13 Best CPU Coolers

In addition, here for the reasonable price we also get high quality, filigree assembling, thoughtful and effective design, decorative elements that give solidity. On the whole the cooler definitely makes an impression of a premium product, and this is especially nice against the background of the affordable price.

Really, by the combination of price, quality and performance – this is an outstanding model. And a special “wow-effect” awaits the untrained buyer, if you go deeper into the intricacies of the cooler design and details. Which we will do now.

So, in addition to the most important role of the accessory, that is, effective heat dissipation, the manufacturer set a goal to minimize the noise. To solve the first problem, engineers have developed a special design radiator made of 51st aluminum plate. Thickness of each is about 0.5 mm, the gaps between the plates are 2 mm. Immediately you can pay attention to a rather intricate geometric shape of the plates. And in this case it’s not only and not so much the design (although the design too), but a deep and thoroughly thought out approach to heat dissipation efficiency.

For example, the plates have ledges closer to the center, which allow the heat to be dissipated more efficiently by the incoming airflow. on the helix side the plates have a triangular notch so that the airflow is gently “cut” to minimize the noise. To eliminate the likelihood of noise from vibration, the fan mounting area is equipped with rubberized pads.

Now some words about technical specifications to complete the picture. Fan diameter – 135mm, thickness – 22mm. The maximum rotation speed – 1400 rpm, smooth regulation – pulse width modulation (PWM).

There is one drawback to this model that only affects some users who have a microATX form factor motherboard or have high profile memory installed. In such cases the cooler is likely to overlap the first memory slot.

From Yandex user review.Market with “Level 11 Gadget Inspector” status: “Well made, quality and attention to detail at the highest German level. Bold package and great user manual with pictures in Russian. Cools all modern home CPUs up to 8-core”.

Advantages

• German manufacturer;
• Premium quality build and design;
• outstanding combination of price, quality and efficiency;
• A special plate shape for maximum heat dissipation and noise reduction;
• a special coating with micro-particles of ceramic for effective heat dissipation;
• Fan blades with special notches for aerodynamics;
• The power cable in the braid;
• minimum noise.

Disadvantages

• In some users it interferes with the first RAM slot.

Noctua NH-U14S

Rating: 4.7

High performance, wide socket compatibility, almost silent operation.

Noctua NH-U14S Tower Cooler is one of the best active cooling systems on the market. For a comparatively low price it offers a maximum power dissipation of 220W, thanks to which it is compatible with high-performance and overclocked processors. Mounting pad can be installed on most popular socket series LGA, AM and FM including LGA1151 (which is used in Intel Atom Coffee Lake line).

Heatsink design includes six direct contact copper heat pipes and aluminum fins. And the plates are not welded to the tubes, and pressed to them, which provides efficient heat transfer.

The fan is based on bearing with magnetic centering. The maximum speed is 1500 rpm, and the regulator of this number is internal. The fan provides an airflow of 82.52 CFM, but the volume is no higher than 24.6dB.

Advantages

• High-performance yet virtually silent;
• Includes mounting hardware, bolts, thermal paste and everything you need for mounting;
• 150,000 hours of operation, 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Disadvantages

• Heavyweight;
• Large-sized – can overlap the PCI slot or RAM slots;
• Complete thermal paste is better replaced with other thermal paste when used with overclocked or “hot” chips.

Noctua NH-D15

Rating: 4.8

Powerful, quiet, with 6 heat pipes in direct contact, but relatively expensive.

Cooler Noctua NH-D15 – a good solution for computers that are equipped with multi-core processors of the latest generation (such as Intel Core i9 or overclocked Intel Core i7). Unit provides efficient cooling thanks to an airflow of 82.52 CFM, 6 direct contact copper heat pipes in the heatsink and two fans with up to 1500 rpm. At the same time the cooler is compatible with most processors – it can be installed on almost all sockets of LGA, AM and FM series.

As the leader of the rating, this cooler is equipped with a radiator proprietary type – copper tubes-thermal conductors are connected to the aluminum fins by pressing. The soleplate is also copper, polished to a mirror finish. Heat pipes are nickel plated for better corrosion protection.

Fans are based on magnetically centered bearings, which ensures quiet operation.

Advantages

• Perfectly cools both overclocked and multi-core processors;
• Easy installation. Everything you need for mounting is included;
• Quiet fans even under high load.

Disadvantages

• Huge! Can not be used with standard height or cooled RAM. Installed in a narrow housing – too;
• Boring, unattractive design;
• Flimsy heatsink fins, so be careful with mounting the cooler.

Top mid-range coolers under 3000 rubles

Deepcool Gammaxx 300

Rating: 4.6

Ultra budget tower cooler, good combination of price and quality.

The Deepcool Gammaxx 300 offers an excellent price-performance ratio. Of course, it is not suitable for overclocked or gamer processors, but it copes well with the heat of medium level chips or with average heat dissipation. In particular, the maximum power dissipation of the device is 125 W.

The cooler is compatible with almost all processor models. Necessary pads and fasteners included. The heatsink is made of aluminum fins, which are supplemented with three copper heat pipes.

The cooler’s fan features a proprietary hydrodynamic bearing that ensures minimal loudness. In particular, even under load, it makes 21dB noise. The rotation speed is 900-1600 rpm (and the regulator is external, t.e. It can be adjusted) and the airflow is 40 CFM.

Advantages

• Easy, quick installation;
• Minimal operating volume;
• Rich bundling.

Disadvantages

• Relatively large in size;
• The contact pad is made of aluminum, in which the direct contacts of the heat pipes are built in;
• Uncomfortable clamps with plastic “ears” that can break.

Zalman CNPS10X Performa

Rating: 4.7

Tower cooler, direct contact of heat sinks and CPU, speed up to 2000 rpm.

Zalman CNPS10X Performa has a tower design, so it can cool even the high-performance processors. Specifically, it has five direct contact copper heat pipes with a substrate plate, an aluminum heat sink, and a 120mm fan that spins at 900 to 2000 rpm.

The fan is equipped with a classic plain bearing, but due to the optimization of the noise level even at maximum load is up to 36dB. The speed is controlled internally, so the speed is set automatically by the cooler.

The cooler is compatible with both modern and classic sockets. It is compatible with almost all LGA models (including LGA1151 and even LGA775), AM, FM and S. Optional mounts are available for other sockets.

Advantages of

• The design of the heatsink allows good processor cooling even at low RPMs;
• Quiet operation;
• Longevity.

Disadvantages

• Complicated and inconvenient fasteners. The cooler should preferably be placed on a removed motherboard with RAM already installed;
• It is recommended to replace the included thermal paste;
• Bulky and heavy.

Deepcool REDHAT

Rating: 4.7

Now let’s look at an interesting model from a well-known Chinese manufacturer of such computer accessories – Deepcool Industries Co., Ltd. The cooler is a lot more expensive than the more basic models, but it’s a nice value considering it’s a tower form factor.

Even more attractive this model and its price looks, if you understand well that this is not just a so-called “super cooler”, but also almost a full twin of the famous “Lucifer” (Deepcool Lucifer), but on average 30% cheaper. In some aspects it still resembles the not lesser-known HR-02 Macho and SilverStone HE02 coolers.

Deepcool REDHAT is a large and massive cooler with dimensions of 140x168x136 mm and weighs 1079 gr. Several dozen aluminum radiator plates have a special shape – with deep notches, the shape of the plates is reminiscent of the wings of a butterfly. This is done in order to maximize heat dissipation, including in passive mode, when the fan is not engaged.

There can be many such situations, when the radiator is enough for cooling, in terms of working time. In everyday use without high loads like gaming, the 140cm fan can often be turned off when not needed. RPM range from 300 to 1400 RPM, steplessly adjustable (PWM), programmable.

The disadvantage of the cooler in the first place is that with the claimed ability to cool the processor with

250W it still doesn’t do it justice. So the loudest claims from the manufacturers are nothing more than a marketing ploy. Another thing – the complexity of installation, during which unprepared user will be difficult to first install the cooler, and then mount – you need a long screwdriver.

Users often call this cooler “one of the best air-cooling systems” in their reviews. Quite a few comments on the installation complications, but these difficulties are mostly caused by simple unprofessionalism. Complaints about “needing a long screwdriver” are unfounded, but objectively, there are many models that don’t have this problem, so we put the installation complexity into the disadvantages.

From a Yandex user review.Market with the status of “Itishnikom level 6”: “The radiator contains mounts for two fans, the fasteners are all in the kit. After installing the second fan I don’t have to worry about cooling my ryzen 7 2700x.”.

Advantages

• tower form factor;
• Combination of price, performance and efficiency;
• deeply and carefully designed plate shape for maximum heat dissipation efficiency in passive mode;
• quiet operation;
• Infinitely variable speed control (PWM) over a wide range
• spectacular appearance.

Disadvantages

• difficult installation;
• with processors with

  250W still doesn’t do it justice.

Noctua NH-L9i

Rating: 4.8

The only one in the rating regular (“horizontal”) cooler, but with a very high power. Compatibility is limited.

Noctua NH-L9i cooler is designed for Intel Core i3-i7 series processors with LSI socket. It is done in the traditional design, which involves placing a fan over the radiator. As a consequence, the power dissipation of the cooler is relatively low and amounts to 65 watts.

The cooler radiator is made of aluminum extruded over a copper pipe with direct contact. The fan is equipped with a proprietary low-noise bearing with magnetic centering, thanks to which the volume of the cooler does not exceed 23.6dB even at 2500 rpm. The speed itself is adjustable from 300 to 2500 rpm. The airflow created by fan is 33.84 CFM. Speed regulator is built into the cooler and works automatically.

The cooler’s reliability is top-notch: 150,000 hours of uptime and a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Advantages

• Low-profile design, can be installed in narrow system units;
• Low volume operation and good performance (can cool down even Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5);
• Easy installation.

Disadvantages

• The mounting screws are fixed with the motherboard removed;
• Comparatively high price;
• Not suitable for overclocked processors and processors with unlocked multiplier.

Thermalright Macho Rev.A

Rating: 4.79

Quiet, efficient and convenient. But the improved version (Rev.B) costs only a few hundred rubles more, so it is better to take it.

The tower cooler with the maximum performance in this rating segment. In particular, the maximum dissipated power of the device is 280W that makes it compatible even with gaming and overclocked processors. Comes with mounts and pads for LGA sockets (including LGA775 and LGA1151), AM and FM.

The heatsink configuration includes 6 copper tubes with direct contact. The plating is made of aluminum sheets. The plates are connected to the tubes by pressing, not welding.

Cooler is equipped with one 140mm fan. Turning speed – 900-1300 rpm. The proprietary bearing makes the fan quiet – even at maximum load it is quiet at 21dB. At the same time the airflow is up to 73.6 CFM.

Speed regulator is external, so you can adjust it yourself to the installed processor and the scenario of use.

Advantages

• Quiet;
• Rich package with a branded screwdriver and the necessary mounts;
• High performance.

Disadvantages

• Lots of revisions, and there are even some with aluminum sole without direct contact of the heat pipes;
• Large size, may not fit in some cases;
• assembly is not simple for beginners and there is no instruction manual in Russian.

Best passive cooling systems

Supermicro SNK-P0046P

Rating: 4.8

Here is an example of passive cooling for processors on Socket LGA 2011-3 (Square ILM), LGA 2011 (Square ILM). This type of cooling does not imply the concept of a “silent computer”, because the case fans will still be needed. Completely passive cooling, when the computer does not make a sound, is also possible, but only in the case of a very weak processor and a built-in, not discrete graphics card. We will consider the more functional variant.

First, some explanations to fully understand the topic. The above sockets are compatible with Intel Xeon server processors. Accordingly, this type of cooling will be effective precisely in the server chassis with a “corridor” for air flow. And this airflow in sufficient power and directionality is provided by a block of case fans. In addition, this passive heatsink will only be effective in single-unit rack-mount cases.

The heatsink is well made and the first time you “meet” it you notice it. The block is weighty, in many respects due to thick copper base, and even this only indicates a decent heat capacity.

Advantages

• robust design;
• thick copper base;
• effective heat dissipation;
• Metal elements with laminated insulation in the right places.

Disadvantages

• Suitable for single-unit server cases only.

The best CPU water-cooling systems

Deepcool GAMMAXX L240 V2

Rating: 4.8

First in the final selection of the review of the best coolers for a processor according to Expertology magazine we will consider coolers of the already mentioned above Chinese brand Deepcool. The letter combination GAMMAXX in the name unambiguously hints at the potential use of the system in gaming PCs, and this possibility the device does possess.

A very similar model, almost identical but without V2 in the name, is available for sale. In this case, it implies an updated version of the system, where the developers have implemented the Anti-Leak technology. This is a successful result of three years of research and hard work of engineers. The goal was to create a technology that would reduce to zero the chance of leaks, no matter what load variations the VSF experienced.

Solid brass metal base made of pure copper makes direct contact with the processor. Composition and size of the base unit provides fast heat removal from the processor. Heat is then transferred to the circulating fluid.

Circulation passes through a micro-channel optimized E-shaped profile. Deepcool labs experimentally determined that this shape yields maximum heat transfer and heat dissipation efficiency. Fluid movement is ensured by high-efficiency induction motors. Increased pressure for maximum efficiency through specially shaped closed impellers.

The developers did not forget about aesthetics, because positioning of this device as a gaming one sets additional requirements to its appearance. There is a combination of design rigor with a minimum or even absence of pronounced decorative artifacts, with a contrast between the black case and the white blades of two fans with notches for aerodynamics. The visual component is crowned by colorful RGB backlighting with control on the motherboard level.

A few words on the key technical points. Each of two aforementioned fans’ size is 120x120x25 mm. Speed of rotation – from 500 to 1800 rpm. Noise levels as low as 30dB, resulting in near silent operation. The pump is also almost twice as quiet, up to 18dB. Speeds are steplessly adjustable (PWM) on software level.

From Yandex user review.Market with “Level 3 Gadget Inspector” status: “The position of the hoses at the pump can be changed. Maximum low noise from the fans (you won’t hear the noise at all). Processor maximum temperature drop by 30°C in stress test”.

Advantages of

• Support for a wide range of Intel/AMD sockets;
• Massive, high-capacity copper base;
• High efficiency induction motors;
• A reliable Anti-Leak leakage control system;
• Nice RGB backlight;
• fabric braided hoses;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• Doesn’t bring the heat dissipation to the claimed

  240W.

Fractal Design Celsius S36 black

Rating: 4.8

Second on the list of best liquid coolers we will consider more expensive and more effective water cooler from Swedish brand Fractal Design. The company, like another well-known brand Zalman, specializes in computer cases, power supplies, cooling systems.

The Celsius line was announced in May 2017 and was a whole industry event. Earlier too, no novelty from Fractal Design has not been ignored by the public, but the Celsius series has caused a particularly powerful stir.

The system impressed the public with almost everything. It is a high efficiency of cooling, which is provided by a well thought-out combination of a heat-intensive metal platform, a harmonious combination of efficient pump for fluid circulation and powerful blowing by three fans.

About the fans it is worth adding that they can run in a wide range of speeds – from 500 to 2000 rpm. Adjustment is smooth (PWM) on software level. But besides software, the device itself supports dual smart mode and can do even without software. A big plus is compatibility with many Intel/AMD sockets thanks to the support plates provided.

The declared lifetime of the device is 100000 hours, that’s about 10 years. And these would be just words if it were not for one important circumstance. The manufacturer is so confident in the reliability and durability of their products that they are not afraid to give an official guarantee of 60 months. It’s 5 years in the making!

Fractal Design’s Celsius S36 is a SLU with one of the most positive mass buyer reactions. On large trading sites in Runet, reviews are most often positively-happy, and comments are almost exclusively about minor things, and that is individual rather than systematic.

From Yandex user review.Marketplace with “Level 9 Gadget Inspector” status: “Excellent SJO! The pump is so quiet that you don’t even know if it works at all. It gets a little audible at 2900rpm, that’s its limit. Intel Core i7-6700K overclocked to 4.8GHz at 1.44V holds at 60-71 degrees (no scalp) with self-tuning PWM.

Advantages

• reputable Swedish brand;
• solid materials and high quality workmanship;
• Support for a wide range of Intel/AMD sockets;
• Minimal noise;
• spectacular backlighting;
• wide fan speed range with smooth PWM control;
• reliability and durability;
• 5 years (!) official warranty.

Flaws

• occasional, non-systematic comments from users on minor details.

ASUS ROG RYUJIN 360

Rating: 4.9

And the selection and the whole review is completed traditionally with the most interesting and expensive. This is a liquid cooling system by ASUS. The model is part of the legendary ROG (Repub) family of gaming products

If you look at this model without emotion at all, there is nothing revolutionary about it. Operated well and for a long time known to all the principle of action FJL. But the way and quality of implementation of all known technological ideas related to the principles of liquid cooling and not only.

First of all ASUS ROG RYUJIN 360 uses top-of-the-line stock fans Noctua NF-F12 industrialPPC 2000 PWM. They already make up a significant part of the system cost. Actually, ASUS has managed to cover the consumer demand not only of its fans, but also fans of the Austrian company Noctua, which everyone has long been waiting for it to start producing its own coolers. But Noctua went their own way, and close cooperation with ASUS resulted in an excellent FJR, which is now actually the best on the market.

Another notable thing about this model is the extra fan on the pump itself. By default it may spin excessively fast, creating audible noise, but this issue can be quickly and easily resolved by adjusting the firmware.

Not only the main unit has received a striking design, but also the pump housing is extremely elegant and efficient – completely in the spirit of the whole family Repub

From Yandex review.Market with the status of “Gadget Inspector Level 7”: “Beautiful, functional, quite compact (relative to Noctua tower, which was before – the memory and the first slot M.2 now breathe at last), cools perfectly 10900K”.

Advantages

• top-of-the-line ASUS flagship cooler;
• The legendary ASUS ROG product family;
• flawless quality of materials and workmanship;
• Noctua top fans;
• additional fan on the pump;
• The most spectacular gaming design;
• miniature LCD screen;
• expressive backlighting;
• Useful and functional software;
• exceptional cooling efficiency.

Disadvantages

• high price.

How to choose a cooler for the processor

CPU cooler must be chosen carefully. Otherwise it will fail to cope with its “duties”. Processor overheating, in turn, leads to loss of performance, computer shutdown or damage to the chip itself.

Active, passive and liquid cooling

Cooling can be organized by one of three types – active, passive and liquid.

Active cooling systemIncludes radiator and fan. The first is installed on the processor. The heatsink fin is heated by the “chip” and then cooled by airflow. The efficiency of an active cooling system depends on the materials from which the heat pipes are made, as well as the performance of the fan.

So, the most effective are copper heat pipes with copper or aluminum fins. But only aluminum radiators are suitable for cooling old or low-end processors like Celeron or Pentium.

The disadvantage of the active cooling system is that it needs a constant inflow of “cool” air inside the case. Otherwise, other motherboard components may overheat as well. Therefore, the system unit must be installed so that air can freely circulate around it.

In addition, the efficiency of active cooling decreases when the radiator gets clogged with dust.

Liquid cooling system is structurally similar to active cooling system. Only instead of a radiator uses a contact plate and special tubes with a liquid-thermal (often normal water). The fans are made in a separate unit, which is exposed outside the system unit. There are no special requirements for the installation of the system unit, and the performance of the cooling system does not decline over time.

The disadvantage of liquid cooling system is only expensive.

Passive coolingconsists only of the heatsink. Processor heat dissipates naturally through convection inside the system unit. The performance of such a cooling system leaves much to be desired, so it is used exclusively with low-heating chips – old or mobile, including laptop or ultrabook.

When choosing the type of cooling system should be guided by the intended use of the computer:

1. Office “typewriter” with an old or low-power processor – a passive cooler will do;
2. “Normal” or “gaming” computer – active cooling;
3. A gaming computer with top-of-the-line components – liquid cooling.

What to look for when choosing a cooler

The main criteria for choosing a cooler are compatible socket and power dissipation.

1. Since processors differ not only in performance, but also in size, it is important to consider the compatibility of the socket and cooler. Socket – the size and form factor of the chip itself, as well as the placement of cooling fixtures on the motherboard. If it is not compatible with the cooler, you simply will not be able to install the latter. You can find out which socket is used from the technical specifications of the processor and motherboard, as well as with the program AIDA64 or similar.
2. Power dissipation – cooling performance. It indicates how much heat can be dissipated by the cooler. The power dissipation should be greater than the heat dissipation (TDP) of the processor. Both of these parameters are measured in watts, so it is not difficult to compare them.

The other parameters are optional and do not have special significance when choosing a cooler.

manufacturer

The manufacturer determines the quality of materials used, the durability of the cooler and additional cooling system functions. So it is desirable to choose devices from trusted companies.

We’ve included such well-known manufacturers as Noctua, Zalman, Thermalright, Deepcool, Pro