19 Best CPU Coolers to Keep Your Processor Cool for Peak Performance

Aiming for your system to operate at its best? Get your processor one of these top CPU coolers!

The superheroes of our computers are the CPU coolers. They consistently make sure that our systems are functional and stay cool. By removing additional heat and preventing overheating, CPU coolers help guarantee that the CPU performs at its best while being safe.

Here, we will discuss the importance of cooling CPUs and the difference between CPU and Laptop coolers. Next, we will also see how to connect a CPU cooler to a CPU. Lastly, we will look at some of the best CPU coolers to keep your processor cool. 

What is the importance of cooling CPUs?

Cooling a CPU is essential because it helps prevent overheating of the CPU (the computer’s brain). The processor might suffer from excessive heat like we do when the temperature is high. Cooling will help maintain everything inside a pleasant temperature range, allowing the CPUs to operate more quickly and intelligently while improving our performance.

Additionally, maintaining the CPU’s coolness extends its lifespan. Our system is less likely to act up, freeze, or have issues when the processor is kept cool. Another wonderful thing is that efficient cooling can contribute to energy conservation and lower our electricity costs. It also guarantees smooth operation and guards against harm to our priceless computer components.

What is the difference between a CPU cooler and a Laptop cooler?

A CPU cooler offers better performance and customizability. The design of a CPU cooler is an exclusive one for cooling a desktop CPU. On the other hand, a laptop cooler is portable and compatible with various laptop types, which cools the entire laptop. Given below are a few points which distinguish both of them.

Purpose

The Central Processing Unit or processor of a desktop computer is meant to be particularly cooled by a CPU cooler. On the contrary, a laptop cooler cools the entire laptop rather than just the CPU.

Placement

CPU coolers, including a heat sink and fan, are often installed directly on the CPU to dissipate heat properly. However, a laptop cooler is kept beneath the computer with built-in fans to enhance airflow around the computer’s internal parts. 

Cooling Capacity

Because desktop CPUs produce more heat, CPU coolers must be more powerful and efficient at cooling. However, laptops consume less power and produce less heat than specialist CPU coolers, so their cooling capacities are often smaller.

Compatibility and Customizability

Various CPU coolers offer different sizes, styles, and performance levels, including both liquid and air cooling options. However, laptop coolers are available in various shapes and sizes to support various laptop models and sizes.

Size and Weight

Because CPU coolers need more cooling capacity, they are often bigger and heavier, whereas laptop coolers are portable. You can take them with the laptop for greater cooling when on the road, as they are lightweight.

Check out the best laptop cooling pads!

How to install a CPU Cooler?

Installing a CPU cooler in your processor can prevent you from going through the hurdles of getting a technician and paying extra money. You can easily install the CPU Cooler by following simple steps. Given below are a few simple steps which are common in the installation of most CPU coolers.  

• A heat sink that rests on top of the processor and is fastened with brackets or screws serves as the fix for the CPU cooler.
• For improved heat transfer, thermal paste is placed between the CPU and the heat sink.
• Clips or screws help with fastening the fan on the CPU coolers.
• Also, some CPU coolers could need a backplate for extra support.
• Stock CPU coolers could contain brackets or retaining clips to keep them in place.
• A backplate-mounted radiator, pump, and water block are attached to the processor for liquid cooling systems.
• Depending on the design, the CPU cooler’s connection method could use screws, levers, or pushpins.

While installing the CPU coolers, review the user manuals provided in the CPU cooler kits. Also, ensure that you take all major precautions while installing the coolers.

Noctua NH-U12A chromax, 120mm

The NH-U12A chromax is the all-black variant of Noctua’s NH-U12A premium-grade silent CPU cooler. There are Modern NF-A12x25 PWM fans, and it features an asymmetrical single-tower heatsink design. This enables the NH-U12A to combine the best cooling performance with exceptional operating quietness and exceptional RAM, case, and PCIe compatibility. 

• The chromax variant, however, combines these advantages with a sophisticated stealth appearance due to its black fans and heatsink.
• There is a finishing touch added because of the SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting mechanism.
• Noctua’s enthusiast-grade NT-H1 thermal compound is also present with this CPU cooler.

The NH-U12A chromax is a premium option for clients looking for a highly compatible 120mm heatsink that can equal the performance of 140mm units while also looking excellent.

Corsair iCUE H150i Elite

The Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Liquid CPU Cooler offers robust, high-performance cooling and a stunning appearance. It is compatible with both Intel® and AMD® CPUs. To distribute heat along a 360mm radiator, it uses focused cooling using the AirGuide technology. 

• The fans on this CPU cooler spin at up to 2100 RPM
• Your system is illuminated in cool color by the ultra-bright CAPELLIX LEDs.
• Its controller controls up to six fans. 

Fan speed modifications, RGB lighting management, and system temperature monitoring are all made possible by the robust Corsair iCUE software. It is simple to install and works with many motherboard sockets, including Intel® and AMD®. The H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT offers a completely new perspective on CPU cooling.

Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 360

The TOUGH LIQUID 360 ARGB Sync AIO Cooler from Thermaltake is an all-in-one liquid cooler with a TOUGHFAN 12 system.

• The durable TOUGH FAN 12 spins at 2000 RPM and supports Waterblock ARGB lighting.
• It features a built-in controller and a rotatable cap with six LEDs. You can manage them by motherboards supporting 5V RGB. 
• Additionally, the TOUGHLIQUID Series accommodates Intel, AMD, and all new socket types.

The fact that TOUGH LIQUID 360 ARGB Sync is a liquid cooler that supports motherboards with 5V RGB compatibility is its finest feature. 

NZXT Kraken CPU Liquid Cooler

The NZXT Kraken CPU Liquid Cooler supports a 1.54″ square LCD panel with 240×240 resolution. With NZXT CAM software on this cooler, you may show a favorite image, track real-time PC performance indicators, incorporate online information, and more.

• On-screen material comes to life due to the display’s strong 300 cd/m2 backlight and 30 Hz refresh rate.
• The Kraken CPU Liquid Cooler’s powerful Asetek pump can turn at up to 2800 RPM to ensure effective and silent coolant circulation.

Its fluid dynamic bearings and RGB Core Fans offer the perfect static pressure and airflow mix for effective cooling and vibrant RGB illumination. The single breakout connection that runs from the pump to the motherboard on the Kraken CPU cooler also makes installation simple.

Cooler Master’s MasterAir MA624

With twin fans and a tower, Cooler Master’s MasterAir MA624 Stealth offers double the performance in a stylish design. It boasts all-jet black gear, and despite its gloomy shroud, it is nothing to be taken lightly. 

• Twin 140mm SickleFlow fans and two tower heatsinks are characteristics of the MA624 model.
• The fans contribute to delivering a powerful Push-Pull arrangement, with its six pipes and nickel-plated base synchronizing to remove heat quickly. 

The MA624 includes an optional third 120mm fan that may be switched out for the required RAM clearance. It is the ultimate heat-blasting hidden weapon for your CPU.

ASUS ROG RYUO III 360 ARGB

The newest 8th Gen pump solution from Asetek powers the ASUS ROG RYUO III 360 ARGB, which offers high-performance cooling for gaming systems. It offers high-performance CPU liquid cooling with refined aesthetics and is also the ideal AIO liquid CPU cooling solution for RGB aficionados.

• This CPU cooler has a three-phase motor pump installed. It provides the best cooling performance with more flow and lower impedance.
• The ASUS-exclusive Anime Matrix is a little LED display that can display basic system statistics, anime material that is only available to ROG users, and customized animations.

The CPU cooler’s premium ROG ARGB fans produce quiet noise and a lot of airflow. The ROG RYOU is a masterwork made of aluminum with vacuum-coated lenses for premium looks.

MAG CORELIQUID R Series

Everything you’re searching for in a liquid cooler is available in the MAG CORELIQUID R Series. It uses various high-quality materials that offer dependable endurance and highly efficient heat dissipation techniques.

• This CPU cooler gives you an easy-to-use 270-degree rotating blockhead and ARGB illumination. 

The MAG CORELIQUID’s whole construction doesn’t fail to deliver reliable cooling without any compromises.

Thermaltake TH360 ARGB 

The TH360 ARGB Sync AIO Liquid Cooler is a triple 120mm high static pressure fan, an all-in-one liquid cooler. It includes a water block, a high-performance radiator, and 16.8M RGB color illumination with pre-set lighting settings through the smart fan controller. 

• The ARGB controller lets users toggle between LED modes, LED colors, and lighting speeds when paired with a motherboard without a 5V addressable RGB header.
• This cooler’s top-notch, dependable pump allows optimal water circulation, continually chilling the copper plate.
• A high-performance copper base plate of the ARGB Cooler speeds up heat conductivity.

The TH360 ARGB Sync requires the least amount of hardware space and offers simple installation and maintenance-free operation.

ID-COOLING PINKFLOW 240

With a 240mm radiator designed for CPU cooling, the PINKFLOW 240 is an all-in-one RGB liquid CPU cooler. It features a unique design with two RGB cooling fans, and you can adjust them to fit your PC layout and an addressable RGB LED pump head. 

• The PINKFLOW 240’s CPU water cooler is outfitted with a 240mm radiator and two 120mm PWM fans for excellent heat transmission from the CPU.
• You may customize the RGB lighting on the pump and fans to fit your PC design.

A tiny cable controller is available for non-RGB motherboards to adjust colors. PINKFLOW 240 addressable RGB lights can sync with the motherboard through a 5V 3 PIN connection.

EVGA CLCx 240mm All-in-One LCD

The CLCx Series is the follow-up to the highly regarded EVGA CLC All-In-One CPU Liquid Coolers. A 2.1″ 480×480 LCD Screen is present with this CPU cooler to display system temperatures or user-created graphics and animations.

No products found.

• This CPU cooler’s greatest feature is the 7th Generation Asetek water pump.
• It comes with a complete 100% copper heatsink that is compatible with AMD and Intel LGA.
• The 240mm two-fan radiator of the CLCx Series is equipped with brand-new 120mm EVGA Hydro-Dynamic Bearing ARGB Fans.

The EVGA CLCx Series offers the most effective cooling and quietest flow ever on an EVGA AIO with a brand-new approach to the AIO CPU liquid cooler industry.

Vetroo V360 Liquid CPU Cooler

The Vetroo V360 Liquid CPU Cooler fans and pump have addressable RGB lighting that you can sync with the motherboard via a 5V three-pin interface to deliver even and vibrant illumination.

• Three PWM fans, which offer greater airflow and less noise, can automatically alter their speed in accordance with CPU temperature.
• A more effective cold plate, a spraying copper bottom, a specialized pump, and fans designed for static pressure are all included in the Vetroo V360 Liquid CPU Cooler. They provide optimum heat transmission from the CPU.

You can use the controller that comes with this cooler to implement PWM and ARGB sync. 

AORUS WATERFORCE X 360 AIO

The AORUS WATERFORCE X 360 is an all-in-one system that offers great performance. Your high-end CPU’s heat will be effectively and silently dissipated by the AORUS WATERFORCE X 360.

• The AORUS CPU cooler has a distinctive 60x60mm circular full-color LCD, video playback, and capability for bespoke text. 
• It includes high-efficiency, low-noise ARGB fans with graphene nano lubricant.

With the assistance of RGB FUSION 2.0, you can seamlessly combine this all-in-one liquid cooler with your other Aorus products.

DeepCool LS720 SE CPU COOLER

An all-in-one liquid CPU cooler, the DeepCool LS720 SE is constructed on a revolutionary water pump design for the best performance and offers dependable, high-performance cooling. The LS720 SE dual-chamber pump circulates the cool liquid through the motor chamber to cool the motor after bringing it into the cold plate chamber to cool the CPU.

No products found.

• The combination of a high-density radiator and fourth-generation pump is present in the LS720 SE CPU liquid cooler.
• It is the best option for overclock gaming PC construction and features three fans for 300w TDP effective heat dissipation.

The anodic oxidation coating on the aluminum alloy shell creates a premium look with good stiffness and prevents aging problems brought on by humidity after extended usage.

ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240

In terms of compact water cooling, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 240 Water Cooler series routinely outperforms all expectations. They have created a unique mounting kit for the Liquid Freezer II that enables the cool plate to be placed right over the CPU hotspot while allowing for ideal heat dispersion. 

PWM-controlled Liquid Freezer II controls the speed of its water pump and fans, which results in much lower power consumption for all AIO components and significantly lower noise levels at low and normal loads.

The fiber-reinforced 45 cm tubing of the Liquid Freezer II may be installed even in large cases and efficiently avoids coolant evaporation. 

Lian Li GALAHAD AIO

The GALAHAD CPU Cooler is a superb all-in-one CPU cooler that is primarily designed to improve the performance of your system.

• It comes in two sizes – 240mm and 360mm.
• On top of that, it comes in two colors: black and white. 
• The ARGB high static pressure fan that comes with this CPU cooler has a variable speed range of 800 to 1900 RPM.

It has PWM and DC operating modes. The GALAHAD CPU Coolers’ addressable RGB LEDs provide brighter and more elaborate illumination displays.

Phanteks Glacier One 360 MPH

The Phanteks Glacier One 360 MPH is a liquid CPU cooler that can cool powerful CPUs while operating silently.

• With pressure-optimized fan blades, the triple 120mm MP PWM fans provide maximum airflow, low noise, and great cooling performance. 
• A tempered glass pane with integrated D-RGB lighting and three D-RGB Halos Fan Frames is part of the Glacier One 360 MPH’s infinity mirror pump cap design.

To manage, synchronize, and expand your lighting system, you can easily connect to a Phanteks chassis or motherboard that has D-RGB support.

XPG LEVANTE X

The XPG LEVANTE X series coolers are compatible with a broad range of Intel and AMD motherboard plate, allowing you the freedom to match this cooler with any current CPU you want.

• It improves airflow with a novel dual-layer fan blade design.
• Additionally, this CPU cooler has intense air-pressure fans that effectively dissipate heat.

The LEVANTE X offers very effective cooling silently and efficiently due to its improved pump and cold plate integration, which lowers connection point failure. 

ASUS ROG Strix LC II CPU Cooler 

The ASUS ROG Strix LC II 360 ARGB CPU Cooler is the ideal choice for RGB lovers. It offers aesthetically pleasing high-performance CPU liquid cooling.

• With a working range beginning at 840 RPM, the 7th-generation Asetek pump that powers this CPU cooler provides excellent cooling and little noise.
• The closed-loop design of the ASUS CPU cooler comes with addressable RGB radiator fans.

You can expect the RGB radiator fans to enhance your build with spectacular multi-color lighting effects while releasing the full capability of your unlocked Intel or AMD CPU.

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT

The CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD XT Liquid CPU Cooler provides your CPU with practical, tailored cooling. It has a customized LCD panel that shows system information, GIFs, and photos.

• With speeds up to 1700 RPM, CORSAIR AF RGB ELITE PWM fans deliver exceptional low-noise airflow. 
• To spread heat along a 420mm radiator, this CPU cooler employs the AirGuide technology for focused cooling.

Connecting to the sophisticated CORSAIR iCUE software and the integrated CORSAIR iCUE COMMANDER CORE allows you to control up to six fans’ speeds and coordinate synchronized RGB lighting. 

Conclusion

Any computer enthusiast or seasoned user should seriously consider dependable processor cooling. It improves overall system stability and energy efficiency and extends the CPU’s and other components’ lifespan. CPU coolers can provide long-lasting advantages and a quieter computing environment with appropriate installation and adherence to manufacturer recommendations.

CPU coolers will further develop as technology advances, offering even better cooling solutions to match the rising needs of today’s computing. Choosing a CPU cooler carefully guarantees that our computers operate quickly and effectively and remain cool throughout their useful lives.

You may also explore some best CPU stress test software for programmers and gamers.