 to 2000 per minute. Claimed noise should not exceed 29.7 dB, and this is generally true, according to the results of independent tests. However, at maximum speed, the noise, although it fits into the declared norm, seems uncomfortable to many users. The maximum power of the generated air flow is 60.19CFM.

Now about the ability to heat dissipation. This indicator according to the device passport corresponds to TDP 125W. This is quite a lot, if not bold. On processors with such a TDP, tower coolers or even liquid cooling are most often installed. Therefore, Simplerule experts recommend not to take risks and use a cooler to cool processors with less heat dissipation – approximately no higher than the level of Intel Core i5.

PCcooler Q100

Rating: 4.7

The third notable model is also super-budget and super popular. This Q100 brand PCcooler is an example of solid Chinese technology from Shenzhen Fluence Technology PLC. Works well, lasts a long time, costs a few hundred rubles.

Here, as in the case of Deepcool CK-11508, only the color scheme of the fan blades gives the manufacturer the moral right to position the cooler as a game cooler. Although it will definitely not cope with the heating of the gaming processor, and even under a serious load. Its scope is office computers, not necessarily low-power ones, but certainly not gaming or graphic stations.

Externally, the cooler is really beautiful – bright orange fan blades in a black funnel-shaped frame – in this format both practicality and stylish design are embodied. The overall dimensions of the cooler are 100x50x100mm, the fan alone is 100x100x25mm. Compatible with LGA775, LGA1150/1151/1155/S1156, AM2, AM2+, AM3/AM3+/FM1, AM4, FM2/FM2+ sockets. The fan rotates on a hydrodynamic bearing.

The ability to remove heat declared by the manufacturer corresponds to a processor TDP of 75W. The frequency of circulation is from 1200 to 2000 rpm. Produced noise – from 16 to 20 dB. At lower fan speeds, it’s almost inaudible. Connection to the motherboard via a 4-pin connector.

This model has a total radiator area along all fins – about 700 square meters. cm, while many boxed coolers have an area of ​​​​1000 square meters. see and more. Due to this, the cooler can lose in terms of heat dissipation to the standard options that come with the boxed processor.

The estimated service life of this model, according to the manufacturer, is 30 thousand hours.

Cooler Master C116 (CP6-9GDSC-0L-GP)

Rating: 4.6

Another cooler for a processor with a copper core in our review is the Cooler Master C116 in the most popular modification. The manufacturer is a Taiwanese company of the same name. Focused on Intel processors, namely sockets LGA775, LGA1150/1151/1155/S1156.

The dimensions of the cooler assembly are 92x60x92mm, the total weight is 373g. The dimensions of the fan itself are 92x92x25mm. Diameter – 92mm. The radiator is aluminum, except for the copper contact insert. This model has a feature – the fan blades are soft pink. This should be taken into account if the cooler is to be mounted in an open PC case or a case with a transparent wall.

The maximum speed here is less than that of the previous model – up to 2200 per minute, and the heat dissipation capacity declared by the manufacturer is higher – corresponds to a TDP of 100W. Surprisingly, independent tests show that the cooler is up to the task. True, the maximum noise here is higher – up to 30dB. The maximum airflow force is 41.43CFM. Based on the totality of the declared and real characteristics, this model can be recommended for cooling processors of the Intel Core i5 level, but heat dissipation, including in TurboBoost mode or during multiplier overclocking, should be clarified first.

The fan in this model rotates on a plain bearing. Power is via a 3-pin connector, which hints at the lack of support for pulse-width modulation, and this, in turn, means limitations in terms of automatic rotation speed control. Simply put, the cooler will always run at maximum speed, and something can be changed only through the reobas.

There is a fairly common problem of installation complexity here – it is often very difficult to install a cooler on a motherboard already mounted in a case. It will be faster, easier and safer to pre-dismantle the motherboard.

The service life of Cooler Master C116 (CP6-9GDSC-0L-GP), estimated by the manufacturer itself, is 25 hours.

Xilence I250PWM

Rating: 4.5

Another simple and inexpensive cooler on an aluminum radiator is the Xilence I250PWM from the well-known Chinese-German manufacturer Xilence Technology Co., presumably part of Deepcool Industries. Socket compatibility – LGA1150/1151/1155/S1156.

The model is also positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming model, but all that is “gaming” in it is appearance, namely, bright red fan blades in a black frame. There is no backlight, as in all previous examples.

Overall dimensions of the cooler in the assembly – 95x70x95mm, weight – 326g. The dimensions of the fan separately are 92x92x25mm. The fan rotates on a hydrodynamic bearing. The declared ability to remove heat corresponds to a TDP of 95W, this is with a rotation speed range of 800 to 2500 rotations per minute. The generated airflow is approximately 44.25CFM in power. The device is powered by a 4-pin connector.

According to the results of independent tests, this cooler can be recommended for cooling processors of the Intel Core i3 and i5 level without overclocking, despite the declared not the lowest dissipation capacity. For potentially hotter processors, you can look at an almost similar model – A250PWM, but it will come out more expensive.

AeroCool BAS

Rating: 4.5

Now let’s present to you a particularly interesting and still very inexpensive solution from the Taiwanese company AeroCool Advanced Technologies – the large-diameter AeroCool BAS cooler. Here you will see unusually low rpm combined with suspiciously high efficiency in the characteristics. But in fact, the declared characteristics are quite true. This model is suitable for LGA1150/1151/1155/S1156 sockets.

Dimensions of the cooler assembly – 122x63x122mm, separate fan – 120x120x25mm. The diameter and shape of the blades allow the fan to generate a relatively powerful air flow – up to 55.6CFM, and this is at a speed of no more than 1200 per minute. This is especially important for those who are critically in need of minimal system unit noise. AeroCool BAS is really extremely quiet – its maximum noise level does not exceed 19dB. Rotates on a hydrodynamic bearing.

The cooler is powered from the motherboard via a 3-pin connector. This means that there is no support for pulse-width modulation, which means that the cooler is not capable of automatic speed adjustment. This is not a very pronounced minus, given its already low speed and extremely low noise. However, this can be a fundamental point for the user, so Simplerule experts have identified this circumstance as a disadvantage.

All things considered, the AeroCool BAS is indeed capable of effectively removing and dissipating heat from a 100W TDP processor. The manufacturer takes responsibility to declare 60 hours of service life for this model, but the official warranty is given for only 183 days.

Cooler Master CK9-9HDSA-PL-GP

Rating: 4.5

The selection of the simplest and most affordable coolers of classic design according to Simplerule magazine is completed by the model that our experts specially included in the review for users of systems based on AMD processors. The model is compatible with AM2, AM2+, AM3/AM3+/FM1 processor sockets, which means it is compatible with AMD Athlon, Opteron, Phenom and Sempron processor families.

The appearance of this model is strict and does not pretend to be a pseudo-gaming accessory – black plastic of the frame and blades, a radiator made of familiar aluminum, but it contains a copper insert for direct contact with the processor. Assembly dimensions – 95x71x95mm, separately for the fan itself – 95x95x25mm. Power supply – via a 4-pin connector with PWM support (PWM).

This model is distinctly different from any of the previous ones with a significantly higher maximum speed. Here it is 4200 rotations per minute. The minimum rotational speed is 800 per minute. The maximum airflow power is 64.1CFM.

With such indicators, the manufacturer claims the heat dissipation capacity of this model, corresponding to a TDP of 125W. On the whole, this is true, but with such a diameter, the cooler will remove the maximum temperatures only at higher speeds, which will inevitably lead to noticeable noise. At maximum speed, the fan noise is already quite annoying.

The manufacturer reports an estimated device life of 40 hours. Judging by the feedback from real users, the Cooler Master CK9-9HDSA-PL-GP has really served for years.

The dissatisfaction of many buyers of this model is associated with low-quality branded thermal paste. And such feedback would not have happened if the paste was supplied in a separate package, and not already applied to the contact area. According to its characteristics, it is even worse than the cheapest domestic KPT-8. However, this model is constantly produced, so at the time of your acquaintance with this review, the manufacturer may well correct the defect.

Best Tower CPU Coolers

In the second part of a thematic review from Simplerule magazine, we present coolers of a completely different form factor – tower coolers. The design of such devices provides for the mandatory use of copper heat pipes for efficient and fast removal of high temperatures directly to the radiator. In coolers of this design, the fan is installed on the side (or two on both sides), that is, perpendicular to the motherboard and socket, and not parallel, as in the “classic”.

Tower coolers are used to cool the hottest processors in all understandings. For gaming PCs or graphics workstations, this is the only “dry” option, since only LSS can cope with such loads as an alternative. Prices are on average many times higher than the cost of the above-described inexpensive classic coolers, but there are rare exceptions.

Deepcool ICE EDGE MINI FS V2.0

Rating: 4.9

Introducing the first model. Looking at the strangely low cost of the cooler, one may wonder what is wrong with it. In fact, everything is in order with him, he is just extremely simplified, with a minimum number of heat pipes and a compact radiator. Designed for installation on sockets of a wide range of modifications – from LGA775 to LGA1356/S1366; as well as for direct competitors – AMD processors on sockets from AM2 to S940. The cooler retails for less than 500 rubles.

The word MINI in the name of the model is indicated for a reason. Everything is small in this model – the fan is 80x80x25mm, together with a compact radiator – 112x130x75mm with a total weight of 276g. In appearance, there is a noticeable “signature” blue color of the blades, characteristic of many models of Deepcool coolers. It is powered by the motherboard via a 3-pin connector without PWM support. This implies that on many motherboards, changing the speed will not be possible, only if there is a separate special controller – reobas.

In terms of heat dissipation efficiency, this model shows the minimum performance in the region of TDP 100W. This is more than decent, given the minimum area of ​​the radiator fins and only two copper heat pipes. The fan rotates on a hydrodynamic type bearing with a speed of up to 2200 rpm. Possible frequency variation is no more than 10% in the direction of decrease or increase. Airflow power up to 25.13CFM. The estimated noise level is not more than 24.7dB.

According to the results of independent tests, the cooler can effectively cool AMD processors with a TDP of up to 100W. As for Intel processors, it is better to install a cooler on models up to 95W.

Deepcool GAMMAXX 300

Rating: 4.8

The second model in the group is already more serious, although it remains in the conditional category of inexpensive compact tower coolers. There are already three heat pipes, a slightly larger radiator with a larger usable area, and a slightly larger fan. The cooler is suitable for both Intel and AMD processor sockets: from LGA775 to LGA1356/S1366, as well as from AM2 to FM2/FM2+.

The assembled device dimensions are 121x136x76mm with a weight of 429g. The dimensions of the fan separately are 120x120x25mm. Connects to power from the motherboard via a 4-pin connector (assuming PWM support). Rotates on a hydrodynamic bearing. In appearance, the Deepcool corporate identity is also guessed – by the blue color of the fan blades.

According to the declared characteristics, this model is designed for heat dissipation around the TDP level of 120W. Independent tests show that the cooler is capable of even more, effectively dissipating heat from processors with a TDP of 130W. But this is only an estimate, and we do not recommend using any technique for other purposes.

Such efficiency is possible due to the larger diameter of the fan itself and the shape of the “petals”. And this model is almost silent at half speed and barely audible at maximum power. The frequency range of circulation is from 900 to 1600 rpm. The air flow produced is up to 40CFM. The produced noise should not exceed 21 dB.

The disadvantage of this model is inconvenient installation. Instead of an eccentric plate, a pressure frame is used here. It is very rigid, so it creates not only inconvenience during installation, but even the danger of damaging the processor itself. Therefore, installation is recommended to be done on the motherboard before it is installed in the PC case and with extreme caution.

PCcooler GI-X6R

Rating: 4.7

The next model in our review already differs in almost everything from the two budget coolers described above, and at the same time it costs only 50% more than the previous one – about 1500 rubles on Russian online trading platforms. And even this price leaves this model in an inexpensive segment. Suitable for systems with LGA775/115x (Intel) and AMx/FMx (AMD) sockets.

This is the first cooler in our review, which is equipped with a stylish unobtrusive backlight – a luminous ring around the perimeter of the fan case. The body and blades are black. The dimensions of the cooler assembly are 148×126×80mm, separately the fan is 120×120×25mm. The total weight of the cooler is 638g, of which the heatsink alone weighs 493g.

The design of the tower cooler is based on efficient HDT technology. For the heat sink, there are 5 copper heat pipes, 6 mm in diameter each. Tubes with a copper contact insert represent a single whole – they literally “flow” from the tubes into the core and back. The radiator consists of 40 aluminum plates 0.45mm thick, spaced at 2mm intervals. The total effective area is 4810 cmXNUMX.

Here we also have the first fan in the review with such a large diameter – 120mm. The size has a beneficial effect on the revolutions – a maximum of 1800 per minute, but such a speed is not always needed. In either case, the fan is either very quiet or completely silent. The generated air flow at a minimum speed of 1000 per minute is 35CFM, at a maximum it is up to 65CFM. The maximum noise level is 26.5dB. All combined characteristics allow the device to cool processors with TDP up to 160W.

Some users complain about the poor package, but Simplerule experts, with an eye to the expressive combination of efficiency, quality and cost, did not count this moment as a disadvantage.

Arctic Freezer 34 Esports Duo

Rating: 4.6

An even more powerful, efficient and technically almost perfect cooler model in the thematic review from Simplerule is a system of two fans on the Arctic Freezer 34 Esports Duo heatsink. Suitable for Intel LGA115x/2011(v3)/2066 sockets as well as AMD Socket AM4.

Dimensions of the whole structure – 124x157x103mm, separately for one fan – 120x120x25mm. The mass of the cooler in the collection – 764g. The radiator is aluminum with a black finish. 4 copper heat pipes lead to it from the copper contact insert. The device is powered by the motherboard through a 4-pin connector with PWM support.

Both fans rotate on hydrodynamic bearings. The speed can vary from 200 to 2100 rotations per minute. Generated airflow up to 67.56CFM.

The Freezer 34 Esports Duo is the highest performing model in the new line of Arctic coolers, which was introduced last January 2019. It is a continuation of the previous successful model Freezer 33, having received improved fans and a radiator. The latter consists of 54 plates 0.35mm thick each, with 1.7mm spacing between ribs. The total usable area is 6130 cm120. Used fan model – BioniX PXNUMX.

The claimed heat dissipation capability is outstanding here, at a TDP of 210W. This is enough to effectively cool almost any of the top-end PC processors that exist at the beginning of 2020.

There was a slight flaw in the design of the mount. Namely, the studs are inserted into the backplate holes, directly in contact with the motherboard textolite, that is, without the use of washers. Given the rather harsh mechanical pressure that the bushings produce, and the fact that contact tracks can (and do) pass directly under them, this is a rather unsafe moment.

For this model, the manufacturer is not afraid to provide a fully valid official warranty for a period of 10 years.

Thermalright AXP-100R

Rating: 4.5

Especially for owners of low-profile systems who are definitely experiencing problems with free space in the system unit, we have included a special tower cooler in the review – Thermalright AXP-100R. Its peculiarity lies in its compatibility with a low profile, and a beveled design. Suitable for sockets LGA775, LGA1150/1151/1155/1156, LGA1356/1366, LGA2011/2011-3 (Square ILM) – for Intel processors; and AM2, AM2+, AM3/AM3+/FM1, FM2/FM2+ for AMD processors.

Assembly dimensions – 122x58x106mm with a weight of 360g. The individual fan dimensions are 100x100x14mm. This beveled design means that the heatsink block is not directly above the processor, but slightly to the side, thereby increasing the likelihood of avoiding contact with the memory sticks. This is a typical design for system blocks, where a shortage of free space is obviously possible.

Radiator materials are aluminum and copper. To remove heat from the crystal, six copper heat pipes with a standard diameter of 6 mm are used. The radiator itself is low-profile, compact in height. The fan speed can vary from 900 to 2500 rpm. This generates an air flow with a nominal power of 16 to 44.5CFM. Produced noise – from 22 to 30 dB. At maximum speed, noise can cause discomfort for some users.

The ability to remove heat from this model is estimated by the manufacturer at TDP 150W. For a low-profile tower cooler, this is quite a good indicator, and it corresponds to the real state of affairs, as independent tests show.

This model provides a structural possibility to change the stock cooler with a diameter of 100mm for a similar, but larger one – 120mm in diameter.

Night NH-U14S TR4-SP3

Rating: 4.5

Now we have come to a couple of the most powerful, productive and expensive coolers with a large margin for efficient heat dissipation. These supercoolers are comparable in price to not the most expensive coolers, but liquid cooling is not suitable for everyone for many reasons. And then the Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3 comes to the rescue. This is one of the few “dry” coolers that can keep the temperature of top-end AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors within normal limits.

In its pure form, the heat dissipation capacity of this model is high, but not a record – at the level of 180W. But this indicator is definitely guaranteed. And this is important, given that the compatible sockets for this cooler are sTR4 and SP3, which means that AMD Ryzen Threadripper with the corresponding heat dissipation indicators will stand there.

Dimensions of the cooler assembly – 150x165x78mm, separate fan – 140x140x25mm. Total weight – 1030g. The design consists of a large aluminum heatsink, six copper heat pipes and, in fact, a fan with the largest diameter in the review. The rotation speed varies from 300 to 1500 rpm. An important feature is the presence of a built-in speed controller in the device itself.

The power of the generated air flow here also exceeds everything that we have seen in previous models – up to 82.52CFM. And at the same time, the maximum noise level is even lower than that of some of the above – no more than 24.6dB. This is mainly due to the large size of the fan itself, which made it possible to achieve high cooling efficiency at relatively low speeds. The fan uses a magnetically centered bearing.

The device is connected via a 4-pin connector with PWM support, however, not too long, which is what buyers note in the reviews. Users highly appreciate the ease of installation – installing the cooler even on a motherboard built into the case takes a few minutes and requires a minimum of effort.

be quiet! DARK ROCK PRO 4

Rating: 4.5

The review of the best coolers in 2020 according to the Simplerule magazine is traditionally the most powerful, productive, high-quality and expensive model. be quiet! is the “talking” name of a German company that specializes in computer cooling systems. After the presentation at CES in 2018, this model was predicted to have a great future, and in general, the forecasts came true – DARK ROCK PRO 4 still does not leave the shelves of trading floors and competes quite successfully even with some LSS.

The fan here is smaller than that of the model described above – 120x120x25mm, but there are two of them here! One is located outside on the side, and the second, as it were, inside the radiator. Overall dimensions of the cooler assembly – 136x163x146mm, weight – 1130g. Appearance fully corresponds to the class of the device – a minimum of frills, but exceptional quality, power and reliability are felt in everything. There is no backlight, and with such a harsh, in a good sense, design, it would be frankly superfluous.

The type of bearing here is hydrodynamic. The fan rotates at speeds up to 1500 rpm. Powered with PWM support from a 4-pin connector. The declared noise level is no more than 24.3dB. The total heat dissipation capacity of the processor is rated at 250W. This is the maximum figure for air-cooled systems.

The cooler is supplied with a set of fasteners of different formats, so this model fits on many sockets for processors of both star competitors – Intel and AMD without any problems.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.