Best CPU Coolers to Keep Your CPU Operating Safely
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NZXT Kraken X52 240mm - RL-KRX52-02 - AIO RGB Liquid CPU Cooler -
Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT, 240mm Radiator, Liquid CPU Cooler -
Phanteks PH-TC14PE CPU Cooler -
ARCTIC Freezer 7 X - Compact Multi-Compatible CPU Cooler -
Buyer's Guide
When it comes to CPU cooling, there are two basic designs you can look at and choose from: liquid-cooling and air-cooling. In either system the goal is simple: to transfer heat away from the CPU in your computer and dissipate it through liquid or air. Both liquid and air-cooling systems work great and can help keep your CPU within safe performance conditions. These are primarily high-end products that are great for powerful computers and work well for overclocked systems that can produce higher heat than some other setups. Some of these models are fairly large so look at their listed sizes and your computer tower to be sure you have space enough for the cooler in your system.
We've gathered the best CPU coolers in 2022 and these CPU coolers reduce heat efficiently thanks to fans that spin at rates of at least 1200 RPM for optimal performance. The fans that run in these coolers are at least 92mm in size, which helps provide at least 45 CFM of airflow, though many of these offer much greater performance. They run quietly with a maximum noise level of no more than 40 decibels (dBA).
What are the best cpu cooler of 2022?
NZXT Kraken X52 240mm - RL-KRX52-02 - AIO RGB Liquid CPU Cooler - Best CPU Cooler Overall
In terms of raw cooling power, this is a very impressive unit that can work in a wide range of systems. It has a 280mm cooler that offers some of the best possible cooling in a liquid-based CPU cooler. This is one of its biggest strengths, but can also be a drawback. This large size is great for some machines, but is impractical for smaller computer cases and towers. You get a software controller with this cooler and it has a variable speed pump, which keeps it running quietly while still removing heat from your CPU. It comes with two 140mm fans, which spin at between 2400 and 3600 RPM to produce up to 106 CFM of airflow. This cooler also fits a wide range of CPU sockets, for both Intel and AMD processors. At low speeds, this cooler only produces about 29 dBA of sound, which is very quiet. The six-year warranty is just the icing on the cake, offering more protection than pretty much any other manufacturer.
Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT, 240mm Radiator, Liquid CPU Cooler - Runner Up
This is an excellent CPU liquid-cooler with a 280mm radiator, utilizing two 140mm fans to keep your CPU incredibly cool even if you overclock your system as much as possible. It has all the hardware you need for installation, including low-evaporation tubing. The mounting bracket on it works for many different Intel and AMD CPU mounts, so you can use this with a wide range of motherboards. If you have an older system, or an unusual motherboard, you may still want to check with Corsair for compatibility with your CPU mount. The 280mm radiator can be a bit large for some computer cases and towers, so make sure it will work with your hardware and any fans you might already have in place. This cooler comes with two 140mm fans that run at up to 2000 RPM producing up to 104 CFM of airflow, keeping your system nice and cool. It produces about 40 dBA of noise which is a bit loud but not terribly excessive. The five-year warranty on this model is about as good as it gets and helps protect your investment.
Phanteks PH-TC14PE CPU Cooler - Consider
There are a number of reasons to choose air-cooling rather than liquid, such as affordability and ease of installation. This is certainly an easy CPU cooler to set up, and it comes with all the hardware you need to install it onto a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. It has two 140mm fans, with two radiators alongside them for optimal cooling. It's a little large, but should still fit comfortably in most computer towers without obscuring any sockets or ports on the motherboard. It comes with thermal compound from Phanteks, though it's not pre-applied so you can use your own if you prefer another type. The fans spin at up to 1200 RPM, generating up to 78 CFM of airflow, and less than 20 dBA of noise during use. The five-year warranty is excellent and protects your investment for about as long as you should expect a CPU cooler to last.
ARCTIC Freezer 7 X - Compact Multi-Compatible CPU Cooler - Best CPU Cooler
This is a great choice for a low or mid-range computer, but it probably does not provide enough cooling for a high-end overclocked computer. It has a single fan that is only 92mm in size, quite a bit smaller than the fans in a lot of other coolers. This single fan, however, can still cool a CPU quite well thanks to maximum speeds of up to 2200 RPM that can push up to 45 CFM of airflow. Since it only has a single fan, it requires much less power than larger radiators and fans and does not produce much noise, only about 23 dBA even when running at high speed for optimal cooling. Despite this model’s name, it fits a number of both Intel and AMD CPUs, and ARCTIC covers this model with a six-year warranty.
Buyer's Guide
CPUs are, in many aspects, the heart of any PC. They handle the processing of data in your computer and are very safely kept in the middle of your motherboard. Because of how important they are to your computer, it’s no surprise that they can become very hot - often many degrees hotter than the surrounding computer parts.
Since CPUs need to be at a low temperature to function properly, CPU coolers were designed to prevent overheating and also help users maximize their PC’s performance. Overheated CPUs can result in slower systems, so a cooler is necessary to keep everything running smoothly.
Today, we’ll be taking a look at the different types of CPU coolers, as well as a guide on how to pick the best one for your computer.
What is a CPU Cooler?
A CPU cooler is a device that connects directly to your CPU. It keeps the CPU cool by lowering its surrounding temperature, which results in better performance in the system. CPU coolers can either run on liquid cooling or fan cooling.
Why do you need a CPU Cooler?
CPU coolers are arguably just as important as the CPU itself, and there a couple of reasons why.
It increases performance
Performance is a metric that only gamers and professionals really seem to care about, but it’s something worth considering even if you only type documents on your computer. Performance affects how fast your computer boots up, how long you wait for your apps to load, and so on, you’ll feel the performance difference even if you don’t play games or render video.
CPU coolers are a vital component in keeping your computer at maximum performance. They keep the CPU at a temperature that helps them run more efficiently. So, whether you’re playing games, making music, or just browsing the Internet, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a CPU cooler.
It improves the CPU’s lifespan
Like most electronic devices these days, CPUs don’t last forever. However, they can last longer than usual if you make sure they’re constantly cooled. CPUs at high temperatures typically end up with a shorter lifespan, whereas efficiently cooled CPUs last for quite a while. So unless you plan on getting a new CPU in the future, you may want a cooler to maximize your current CPU’s lifespan.
Things to consider when buying a CPU Cooler
Remember these tips when you buy your next CPU cooler.
Cooling Method
There are two popular cooling methods when it comes to cooling your CPU and PC as a whole. These two methods are fan cooling and liquid cooling. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and so on.
Fan cooling is the default cooling method for most people. It’s easy, cheap, and very efficient. As long as your case has proper ventilation, fan cooling can work on even the best PC setups, and your CPU is no different. Fan cooling is also very cheap, which is great if you’re on a budget. The only real downside is that other than having fans with RGB lighting, fans aren’t that flashy - which brings us to liquid cooling.
You may have heard of liquid cooling in tech videos on YouTube. Liquid cooling involves running cold water or liquid through a pipe circuit around your computer. This cools the circuitry just as effectively as fan cooling. It looks really great too if you have a glass case. Unfortunately, liquid cooling is expensive, and you’ll need a professional to safely install it.
Price
Ultimately, everything boils down to price. Your budget determines what you can or can’t buy. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll most likely have to settle for fan cooling, as liquid cooling systems often work as a complete solution, and you normally don’t run both systems on a single computer.
If you do have the money, though, it’s all a matter of preference at that point. Liquid cooling looks great, but fan cooling can also look nice with RGB lighting. If you prefer performance over looks, then either is a viable option, too.
CPU Cooler price range
CPU coolers are vital for any system, so it’s no surprise that it’s expensive. Fan CPU coolers can cost anywhere from $40 to $100, depending on brand and specs. Liquid cooler fans are a different story, however - they cost more than $200 per unit, and that’s just for the CPU component alone - you’ll still need to install other parts for a liquid cooling system.
How we choose the best CPU Coolers
We choose CPU coolers based on their price, type, and customer reviews.
FAQ
Are CPU coolers necessary?
CPU coolers are important as they help maximize CPU performance by preventing the device from overheating.
Why are CPU coolers expensive?
Depending on the brand and type of cooler, CPU coolers can go for exorbitant amounts. This is typical because CPU coolers have low demand, as you only really need one per PC. Thus, the price of each cooler becomes more expensive.
