Most CPUs from Intel and AMD come with inadequate stock coolers that fail to provide effective cooling. This can cause the CPU to run at high temperatures, which can reduce its lifespan. Other coolers and heat sinks are available, but they often run at high RPMs, which can be noisy.

All-in-one, or AIO, liquid CPU coolers are essential for a high-end computer system. They provide effective cooling with minimal noise, making them a great long-term cooling solution. AIO liquid coolers are a good option to consider If you are looking for a reliable and efficient way to cool your CPU.

AIOs come in different sizes and compatibilities. We decided to list the Best 120 mm AIOs. 120 mm is a very common size when it comes to liquid coolers. So, you will easily find a cooler that will fit your build.

#	Preview	Name	Award	Details
1		B09GKQ4KYP	Editor's Choice	11,049 Reviews Check Price
2		ASUS ROG Strix LC 120	Premium Pick	1,121 Reviews Check Price
3		CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML120L	Best Value	11,221 Reviews Check Price
4		Corsair Hydro Series H60	Most Reliable	5,054 Reviews Check Price
5		Thermaltake Water 3.0 ARGB 120mm	Best RGB CPU Cooler	1,600 Reviews Check Price
6		EVGA CLC 120mm	Entry-Level Pick	3,389 Reviews Check Price

#	1
Preview
Name	B09GKQ4KYP
Award	Editor's Choice
Details	11,049 Reviews Check Price

#	2
Preview
Name	ASUS ROG Strix LC 120
Award	Premium Pick
Details	1,121 Reviews Check Price

#	3
Preview
Name	CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML120L
Award	Best Value
Details	11,221 Reviews Check Price

#	4
Preview
Name	Corsair Hydro Series H60
Award	Most Reliable
Details	5,054 Reviews Check Price

#	5
Preview
Name	Thermaltake Water 3.0 ARGB 120mm
Award	Best RGB CPU Cooler
Details	1,600 Reviews Check Price

#	6
Preview
Name	EVGA CLC 120mm
Award	Entry-Level Pick
Details	3,389 Reviews Check Price

Last Update on 2024-03-05 at 19:25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Why you should trust us

We at appuals.com are enthusiastic about all types of PC hardware, but CPU coolers are particularly appealing to us. Our team enjoys testing them and collecting data to broaden our understanding of the most recent CPU architectures.

Hassam Nasir, our leading expert, has extensive experience in CPU cooler reviews dating back to the days of the Zalman flower coolers. Hassam excels at analyzing a CPU cooler’s features and separating marketing gimmicks from the actual value of the product.

Under Hassam’s guidance, our team of specialized hardware experts puts every CPU cooler through a rigorous testing process. We analyze all the important metrics without bias and rank the coolers based on a variety of factors. Whether you’re looking for a value-oriented option or the best CPU cooler on the market, we can help you find what you need.

In addition to providing unbiased reviews and rankings, we also offer valuable information and buying advice for those interested in purchasing a CPU cooler. Our team has a wealth of knowledge about the different types of CPU coolers, including air coolers, liquid coolers, and hybrid coolers. We can help you understand the pros and cons of each type and provide recommendations based on your specific needs and budget.

Additionally, we regularly update our reviews and rankings to reflect the latest developments in the world of CPU coolers. This ensures that our readers have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information available. So, if you’re in the market for a CPU cooler, check out our reviews and rankings to find the perfect option for your system.

1.  NZXT Kraken 120

Editor's Choice

Pros

• Great performance
• Sleek design
• Near-silent performance

Cons

• No RGB on the fan

11,049 Reviews

Dimension: 10.51 x 8.46 x 5.39  | RGB: Yes | Compatibility: AMD and Intel | Voltage: 12V

Check Price

NZXT is known for producing high-quality and durable cooling systems, and the Kraken 120 is no exception. It has a sleek design and nine customizable LEDs that illuminate the NZXT logo and the ring around it. The Kraken 120 works with most ARGB ecosystems, including AURA Sync and Razer Chroma.

The Kraken 120 excels in terms of performance. It outperforms most 120mm AIOs and is even comparable to some 240mm AIOs in terms of cooling. The pump and AER P radiator work together to keep your CPU cool under heavy loads. The fan speeds range from 500 to 2000 RPM and use fluid dynamic bearings to operate quietly.

The Kraken 120 also features rubber tubes with nylon sleeves for added durability. It also has a custom fan curve for customizable fan speed. Overall, the Kraken 120 is a great choice for those looking for a high-performing and durable cooling system.

Fun fact, you can buy a cheap aftermarket cooler for your GPU as well. This may come in handy if you care about keeping your video card thermals low. Check out our selection of the best aftermarket GPU coolers. 

Related: Best Airflow Cases For Your PC.

Additionally, the Kraken 120 is easy to install and comes with user-friendly software that allows you to control and monitor your cooler’s performance. The software also allows you to customize the lighting and fan curves to your liking.

We also recently covered a similar NZXT CPU cooler in our roundup of the best LGA1700 CPU coolers. However, that one was a 360mm version. 

Related: Best Motherboards For Core i7 12900K.

Furthermore, the Kraken 120 is easy to install and comes with user-friendly software that allows you to control and monitor your cooler’s performance. The software also allows you to customize the lighting and fan curves to your liking.

2. ROG Strix LC-120 mm RGB

Best Premium 120mm AIO

Pros

• ARGB support
• Good Airflow
• Aluminum Radiator

Cons

• Can get a bit noisy

1,121 Reviews

Dimension: 12.2 x 7.8 x 5.4 | RGB: Pump only | Compatibility: AMD and Intel | Voltage: 12V

Check Price

The ROG Strix LC-120 mm RGB is a top-of-the-line all-in-one liquid cooler from ASUS’ Republic of Gamers brand. The LC-120 lives up to ROG’s reputation with its clean pump design and programmable ARGB lighting. ROG is known for its sleek and stylish designs. ARGB lighting allows for complete customization, with six different color modes to choose from.

Aside from its attractive appearance, the Strix LC-120 provides excellent thermal performance thanks to its improved pump design and advanced cooling plates. These characteristics allow for maximum heat absorption, resulting in cooler temperatures and better overall performance. The LC-120 also comes equipped with an ARGB fan with a speed range of 800 to 2500 RPM. The high RPM provides improved airflow and heat dissipation.

The only potential downside of the LC-120 is its noise level, which at 37.6 dB may be too loud for some users. However, the LC-120 is a great AIO cooler that offers impressive performance and stylish looks.

This is a sleek and stylish 120mm cooler, and will work with high-end Z690 motherboards as well, if you’re going for Intel this generation. 

Related: Best Motherboards For Ryzen 5 5600X.

In addition to its impressive thermal performance and customizable lighting, the ROG Strix LC-120 also comes with many other useful features. The LC-120 also comes with a built-in fan controller, allowing you to adjust the fan speed and lighting effects directly from the pump unit.

Another unique feature of the LC-120 is its ROG Intelligent Cooling software. This software allows you to monitor the temperature of your CPU and adjust the fan speed and pump speed accordingly. This ensures that your system stays cool and stable even under heavy loads. The software also allows you to customize the lighting effects and create your unique color profiles.

More Components: Best B550 Motherboards.

In terms of installation, the LC-120 is relatively easy to set up thanks to its simple mounting mechanism. It has compatibility with a wide range of CPU sockets. The cooler also comes with a set of high-quality thermal paste pre-applied to the CPU contact plate, making the installation process even easier.

All in all, the ROG Strix LC-120 RGB is a great pick for a 120mm AIO. It comes with great features and offers good value for money.

3. Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120L

Best Value

Pros

• Impressive Pump
• Solid Performance
• Affordable price

Cons

• Poor Acoustics
• Buggy Software

11,221 Reviews

Dimension: 6.2 x 4.7 x 1.1  | RGB: Yes | Compatibility: AMD and Intel | Voltage: 12V

Check Price

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120L is a 120mm all-in-one (AIO) cooler that offers impressive RGB lighting and excellent performance. Without a doubt, it is one of the most visually appealing 120mm AIO coolers on the market. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.

One of MasterLiquid ML120L’s standout features is its RGB lighting. It adds a touch of style to any computer setup. Because of its 120mm radiator and high-quality fans, the cooler is also very effective at keeping your CPU cool. However, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Some users have complained about the cooler’s software, which can be difficult to use and buggy at times.

Fortunately, it is great in terms of compatibility and will work well with older CPUs. It’s a good fit and of the best CPU coolers for processors like the 7700K.

Related: Best Motherboards for Core i7 8700K.

In conclusion, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120L is a top-notch AIO cooler that offers impressive RGB lighting and excellent cooling performance. While it may be on the expensive side and have some potential software issues, it is worth considering if you’re in the market for a high-quality cooler. Be sure to follow the tips above to ensure that you get the most out of your ML120L.

4. Corsair Hydro iCUE H60

Most Reliable

Pros

• Great price
• Impressive thermal performance
• Long-lasting durability

Cons

• Lack of RGB
• Generic design

5,054 Reviews

Dimension: 14.17 x 6.29 x 4.72 | RGB: No | Compatibility: AMD and Intel | Voltage: 12V

Check Price

Overclocking has become increasingly popular among PC enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their components. To overclock safely and effectively, an excellent cooling solution is necessary to prevent high temperatures and extend the life of your components.

Our pick for the best 120 mm AIO with overclocking potential is the Corsair iCUE H60 AIO. It offers excellent cooling performance and allows users to safely and reliably maximize their CPU’s performance.

The Corsair iCUE H60 AIO is a high-quality addition to the Corsair Hydro series. It has a sleek and visually striking design, with an octagonal-shaped pump and the Corsair logo. It’s also built to last, with improved construction for consistent cooling performance.

This compact cooler also works well for micro-ATX cases, as well as the best mini-ITX cases. So, compatibility between different cases and processors should not be too much of an issue. 

One potential downside of the Corsair iCUE H60 AIO is that it doesn’t have RGB support. However, its performance and quiet operation make it a great choice for those in need of a high-quality all-in-one cooling solution.

All in all, the Corsair iCUE H60 is a high-quality option for those in need of an all-in-one cooling solution. Its efficient cooling performance and quiet operation make it a solid choice for PC enthusiasts.

5. Thermaltake Water 3.0 ARGB 120mm

Best RGB CPU Cooler

Pros

• Excellent RGB implementation
• Durable tubes
• Economical price

Cons

• Poor acoustics

1,600 Reviews

Dimension: 7.4 x 5.7 x 9.2 | RGB: Yes | Compatibility: AMD and Intel | Voltage: 12V

Check Price

Next on our list is the Thermaltake Water 3.0 AIO. When it comes to pure looks and aesthetics, this AIO is hard to beat. It comes with an ARGB LED ring on the pump and RGB radiator fans. There are 16.8 million colors to select from. This makes it easy to match any system theme. Additionally, the fans can be controlled via the motherboard RGB software, making it easy to adjust the lighting to match your system’s theme.

However, this AIO is not all looks. It is designed for optimal cooling and performance. This is due to several key features, including a large surface radiator, a copper base plate on the water block, and reinforced-sleeved tubing.

This is a cheaper option and will work well fit some of the best budget PC cases out there. Remember, cheap doesn’t always equate to lower quality, and this cooler is proof of that.

The large surface radiator increases the overall cooling efficiency of the system and provides exceptional heat dissipation. This ensures your CPU remains cool even under high stress. The copper base plate on the water block improves the heat conductivity of the water block and pump, further improving the system’s cooling performance.

The reinforced-sleeved tubing ensures durability and reduces the loss of coolant, allowing the system to maintain its cooling performance over time. Overall, it is well-equipped to keep your system running at its best.

In conclusion, the Thermaltake Water 3.0 AIO is a top-notch choice for those looking for both aesthetics and performance. Its RGB lighting options and customizable colors make it easy to match any system theme, while its large surface radiator, copper base plate, and reinforced-sleeved tubing ensure efficient and effective cooling for your system.

Whether you want to show off your system’s lighting or just keep it running at its best, the Thermaltake Water 3.0 AIO has you covered.

6. EVGA CLC 120mm

Best Entry Level

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Simplistic design
• Solid performance

Cons

• Poor acoustics
• No RGB lighting

3,389 Reviews

Dimension: 9.06 x 7.48 x 5.91 inches | RGB: No | Compatibility: AMD and Intel | Voltage: 12V

Check Price

It can be difficult to transition from a standard CPU cooler to an AIO, as there are numerous options on the market. It can be difficult and expensive to switch without having any knowledge.

So, the EVGA CLC 120 is our choice for the best entry-level 120 mm AIO. If you want to upgrade to an AIO cooler, the EVGA CLC is a great choice because it performs well and is reasonably priced.

EVGA is a well-known brand in the gaming industry that manufactures computer components such as graphics cards and power supplies. They have recently started making cases and laptops. The CLC series is their first attempt at making an all-in-one cooling system for computers. It will be interesting to see how these products compare to others on the market.

The EVGA CLC 120 is priced competitively. It has a similar design to other all-in-one cooling systems, with a thick radiator, braided cables, and a small base. It comes with a fan that can operate at a speed of 600-2200 RPM. Though, there are some minor complaints about this product.

This cooler is out entry-level pick, but it can still keep processors like the Core i5 12600K under ideal temperatures. So, you can easily pair it with the best motherboards for i5 12600K without any real issues.

Related: Best Motherboards For Core i7 12700K.

The EVGA CLC 120 has received some criticism for the noise it produces when running at high load, with some buyers finding the overall acoustics to be annoying. However, it is still considered a significant upgrade over budget CPU heatsinks. Secondly, the CLC 120 does not have any RGB, which can be a deal breaker for some people.

More Components: Best High Capacity SSDs.

Despite these issues, the CLC 120 has excellent performance, making it a strong choice for almost any processor. While the noise and fan rattling can be problematic. But, it is still considered to be one of the best entry-level 120mm all-in-one coolers available.

How We Picked and Tested the Best 120mm AIOs

When it comes to any sort of hardware, we always make sure you get the right component. We rigorously and intensively check all the choices and give you an unbiased opinion.

There are numerous cooler options available on the market, particularly in terms of size. We decided to limit ourselves to 120mm AIOs for this list. The reason behind this is that switching from a stock cooler to an AIO is an expensive and sometimes difficult choice. As a result, 120mm is a good starting point for AIOs. They are usually fairly inexpensive, do the job, and can be easily upgraded to a 240mm or 360mm AIO later.

As a result, our Appuals tech team decided to compile a list of the best 120mm AIOs. We investigated the market and tried out various options. We put them through various tests and compared them. There are some factors that we kept in mind while selecting our picks

It is vital to pick your CPU cooler from a reputable brand. Therefore, all the AIOs on this list are from known brands such as EVGA, Corsair, NZXT, etc. All of these are established and trustworthy brands to buy AIOs.

The second thing we tested was the compatibility of the AIOs across different CPUs. We made sure to pick the ones that are compatible with most of the latest CPUs from AMD and Intel. So, you don’t have to worry about compatibility in this list, as most of them will fit on your CPU.

We also stress-tested all our picks on the latest Intel and AMD CPUs and checked how they perform under load. Finally, we also made sure to check the noise level, as you don’t want your PC to be loud while you are playing games or working.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a reliable AIO cooler that won’t break the bank, any of the options on our list are worth considering. Our tech team at Appuals has done the research and testing to ensure that you get the right hardware for your computer.

120mm AIOs vs Air Coolers: What’s The Difference?

There are two main types of CPU coolers: liquid and air. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and the one that’s right for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here is a detailed comparison of liquid and air CPU coolers:

Performance

In general, liquid CPU coolers tend to be more effective at cooling than air coolers. This is because the liquid has a higher thermal conductivity than air, allowing it to transfer heat more efficiently. As a result, liquid CPU coolers are often more effective than air coolers at keeping CPUs cool, especially under heavy workloads.

However, this doesn’t mean that air coolers are always inferior – some high-end air coolers can perform just as well as liquid coolers, and they may be a good choice if you don’t need the extra cooling power.

Noise

Air coolers are generally quieter than liquid coolers. This is since the only moving part in an air cooler is the fan, whereas a liquid cooler has a pump in addition to the fan. The pump can generate noise, especially when it’s working hard to cool the CPU. However, there are some quiet liquid coolers on the market, so noise levels will vary depending on the model.

Installation

Air coolers are generally easier to install than liquid coolers. They simply require you to mount the cooler to the CPU and attach the fan, which is usually accomplished with a few screws. On the other hand, liquid coolers require you to install a radiator and attach it to the CPU with hoses. This process can be more time-consuming and may require you to remove other components from your computer, such as the motherboard, to access the CPU.

Price

Air coolers are typically less expensive than liquid coolers. This is because they have fewer parts and are easier to manufacture. This results in air coolers having less cost to manufacture and making them more affordable. However, some high-end air coolers can be just as expensive as liquid coolers. 

Overall, liquid CPU coolers tend to offer better performance than air coolers, but they can be louder and more difficult to install. On the other hand, air coolers are quieter and easier to install, but they may be less effective at cooling.

Ultimately, choosing between a liquid and air cooler will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you want the best cooling performance and don’t mind a little extra noise, a liquid cooler may be the right choice for you. If you want a quieter, more affordable cooler that’s easy to install, an air cooler may be the better option

Best 120mm AIOs – Is A 120mm Radiator Enough For CPU?

A 120mm radiator can be sufficient for cooling a CPU, but it depends on the specific heat output of the CPU, the ambient temperature of the environment, and the cooling capacity of the rest of the system.

We recommended using a radiator that is at least as large as the size of the fan you are using, as this will allow for sufficient airflow and heat dissipation. For example, if you are using a 120mm fan, a 120mm radiator would be a good choice.

In addition to the size of the radiator, the efficiency of the radiator and the overall design of the cooling system will also play a role in its effectiveness. If you are building a new system and want to ensure that your CPU is adequately cooled, it’s a good idea to research the cooling requirements of your specific CPU and choose a radiator and fan combination that will be sufficient.

Buyer’s Guide – 120mm AIO Coolers

An all-in-one (AIO) water cooling system is a popular choice for CPU cooling because it is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. A 120mm AIO is a good size for cooling a CPU, but there are a few key factors to consider when shopping for one.

Compatibility

It is essential to make sure that the AIO is compatible with your specific CPU socket and motherboard. Most AIOs will specify which sockets they are compatible with, but it is still a good idea to double-check. Some AIOs may also come with mounting hardware for multiple socket types, while others may be limited to a single socket. In addition to the socket compatibility, check that the AIO will fit properly in your system. Make sure there is sufficient clearance around the CPU and that the radiator will fit in your case.

Cooling performance

The primary purpose of an AIO is to cool your CPU, so it is essential to consider its cooling performance. Look for an AIO with a high TDP (thermal design power) rating, which is a measure of the maximum amount of heat that the best 120mm AIOs can dissipate. 

A higher TDP rating means that the AIO is capable of cooling more powerful CPUs. In addition to the TDP rating, you should also look for reviews or testing data that demonstrate the AIO’s cooling performance.

Fan speed and noise

The fan on an AIO plays a significant role in its cooling performance and overall noise level. Pay attention to the fan speed and noise level, as well as the overall design of the fan and radiator. Some AIOs use high-quality fans that are designed to be efficient and quiet, while others may be louder and less efficient. In addition to the fan itself, consider the fan mounting system and whether it is designed to reduce vibrations and noise.

Ease of installation

AIOs should be relatively easy to install, but some may be more straightforward than others. Look for an AIO with a well-designed mounting system to make the installation process as smooth as possible. Consider whether the AIO comes with all the necessary mounting hardware. You also want to look for any features that make it easier to install. A self-contained mounting system or pre-applied thermal paste are good examples.

Price

AIOs can vary significantly in price, depending on their features and performance. Determine your budget and look for an AIO that offers good value for the price. Keep in mind that a more expensive AIO is not always better, and it is essential to consider the overall performance and features of the AIO rather than just the price.

Brand and warranty

Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and the warranty they offer. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment in case of any issues. So, when on the hunt for the best 120mm AIO CPU coolers, look out for something from a reputable brand.

If this buyer’s guide was helpful to you, also consider checking out our motherboard buying guide if you also plan to purchase a new motherboard.

The post 6 Best 120mm AIO CPU Coolers Recommended By Experts – 2024 appeared first on Appuals.

It’s time for an upgrade now that Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake range of CPUs has landed on store shelves around the world. However, since Intel has boosted the power budgets across the board, you might also need a robust new cooler to keep up with these new CPUs.

The Core i9 13900K, Intel’s flagship Raptor Lake CPU as expected, demands a substantial aftermarket cooling solution. As we noted in our roundup of the best motherboards for i9 13900K, this new CPU has an aggressive boosting behavior that takes advantage of all the power it can get. As a result, it also generates a lot of heat that needs to be dissipated.

For this CPU, a quality aftermarket CPU cooler is vital. Intel does not provide a stock cooler for this CPU, and it would be useless anyway. Even if you don’t plan on overclocking, you will need the best CPU cooler for i9 13900K to maximize the potential of this CPU.

Here are a few of our favorites.

The Best CPU Cooler for i9 13900K – Our Picks

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD	Best Premium CPU Cooler for i9 13900K	1,882 Reviews Check Price
2		Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black	Best Air Cooler for i9 13900K	12,171 Reviews Check Price
3		MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID 360R V2	Best Value CPU Cooler for i9 13900K	1,433 Reviews Check Price
4		DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720	Best RGB CPU Cooler for i9 13900K	853 Reviews Check Price
5		Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240mm AiO	Best Budget CPU Cooler for i9 13900K	3,758 Reviews Check Price
6		Deepcool Assassin III	Best Entry Level CPU Cooler for i9 13900K	1,228 Reviews Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD
Award	Best Premium CPU Cooler for i9 13900K
Details	1,882 Reviews Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black
Award	Best Air Cooler for i9 13900K
Details	12,171 Reviews Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID 360R V2
Award	Best Value CPU Cooler for i9 13900K
Details	1,433 Reviews Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720
Award	Best RGB CPU Cooler for i9 13900K
Details	853 Reviews Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240mm AiO
Award	Best Budget CPU Cooler for i9 13900K
Details	3,758 Reviews Check Price

#	6
Preview
Product Name	Deepcool Assassin III
Award	Best Entry Level CPU Cooler for i9 13900K
Details	1,228 Reviews Check Price

Last Update on 2024-03-05 at 17:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Why you should trust us

Here at appuals.com, we are enthusiastic about all sorts of PC hardware. However, CPU coolers are uniquely interesting to us and our team loves to test them out. There is just so much interesting data that can be extracted from CPU cooler testing that expands our knowledge about the latest CPU architectures as well.

Our leading PC hardware expert, Hassam Nasir, boasts an extraordinary experience in the field of CPU cooler reviews which spans back to the days of the Zalman flower coolers. Hassam loves to break down a CPU cooler to its very basics, and separates all the marketing gimmicks from the things that actually matter.

Led by Hassam’s expertise, our team of highly specialized hardware experts puts every CPU cooler through a rigorous testing process. We analyze all the important empirical metrics without any inherent bias, and then rank the coolers based on a plethora of factors. Whether you are looking for a value-oriented option or the absolute king of the hill when it comes to CPU coolers, we can help you find what you need.

1. Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD

Best Premium CPU Cooler for i9 13900K

Pros

• Excellent Thermal Performance
• Unique LCD Display
• Extraordinary Fans
• Top Notch Build Quality

Cons

• Extremely Pricey

1,882 Reviews

Category: AiO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Size: 360mm | TDP: 180W | Fans: 3x 120mm | Fan Speed: 2000 RPM | RGB: Yes | Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27 mm

Check Price

First and foremost, we recommend the Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD cooler as our pick for the best premium CPU cooler for i9 13900K. It costs a pretty penny, but it is absolutely one of the top-tier cooling solutions that you can pair with your Core i9 13900K CPU. It is also a stunner when it comes to looks, so it will definitely elevate the level of your build.

Be sure to check out our selection of the best CPU coolers for LGA 1700 for even more options.

The H150i is the 360mm variant of this particular cooler with 3 included 120mm fans. The rated TDP for this particular cooler is only 180W, but that means little in the real world. The actual thermal performance of this cooler is among the very best we have tested for the Core i9 13900K. You can try your hand at overclocking the Raptor Lake flagship should you so desire, without worrying about overheating at all.

We also really liked the acoustics of the H150i Elite cooler, mostly thanks to the supremely impressive 120mm ML RGB ELITE magnetic levitation fans. The fans use Corsair’s new AirGuide technology to maximize the airflow intake, which basically means they have custom blade designs to improve airflow streamlining. They are rated for speeds up to 2000 RPM and can run as low as 450 RPM, providing a decent range of performance and acoustics.

Of course, the fans have Zero RPM cooling profiles that allow them to be silent when the PC is under minimal loads. This improves not only the acoustic profile of the cooler but also the longevity of the fans.

When it comes to design, the Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE LCD stuns us with its brilliance right out of the box. Its 2.1-inch IPS LCD Display, which has a 600 nits peak brightness and a 480 x 480 resolution, gives it its title. You can add your favorite animated GIFs or custom pictures to this display, or you can select from a variety of pre-installed designs and lighting configurations for the most aesthetically pleasing display.

Moreover, you get a ring of RGB lighting around the LCD screen to further enhance the aesthetics of the pump block. As far as the fans go, their RGB implementation is smooth and well-diffused which is exactly what we like to see in the best AiO liquid coolers. You can connect the fans to the included iCUE COMMANDER CORE controller to manage the lighting as well as fan speeds from Corsair’s software.

In essence, the Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE LCD cooler really checks all the boxes. It is a high-end cooling solution for the Core i9 13900K that will allow this CPU to fully spread its wings, while also elevating the looks of your PC build. The price is rather steep, so that is definitely a consideration for potential buyers who are considering this variant.

2. Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black

Best Air Cooler for i9 13900K

Pros

• Relatively Affordable
• Nice Understated Design
• Superb Cooling Performance
• Quiet Fans

Cons

• Clearance Issues

12,171 Reviews

Category: Air Cooler | Radiator Size: None | TDP: 225W | Fans: 2x 140mm | Fan Speed: 1500 RPM | RGB: No | Dimensions: 165 x 150 x 161 mm

Check Price

When it comes to air cooling, Noctua is a well-known brand, and the NH-D15 is among the most popular air coolers of the past decade. We selected this cooler as the best air cooler for i9 13900K because of its amazing cooling performance and high value for money.

Don’t forget to read our in-depth Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black review for a detailed breakdown of this cooler.

The iconic NH-D15 is available in a unique all-black edition called the NH-D15 Chromax Black, but if you like, you may also get the standard model. There is no doubt that the NH-D15 is one of the most potent air coolers available and can manage an advertised power output of up to 225W. The NH-D15 is the perfect air cooler for the i9 13900K thanks to its six heat pipes and two outstanding 140mm fans.

With the NH-D15, you may even try your hand at overclocking the i9 13900K, although to varying degrees of success. The dual tower CPU cooler’s two NF-A15 PWM fans are very quiet and perform a great job of dissipating the heat conducted by the enormous fin stack. For air cooling, the fans’ maximum speed of 1500 RPM is fairly decent.

Noctua’s lack of a reputation for appealing designs or aesthetics is abundantly evident with this particular cooler. The NH-D15 Chromax Black does not have any RGB lights or other distinctive design features, yet has a very respectable and subtle appearance. If you are building a stealthy or understated all-black themed build, then this cooler is ideal for that scenario.

You may also pick this cooler if you want to install it in a workstation or office PC, and you do not want your computer to look like a carnival show in the middle of the office floor.

With that said, the Noctua NH-D15 is still a powerhouse of performance. Despite its unassuming looks, the NH-D15 is arguably the best air cooler currently available for sale on the market for any processor. That is a huge title to defend, and Noctua has been very successful with that task so far. Just make sure that your PC case has adequate airflow for the NH-D15 to flex its muscles.

This cooler was also included in our roundup of the best CPU coolers for i7 12700K.

Before making your final buying decision, you should also make sure the Noctua NH-D15 will fit in your case because it is a huge CPU cooler. You should also make sure that your memory modules don’t obstruct the cooler’s fin stack.

In this price range, the Noctua NH-D15 is essentially a no-brainer because of its amazing cooling capabilities and good value. It is quite expensive for an air cooler, but it doesn’t even touch the mid-range if you compare it to the AiO liquid cooler market. The only drawbacks that we can think of are its clearance issues and lack of lighting.

3. MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID 360R V2

Best Value CPU Cooler for i9 13900K

Pros

• Great Cooling Potential
• Impressive Value for Money
• Decent Included Fans
• Sturdy Build Quality

Cons

• Unremarkable Aesthetics

1,433 Reviews

Category: AiO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Size: 360mm | TDP: 290W | Fans: 3x 120mm | Fan Speed: 2000 RPM | RGB: Yes | Dimensions: 394 x 120 x 27 mm

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While MSI may not be the most popular name when it comes to liquid cooling components, their recent foray into this category has been fairly positive. We recommend the MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID 360R V2 liquid cooler for the Core i9 13900K, particularly due to its excellent value proposition. It falls in the mid-range for liquid cooler pricing, and it performs like some of the more expensive options out there.

The 360mm radiator variant is what you want to pair with a power-hungry CPU such as the Core i9 13900K. MSI claims that the CORELIQUID 360R V2 can handle a heat output of 290W according to the rough TDP figures, but we put more weight on real-life thermal performance. You can expect this particular cooler to handle the Core i9 13900K in even the most demanding CPU overclocking scenarios.

MSI revitalizes the MAG CORELIQUID 360R V2 by integrating the pump directly into the radiator; this not only makes the pump quieter and less noisy but also extends its life by keeping it away from the heat source. The pump is also powered by a reliable three-phase motor with a maximum speed of 4200 RPM, which is higher than most of its competitors. This motor can operate at this speed while making only 18 dBA of noise.

Speaking of the noise, the MSI CORELIQUID 360R V2 is also an admirable performer in the acoustic department. Apart from the pump already mentioned, the included fans are also really quiet in their normal operation. MSI has included three 120mm A-RGB PWM fans with this particular cooler, and they can operate up to 2000 RPM if needed. Under normal circumstances, however, the fans are fairly quiet and have decent build quality as well.

MSI’s aesthetics and design language have always been a bit polarizing among gamers. The CORELIQUID 360R V2 is another example of this trend, as it can be a bit controversial depending on who you ask. The CPU block has the MSI Dragon logo and a nice triangular pattern (lit by Mystic Light RGB of course), and the fans have plenty of unicorn lighting as well. The illumination is not very well-diffused, however, and could have been implemented much better.

That said, there is not a lot you can demand in this price bracket when it comes to aesthetics. This particular cooler still looks really nice when installed in a gaming build with plenty of RGB lighting. It may not have an LCD screen or other bells and whistles like that, but it certainly gets the job done at a decent price.

Featured Review: be Quiet! Pure Loop 240mm AiO Review

All in all, we really like the MAG CORELIQUID 360R V2 for its value proposition. It provides a fairly substantial bang for your buck and even competes with top-tier AiO coolers in thermals under certain conditions. We have selected this cooler as the best value CPU cooler for i9 13900K.

4. DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720

Best RGB CPU Cooler for i9 13900K

Pros

• Attractive RGB Lighting
• Relatively Affordable
• Decent Thermals

Cons

• Radiator Length
• Unremarkable Acoustics

853 Reviews

Category: AiO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Size: 360mm | TDP: 300W | Fans: 3x 120mm | Fan Speed: 2250 RPM | RGB: Yes | Dimensions: 402 x 120 x 27 mm

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For a more reserved budget, we recommend the DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720 liquid cooler. This AiO boasts a smart design, dependable cooling, and acceptable acoustics, which are all excellent attributes in a mid-range AiO liquid cooler. DeepCool also claims that the LS720’s rated TDP is 300W, although it doesn’t mean much in actuality.

Under stock parameters, the DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720 can readily keep up with the Core i9 13900K in regular workloads. With the DeepCool LS720’s excellent thermal performance, the i9 13900K can be put to work without limiting the CPU’s boosting behavior. You can even experiment with some overclocking with this liquid cooler but in a more conservative manner.

Moving on to acoustics, the DeepCool FC120 fans that come with the cooler are, in our opinion, a little noisy when under high load. Still, the fans are actually rather impressive despite the high noise output. They are even quite unique in their design, with a special focus being laid on high static pressure.

A similar 360mm AiO was also featured in our roundup of the best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 3rd Gen.

Nevertheless, at the very top of the fan curve, the fans hit 2250 RPM and get rather loud, therefore they can be heard clearly outside the case. This might be an issue if you want to apply heavy overclocks on the Core i9 13900K CPU. You may need to alter your custom fan curve to suit your particular needs.

In terms of design, the DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720 AiO has a sleek and modern design that features customizable RGB lighting on the water block and fans. The RGB lighting adds a unique visual element to the cooler, allowing users to personalize the appearance of their PC.

The water block’s RGB lighting is located in a square pattern around the central plate, giving it a distinct and eye-catching appearance. The central plate can also be customized with cool custom designs, which can be found on DeepCool’s website. It is a neat little customization perk that elevated the aesthetics of this cooler.

The fans’ RGB lighting is located on the central, creating a unique halo effect that adds an additional layer of visual interest. The fans’ RGB lighting can also be customized through the software, allowing users to synchronize it with the water block and radiator’s lighting or set it to a different color or effect. The lighting on the fans is well-diffused and looks very calming and sophisticated if configured correctly.

You can also check out our selection of the best addressable RGB fans if you want to replace the stock fans of this particular cooler.

Notably, the DeepCool LS720 AiO’s RGB lighting is well-integrated into its design, creating a cohesive and visually appealing cooling solution. The customizable RGB lighting allows users to personalize the cooler’s appearance to their liking, which is why we have selected this cooler as our pick for the best RGB CPU cooler for i9 139000K.

Conclusively, the DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720 is undoubtedly a product to consider if you’re searching for a good deal. It belongs to the mid-range category of AiO liquid coolers and provides excellent performance for the price, thus it deserves to be acknowledged. You may not maximize the full potential of the i9 13900K while overclocking, but the LS720 is more than enough for most consumers.

5. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240mm AiO

Best Budget CPU Cooler for i9 13900K

Pros

• Very Affordable
• Unique Pump Fan
• All-Black Design

Cons

• Mediocre Cooling
• No RGB Lighting

3,758 Reviews

Category: AiO Liquid Cooler | Radiator Size: 240mm | TDP: 240W | Fans: 2x 120mm | Fan Speed: 1200 RPM | RGB: No | Dimensions: 277 x 120 x 38 mm

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If you need a capable cooler but have a tight budget, the Liquid Freezer II from Arctic Cooling is a fantastic option. Even though it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles or flashy RGB, this cooler offers excellent cooling performance for a fair price.

It is definitely one of the best budget CPU coolers currently available on the market.

We chose the 240mm variant for this particular selection mainly due to cost purposes. This cooler is ideal for those users who want to replace their stock coolers or budget air coolers with something more capable at a low price. Although the Liquid Freezer II has adequate thermal performance for the i9 13900K to run at stock speeds, there is not much potential for overclocking with this cooler.

The manufacturer claims that this particular cooler is rated for 240W of cooling potential, which rivals many of the more expensive AiO liquid coolers on paper. The radiator of this cooler is especially interesting, as it is a lot thicker than regular 240mm radiators in this price bracket. This can help improve heat dissipation by packing more fins in the same dimensions.

Arctic specifically created this particular pump block for the Arctic Liquid Freezer II, and also included a little fan on the pump itself as a special feature. This fan may even aid to lower VRM temperatures by assisting in air circulation over the CPU block. However, the real-life data suggests that the fan is more of a gimmick than a useful feature, as the differences in VRM temperatures are minimal.

The two included 120mm fans have a speed rating of up to 1700 RPM and are also rather quiet. They can move plenty of air through the radiator fins without getting too loud. When the PC is under heavy load, however, the fans do ramp up to audible levels and can be heard outside an enclosed chassis. The acoustics overall are decent, but they cannot rival the more expensive alternatives mentioned before.

A similar Arctic Cooling AiO was featured in our list of the best CPU coolers for 10th Gen Intel CPUs.

Although we would have preferred to see some RGB lighting on the fans or the pump block, we can understand why Arctic chose not to include it in a value-oriented cooler. The fans and the pump are offered in an all-black color for this particular variant, but there is an RGB version that can be purchased for a price premium. This cooler is ideal for all-black builds or workstation PCs without any RGB lighting.

All things considered, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240mm AiO liquid cooler is a great budget choice for your 13900K CPU. It gets the job done, despite lacking a few bells and whistles. We recommend the Arctic Liquid Freezer II as the best budget CPU cooler for i9 13900K.

6. Deepcool Assassin III

Best Entry Level CPU Cooler for i9 13900K

Pros

• Budget Oriented Option
• Decent Cooling Performance

Cons

• Unremarkable Acoustics
• Mediocre Design
• No RGB

1,228 Reviews

Category: Air Cooler | Radiator Size: None | TDP: 280W | Fans: 2x 140mm | Fan Speed: 1400 RPM | RGB: No | Dimensions: 161 x 138 x 165 mm

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We choose the Deepcool Assassin III air cooler in the more entry-level price range since it has many of the same characteristics as the Noctua NH-D15 but at a lower cost. This cooler’s thermal performance is not quite on par with the legendary Noctua product, but it is also not far behind. This is the cooler to get if you just want to get your i9 13900K up and running without spending too much.

The be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is a similar air cooler to this one, so be sure to read our Dark Rock Pro 4 review if you are considering that particular cooler as well.

According to Deepcool, this cooler can manage up to 280W of heat output thanks to its two fans and seven heatpipes. There is not much to add regarding the construction of the Assassin III. It is just an enormous block of aluminum with seven copper heatpipes, with two 140mm fans attached to it.

In terms of thermals, the Deepcool Assassin III provides rather acceptable performance if you are running the i9 13900K at stock settings. Overclocking is a bit of a wild dream with this cooler, but that is to be expected considering the relatively affordable pricing. Still, you may try your hand at manual overclocking if you have decent airflow in your PC case.

Speaking of airflow, the two included 140mm fans are quite impressive. They can spin up to 1400 RPM at full blast and generate a lot of pressure, which is essential for moving air through the dense fin stack. The acoustics are acceptable under normal loads, but the fans can get a bit loud when the CPU temperature rises.

The design of the Deepcool Assassin III is a bit generic and simple. There is no hint of RGB lighting anywhere on the cooler, and the fins themselves are not painted as well. The fans are black, which is a nice touch, but the rest of the cooler is not really built for design. If aesthetics are your preference, you might want to look elsewhere on the market.

You may want to buy an RGB fan pack to replace the stock fans, but that might have an impact on performance.

Since the Deepcool Assassin III is such a gigantic air cooler, you should absolutely check case compatibility before making your purchase. This cooler is 165mm tall and can absolutely conflict with your case’s side panel. Moreover, you should also cross-check the compatibility of your memory modules with the cooler.

Overall, the Assassin III cuts a few corners here and there but still provides adequate thermal performance for a low price. This cooler is our pick for the best entry level CPU cooler for i9 13900K. It is not the ideal long-term solution but can get the job done on a temporary basis.

How we picked and tested

The Intel Core i9 13900K is a flagship CPU, and picking the best CPU cooler for it is not a trivial task. There are numerous factors that need to be considered before choosing the ideal cooling solution for this particular CPU. Our specialized team of hardware experts spared no detail when curating this list.

The first step was making sure that the coolers in question were compatible with the Core i9 13900K and the LGA 1700 socket. Assuring compatibility, we selected multiple options including both air coolers and AiO liquid coolers.

Our utmost priority was, of course, the thermal performance of the cooler in question. Since anyone buying the i9 13900K would care a lot about performance, it was crucial that any cooler we recommend is able to match up to the i9 13900K in both stock and overclocked scenarios.

Furthermore, the acoustic performance of the coolers was a vital point of consideration. There is no point in buying an aftermarket CPU cooler that will make your PC sound like a jet engine. The coolers we selected are able to deliver exceptional cooling performance without getting too loud.

We also considered the various unique features that may be offered by the particular coolers in question. Some coolers offer useful LCD screens that may display information, while others have unique pump designs that aid them in performance and longevity.

Aesthetics are generally subjective, but CPU coolers are a central and prominent part of any PC build. Therefore, we did take into account the design of the CPU coolers to make sure that they do not detract from the aesthetics of a modern gaming PC. Any unique RGB lighting features or design elements were considered a bonus.

Finally, it all comes down to the price. We selected CPU cooler options in various price brackets, but the ones that provided the better value for money were given priority. Being affordable does not necessarily translate into better bang for the buck, and vice versa.

Keeping these factors in mind, our team devised a selection of the very best CPU coolers you can buy for the Core i9 13900K.

Air Cooling vs. Water Cooling

Choosing between liquid cooling and air cooling is the first choice you must make when buying an aftermarket cooler for the i9 13900K. This choice of air cooling vs water cooling is crucial because it may determine the case type and other aspects of your new build.

When it comes to thermal performance, all-in-one liquid coolers, often known as AiOs, have an inherent advantage over air coolers. The very finest liquid coolers are typically substantially superior to the very best air coolers, and this trend holds true across all price ranges. However, liquid coolers are substantially more expensive and provide a worse return on investment than comparable air coolers.

Water (or the liquid mixture inside the AiO coolers) has a substantially better heat capacity than air. This means that it can absorb a lot of heat energy for every degree Celcius increase in its temperature. This phenomenon helps water to become a much more efficient carrier of heat away from hot components such as CPUs.

Air, on the other hand, is a notoriously poor conductor of heat. As a transfer medium, the air is practically as bad as it gets since it can actually act as an insulator in some cases. This is why air cooling has an inherently lower ceiling than water cooling.

In most circumstances, air cooling is not only more practical but also less expensive. Although air coolers have a better value proposition, their overall performance is not as good as top-tier AiO liquid coolers. They can also perform worse acoustically and often have average looks.

Since the Core i9 13900K has a high power budget and the ability to generate a lot of heat, we advise liquid coolers over air coolers for this CPU.

Buyer’s Guide

Even the most tech-savvy buyers can get confused when shopping for a new CPU cooler for the Core i9 13900K. It is a really power-hungry CPU, and with the plethora of options out there, selecting one particular model can be a hard task.

When buying a CPU cooler for the Core i9 13900K, as with any purchase, there are a number of factors to take into account. Picking the best CPU cooling solution will be made easier for you if you keep these things in mind.

Compatibility

When choosing a cooler for any CPU, it is essential to verify the compatibility of CPU coolers. You must not only ensure that the cooler is compatible with the CPU, but also that it is compatible with the PC case you are using.

You will require a CPU cooler that is compatible with the LGA 1700 CPU socket for the 13th Gen Intel platform. Fortunately, CPU coolers may accommodate a variety of socket types using various brackets, many of which are provided in the box and are often rather adaptable in this regard.

The second step is even more crucial. Make sure that your case can support the radiator of the AiO liquid cooler if you plan to purchase one. Today, many cases can accommodate radiators that are 240mm, 280mm, or even 360mm in length, but you should confirm this in advance.

When purchasing an air cooler, it’s crucial to look at the cooler’s case clearance in relation to its height. You’ll run into issues and possibly won’t be able to close the side panel of the case if you get a cooler that is too tall for your PC case. This is common with dual-tower air coolers such as the Noctua NH-D15. This is why low profile CPU coolers are becoming more and more popular nowadays.

You can find the information regarding the height and dimensions of the CPU cooler on the product page of the cooler itself. This information can be compared with the data that is provided in your PC case manual regarding the clearance of the air cooler, to confirm the compatibility.

Cooling Performance

The CPU cooler in question must, of course, work efficiently and cool the CPU properly. In comparison to the stock coolers provided in the box, aftermarket coolers often offer a significant improvement in terms of thermals, though to varying degrees. You will require a more potent CPU cooler to go along with a top-tier unlocked CPU like the Core i9 13900K.

Without testing it, it is difficult to determine how well a CPU cooler will perform in your particular setup with the Core i9 13900K. The manufacturers do release some crude TDP figures, but they do not provide us with a complete picture. Before making a final decision, it’s crucial to read online user and expert cooler evaluations.

There is plenty of data available online that can help you gauge whether or not a particular cooler will be good enough for your CPU. You should also consider scenarios like overclocking if you are inclined that way. It is always wise to purchase a cooler that may be slightly overkill for your particular CPU, rather than the other way around.

Acoustics

Whether it be an air cooler or a liquid cooler, the acoustic performance of a particular cooler is almost as important as its thermal performance. Installing an aftermarket cooler that will make your PC sound like a jet engine when it is under stress is rather useless. So, when making a CPU cooler purchase, acoustic performance should also be taken into account.

Acoustics are directly linked to the thermals of the CPU. Modern high-end CPU coolers place a lot of emphasis on operating quietly by adding specialized premium fans and adjusting the pump’s performance according to the load.

Acoustics can be fine-tuned, but there is not a lot you can do to reduce the noise of cheap fans and other incompetent hardware. A worthwhile approach might be to invest in a high-end CPU cooler that will perform better in terms of both thermals and noise.

Design and Aesthetics

When it comes to choosing a CPU cooler, design is just as important as function. The aesthetics of your cooler can have a big impact on the overall look of your build, so it’s important to choose a design that complements the rest of your components.

Aesthetics can be particularly important if you are buying an AiO liquid cooler for your build. These coolers have the potential to elevate the design of your particular PC to the next level. Especially if you are building a high-end gaming rig with the Core i9 13900K at its heart, you should pay a little bit of attention towards the overall look of your build.

Modern AiO liquid coolers provide a ton of options when it comes to aesthetics. Most coolers nowadays come with built-in RGB lighting, which can be controlled via the manufacturer’s software. The RGB lighting is often present on the pump block as well as the fans, which gives your build a premium look.

Some of the very premium AiO coolers even provide LCD screens on the pump block itself, which can display useful information as well as custom messages and GIFs of your choice. This can be another point of customization in your build.

You can also get RGB fans on air coolers, but those are usually not as impressive or intricate as the ones provided on AiO liquid coolers.

One downside of RGB lighting on AiO coolers is that there is a lot of wiring to manage. There are several extra cables that will either be connected to a fan controller, or to the motherboard itself. Managing those cables can be a real pain when you are building your PC.

The post 7 Best CPU Coolers For i9-13900K In 2024 appeared first on Appuals.

Intel’s newest comer, Intel Alder Lake, has been on the market for a while now, but consumers who are still trying to get into PC building are confused about which cooler to go for with this CPU.

12th gen Intel processors might be a huge leap in performance but come with the drawback of overheating. This is why you need a reliable cooler to ensure the CPU stays below high temperatures even if you decide on overclocking. Intel Alder CPUs are simply astonishing as they pack plenty of processing power in their next-gen glory.

How we choose the best cooler for LGA 1700

Putting together a list of the best cooler for LGA 1700 requires a good amount of research and several key factors are taken into account.

The first and foremost is the performance factor. Having good heat pipes, heat sinks, and top-notch fans are vital for good performance, but these aren’t the only factors to be looked upon. Besides these, for the best heat dissipation, copper and aluminum pipes are to be considered and good spacing to spread heat distribution are some of the few factors we at Appuals researched to our very best.

Secondly, coolers come in every variety and varying radiator sizes, so to ensure the best possible one for you, we included coolers in different sizes and made sure that our list is suitable for as many cases as possible.

Moreover, a CPU cooler’s primary job is to help cool your PC, but it also boosts your PC’s aesthetics. Therefore, we focused on adding coolers that are on point with their looks as well. Coolers from manufacturers like NZXT and ASUS that deliver up-to-the-mark aesthetics with impressive performance are some of the few included in our list.

Furthermore, a cooler that carries out silent operations is another important factor we take into consideration. Although coolers, in general, are not that noisy, they still make a bit of noise and that can interrupt your preference. Coolers with larger fans and with the lowest dBA are the perfect choice to go for.

Lastly, while compiling these coolers, we were bent on having coolers that are affordable and come under budget for many consumers.

Best Cooler for LGA 1700 – Our Picks

1. Noctua NH-D15

Best Overall Air Cooler

Pros

• Outstanding cooling performance
• Excellent build quality
• Silent Fans

Cons

• Aesthetically not good
• Incompatible with smaller cases

Type: Dual-tower | RGB: No | Fans: 1 | Fans RPM: 300-1500 | Dimensions: 160 mm x 150 mm x 135 mm | Warranty: 6 Years

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It is no surprise that when Noctua first announced their new NH-D15 PC enthusiasts had high expectations, and Noctua did not let them down. It delivered industry-leading quiet cooling performance, flawless quality, and perfection in every aspect. Noctua NH-D15 had it all and delivered the best for its international silent enthusiasts.

The NH-D15 has two NF-A15 150mm fans that deliver the utmost silent performance by the use of anti-vibration pads and low noise technologies. The maximum fan speed is 1500RPM and can go as low as 300 RPM. These fans are rated at a noise level of 24.6 dB.

A dual-tower heat sink that has aluminum cooling fins with six copper heat pipes with a nickel-plated finish. One other thing to note here is that Noctua has increased heat pipes spacing to spread heat distribution over a larger area. The contact plate has a mirror finish to it and its size is exceptionally flat.

It is moderately big especially in regard to its tallness so it’s best for those with mid-tower or even smaller-full tower cases to look for something suitable for them.

In terms of installation, it is easy to perform and has no ram clearance issues. Noctua’s secufirm 2 mounting system has everything covered as it ensures safety, quality, and ease of use by providing perfect contact pressure on all current sockets.

Aesthetically, the Noctua NH-D15 isn’t the best choice, a lot of users won’t like the brown and beige style, instead, you can go with the chromax black version of the cooler.

All and all, the Noctua NH-D15 is an absolute monster that competes with a dual radiator AIO in terms of performance. The NH-d15 is almost perfect and is hard to not be blown away by as it surpasses many competitors and delivers brilliant results. Hence, it takes the spot as the best overall air cooler on our list. 

Mounting Kit Availability:

Noctua has excellent customer service as it gives out free of charge mounting kit for existing users and on top of that now comes with the LGA 1700 socket in rolling products.

2. NZXT Kraken Z73

Best Aesthetics

Pros

• Best Aesthetics
• Admirable Cooling
• LCD Screen

Cons

• Expensive
• Noisiness at 90+ Load

6,574 Reviews

Type: Triple-fan AIO| RGB: Available| Fans: 3 | Fans RPM: 500-2000| Radiator Size: 360mm | Dimensions: 121 x 394 x 27mm| Warranty: 6 Years

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NZXT is said to be the pioneer of making aesthetic products. NZXT’s latest flagship Kraken Z73 is one of their finest lineups for AIO cooler that is also compatible with the all-new LGA 1700 keeping the performance of the CPU at max at all times while being visually stunning.

Kraken Z73 is a strong competitor for high-end coolers in the market with a price tag of 300 dollars. The biggest flaw of the cooler is that it’s quite expensive, which leads to the customers deciding whether this is the right choice or not.

Looking into the fans, the cooler consists of 3x120mm AER RGB static pressure fans with an RPM ranging from 500 to 2000. Moreover, the fans that come with it are some of the cleanest looking ones you will come across. The fans feature a bezel intake and fluid effective bearings, that deliver powerful cooling, durability, and silent operation.

The spotlight of the Kraken Z73 is an improved 7th gen AIO pump design that has a very impressive flow and durability. The pump at stock works at its 100% potential with an RPM of 3000. However, at 90+ load the cooler starts to lose its silent operation ability, which results in an annoying gaming experience.

Kraken Z73 consists of fine nylon mesh pipes to protect from leaks. These solid pipes don’t interfere with any of the memory slots, and the tubes can be easily rotated to assure that your PC’s minimalism doesn’t get cornered up.

Kraken Z73 has a base plate built of pure copper that makes the installation process a lot easier and, to make that even better, it comes with pre-applied thermal paste as well. Some other things included are pre-installed rubber grommets to reduce vibrations and AM4 brackets.

The cooler has a very neat RGB style that screams minimalism all over it. Additionally, Kraken Z73 also has a built-in staggering LCD with a size of 2.36”. the LCD can be used to simply just check temperatures or display your preferred images, gif, custom logos, and much more with a 24bit color rate plus it can be controlled using the cam software to alter according to what you want. Other than that the cam software allows you to control fan and pump speeds, fan curves, RGB control, etc.

To sum it up, the Kraken Z73 is just a really good cooler if your pockets are filled. The cooler doesn’t disappoint in any way and performs like an absolute beast while being visually stunning. The LCD on the cooler takes it to a whole new level of aesthetics.

Mounting Kit Availability:

NZXT has confirmed that they will be introducing mounting kits for its Kraken units produced after mid to late November 2021. Also, pre-existing Kraken users will get a free upgrade to LGA 1700 bracket kit.

3. Dark Rock Pro 4

Most Silent Air Cooler

Pros

• Super silent
• Easy Installation
• Excellent Cooling

Cons

• Massive and Bulky
• No RGB

14,944 Reviews

Type: Air cooler |  RGB: None | Fans: 2 | Fans RPM: 1400 | Dimensions: 146 mm x 136 mm x 163 mm| Warranty: 3 Years

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As it is in the name BeQuiet’s Dark Rock Pro 4 is the quietest cooler you will find on this list. It comes with a Classic dual tower design with a size of a behemoth, but the all-black aesthetics makes this cooler neat. The cooler is a strong contender among other coolers present, but it takes a pretty suitable spot at the top of the line due to its impressive performance.

The cooler consists of two PWM fans that work just as well as a 240mm AIO cooler. The fans are custom-made pure wing 3 with a diameter of 135mm. They consist of tiny holes that improve the airflow and agitate the air while rotating. These fans are best for silent operations, with maximum noise being 24.3dB, and even at 90 or 100% fan speeds, the noiselessness doesn’t stir away.

Now let’s move on to the heat pipes. The Dark Rock Pro 4 has 6 black tinted heat pipes of size 7x6mm that, when combined with 1500 RPM PWM fans, can make your PC’s performance skyrocket. The cooler has a TDP of 250W that helps in managing your processor’s thermals.

Dark Rock Pro 4 follows a fairly easy installation procedure that doesn’t require a lot of effort. In addition to that, it’s even easy to install the cooler with the motherboard still in your case. The cooler also might not be the best option for those who are fans of small cases as it will not fit in them.

Talking about its aesthetics, the Dark Rock Pro 4 is a very elaborate model on the market that competes with cooler not only based on their performance but also their aesthetics.

The cooler does not come with RGB. Instead, it is more of a minimalistic design focused more on delivering the best performance. The cooler, due to its enormous size, covers a slight area of your first ram, making the RGB less visible.

All and all, The Dark Rock Pro 4 is an exceptionally good cooler that makes your processor reach its potential. The cooler has a really neat and sturdy build quality, and extravagantly low noise levels, and putting all of this together you have the best air cooler for LGA 1700.

Mounting kit Availability :

As the CPU is quite new in the market, BeQuiet introduced a mounting kit for this CPU that they have started providing to owners of compatible coolers, which can be secured and acquired free of cost (invoice is compulsory) through their website.  

4. DeepCool AS500 Plus White

Best Mid-Range Air Cooler

Pros

• Impressive cooling performance
• Easy installation with no clearance issues
• Aesthetically on point

Cons

• Limited case compatibility
• Noisiness when overstretched

431 Reviews

Type: Single Tower | RGB: Available | Fans: 2 | Fans RPM: 500-1400 | Dimension: 142×102×164 mm | Warranty: 2 Years

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Deepcool has been around for a while now and is currently on track as an industry heavyweight. Their AS500 Plus is an excellent mid-size cooler for moderate-to-high-end CPU systems and can even support mild overclocks. It delivers excellent performance for a single tower cooler and gives some of the biggest air coolers a fit competition.

AS500 is a slim single tower and comes with a 5 x 6mm copper heat pipe configuration. And in addition to that, the copper base is also nickel-plated. Moreover, the heatsink is limited to 48mm to ensure RAM compatibility

Let’s dive into the fans. These are two TF-140s white fans that deliver great performance in a slim profile. The fans are engineered to keep noise levels as low as feasible while delivering a solid performance. These fans have a maximum RPM of 500-1400 and at anything below 1200 RPM, this cooler is essentially noiseless but above 1200 RPM the overall noise gets quite noticeable.

In terms of installation, the mounting hardware that comes with the AS500 Plus is quite good, which makes the installation procedure quite easy for even first-timers, and has zero ram clearance issues. It comes with a height of 164mm and limits case compatibility, making it an unsure choice for a lot of small or medium-sized case gamers.

Aesthetics is something you wouldn’t want to miss out on, as the all-white look is a stunning sight. To complete the look, Deepcool went with white heat pipe, fins, and even fans design which looks visually remarkable, and to add on to the white theme you can go for an all-white motherboard as well. Subtle A-RGB lighting under the white color top cover adds to its style.

To sum it up, the Deepcool AS500 Plus is a remarkable cooler that perfectly balances performance and aesthetics. It covers all fronts and can easily handle general CPU cooling needs while giving you the ease of silent operation.

Mounting Kit Availability:

Deepcool announced that they will be providing customers with supported coolers free of charge mounting kits for LGA1700. In addition to that future, Deepcool coolers will also include the new mounting hardware.

5. ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 AIO

Best AIO Cooler

Pros

• Marvelous Cooling
• High-Quality Fans
• 3.5” LCD Screen
• Artistic Design

Cons

• Very Pricey
• Massive size
• No RGB

554 Reviews

Type: Triple-fan AIO| RGB: No| Fans: 3| Fans RPM:2000| Radiator Size: 360mm| Dimensions: 87.5 x 78.1 x 81.0 mm| Warranty: 6 Years

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Asus is always up to the game and with their first launch of the Ryujin II 360, they sparked the enthusiasm of high-end PC builders. Although some time has passed since the cooler officially launched but even today it doesn’t disappoint.

The Ryujin II 360 is more suitable for high-end pc fanatics who are willing to spend a good amount of money on a CPU cooler as it comes at a whopping price tag of $300.

The cooler is equipped with 3x high-quality Noctua NF-F12 2000 PWM fans. These fans, even at their maximum, provide silent operation and help keep noise to its minimum. However, its noiselessness starts to drop when it is overstretched.

As their pump, Asus went with the Asetek 7th gen that operates at a starting range of 840 RPM. There’s an embedded fan that helps to cool VRM and M.2 areas while providing cooling to multiple other sectors of your PC. The pump housing is designed and engineered beautifully, keeping every detail in mind.

Moving on to the tubes, the Ryujin II comes with 380mm long, thick durable rubber tubes. These tubes are flexible in material and can be adjusted according to your needs.

Moreover, it has a massive water block that makes it unique in the AIO space. The downside of this is that although there aren’t any ram clearance issues, the massive water block can mess with your motherboard during the installation procedure. It also comes fitted with 38cm of tubing to make mounting and routing easier.

The installation procedure is pretty standard. All you have to do is to screw the radiator and fans into the front side of the case, plus the cooler comes with pre-applied thermal paste to make things easier for you. Unfortunately, its size is quite big for ITX cases or even some standard cases.

One more eye-catching component of the Ryujin II 360 is its 3.5-inch display that can be used to show custom animations, temperatures, voltages, and much more. All of these features can be controlled through the software. The screen is magnetically attached to the pump housing and can be easily removed.

As to its aesthetics, the cooler is made with aluminum and is coated with matte black paint to give it more of a clean vibe, and to top it off it has ROG written in italics on each side. One thing to keep in mind is that there aren’t any A-RGB fans with the cooler and that is a huge downside considering its heavy cost.

The Ryujin II 360 delivers ultimate thermal performance and also some really neat customization options. The AIO present is a stellar one on its own that can handle high thermal outputs with zero concerns. Even though it costs a pretty penny but the cooler is the best and most advanced AIO cooler on our list with very high reliability.

Mounting Kit Availability:

ROG Ryujin II 360 coolers ship with mounting brackets for LGA 1700 so you don’t have to worry about it being compatible with LGA 1700.

6. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 RGB

Best Budget AIO Cooler

Pros

• Budget AIO Cooler
• Bright RGB
• Clean Design

Cons

• Complicated Installation
• Concise Coldplate

236 Reviews

Type: Triple-fan AIO |  RGB: Available | Fans: 3 | Fans RPM: 200-1800 | Radiator Size: 360mm | Dimensions: 398 mm x 38 mm x 120 mm | Warranty: 6 Years

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Arctic sets the trend of low noise PC coolers and components and continues to improve its quiet cooling systems. Arctic liquid freezer II coming with its Silent Acoustic Performance and a very decent look manages to balance both performance and aesthetics excellently and gives gamers a perfect budget AIO cooler.

The cooler has a high-density water micro-channel copper finish that blocks efficient thermal conduct very effectively. In addition to that, the Arctic has Aluminum Fins to maximize its cooling performance. Cable Clutter is pretty much nonexistent which gives your PC a really neat look. A radiator of 360mm is what provides a lot more surface area for the fins that keeps the performance to its best.

Moreover, the artic liquid freezer is equipped with 3x Arctic P12 120mm (ARGB) fans that give out high air pressure and can go up to 1000 RPM being minimum and 3000 RPM maximum, keeping your system cool for a longer duration of time at surprisingly low noise levels.

In addition to this, the cooler also has a small embedded fan at the cooling block that functions as a VRAM fan. Its size of it is about 40mm, its speed can be tweaked to 1000-3000 RPM. This slight component helps you to cool down the area near your GPU, something most AIOs don’t seem to fill in.

Around the cooling block/pump, there’s a copper base that gives the cooler a very good look. The PWM-controlled pump block has an unusual beetle-like shape that consumes less power and produces less noise.

Arctic Liquid Freezer II features 450mm full black braided tubes that are refined to keep them from leaking all over the place. The fabric used on the tubing is very high quality. In addition, these tubes are quite thick, but that doesn’t affect the amount of water flowing.

Talking about the aesthetics of the Cooler, it comes with a notch of RGB lighting that can be adjusted through a 5V ARGB header on the motherboard to sync up all the lighting. RGB connectivity is provided through 3 pins ARGB connector.

One thing to look out for in this cooler is that its installation is more of a nuisance than anything else and can make gamers quite stressed out during the installation procedure, it comes with a small copper cold plate which can cause difficulties with some CPUs.

This cooler is a masterpiece that is made for professional gameplay with its beautiful design and impressive performance. This has to be the best budget AIO cooler out on the market. Smooth VRM fans, a top-of-the-class radiator, and well-thought engineering just make this cooler the best value for money.

Mounting Kit Availability:

ARTIC has also confirmed its making LGA 1700 mounting brackets for a number of its present coolers. Moreover, they will be offering LGA mounting kits to former consumers for free of charge on compatible coolers (a receipt is compulsory).

7. Hyper 212 Black Edition

Best Budget Air Cooler

Pros

• Budget Cooler
• Simple Installation
• Impressive Cooling
• No RGB

Cons

• No RGB
• Not for serious overclocking

7,386 Reviews

Type: Single Tower air cooler| RGB: None | Fans: 1 | Fans RPM: 800-2000| TDP: 150W | Dimensions: 123 x 77 x 158.8 mm| Warranty: 2 Years

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Coming in with the best budget cooler on our list, we have the Hyper 212 Black Edition. Hyper 212 is quite popular among PC enthusiasts and works well with a lot of CPUs. The cooler comes with a beautiful sleek gunmetal finish and an all-matte black finish that just sits with the theme perfectly on top of that Hyper 212 is best for a sleeper system as well.

The cooler consists of a single tower that is equipped with a single Silencio FP120 wide, sweeping blade fans that are put together in direct contact with the heat pipes. The cooler is relatively quiet, with fan noise being 26dB. There’s also room for an extra fan if you want the performance to increase but at stock, this cooler isn’t the best choice for serious overclocking.

Hyper 212 has Four copper pipes and aluminum fins that come in direct contact with the base plate. The heat pipes and heat sinks feature a dark chrome color, providing a touch of dark shimmer. The cooler performs quite slightly with overclocked CPUs. In addition to that, there aren’t any ram clearance issues as well.

When it comes to installation, Hyper 212 has a very simple installation procedure that requires you to separate it from the cooling tower and simply put it together in place. The cooler also includes mounting brackets for both AMD and Intel as well.

In terms of its aesthetics, the hyper 212 takes place as a fairly simple cooler because there isn’t any RGB around it, but still, its all-black theme adds to the minimal design. The absence of RGB can be listed as a con for the hyper 212 black edition however, there is an RGB version for it if you are willing to spend a little more.

The Hyper 212 Black Edition is a perfect cooler for gamers on a budget. The cooler itself is incredibly valuable for money and is a plucky go-to cool for many gamers. Thus, this cooler gets the spot as the Best Budget LGA 1700 CPU Cooler.

Mounting Kit Availability:

Hyper 212 has a separate version for the LGA 1700 CPU, but the ones who have bought the cooler before the launch of the Alder Lake Series will receive the mounting kit free of cost.

Best Coolers for LGA 1700 – Buyer’s Guide

Before deciding on any one of the coolers, you first need to have some know-how about the cooler itself and your PC’s current situation, whether your case supports the beefy cooler or not, let’s talk about this in detail.

LGA Socket

The first and foremost thing you should be aware of is that the new LGA 1700, as mentioned earlier, comes with an LGA socket 1700. Previous 11th gen coolers came with a 1200 socket and that won’t work with the LGA 1700 due to the increment in pins so be sure to note this down too.

Case Compatibility

Now that you are aware of the socket size, let’s move on to the fact that your case even supports a behemoth-like cooler, or should you go for a small minimal cooler. Air Coolers come in different sizes whereas AIO coolers have varying radiator sizes, so to ensure the best possible one for you, try measuring your desired cooler with your case to make sure you aren’t lacking behind.

Related read: Best budget cases

Noise

Moving on, a noiseless system is every gamer’s preferred choice. But it isn’t like every cooler gives you the ease of this feature. A lot of aftermarket coolers don’t create that much noise but when overstretched some of them lose their potential, which leads to you questioning your choice, so it’s best to go for something that ensures a noiseless system.

Heatsink

Moreover, selecting a cooler with a good heat sink is another factor you want to look into as it helps in the dissipation of heat that a cooler produces and this thing should be top-notch. Furthermore, good-quality pipes also help in heat dissipation, so make sure you select the best one. If your cooler can not keep your CPU cool that can result in CPU throttling, which leads to a decrease in performance.

Aesthetics and RGB

Aesthetics is a vital component of making your setup stand out and the most common way to increase some style is through RGB. Coolers come with RGB panels, screens, and fans making them a product you would not want to miss. A lot of renowned manufacturers not only focus on their cooler’s performance but also on looks.

Software:

One more important factor to look into is an associated software that helps in fan management, checking temperature, RGB control, RPM control, custom fan curves, and much more. Having a designated software for your cooler is like a cherry on top.

The post Best Coolers For Intel LGA 1700 Processors appeared first on Appuals.

Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake lineup is great for gaming, but you’ll need to find the best CPU coolers for i7 12700K if you want access to high-end gaming. The 12700K is an excellent performer thanks to its 5GHz boost clock and 12 physical cores. In real-world tests, the 12700K actually comes close to the 12900K. You’ll benefit from the latter if you need access to more cores for production workloads.

Of course, in order to unlock the full potential of Alder Lake, you’ll need a decent Z690 motherboard. Our guide on the best motherboards for Core i9 12900K will help you out in that regard. 

Another improvement from the Alder Lake platform is the introduction of performance and efficiency cores. This is all thanks to the new architectures, and these P-cores/E-cores work quite well. 

When you’re PC idle or not under significant load, the processor will switch to the E-Cores. The P-Cores will take the reigns for more intensive workloads, as they are able to get higher frequencies with more cache.

All of that sounds great, even if we simplified it a bit for you. However, DDR5 memory and this architecture are relatively new, so it does come with their drawbacks. Cooling is definitely one of those. 

If you’re going to stick with the 12700K for a while, investing in a decent CPU cooler is a good idea for the long run. Some of the higher-end Intel processors have always been more difficult to cool, and this 12700K falls along those lines.

As such, here are our picks for the best CPU Coolers for i7 12700K, so you can achieve maximum performance. 

Best CPU Coolers For i7 12700K – Our Picks

There are dozens of potentially excellent options out there to pick from for the best CPU coolers for i7 12700K. However, when it comes down to actually choosing between them, that requires a lot of research, analysis, and testing. The 12700K is not shy of showing off its performance, but that can come at the cost of thermal efficiency most of the time.

Proper cooling is the only way you’ll be able to handle the 12700K properly. If you’re interested in even more performance, memory overclocking will help you out a lot to get the most out of that shiny new DDR5 RAM kit.

There’s also a lot of debate between custom loops and AIOs. While the former is a more niche/hobbyist approach, it does pay off in a lot of ways.

After going through a lot of the top-tier coolers on the market today, we decided to primarily focus on performance. However, there is a lot of room to consider aesthetics, value, and also fit and finish here. Keep in mind though, performance should be your number 1 priority when worrying about the best CPU coolers for i7 12700K.

A plus side of going with some of these coolers is that they look good on top of that performance. So, those of you that care about aesthetics should not be disappointed here. We have tried to keep this list as diverse as possible, focusing on different styles of cooling, form factors, and price. 

Let’s take a look at what we got.

1. Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i7 12700K

Pros

• Best-in-class performance
• Understated and sleek design
• Wide compatibility across Intel and AMD
• Mounting system is quite intuitive
• Comes with a tonne of accessories

Cons

• Lacks TR4 support
• Size may cause RAM clearance issues

12,171 Reviews

Type: Dual-tower air cooler | Dimensions: 161 x 150 x 165mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD FM1, FM2/+, AM2/+, AM3/+, AM4 | Fans: 2x140mm NF-A15 | Lighting: None

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To start things off, we have the holy grail when it comes to air coolers. To be fair, it should not be a see the NH-D15 on this list, as it’s an iconic cooler. This CPU cooler originally came out in 2014, but the chromax.Black version is relatively recent. The fact that it uses mostly the same cooling approach is a testament to the fact that Noctua has got it figured out perfectly.

A lot of people tend to swear by Noctua’s products, especially hardware enthusiasts. Noctua products can be held to a higher standard than others, but that just goes to show how good the brand is when it comes to cooling.

Noctua has been making CPU coolers, case fans, thermal paste, and various other cooling accessories for a long time now. The company also became popular for its beige and brown color scheme. Unfortunately, that does not work too well in modern times, that’s why the chromax.Black is so interesting.

As the naming for this product implies, the NH-D15 is the cooler we all know and love, now with a fresh coat of paint. The matte-black appearance is enough of a reason to recommend this legendary cooler again in modern times.

In terms of the design, this CPU cooler is monstrous. This air cooler features six copper heat pipes and wide aluminum fin stacks with a dual tower design. In terms of the visual appearance, this cooler looks quite appealing. The fans, heat pipes, fin arrays, and even the anti-vibration pads are painted with that matte black coating.

This version of the NH-D15 comes with two black NF-A15 PWM fans. Out of the box, one of these fans is installed in the middle of the dual-tower fin arrays. These fans use SSO2 bearings which are lubricated and feature magnetic stabilizers.

The fans can spin at speeds of up to 1500RPM, however, they don’t get too noisy. This is great for acoustics. The base of the cooler is made out of copper, and the retention mechanism uses steel for durability. It features nickel plating on the heat pipes, but that plating is hidden by the black paint over it.

Unfortunately, Noctua did overlook one thing with this design. On the fans, the part numbers are visible on the top. This is a minor annoyance, but one that may annoy some people quite a bit.

Fortunately, installation is quite easy, even for first-time builders. This is thanks to the innovative SecuFirm 2 mounting system from Noctua. Usually, this is not the case with dual-tower air coolers, so it’s great to see that here.

Last but not least, let’s talk about performance. Simply put, this thing is still quite impressive, even if this style of an air cooler is growing old in the world of flashy RGB. It can match many 240/280mm AIOs out there, and even beat some of them, depending on the model.

This goes to show that Noctua is doing something right with its design. A lot of the credit for this performance goes to the fans and the overall high-quality machining on the NH-D15.

To wrap it up, this cooler is reliable, looks great, and outperforms many of its competitors. Hands down, this is the best CPU cooler for i7 12700K.

2. NZXT Kraken X63 RGB

Best Liquid CPU Cooler For i7 12700K

Pros

• Includes RGB fans in the box
• Innovative infinity mirror display
• Great cooling performance
• High-end looks

Cons

• Expensive
• CAM Software could be better

10,951 Reviews

Type: 240mm AIO | Dimensions (Radiator): 143 x 315 x 30mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD AM4, sTRX4, TR4 | Fans: 2x 140mm AER RGB 2 | Lighting: RGB

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The NH-D15 might take the cake when it comes to the best CPU cooler for i7 12700K, but the Kraken X63 is a close runner-up. We also looked at the Kraken Z73 RGB (360mm) previously in our guide for the best CPU coolers for i9 12900K. Think of the X63 as a close relative of that cooler.

We knew there had to be an NZXT cooler on this list. The company has incredible designs, and their coolers usually feature excellent performance. The question then came down to which one would be the best CPU cooler for the i7 12700K.

Ultimately, we ended up with the X63 RGB for a multitude of reasons. The Z-series is impressive with its LCD display, but it is quite a bit overpriced. The 12700K is a bit more practical than the 12900K, so the X63 feels like the right choice.

Of course, if you want to splurge and feel like that LCD display is worth it, by all means, go with any of the great coolers from the Z-series lineup.

Enough about the product line, let’s talk about the cooler itself. Like all of the other coolers in the current lineup, this one also features the Asetek Gen 7 pump and radiator design. Now, NZXT has surely turned up the gear up a notch with their own spin on this design.

The X63 RGB features an infinity mirror display, with an NZXT logo in the middle of the pump. This gives it a sort of mysterious aura and one that fits into modern builds perfectly. Of course, you also get excellent AER RGB 2 fans, which further add to the overall sophisticated appearance here.

Let’s circle back to the pump and radiator design. The Kraken X63 RGB uses an aluminum radiator along with rubber tubing that is reinforced by a braided material on the exterior. You can see an NZXT logo visible on the top and bottom of the radiator, near the fan mounting brackets.

Another interesting thing about the design is the fittings. These are adjustable and can rotate 90-degrees, making installation a breeze. The CPU block features a 14-pin connector for the fan splitter, RGB channel, and SATA power.

All of NZXT’s current coolers come with a pre-installed mounting bracket for Intel processors. For 12th gen processors, you’ll need to contact NZXT in order to get that free bracket. Newer models of this same cooler will come with this bracket in the box.

This is a 280mm cooler, meaning it comes with two 140mm fans. It uses AER RGB 2 fans, which provide a soft glow to your case. These fans push out a lot of air, and they use fluid dynamic bearings making them quite reliable.

As for the performance, this thing is the perfect fit for the i7 12700K. It can keep the processor cool even under full load. Thermal throttling is not an issue and your gaming sessions will not be interrupted by the CPU temperature spiking all of a sudden.

The Kraken X63 RGB is still notably more expensive than some of its competitors. However, fans of the design will be more than willing to overlook that. Some might even go for the Z-series for that fantastic LCD display.

3. Lian Li Galahad 240 AIO

Best 240mm CPU Cooler For i7 12700K

Pros

• Innovative pump design
• White braided sleeving
• Incredible price-to-performance
• Premium fit and finish

Cons

• Can get a bit noisy
• No Software management

609 Reviews

Type: 240mm AIO | Dimensions (Radiator): 277 x 123 x 27.2mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD AM4 | Fans: 2x 120mm Uni Fans | Lighting: RGB

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The NZXT Kraken X63 is incredible, but what if you would rather prefer to have a 240mm CPU cooler. Well, while the Galahad 240 costs less than the price of the cooler above, there are some things that it does differently, and some of those might make it a better choice.

The Galahad is definitely not your average AIO. This thing is a bit of a personal favorite over here, as we’re finally starting to see AIOs differentiate themselves in order to stand out. Well, Lian Li has certainly taken that approach to the next level with the Galahad.

This CPU cooler has a few different versions. It comes in either a 240mm or 360mm radiator configuration, and you have either the black or white version to choose from for both of these coolers.

Now, let’s talk about this interesting design. First off the CPU block on this cooler is immediately impressive. It features a triple chamber design and this includes the pump chamber, connecting chamber, and the CPU cold plate chamber.

The pump on this CPU block features aluminum housing which looks especially good in the white version of this cooler. The middle of the pump shows off the Lian Li logo surrounded by customizable RGB LEDs. You get a magnetic cover in the box if you want to hide the logo, which is clever thinking from the company.

This 240mm version of the cooler has 35 LEDs, while the 360mm has 47 LEDs. An interesting fact is that this works well with a lot of motherboard lighting control software out there so compatibility should not be an issue. It even comes with a remote to control the lighting, if your board lacks an addressable RGB header.

Another thing that separates the Galahad from the rest of the CPU coolers out there is the rotating design on the CPU block. The CPU block can rotate 360-degrees, allowing you to position the logo regardless of how you install the cooler. Truly an impressive design choice.

Before you install, keep in mind that this cooler does not have thermal paste preinstalled. It does come with thermal paste in the box, so you’ll have to apply that manually.

The white version already comes with braided sleeving over the rubber tubes. The tubes themselves are 400mm long, so you have a good bit of room to work with. Apart from that, this cooler includes two UNI Fan SL120mm fans.

These are high static pressure fans, and they push a lot of air. We’ve recently seen this a lot, especially with builds that use the Lian Li O11 dynamic case. They have that symmetrical rectangular look, and the RGB on them is the cherry on them. Of course, they are white to match the color of the cooler.

Performance-wise, this thing holds up quite well. The closest competitors are the Fractal Design Celsius+ S28, Deepcool Castle 240X, and even the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240. Needless to say, this thing holds its own when it comes to performance. It’s a great fit for the i7 12700K.

So, if you are fond of the innovative CPU block design here, and are looking for excellent value, the Galahad is easy to recommend.

4. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 RGB

Best Enthusiast CPU Cooler For i7 12700K

Pros

• Incredible price-performance ratio
• Innovative pump design
• Affordable price

Cons

• Tends to get noisy
• Pump design is unattractive

1,234 Reviews

Type: 420mm AIO | Dimensions (Radiator): 150 x 398 x 38mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD AM4 | Fans: 3x 140mm P-Fans | Lighting: RGB (fans)

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We know what some of our readers are probably thinking at this point. All of these coolers look great so far, but what if you want the best performance possible out of a CPU Cooler. Well, if that’s the case, then Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 might be the best CPU cooler for i7 12700K, even if it’s a bit overkill.

It’s interesting how diverse AIOs have gotten in the past few years. Most AIOs had the same pump and radiator design, and the only thing differentiating them was their performance, price, or even RGB. The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 is proof that AIOs have come a long way.

Let’s get this out of the way, for many people, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 is possibly not all that practical. However, the price here is what makes this thing so interesting. It’s a cooler that uses a 420mm cooler, but costs less than or about the same as most 280mm coolers on the market.

This one is for the enthusiasts, and that much is evident with the design. There’s not a lot going on here, as there’s a severe lack of RGB on the CPU block. The fans do feature RGB, and that might be enough for some people.

This cooler does come with a version without the RGB fans if you are really trying to go for that muted stealthy look with your build. The design is not for everyone, but that’s completely subjective.

Instead of the standard Asetek pump/radiator design, Arctic is using a custom design. This in-house pump has been refined and improved over and over again, and their efforts paid off in gold here.

To start with, this cooler is completely silent. That’s true for both the fans and the pump. This is the case even when the 12700K is under full load. The radiator is 38mm thick and can house three 140mm fans.

Speaking of which, this cooler features three Arctic P14 PWM A-RGB fans. These 140mm fans are high static pressure, and they are great for the size of this radiator. This is what helps out a lot when it comes to performance.

Now, performance-wise, this thing is excellent. It’s at the top of the food chain when it comes to liquid coolers, and that’s quite impressive considering the price. It is defeated by the NZXT Kraken Z73 in some tests and the Alphacool Aisabear 360 also comes close.

However, the differences in the temperature are minimal. Once you factor in the price, that’s where things get interesting. No one is offering this level of performance at this price (unless Noctua decides to make an AIO).

So, while this cooler does have its downsides, if it’s performance that you are looking out for at a decent price, then this might be the best CPU cooler for i7 12700K in terms of price to performance.

5. Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i7 12700K

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Slick and minimal design
• High-quality fans

Cons

• Performance could be slightly better
• Can get noisy

8 Reviews

Type: Air Cooler | Dimensions (Radiator): 136 x 154.5 x 110mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD AM4 AM3(+) / AM2(+) / FM2(+) / FMI | Fans: 1x Kaze Flack 120 Black Fan | Lighting: None

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If there’s anything we have to learn from the Noctua NH-D15, Cryorig R1 Ultimate, and the Dark Rock Pro 4 it’s that air coolers are still great options for high-performance CPUs. Such is the case with the phenomenal Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition. There’s a lot of debate on how to pronounce that name properly, but there’s no debate on whether this is a great cooler or not. 

An important thing when it comes to many Scythe coolers is the price. Scythe’s greatest accomplishment is the Fuma 2, a cooler that has earned legendary status among reviewers and hardware enthusiasts alike. Mostly because of the incredible performance, acoustics, and of course, overall value. Even the installation is perfect on that thing.

The Mugen 5 serves as sort of a follow-up to the success of the Fuma 2. There’s a regular version of the Mugen 5 as well, and that one has more of a silver color scheme going on for it. The Black edition costs extra, but the killer looks make it well worth the price. 

Speaking of price, this thing is cheaper than both Noctua’s NH-U12S and NH-D15. Still, what are you getting with the Scythe Mugen 5?

First off, you get that incredibly appealing blackout design, similar to what Noctua did with the recent revamp of their coolers. A noticeable update in the design from the Fuma 2 is the fan. It’s still the Kaze Flack 120 fans, but this time it can run at 1500RPM. 

Apart from that, visually, this cooler looks quite impressive. We think it looks better than Noctua’s recent designs, but that’s completely subjective. The uniform black design along with the hidden fin arrays make this thing look incredible. It’s stealthy and truly has that minimal appearance that goes wonderfully well with the matte black design. 

Circling back to the fans, the Kaze Flack 120 Black pushes out a lot of air, and it’s a noticeable improvement from the regular Mugen 5. The black edition is a bit louder, but it also performs better. So, you kind of have to pick what you care about there. 

Speaking of which, the heatsink here is quite thick as it features that uniform design we talked about earlier. That is why air movement is quite crucial in the long run. This is why we think the Black Edition is the better pick, and also why we are recommending it. 

Another big highlight here is the fin design. They are quite thick, and some of the thickest on any air cooler out there. Scythe has paid a lot of attention to detail here with the design, as the heat pipes that protrude from the top have metallic caps over them, giving it an aggressive look from the bird’s eye view. 

Mounting is quite easy, even with the included fan. Performance is great, especially for the price. This thing competes with some of the top air coolers out there. It is beaten by a few of them, so even better performance could have made this a no-brainer. It’s just that for $20-$30 more you could potentially get even better performance.

Still, that does not take anything away from the incredible value of the Scythe Mugen 5 Black Edition. It looks great, performs admirably, and punches well above its price. You can see why it’s one of the best CPU coolers for i7 12700K.

How To Choose The Best CPU Cooler For i7 12700K

So, something to learn from recent Intel flagships is that the CPU cooler is just as important as the CPU itself. These high-end processors tend to get quite hot when under full load, even if you’re just gaming. If your average day includes production workloads a lot, this is even more of a problem.

If you’re not cooling your processor properly, you might run into thermal throttling issues. As such, it is important that your motherboard, processor, and CPU cooler all work perfectly together. A high-end processor such as the Core i7 12700K is just as good as the other components that you end up pairing it with.

Speaking of which, you’ll need a good Z690 motherboard for an unlocked processor like the Core i7 12700K. If you’re not overclocking, then you’re better off buying the non-K version. Going with DDR5 RAM is also a good idea to get the most performance out of the processor.

Of course, all of that will also affect the choice of your CPU cooler. There are several other things you need to consider, so let’s take a look at them briefly. 

Compatibility

The first thing that you want to figure out is compatibility. We already talked about why this is especially important with a processor like the Core i7 12700K. However, this is hard to nail given the current situation of pricing when it comes to PC parts. 

You’ll need great performance when it comes to cooling something like the 12700K. However, things such as case compatibility and RAM clearance can prove to be a bit of an issue. For example, many ITX or mid-tower cases will not be able to fit a 360mm cooler. On the other hand, even some full-size cases might have issues with large radiators, especially with something like a 420mm rad.

With ITX or Mid-tower cases, you are better off going with a 240mm or 280mm AIO. This will make sure there is enough room for your components to breathe.

The story is mostly the same when it comes to air coolers, but the situation is different. This time, you might run into issues with RAM clearance. A lot of dual-tower coolers are quite big and hard to fit onto a motherboard in a way that they don’t interrupt taller memory modules.

Some manufacturers get around this with adjustable fan mounts and innovative designs. Still, be sure to check compatibility between your case, motherboard, RAM, and cooler beforehand. PCPartPicker is a perfect site to check this. 

Fans

This is a very underrated part of many of the best CPU coolers for i7 12700K. A good fan configuration can largely change the cooling situation inside of your build. A lot of air coolers come with one or two fans in the box, depending on the design.

If you’ve already bought a cooler and are not happy with the performance, buying better fans might help out. For example, the NF-A15 fans are quite good at this. However, most of the time just changing the fans on an air cooler will not largely impact the performance.

This situation is quite different when it comes to AIOs. This time, it’s not about the fans themselves, but how they are configured. Some people like to put the fans in front of the radiator, others will put them in the back. There’s no right way about it, it depends on whether you’re trying to do exhaust or intake. 

There’s also something called a push-pull configuration. This means you put fans behind the radiator as well as in the front. Some people say it improves performance, but your mileage may vary. It largely depends on case size, internal temperatures, and other factors that depend on your build. 

Aesthetics and RGB

If you’re looking for the best CPU coolers for i7 12700K, then it is likely you will care about aesthetics at least in the slightest. You may be the type of person that wants to put together a high-performance gaming rig, but why spend all that cash and not get something that is good-looking?

Well, aesthetics are completely subjective. It can really come down to the nitty-gritty. For example, some might prefer the look of a sleek air cooler, while others might like the functionality and design of a certain AIO.

Of course, we can’t forget RGB. A lot of AIOs these days include RGB on the pump/CPU block, as well as the fans. This does add to the cost, so expect to pay more here. Some might not have RGB at all if that’s your preference.

Keep in mind that you’ll also need to figure out how you are going to control the RGB. You might need an RGB controller or at least an addressable RGB header on your motherboard to take full advantage of this. 

The post 5 Best CPU Coolers For i7-12700K appeared first on Appuals.

If you’ve managed to get your hands on a 12900K, congratulations. In many people’s heads, it’s the best processor that you can buy right now in terms of its overall performance. While that whole discussion is up for debate, it’s hard to disagree considering its results.

Intel’s 12th Gen platform, also known as Alder Lake, now supports DDR5 memory. Not only is DDR5 able to achieve higher frequencies, but it can also do so while maintaining an overall more efficient power draw. Of course, you’ll need a good Z690 motherboard to take advantage of this, so consider taking a look at the best motherboards for Core i9 12900K as well.

Now we all know that cooling an enthusiast-grade chip that has this much power is not that easy. Especially if we throw overclocking into the mix. Needless to say, Intel’s flagship processors have always been notoriously difficult to maintain when it comes to thermal issues, and this one is no different.

With all of that considered, here are our picks for the best CPU coolers for i9 12900K.

Best CPU Coolers For i9 12900K – Our Picks

Choosing between the dozens of excellent options for the best CPU coolers for i9 12900K requires a lot of thought, analysis, and of course, research. The 12900K is a power-hungry unlocked processor with a lot of potential in terms of overclocking. As such, you want to make sure that you tame this beast properly. That can only be done with proper cooling.

DDR5 is another benefit of the Alder Lake platform, so you’ll want to check out how memory overclocking works for even better performance.

So, after looking at some of the top coolers on the market today, our priorities were mainly to focus on cooling performance. Aesthetics and form factor are worth considering as well, but performance will always be more crucial than anything to someone who buys a 12900K.

Plus, it turns out some of the best-performing coolers also look great. So, it’s a bit of a win-win situation. We tried to cover different types of coolers, while also trying to focus on what works within different form factor builds. This creates a lot of diversity in the roundup.

Before we begin, custom loops are also something you should look out for. Have a look at the differences between custom loops and AIOs. 

1. Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE LCD

Best Overall CPU Cooler For i9 12900K

Pros

• Fantastic overall performance
• Superb LCD display
• Unique RGB lighting
• Quiet fans

Cons

• Very Expensive

Type: 420mm AIO | Dimensions (Radiator): 140 x 450 x 27mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD AM4, AM5, sTRX4, TR4 | Fans: 3x 140mm Corsair ML RGB ELITE | Lighting: RGB

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Our primary pick is the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE 420mm AiO liquid cooler, which is a high-end liquid CPU cooling solution that is designed to offer superior cooling performance for the Intel Core i9 12900K processor. It features a 420mm radiator, three 140mm ML series PWM fans, as well as integration with Corsair’s iCUE software that allows for advanced control and customization of the cooler’s features.

Of course, the cooling performance of the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE 420mm cooler is excellent. It is designed to handle high-end processors like the Intel Core i9 12900K, and it does so with ease. The large 420mm radiator and three 140mm fans ensure that heat is dissipated quickly and efficiently, keeping the CPU cool even under heavy loads. The radiator has a very dense fin structure, which is ideal for efficient heat dissipation.

The Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE 420mm cooler provides unlocks the maximum overclocking headroom for your Intel Core i9 12900K processor. The combination of the large radiator and powerful fans allows for stable and high overclocks, pushing the processor to its limits without any thermal throttling.

Moreover, the noise levels of the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE 420mm cooler are low, thanks to the use of Corsair’s ML series fans. These fans are designed to offer high static pressure while maintaining low noise levels, making them ideal for use in a liquid CPU cooler.

One unique feature of the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE 420mm cooler is its LCD screen, which displays real-time system information and can also be used to display custom images or animations. This is one of the hallmark features of this cooler, and it is not just for show. The cooler also features customizable RGB lighting, which can be synced with other Corsair components for a cohesive lighting setup.

Speaking of the looks, The Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE cooler has a sleek and modern aesthetic that will appeal to many PC enthusiasts. The cooler features a black finish on the radiator, fans, and pump head, which gives it a clean and professional look.

One of the standout aesthetic features of the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE cooler is its customizable RGB lighting. The cooler comes with lighting on the pump head and the three 140mm ML series PWM fans, which can be customized using Corsair’s iCUE software. Of course, the LCD screen also adds a futuristic and high-tech element to the cooler’s aesthetic, making it a great addition to a high-end system build.

While the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE 420mm cooler offers excellent cooling performance and tons of unique features, it is also very expensive. Its supremely high price tag makes it a poor value for money compared to other liquid CPU coolers on the market. While it is our pick for the best overall CPU cooler for i9 12900K, it might not the ideal choice for everyone due to its pricing.

2. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360

Best Value 360mm CPU Cooler For i9 12900K

Pros

• Incredible price-performance ratio
• Innovative pump design
• Tried and true reliability
• Quite affordable for a 360mm AIO

Cons

• Design not for everyone

1,234 Reviews

Type: 360mm AIO | Dimensions (Radiator): 120 x 398 x 38mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD AM4 | Fans: 3x 120mm P-Fans | Lighting: None

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It’s quite the toss-up between our first three choices when it comes to the best CPU cooler for the i9 12900K. While the Kraken Z73 certainly performs well and looks superior in some people’s opinion, the price is quite steep. On the flip side, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II is the more sensible choice, but it gets rid of a few bells and whistles. Both of them are excellent coolers, but for different types of buyers.

The Arctic Liquid Freezer II is for those folks who care about the price-to-performance ratio a lot. We know some people don’t like RGB either, so this one is surely a bit interesting.

So, Arctic is no stranger when it comes to cooling components for PCs. They are the minds behind the popular MX-4 thermal paste. Their Liquid Freezer line is sort of a cult classic, but they are a bit underrated.

The first thing that you’ll notice is that there’s not a lot going on with the design of this CPU cooler. While many companies try to cram in as much RGB as possible these days, the company went a completely different route with a stealthy and muted look. They do make an RGB version, but there’s no lighting on the pump, only on the fans.

You might be wondering why we’re not recommending the RGB version here. Well, while the performance of the fans on that version is quite good, the RGB lighting is just a subtle afterthought.

RGB fans are much more interesting these days than just a simple lighting setup. For design uniformity reasons, you’re much better off getting fans separately for this version as you can match them with the other case fans.

Now, let’s talk about the design for a bit. Arctic has decided to go with a custom design for the pump found on this CPU cooler. Many companies rely on Asetek for their pumps, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, Arctic went to great lengths to perfect their in-house developed pump, and it pays off quite well.

For starters, this cooler is nearly silent, even when it is working at maximum load. That’s not something you see every day, and it’s a testament to the engineering shown off here. They are also using a thick 38mm radiator, one with a high fin density. This allows more water to move through the system, making cooling more efficient.

As for the tubing, it is fiber-reinforced and the length is quite good. These tubes also feature cable management channels, and this allows you to easily hide the PWM and RGB cables. So, it may not look all that flashy, but a lot is going on with the design here.

The fans here are great as high static pressure fans, and they can spin up to 2000RPM. They never get too loud, and that’s a huge plus point. They don’t vibrate too much, nor do they make much noise.

More AIOs: Best AIO Coolers

All of these decisions end up paying off when it comes to performance. This 360mm cooler is certainly quite impressive, and the fact that it can easily handle the 12900K is impressive. Certain aspects might not make it for everyone, but the value proposition is ultimately too good to ignore.

3. Lian Li GALAHAD AiO 360 RGB White

Best Designed CPU Cooler For i9 12900K

Pros

• Unique white design
• Superb performance
• Excellent RGB lighting

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Cable management can be complicated

Type: 360mm AIO | Dimensions (Radiator): 123.5 x 397.2 x 27mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 775, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD AM4, AM5 | Fans: 3x 120mm UNI Fan SL120 | Lighting: RGB

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You might also want to consider the Lian Li GALAHAD 360mm AiO cooler, which is Lian Li’s high-end liquid CPU cooler that is designed to offer solid cooling performance for the most demanding modern processors. Our selected variant features a 360mm radiator, three 120mm Lian Li UNI fans, and customizable RGB lighting. This cooler is also notable for its unique white design, which is not commonly seen in liquid CPU coolers.

The Lian Li GALAHAD 360mm AiO cooler delivers superb cooling performance, thanks to its large radiator and efficient CPU pump block combination. The cooler is designed to handle high-end processors like the i9 12900K, and provides effective cooling even under heavy loads. Its high-performance pump ensures that coolant is circulated efficiently, ensuring optimal heat dissipation from the CPU.

If you are comfortable with overclocking, the Lian Li GALAHAD 360mm AiO cooler provides decent overclocking headroom for processors like the Intel Core i9 12900K. However, its performance in this regard is not exceptional compared to some other high-end liquid CPU coolers. Nonetheless, the cooler can still allow you to test out high overclocks for most processors without thermal limitations.

Furthermore, the Lian Li GALAHAD 360mm AiO offers superb acoustics, thanks to the use of its low-noise UNI fans. The cooler’s three 120mm UNI fans operate quietly even at high speeds, and its pump is designed to reduce noise levels as well. As a result, the cooler produces very little noise even under heavy loads.

Aesthetics can be considered the strong point of the GALAHAD AiO cooler. The product features customizable RGB lighting that can be controlled using Lian Li’s software. The software allows for a wide range of lighting effects and colors, which can be synchronized with other Lian Li components for a unified lighting setup. Additionally, the cooler features a unique white design that stands out from most other liquid CPU coolers, making it an excellent choice for those who value sophisticated styling.

The cooler’s white finish and customizable RGB lighting make it a visually impressive addition to any system build. Additionally, the Lian Li UNI fans feature a sleek and sophisticated design that will appeal to many PC enthusiasts. They are somewhat unorthodox in their shape and style, but the overall look of the cooler with the fans is definitely extraordinary.

At the end of the day, the Lian Li GALAHAD AiO cooler is a high-end liquid CPU cooler that offers solid cooling performance as well as unique design features. However, its price is relatively high compared to alternative liquid coolers on the market. Additionally, the cooler’s cable management can be complicated, which can add to the installation time and difficulty.

Nonetheless, the cooler’s sophisticated styling and superb acoustics may be worth the investment for those who prioritize aesthetics and noise levels. The GALAHAD is also a perfect choice for an all-white PC built around the Core i9 12900K.

4. Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black

Best Air Cooler For i9 12900K

Pros

• Impressively wide compatibility
• Best-in-class performance
• Sleek and stealthy design

Cons

• No Threadripper support
• Gigantic size makes it problematic for RAM clearance

12,171 Reviews

Type: Dual-tower air cooler | Dimensions: 161 x 150 x 165mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD FM1, FM2/+, AM2/+, AM3/+, AM4 | Fans: 2x140mm NF-A15 | Lighting: None

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It should be no surprise to hardware nerds that this cooler made the cut. Many Noctua products are held to a very high standard, one that makes a lot of other manufacturers envious, for sure. Critics, average consumers, and enthusiasts all swear by the brand’s cooling products. The NH-D15 chromax.Black is their masterpiece, and you could say it’s the pinnacle of air coolers.

Noctua makes CPU coolers, case fans, thermal paste, and more cooling accessories. With that said, a lot of people struggle to accept their design language. While the brown and beige color scheme is what made them popular in the first place, it’s obvious this does not work with the majority of custom builds out there.

For custom loops: 5 Best D5 and DDC Pumps

The NH-D15 is the cooler we all know and love. However, as the naming convention implies, the chromax.Black version gives us this same great cooler with a new coat of paint on it. So, the all-matte-black design proves to be enough of a reason for everyone to pay attention to this air cooler.

Design-wise this thing is quite a behemoth. It features six 6mm copper heat pipes, a dual-tower design, with aluminum fin stacks that are 150mm wide. In terms of aesthetic value, this thing is quite the looker. Everything from the fans, heat pipes, and fin arrays to the anti-vibration pads and fan clips is painted black. The uniformity in the design shows that they went the extra mile here.

It comes with two NF-A15 PWM which are also painted black. Much like the original version, the chromax.Black comes with a fan installed in the middle of the cooler. One thing you’ll notice is that the first fins near the bottom are asymmetrical, allowing for better RAM clearance.

Coming back to the fans, the NF-A15 uses SS02 bearings. These are lubricated bearings that take advantage of magnetic stabilizers. It also includes anti-vibration pads, and the blades provide airflow that is quite simply put, extraordinary.

These fans can spin up to 1500RPM, but they don’t get too loud, which is great for acoustics in your overall build. Moving on, the base of the cooler is made of copper, and it uses steel here and there for retention. The heat pipes are nickel-plated, and of course, they are painted black as well.

There is a minor annoyance with the design here. The part numbers for the fans are visible on the top, which might annoy some of those folks who have OCD about this stuff. Compatibility is quite good, fortunately.

More coverage on custom loops: Best CPU Reservoir

Even for first-time PC builders, installation is quite easy thanks to the SecuFirm 2 mounting system. This is something not common in many air coolers, so it’s great to see here.

Finally, the performance is very impressive. This thing can match many 240mm and even some 280mm coolers out there. Proof that not everything that glitters is gold. It can handle the 12900K at full load without any issues.

The massive size might be a bit problematic for some RAM modules, and it’s more expensive than many air coolers. However, it’s more reliable than most of them, and that’s something hard to beat.

5. Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2

Best Budget CPU Cooler For i9 12900K

Pros

• Sleek and minimalistic design
• Very affordable
• Silent operation

Cons

• No RGB lighting
• Mediocre thermal performance

7,197 Reviews

Type: Tower Air Cooler | Dimensions: 62 x 121 x 155mm | Socket Support: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD AM4 | Fans: 1x 120mm be Quiet! Pure Wings 2 | Lighting: None

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Our last pick is an affordable air cooler that can get the job done without breaking the bank. The Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 air cooler is an affordable option for those looking for a reliable air cooler for their CPU i9 12900K. It might not be the most stylish or premium option, but it is a good budget choice for stock use with the Core i9 12900K.

It features a tower-style design with a single 120mm fan and a maximum TDP of 150W. The cooler is designed to be easy to install and provides acceptable cooling performance for most processors. While it may not provide the same level of cooling performance as high-end liquid coolers, it can still handle most processors without experiencing thermal throttling.

Of course, the Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 air cooler provides limited overclocking headroom compared to high-end liquid coolers. However, it can still provide stable overclocks for most processors without experiencing thermal issues. It is worth noting that overclocking the Core i9 12900K may not be possible with this cooler, and users may need to consider a more powerful cooling solution if they plan to push their i9 12900K to its limits.

On the flip side, the Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 air cooler offers exceptional acoustics, thanks to its Pure Wings 2 120mm fan. Be Quiet! is known for its acoustics as is evident by its name, and the trend continues with this product. The fan operates quietly even at high speeds, making it an excellent choice for those who value low noise levels in their system.

In terms of aesthetics, the Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 air cooler has a minimalistic and understated all-black design, without any RGB lighting or flashy features. This can be appealing to those who prefer a clean and simple aesthetic for their system. Additionally, the cooler is easy to install with wide compatibility, thanks to its mounting kit and clear instructions.

You may want to double-check the compatibility of the Pure Rock 2 with your particular case before making the purchase decision. While it is not the biggest air cooler out there, it is still pretty tall at 155mm and may conflict with your case’s side panel. You may also want to check its compatibility with your memory modules.

In essence, the Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 air cooler is an affordable option for those looking for a reliable air cooler for their i9 12900K CPU. While it may not provide the same level of cooling performance as high-end liquid coolers, it still delivers acceptable performance for most Intel 12^th Gen processors.

This cooler is ideal for those users who want to run their Core i9 12900K CPU at stock settings, without any custom voltage settings. You may also want an air cooler simply for reliability or aesthetics, which are both valid reasons in this case. Of course, the primary pull of this cooler is its low price tag, which can help you maximize the value you get for your money.

How To Choose The Best CPU Cooler For i9 12900K

A CPU cooler is just as important as the motherboard or even the processor itself. All three components are interdependent. So, it is imperative that while searching for a CPU cooler, you find one that is suitable for your needs and compatible with the other two components we just mentioned.

This is even more important when we are talking about a high-end processor like the i9 12900K. The 12th gen processors are certainly impressive, but right now they can prove to be hard to justify for some people. You have to take into consideration that you’re not only buying the new CPU, but you’re also buying into the new platform entirely.

For an unlocked chip like the 12900K, you’ll need a Z690 motherboard. Since you’re already aiming for the best performance possible, you’ll also need DDR5 RAM. For the entire cost of just these three components, you can put together a very capable PC on its own. So, the value aspect is a bit skewed.

Of course, the processor isn’t just for gamers. It’s for content creators, working professionals, and hardware enthusiasts. That makes it even more important that you find the best CPU Cooler for i9 12900K.

Air Cooling vs Liquid Cooling

As someone who has been involved within the PC building community for a while, I’ve seen this question come up time and time again over the years. It’s a long-running discussion between both newcomers and veterans. So, what’s the right answer.

Well, the thing is that the entire decision is quite subjective. If you’re going with a beefy 360mm cooler for a low-end processor, that does not make any sense. On the other hand, if you’re using a cheap entry-level air cooler with the 12900K, then that decision escapes common sense as well.

Both have their advantages. For example, some might say air coolers are simpler and hence more reliable. They don’t have as many moving parts and are less prone to failure. For example, if a fan fails, that’s an easy replacement. On the other hand, if the pump on an AIO fails, you’ll have to RMA it or abandon it completely.

Liquid coolers or AIOs also have their obvious advantages. You get a radiator that can store water and with the help of tubes, carry it to and from the CPU block. This might do a better job at cooling, depending on the performance and quality of the components used. To some people, they also look better.

So, you can hopefully figure out how these things are subjective. Some prefer the reliability of air coolers; others may find that liquid coolers perform better. Of course, there are always exceptions on either side.

That should bring you up to speed, but we have covered this topic in depth if you are more interested. 

Compatibility between components

This is even harder to get right given the current global situation. If you’re not already aware, there is a shortage of computer parts going on. Even though things are slowly getting better, we don’t know for how long that’s going to be the case.

Of course, you need powerful cooling for a processor that is as demanding as the 12900K. Then again, case compatibility can be a bit of an issue. For ITX or mid-tower cases, fitting a gigantic dual-tower cooler like the NH-D15 can be a problem at times. Some cases might not have support for 360mm radiators either, so many of the best coolers are already out of the equation.

Fortunately, many liquid coolers offer nearly the same level of performance, just with 240 or 280mm radiators. Those tend to have better compatibility with a vast majority of PC cases out there.

With air coolers, RAM clearance is something to worry about. Gigantic dual-tower air coolers can sometimes interfere with or even block RAM slots. If you plan on using RAM modules that are taller than usual, this can be a bit of an issue. Some manufacturers such as Noctua and Cryorig address this quite well.

Aesthetics

Well, if you’re spending this much on putting together the ultimate gaming/workstation PC, it would be a crime if you did not care about aesthetics. This is something worth considering when shopping for the best CPU cooler for i9-12900K.

Some may care about aesthetics in the form of flashy RGB fans or aggressive designs. Others prefer a more muted and stealthy look, something similar to the NH-D15 chromax.Black. Looks are certainly subjective, and that is why it is all the more important that you buy a cooler that you won’t mind looking at years down the line.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot more options out there than just the five of the ones we have picked as the best CPU coolers for i9 12900K. For example, coolers like the Scythe Mugen 5 and Corsair H115i Elite Capellix at least deserve an honorable mention. However, to keep things clear and concise, we aimed to keep the list under 5. These are hands down the best fit for the 12900K, depending on your use case.

If you want to get even more performance out of your 12900K build, or are into putting more into custom PC build, check out custom loops. We have some great roundups such as the best PC radiators and best GPU Coolers. Our coverage on stuff such as the best water blocks for RTX 3080 is also worth taking a look at. 

The post 5 Best CPU Coolers For i9-12900K appeared first on Appuals.

Dark Rock Pro 4 Cooler Review

PRODUCT INFO
Dark Rock Pro 4
Manufacture	be quiet!
Available at	View at Amazon

While that makes sense, you can’t truly achieve maximum performance without adequate cooling. That’s where high-end air coolers come in. Budget CPU coolers might offer good value but they can’t quite match the raw performance of these coolers. Now we’re all familiar with the big names. A few worth mentioning are Noctua, Cryorig and of course, be Quiet! We’re talking about the last one today. In this review, we’re looking at a cooler that quickly got rave reviews and critical acclaim. Be Quiet! has already impressed us once before, as can be seen in our be Quiet! Pure Loop 240mm AiO Review. Today, we’re making an in-depth be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU Cooler Review.

So, be quiet! made quite a name for themselves when they first burst onto the realm of CPU coolers. Much of that popularity lies in the name itself. Recently, their coolers have gained popularity for their sleek aesthetic, incredible performance, and unobtrusive acoustic performance. The Dark Rock Pro 4 checks all of those boxes and more.

With all of that said, if you’re looking for one of the best CPU coolers, we recommend reading this in-depth Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU Cooler review to the end – we will consider all things, as such Compatibility, Size, Design, Benchmarks, Comparison to Noctua, and overall value, so Let us get to it.

Unboxing Experience

be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 arrives in the excellent packaging we all know and love. As usual, the company pushes the dark theme quite heavily. Even the box is attractive, the sort you can put on your desk or on a shelf. On the front, we have a profile shot of the cooler itself. This pairs nicely with the branding and short description.

One of the sides tells us about the excellent performance and features of this cooler. The other one lists all of the specifications. Finally, around back, we have a breakdown of all of the specs in detail. Inside, we have a cardboard box that contains the accessories. The cooler itself sits snugly between the cardboard and styrofoam.

Other than that, there is not much to it. The front fan is already attached, but the other one sits inside a cardboard sleeve. This sleeve is cleverly placed between the stack of fans. You’ll notice that these fans are different in size. We’ll get to that later. We’re not done here, as this box contains a lot of accessories.

You might also want to check out our picks for the best CPU Coolers For 10th Gen Intel Processors if you’re building a relatively modern Intel system.

These accessories range from mounting hardware to a magnetic screwdriver. Of course, we have a thermal compound, brackets, a PWM splitter, and installation manuals. The addition of a sturdy Phillips screwdriver is a good one. It’s also good to see that they contain installation manuals in six different languages. Not a bad touch at all.

Box Contents

The accessories box for the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 includes the following:

• Magnetic screwdriver
• Two-way PWM splitter
• Mounting hardware for Intel
• Mounting hardware for AMD
• Thermal Compound
• 2x Silent Wings 3 Fans
• Fan Clips
• Installation Manuals
• Design and Closer Look

Dark Rock Pro 4 Design

The predecessor to the Dark Rock Pro 4 Size was quite a beefy cooler. Not much has changed here since the previous Dark Rock Pro 3. Except, of course, the performance. The Dark Rock Pro 4 falls right in line with the company’s design aesthetic. This entire sleek black look is quite popular among many enthusiasts. The flagship Dark Rock Pro 4 is the ultimate version of that, as it is quite a good-looking product.

This design is very similar to the Noctua NH-D15design, which we took a deep look at in our Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black Review.

Straight from the get-go, this cooler means business. Everything from the design to the performance reflects that this is a no-nonsense cooler. If you were to describe it in three words they would be heavy, performance, and powerful.

The cooler has seven copper heat pipes that are attached to the base itself. These fins protrude from the top of the cooler, and the ends are covered with aluminum caps. This gives the entire cooler an industrial look as well.

Of course, this means that this CPU cooler is not for the faint of heart, and certainly not for compact builds. You might want to check out our picks for the best Low Profile CPU Coolers if you want to go down that route.

This is a dual-tower CPU cooler. So, this means that it has two pairs of aluminum-fin towers to disperse the heat. As for the fans, we have two be quiet! Silent Wings 3 fans. One of these fans is 135mm in size, and the other one is 120mm. It’s quite a hefty cooler as well, as it weighs around 2.5 pounds.

The cooler uses its seven copper heat pipes to offload the heat. Separation of these heat pipes and dissipation over a larger area gives better performance. The front 120mm is smaller than the rear one to help with RAM clearance.

On the front, the fan has a funnel-style frame which does a good job of pushing air through. This means that air moves quite effectively between the two fin-stacks.

Moving on, the seven heat pipes connect between the fan straight into the base. The top side of this base is raised and resembles a heatsink itself. Overall, the Dark Rock Pro 4 remains true to the original idea. It’s powerful, cleverly designed, and looks great while cooling your processor.

If you’re interested in more CPU cooling products, be sure to check out our picks for the best passive CPU coolers as well.

Fans

The Dark Rock Pro 4 uses the company’s own Silent Wings 3 fans. These are some of the best fans you can buy on the market right now. They are nearly inaudible and perform excellently. These fans feature a six-pole motor, advanced fluid bearing, and airflow-optimized blade design. The balance between performance and noise here is excellent. They also don’t rattle while inside the case, which is always a good thing.

These fans use advanced fluid dynamic bearings that give them a longer overall life. Other than that, the fans use a rubberized frame that prevents vibrations when you are really pushing them. Overall, these are some of the best stock fans you’ll find on any cooler. The front fan is smaller so that RAM clearance won’t be an issue in the near future.

If you are interested in more CPU cooling products, be sure to check out our Deepcool Castle 360RGB v2 AiO Review as well.

Compatibility

At the end of the day, the Dark Rock Pro 4 is an enthusiast product. It reflects that idea with every facet, and that Dark Rock Pro 4 also includes compatibility. The Dark Rock Pro 4’s mounting system is compatible with Intel’s LGA115x, LGA 1200, LGA 2011, and LGA 2066 sockets. On the AMD side, sockets such as the AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), and FM2(+) are all compatible. The AM4 Installation is as followed.

So, this cooler is compatible with nearly every modern CPU out there. Sure, this doesn’t include AMD’s Threadripper lineup, but that’s not a major issue. People who are running Threadrippers aren’t your average gamers. So, those people most likely have an even stronger cooling setup than the one we have here. That’s not the say that the Dark Rock Pro 4 Compatibility would not handle Threadripper well, it just doesn’t have the compatibility.

Dark Rock Pro 4 Ram Clearance

On a related note, be sure to check out our selection of the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 3rd Gen if you plan to build a modern AMD system.

We’re also happy to report that RAM clearance is not an issue here in the slightest. The cooler provides just enough space so that it doesn’t touch the memory module. The front 120mm fan is also a bit higher, which means that installing taller RAM won’t be an issue. Since a lot of RGB memory sticks have tall heatsinks these days, this is a welcome addition.

If you are interested in a bit more compact CPU cooler, you can check out our in-depth Noctua NH-U9S CPU Cooler Review.

Installation

Installation for the be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is quite simple at the end of the day. The mounting system is intuitive, even if you are new to the world PC building. The entire process isn’t difficult, whether you are an AMD or Intel user. However, for the sake of simplicity, we’ll go over the process once.

Starting with Intel, you’ll need to attach the backplate included in the box. This backplate attaches to the back of the motherboard. Afterward, install the plastic spacers and Intel mounting hardware on top of this backplate. Once you’re done, apply a dab of thermal paste, line up the cooler, and start attaching the screws.

Note that you’ll need to attach the screws with the middle fan removed. This is so that you can easily access the screws with the provided screwdriver. Once the cooler sits firmly on the mounting hardware, you can attach the fan with the retention clips. Finally, just plug in the PWM connector and we are good to go.

The process is entirely the same for AMD as well. The only difference is that you don’t need to remove the stock AMD backplate. Just remove the retention modules on the front. Install the AMD mounting hardware, and the rest of it is the same process from there. If you still run into any trouble, the box includes an excellent installation guide in the manual as well. They also have easy installation videos on their YouTube channel.

Dark Rock Pro 4 Benchmarks

Testing a cooler might seem easier than it actually is these days. However, since Ryzen is gaining popularity these days, it’s only natural for us to go with that. An interesting thing about Ryzen is that overclocking aspect is a bit confusing. You really have to manually fine-tune things to get what you want. Even then, temperatures don’t exactly represent 90% of what people use their PCs for.

So, we want to mimic the way any CPU cooler would be used in the average user’s PC build. We test all of our CPU coolers inside of a PC case with positive airflow. For our load tests, we run Cinebench R20 on a constant loop to put the CPU in full stress thus imitating the real-world workloads of an end-user. We also test our Overclocks’ (if OC’d) stability through Prime95’s extended tests with AVX Enabled for Ryzen CPUs for at least 10 hours and more.

Idle test results are taken at least 10 minutes after the system has booted up with a handful of day-to-day programs opened up in the background, again simulating the real-world idle state of a PC. The same testing methodology is used in our other CPU cooler reviews as well such as the Cryorig R1 CPU Cooler Review, to maintain consistency.

For noise tests, we place our RISEPRO Decibel Meter very close to the PC case in order to gain accurate idle and load results. In every test, the CPU fan curves are set to default for accurate measurements. Lastly, we test all of our CPU coolers at a controlled ambient room temperature of 26 °C.

Note: Our ambient noise levels (52dBA) were a bit higher than usual due to our testing environment’s ventilation system. Thus making the noise tests of the cooler seem higher than usual.

Benchmarks System

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
• Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO WIFI
• Thermal Paste: Noctua NT-H1
• RAM: TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR4 16GB (2x8GB) 3200MHz CL16
• GPU: Gigabyte AMD RX 570 4GB
• Storage: Kingston A2000 NVMe PCIe SSD 512GB M.2
• Power Supply: Corsair RM750x
• Case: NZXT H510i

Dark Rock Pro 4 vs Noctua NH-D15

The Dark Rock Pro 4 has been around for quite a while. However, once you finally get the chance to compare it with other coolers side by side that’s where things get interesting. The Dark Rock Pro 4 can hold its own with all of the three coolers we tested. In this test of four coolers, it was also the quietest one.

We’re testing within Cinebench here, and the Ryzen 5 3600 is pushing 4.3 GHz with ease. We left Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) on. In this scenario, the 3600 can draw up to 70 or 80 watts because the core voltages hover around 1.347v. The Ryzen 5 3600 is a chip of TDP at 60W according to AMD but due to the way how AMD’s PBO works, the chip was running well above its manufacturer’s limits, things were a bit toasty. Still, the Dark Rock Pro 4 shined through the benchmarks with ease.

Ultimately, the Dark Rock Pro 4 is a strong performer. As you can see, it holds up with the Noctua NHD15, which is no minor feat. When Considering Dark Rock Pro 4 vs Aio, Even more impressive is the fact that it competes with both of the AIO liquid coolers as well. The Dark Rock Pro 4 keeps up with both the Pure Loop 240 and Fractal Design S24+ Prisma in the benchmark attached above.

We can also see that the Dark Rock Pro 4 holds up really well against the Cryorig options. We have already tested the Cryorig R5 in our in-depth Cryorig R5 review, and the two coolers seem to be neck and neck in thermal performance.

Acoustic Performance

Some would say that the name “be quiet” comes off a bit strong. Well, that’s what the brand is all about. They are confident with their products, and the results reflect that. By far, the Dark Rock Pro is the quietest CPU cooler when put against the latter. This means that not only does it perform well, it does that while staying relatively quiet.

We’re sticking with the default fan curve of the B450 Aorus Pro WIFI as per our testing methodology. Surprisingly, the liquid coolers were a bit audible, even if they were not annoying. Of course, we have to consider the pump noise and the fact that they use 2 x 120mm fans.

At idle, the noise was around 52dBA which is almost inaudible. For comparison, both of our liquid coolers were noisier, even if by a small bit. This was seen clearly in our detailed Fractal Design Celsius+ S24 Prisma CPU Cooler Review as well. However, you can really start to tell the difference when the Ryzen processor is put under load. Even then, the Dark Rock Pro 4 refuses to get near 60dBA. 58.5dBA was the highest that we noticed. So, it is quite safe to say that they achieved what they set out to accomplish here.

Is Dark Rock Pro 4 Worth It?

Overall, be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is quite an impressive cooler. It appeals to a wide audience thanks to its matte black design. The entire look of the cooler is sleek and modern, and it can fit into any build with ease. Furthermore, it directly competes with coolers that cost nearly double in price. It’s not just a pretty-looking face either, as it performs admirably well.

You’ll have no problem with running a high-end PC with this thing installed. It’s great for workstations and especially great for overclocking. There’s a reason why the Dark Rock Pro 4 has a legendary status among hardware enthusiasts. Everything from the looks to the performance and even the unboxing experience is top-notch. If we’re really nitpicking, the installation could have been a tad easier.

Apart from that, there are no major flaws with this cooler. If you are looking for a high-end option, this is the one to go for. In our be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU Cooler review we found it to be an excellent air cooling option for CPUs.

Review Score

A Silent Killer

Pros

• Impressive industrial design
• Sleek and minimal black aesthetic
• High performance fans
• A tonne of included accessories
• Significantly silent under load

Cons

• Installation process could be better

14,944 Reviews

TDP: 250 W+ | Heat pipes: 6mm heatpipe x 7 units | Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.35 x 6.40 inch (L x W x H) | Dark Rock Pro 4 Motherboard Compatibility: 2066, 2011(-3), 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200 FM1, FM2/+, AM2/+, AM3/+, AM4

VERDICT:The Dark Rock Pro 4 is just as good as it looks, if not better. It combines aesthetic value, impeccable build quality, low noise levels, and pure performance in one complete package. It also helps that the cooler looks as good as it does. Recommending the Dark Rock Pro 4 is an easy choice for us.

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The post Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU Cooler Review appeared first on Appuals.

PRODUCT INFO
Cryorig R5 Ultimate CPU Cooler
Manufacture	Cryorig
Available at	View at Cryorig

While they are relatively new to the game (they were founded in 2013), they’ve garnered quite a lot of attention. Other companies have been around for a lot longer. Despite that, Cryorig manages to find success, and its excellent Cryorig R1 ultimate cooler is a good example of this. We have already taken a look at that cooler in our detailed Cryorig R1 Ultimate Cooler review. An update to the R5 cooler was a long time coming.

The new flagship Cryorig R5 cooler was revealed quite a while ago. Finally, it looks like it is going to hit the shelves soon. It is the second cooler in their R series of flagship coolers. This high-end dual-fan single tower cooler is quite impressive. Furthermore, it even has a new refined appearance.

That’s all talk, but how well does the Cryorig R5 stack up next to the competition? Well, we will be tackling that question and more in this in-depth Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler review, we will discuss Overclocking, Installation Process, Instructions, Clearence, Dimensions, Unboxing, and most importantly its gaming impact. We will also consider the facts If Cryorig R5 is good enough in 2021.

Unboxing Experience

Cryorig cooler always provides an exceptional unboxing experience. Most people don’t expect this from air coolers, but Cryorig manages to surprise us here. The first takeaway is that this is a hassle-free and well-organized experience.

First off, the black cardboard box feels very premium. As usual, we have a profile shot of the cooler front, along with heatsinks and fan specifications at the back. On one side, we have the R5 branding in a black font, surrounded by a white background. Another side of the box tells us about the other standout features like the intuitive new mounting system, dual-fan design, and RAM compatibility.

You can crack open the box from the top. The first thing out of the box is the packaging for the accessories in a soft material. This includes a QR code for the installation guide. As usual, you can register this cooler on Cryorig’s site to get additional 3 years of warranty.

Everything inside the accessories box is neatly organized, and Cryorig pays a lot of attention to detail here. The box also includes a lot of accessories, which we’ll go over quickly. This ranges from a CP-7 thermal paste to a screwdriver. Cryorig makes sure that you have everything you need for an easy installation process.

Finally, we have the spectacular R5 cooler inside a soft cardboard-like enclosure. You can just pull the cooler out and remove the plastic packaging. With the unboxing through, let’s have a look at the new refined design.

Box Contents

Here is everything included in the box of the Cryorig R5:

• R5 Cooler
• Intel LGA 115x bracket
• Qlick-Mount bracket
• AM4 screw pillars
• Thumbscrew caps
• Intel screw pillars
• Acoustic vibration pads
• CP-7 thermal paste
• Alcohol Pad
• Hex Wrench
• PWM Y-Cable

Dimensions And Clearence

Before we kick things off with the performance testing, let’s have a look at the cooler itself. We need to get the numbers out of the way first. The dimensions are 97.8 x 140 x 162.8mm (L x W x H). It weighs about 892g with the fans attached. It’s a bit smaller in size compared to the R1 Ultimate we took a look at earlier.

The fans come preattached straight out of the box. This is great as it saves us a bit of time, and saving time is where this cooler succeeds, thanks to the new mounting system. Before we talk about that, we would be doing Cryorig a disservice if we don’t talk about the design. We really have to appreciate the visually pleasing design here.

The R5 features a design that is similar in essence to other large tower coolers that we have taken a look at. You might want to check out our detailed be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU Cooler Review to get an idea about that alternative as well.

It’s quite the looker with its grey and white/black accents. The grey frame of both of these fans perfectly accents the black color of the heatsink cover. You can swap this cover out for a white one as well. This cover doesn’t cover the top entirely and leaves the ends of the heat pipes uncovered.

There is a hole at the top of the cooler. This is where you can insert the hex wrench during the installation process. As for the front and rear sides of the heatsink, they look identical when the fans are removed. On the front portion, we have a fin stack of 48 fins with a gap of 2mm between two fins. The thickness is 0.4mm per each fin. Hence, we have a lower density fin stack.

This design language seems similar to the Noctua NH-U9S Chromax Black CPU Cooler that we reviewed, and which is also an excellent choice in this category.

Both portions of the fin stack are soldered with the copper heatpipe. This results in more surface for better heat transfer. Unlike some other coolers, this heatsink has a completely symmetrical design on the heatsink. The base has an offset design, which is due to the mounting hardware.

Furthermore, we have six copper heat pipes that are coated in nickel. Each of these pipes has a thickness of 6mm. They are attached very cleanly to the heatsink itself. The base is also pure copper. Make sure to remove the warning sticker pasted on there.

If you are interested in more CPU cooling options, you might want to check out our picks for the best CPU coolers for i7 8700K processors. Also, we have Motherboards for Core i7 8700k buying guide list as well.

Fans

The Cryorig R5 CPU cooler comes with two XF140 fans that are attached to the heatsink out of the box. Both of these are 140mm with a rated speed of 700 – 1300±10% RPM. The noise level is rated at 19 – 23 dBA. As usual, they both use a 4-pin PWM fan connector for power.

Each fan has 11 blades. The edges of each blade have a glossy black coating, while the rest of the surface has a matte finish. Moving on, both fans have arrow symbols on each side of the frame. Both of these fans have anti-vibration pads on the mounting corners, which are also black.

The frame of the fans is plastic, which is par for the course. Overall, these fans look good and can get the job done quite well. The look of the fans is nothing like the slick fans we saw in our Deepcool Castle 360RGB v2 AiO Review, but they do a serviceable job overall.

Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler Compatibility

We can already predict that the Cryorig R5 is going to be a popular air-cooler. One of the many reasons is the compatibility offered here. The R5 is compatible with Intel LGA 2066, 2011(-3), 1200, 1150, 1151, 1555, and 1156. On the AMD side, we have compatibility for FM1, FM2/+, AM2/+, AMD3+, and AM4 sockets.

But that’s not what gives it great compatibility. Cryorig has managed to shrink the overall profile of the R5 cooler. The max height is 162.8mm, so it should work just fine with most PC cases. However, the most impressive thing is that this dual-fan CPU cooler doesn’t block any RAM sticks at all.

Therefore, could use this cooler in a motherboard with quad-channel memory, and it will be perfectly fine. Even better yet is the fact that you can use any type of RAM stick that you want. This is a great feature and many PC builders are going to appreciate this. It doesn’t interfere with the PCIe x16 slot on the motherboard either.

Installation Guide

Cryorig wants to give many manufacturers a run for their money with their new mounting system. The new Quick mounting system instructions is easy to figure out and easy to install. Let’s quickly have a look at the installation guide.

On Intel, you’ll have to install the backplate at the back of the motherboard. After that install the Intel LGA standoffs from the front of the motherboard clearance. Next, grab the Quick Seg mounting bracket and place it on the standoffs. Secure the brackets using the provided thumbscrews.

Make sure to peel off the protective cover from the base of the cooler. Then, proceed to apply a small amount of thermal paste. Next, you’ll need to place the metal crossbar under the raised center of the Quick Seg mounting bracket. Finally, the plastic clip and the lower portion of its hook to the underside of the bracket’s center.

The process is similar for AMD. However, you won’t have to install a backplate, as AMD AM4 motherboards come with a stock bracket already installed. Other than that, the process is the same.

We are very impressed with the Quick Seg Cryorig R5 CPU mounting system. However, we don’t believe this is a huge selling point like others think. You still have to screw the cooler down from the top, which makes things more or less quite similar to other coolers.

Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler Benchmarks

Our Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler review is still incomplete. Our testing methodology consists of mimicking the way the Cryorig R5 (or any other CPU cooler) would be installed in an end user’s system. We test all of our CPU coolers inside of a PC case with positive airflow. For our load tests, we run Cinebench R20 on a constant loop to put the CPU in full stress thus imitating the real-world workloads of an end-user.

Overclocking

We also test our CPU overclock‘s stability through Prime95’s extended tests with AVX Enabled for Ryzen CPUs for at least 10 hours and more. Idle tests results are taken at least 10 minutes after the system has booted up with a handful of day-to-day programs opened up in the background, again simulating the real-world idle state of a PC. For noise tests, we place our RISEPRO Decibel Meter very close to the PC case in order to gain accurate idle and load results. In every test, the CPU fan curves are set to default for accurate measurements. Lastly, we test all of our CPU coolers at a controlled ambient room temperature of 26 °C.

Note: Our ambient noise levels (52dBA) were a bit higher than usual due to our testing environment’s ventilation system. Thus making the noise tests of the cooler seem higher than usual.

Thermal Performance

In our Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler review we found out that the thermal performance of the Cryorig R5 is nothing exciting but rather intriguing in its own way. Considering that this is a single tower cooler with increased heat-pipes competing against its predecessor and a bigger dual tower brother, the R1 Ultimate. The R5 had zero issues cooling down our notoriously toasty Ryzen 5 3600 which was running at 1.347v on PBO/Auto OC. The results can be seen below.

The Cryorig R5 runs a bit hotter than its Cryorig R1 counterpart under load, and it can be seen lagging a bit behind the Noctua option as well. We have covered the NHD15 in detail in our Noctua NHD15 Chromax Black review which you should check out as well to get a broader context to these numbers.

Acoustic Performance

The noise levels during our Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler review were slightly higher than the R1 Ultimate, still, the difference isn’t audible in most cases but for some people noise levels are really important, and for a silent PC enthusiast like myself, the R5 isn’t going to be the best choice. You can possibly tackle this situation by choosing the single fan route operation which is going to set you back with an increased temperature by 2-3 Degree Celcius. The choice is yours. The numbers obtained seem in line with some of the liquid coolers we have reviewed as well, as can be seen in our be Quiet Pure Loop 240mm AiO Review as well as the Fractal Design Cesius+ S24 Prisma Review. The benchmarks can be seen below.

Is Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler Enough For Gaming?

The Cryorig R5 Cooler certainly is an interesting option. A lot of people swear by high-performance air coolers, and this is one of them. However, there are always some sacrifices to make with those large beefy coolers. The main being RAM compatibility. Cryorig R5 does not suffer from this, and it’s good to see for once in a premium air-cooler.

Furthermore, people who want great compatibility will really appreciate this feature. We know many people have bought flashy RGB RAM sticks, but then they don’t work with their cooler. With that said, while everything else about this cooler is quite decent, you’ll want it mainly for its great compatibility and decent performance. So, if you are someone who has an mATX or even ATX case and you want a good-looking cooler, this is one worth taking a looking at.

Conclusion

With all of that through, we can finally talk about our overall thoughts on this cooler. Cryorig’s previous R1 Ultimate cooler was an excellent option. It really gave a lot of the better-known brands a run for their money. While the Cryorig R5 doesn’t quite hit the mark, it’s decent enough and should please most buyers. That largely is in part due to the aesthetics and clever design.

However, if you’re looking to cool your power-hungry high-core count processor, looking at other options won’t hurt. Don’t get us wrong, for the average Joe, the Cryorig R5 performs well enough. It’s just that the performance isn’t exactly mind-blowing when compared with the noise benchmarks. Still, we have to praise it for its design, mounting system, compatibility, and overall frustration-free experience.

Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler Rating

Form Over Function

Pros

• Aesthetically pleasing design
• Easy to install
• Great compatibility
• Doesn't hinder RAM clearance

Cons

• Performance could be better
• Gets a bit loud

TDP: 200W | Heat pipes: 6 x 6mm | Dimension: L140mm x W140mm x H25.4mm | Motherboard compatibility: 2066, 2011(-3), 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200 FM1, FM2/+, AM2/+, AM3/+, AM4 | Weight: 892g (with fan)

VERDICT:The Cryorig R5 sets out on an ambitious journey. They wanted to make a cooler that looks good and has good compatibility. However, that comes at the cost of performance for some people. Still, it's not a bad purchase unless you want to cool a high-end processor.

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The post Cryorig R5 CPU Cooler Review: Good Enough? appeared first on Appuals.

If you are buying a mid-range CPU like a Ryzen 5 or a Core i5 then it does not make sense to buy a really expensive air cooler like a Noctua NH D15 or a high-performance AiO liquid cooler like the EK-AiO Elite 360mm radiator because the heat output of these processors is generally low. Smaller air coolers are the best match for processors of this price range because they are easy on the wallet, have a bigger compatibility window, and deliver a decent thermal and acoustic performance which is important.

Best Budget CPU Cooler – Our Picks

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition	Best Overall Budget CPU Cooler	7,386 Reviews Check Price
2		Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black	Best Performing Budget CPU Cooler	7,197 Reviews Check Price
3		DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX GT A-RGB	Best RGB Budget CPU Cooler	Check Price
4		Noctua NH-U12S Redux	Best Value CPU Cooler	Check Price
5		DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX400	Best Entry-Level CPU Cooler	Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition
Award	Best Overall Budget CPU Cooler
Details	7,386 Reviews Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black
Award	Best Performing Budget CPU Cooler
Details	7,197 Reviews Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX GT A-RGB
Award	Best RGB Budget CPU Cooler
Details	Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	Noctua NH-U12S Redux
Award	Best Value CPU Cooler
Details	Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX400
Award	Best Entry-Level CPU Cooler
Details	Check Price

Last Update on 2024-03-05 at 16:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Budget CPU coolers are the best way to keep your CPU’s temperatures in check without breaking the bank. Over the past few years, this market has really blossomed due to competition and now there are a lot of great options that can be had within a bracket of $30-60. While you won’t be getting fancy AiO water coolers in this budget, you can certainly get a decent air cooler that would perform well and would also allow you to try your hand at CPU overclocking. For more guides and information on CPU coolers, you may visit our cooler review section. Here are our picks for the best budget CPU cooler options you should consider.

1. Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition

Best Overall Budget CPU Cooler

Pros

• Great Bang-for-the-Buck
• High Cooling Performance
• 4 Heatpipes
• Nice Black Aesthetic
• Quiet Fan

Cons

• Not for Serious Overclocking
• No Lighting

Fans: 1 | Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM | Heatpipes: 4 | Height of Cooler: 159mm | Noise Level: 26 dB | Lighting: None

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One of the best budget CPU heatsinks on the market right now is the legendary Cooler Master Hyper 212. Not only is this CPU efficient in its thermal and acoustic performance, but it is also one of the cheapest aftermarket air coolers on the market. The Hyper 212 Black Edition is an upgrade over the standard Hyper 212 and it now features a new black fan with a black colored heatsink which looks very nice. This is a seriously good air cooler that can be considered the best overall budget CPU cooler on our list.

Helpful Read: Air Cooling vs Water Cooling

The name of the game for the Hyper 212 has always been the price-to-performance ratio. The Hyper 212 Black Edition is no exception as it delivers great cooling performance for most modern CPUs out there. This budget-oriented air cooler will have no problem running the latest Core i5 or i7 chips from Intel, or similar Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 processors from AMD. The Hyper 212 also offers decent overclocking headroom when paired with these CPUs but that will be dictated by the power draw of the CPU itself. The cooler is 159mm tall which should be a consideration when buying.

Another great thing about the Hyper 212 series has been their acoustic performance and the same holds true for the Hyper 212 Black Edition. The fan on this air cooler is surprisingly quiet, and peaks at 26 dB at 100% fan speed. This is a quiet and bearable sound level especially inside a closed chassis and that is another positive point for this cooler. Many other heatsinks in this price range have loud, whiny fans that can be annoying when the CPU is put under load but this is not the case with the Hyper 212 Black Edition.

Related Read: Best Passive Air Coolers

Aesthetically, the Black Edition of the Hyper 212 looks miles better than the standard Hyper 212. Not only does the fan look beautiful when painted in this matte black color, but the actual fins of the heatsink also look really good in black. Moreover, the top of the cooler looks beautiful and stealthy with the tops of heat pipes and the embossed Cooler Master logo printed on a black top plate. Sure it does not have any RGB lighting, but at this budget, we can’t really complain.

Overall, the Hyper 212 Black Edition is one of the best budget air coolers on the market right now. Combining great thermal and acoustic performance with beautiful aesthetics, you can’t really go wrong with this cooler from Cooler Master.

2. Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black

Best Performing Budget CPU Cooler

Pros

• Relatively Affordable
• Clean Aesthetics
• Superb Performance
• Very Quiet Operation
• Black Heatsink

Cons

• Lack of Lighting
• Very Tall Cooler

7,197 Reviews

Fans: 1 | Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM | Heatpipes: 4 | Height of Cooler: 155mm | Noise Level: 27 dB | Lighting: None

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For our next pick, we recommend the Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 CPU cooler which is an affordable option for just under $50 at the time of writing. The Pure Rock 2 uses a tower-style design with one 120mm fan at the front, in order to provide the best balance of thermal performance and acoustics.

Primarily, the Be Quiet Pure Rock 2 CPU cooler is an excellent candidate when it comes to thermal performance. It is capable of handling high-end processors with ease and can keep temperatures in check even during intense workloads. The cooler uses 4 copper heatpipes that make direct contact with the base plate in order to maximize the heat dissipation capabilities of the cooler.

Furthermore, the Pure Rock 2 cooler operates very quietly, even under load. It uses a 120mm Pure Wings 2 fan that operates at low noise levels while still maintaining excellent cooling performance. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value silence while working or gaming. Acoustics are certainly a strong point of Be Quiet! products, as can be deduced from the company name.

As for the design, the Pure Rock 2 cooler has a simple and clean aesthetic with a black heatsink that looks great in most PC builds. However, it lacks any lighting, which may be a downside for some users who want to add some RGB to their builds. The only other downside is that it is a relatively tall cooler, which may cause compatibility issues with some cases.

The lack of RGB lighting can be appealing to people who like their system to look clean and simple. This cooler is also an ideal candidate for all-black PC builds that are quite popular nowadays. The cooler is also easy to set up and works with a wide range of computers, thanks to its mounting kit and clear instructions.

You may want to double-check the compatibility of the Pure Rock 2 with your particular case before making the purchase decision. Even though it’s not the biggest air cooler on the market, it’s still quite tall at 155mm and may hit the side panel of your case. You might also want to make sure it will work with your memory modules.

Of course, the Pure Rock 2 cooler is priced very competitively compared to other coolers in its class. Its excellent performance and quiet operation make it a great value for the price. It may not be the ideal cooler for extreme overclocking on premium CPUs, but it certainly gets the job done in most scenarios without breaking the bank.

All in all, the Be Quiet! Pure Rock 2 CPU cooler is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance and quiet cooler at an affordable price point. Its thermal performance is superb, it operates quietly, and its design is simple and clean. The lack of lighting and its tall profile may be a downside for some users, but overall it is a great value for money.

3. DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX GT A-RGB

Best RGB Budget CPU Cooler

Pros

• Good Cooling Performance
• Nice RGB Lighting
• Black Top Cover
• Decent Acoustics

Cons

• A Bit More Expensive
• Only One Set of Fan Clips Included
• Quite Tall

4,079 Reviews

Fans: 1 | Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM | Heatpipes: 4 | Height of Cooler: 155mm | Noise Level: 26 dB | Lighting: A-RGB

Check Price

If you are looking for beautiful RGB lighting in a budget air cooler, then look no further than the DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX GT A-RGB. This is a really good cooler that can be paired ideally with mid-range CPUs while having that dash of RGB that your build craves. The GT A-RGB is a little bit more expensive than the Hyper 212 Black Edition or the Cryorig H7 but that can be worth it if you are looking for an improvement in terms of the aesthetics of the cooler.

More Deepcool Coolers: DeepCool Castle 360RGB V2 Review

Coming in at 155mm tall, the GT A-RGB is a tower cooler that can pose some problems for budget cases in terms of case clearance. Performance-wise the GT A-RGB is another excellent budget air cooler that can be used to keep mid-range processors cool while still offering a bit of overclocking headroom as well. This cooler performs just like the Hyper 212 Black Edition thanks to its 4 copper heat pipes that make direct contact with the CPU heat spreader. Acoustically, the cooler measures in at 26 dB which is a fairly quiet operating temperature for a tower heatsink such as the GT A-RGB.

The main feature of this cooler is definitely its A-RGB fan. The 120mm fan on the cooler uses the newer 5V 3-pin standard which is known as “aRGB” rather than the older 12V 4-pin standard called “RGB”. This newer standard allows the GT A-RGB to show an even wider spectrum of colors. The ARGB also means that the fan can display a lot of different lighting patterns and animations that can’t be possible with normal 12V RGB signaling.

In terms of aesthetics, the GT A-RGB definitely delivers on multiple grounds. Its 120mm RGB fan is a huge bonus especially with modern PCs being focused on personalization and aesthetics more than ever. This fan allows the user to have a bit of lighting inside their build that they can customize to their liking and can even match with the color scheme of their build. Apart from the fan, there is nothing really special about the cooler’s fin array as DEEPCOOL has opted for a standard silver fin stack. However, the top of the CPU cooler is black and that is a nice touch.

Related Read: Best Airflow Cases in 2021

The GAMMAXX GT A-RGB is one of the best budget air coolers out there due to its RGB implementation and good cooling performance, however its price is a bit higher too. It is up to the buyer to decide whether or not the extra premium is justified for some RGB lighting. It presents itself as the best RGB budget CPU cooler on our list.

4. Noctua NH-U12S Redux

Best Value CPU Cooler

Pros

• Slim Form Factor
• Great Performance
• Silent Fan
• Clean Design

Cons

• No Lighting
• Height Compatibility
• Difficult Installation

Fans: 1 | Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM | Heatpipes: 4 | Height of Cooler: 158mm | Noise Level: 25 dB | Lighting: None

Check Price

Noctua is quite popular among enthusiasts for its premium cooling products, and the NH-U12S Redux is a continuation of that trend. It is a high-performance option that comes with a relatively affordable price tag, aimed at mid-range and value-oriented PC builders. The Redux is a slight revision over the normal U12S that makes it a bit better in every aspect.

The Noctua NH-U12S Redux CPU cooler is an excellent performer when it comes to thermal performance. Its slim form factor doesn’t compromise on cooling performance, making it a great choice for high-end processors. It’s capable of keeping temperatures in check even during intense workloads. The cooler uses a direct contact approach with regard to its four heatpipes, which is excellent for heat dissipation.

In addition to the thermals, the Noctua NH-U12S Redux also operates very quietly, thanks to its silent fan. It uses the 120mm NF-P12 Redux fan that operates at low noise levels while still maintaining excellent cooling performance. The fan can hit a maximum noise level of 25 dB according to Noctua, which is very competitive with the other CPU coolers in this price bracket. It is certainly a very well-tuned cooler in this regard.

Aesthetically, the Noctua NH-U12S Redux CPU cooler has a simple and clean aesthetic with a silver and gray color scheme that looks great in most PC builds. It doesn’t have any lighting, which may be a downside for some users who might want a splash of lighting to spice up their build. However, its slim form factor is a plus for those who have limited space in their cases.

The only downside is its height, which may cause compatibility issues with some PC cases. It stands at around 158mm tall, which may prove to be a nuisance if you have a relatively compact PC case. It is wise to cross-check the compatibility of your CPU cooler with your case as well as your memory modules before you finalize your purchase decision.

The Redux variant of the NH-U12S ditches the awful brown and cream color scheme that is so telling of Noctua products, in favor of a much more subtle and sophisticated gray. The heatsink still remains as is, without a layer of powder coating as we have seen in many recent CPU coolers. Still, the overall design is quite inoffensive and modern.

In addition to its features, the Noctua NH-U12S Redux is also priced competitively compared to other coolers in its class. Its combination of excellent performance and quiet operation makes it a great value for the price. It also comes with the reliability and reputation of Noctua, which is not to be taken lightly in the cooling category when it comes to PC building.

Conclusively, the Noctua NH-U12S Redux CPU cooler is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a competitive CPU cooler from Noctua at an affordable price point. The NH-U12S delivers superb cooling performance in most scenarios while operating quietly even under load. However, its lack of lighting and its height compatibility issues may be a downside for some users. Additionally, the installation process can be a bit tricky.

Nevertheless, it’s still an excellent value for money. You may want to shortlist the NH-U12S Redux if you are in the market for a CPU cooler that would maximize your bang for the buck factor.

5. DeepCool GAMMAXX AG400

Best Cheap CPU Cooler

Pros

• Low Price Point
• Jet Black Fan
• Decent Performance
• Wide Compatibility

Cons

• Not for Serious Overclocking
• Lack of Lighting
• Mediocre Acoustics

Fans: 1 | Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM | Heatpipes: 4 | Height of Cooler: 151mm | Noise Level: 31 dB | Lighting: None

Check Price

Our last pick of the day is the DeepCool GAMMAXX AG400 CPU cooler, which is a mid-range option that delivers solid thermal performance for high-end processors. It features a 120mm PWM fan that operates quietly while still providing efficient cooling, making it a great option for those who prioritize both performance and noise levels.

One of the standout features of the GAMMAXX AG400 is its four copper heat pipes with direct contact technology. This design allows for efficient heat dissipation and better thermal conductivity, resulting in lower CPU temperatures. The AG400 is great for cooling most modern desktop CPUs at stock settings, provided you have good airflow in your case.

While the AG400 is a solid option for most regular consumers, it is not ideal for enthusiasts who prefer to overclock their CPUs. This is a budget-oriented CPU cooler with limited thermal performance. It does not provide a lot of headroom for overclocking, especially if you plan to pair it with a high-core count CPU from recent AMD or Intel generations. You might want to optimize the airflow in your PC case as well if you want to maximize the performance of this cooler.

The single 120mm fan does a good job of moving air through the heatsink array. It can go as high as 2000RPM and offers 75.89 CFM airflow volume, which is a pretty healthy combination for an air cooler in this price class. However, the peak noise level of this cooler is rated at 31 dB which is a bit higher compared to the competing options in this price bracket. The acoustic performance of this cooler can be a bit mediocre overall.

Judging by the looks of the GAMMAXX AG400, it has a modern design with a black and silver color scheme. The fan’s black frame and blades create a stylish contrast with the silver heatsink, and the cooler’s overall design is sleek and minimalistic. It doesn’t have any RGB lighting, which may be a downside for some users who prefer a more colorful and customizable build.

Apart from the lack of RGB lighting, some consumers may also be disappointed with the lack of powder coating on the heatsink itself. Recently, it has become quite popular to match the color of the heatsink with the fan, but DeepCool has avoided that approach in this particular model, probably to save a bit of production cost.

The installation process of the GAMMAXX AG400 is relatively easy, with a universal mounting kit that supports most current CPU sockets. However, it is worth noting that the cooler’s height is around 151mm, which may cause compatibility issues with some smaller cases. It is recommended to check the dimensions of your case before purchasing this cooler.

Overall, the DeepCool GAMMAXX AG400 is a solid mid-range CPU cooler that offers excellent thermal performance, quiet operation, and a stylish design. Its direct contact heat pipes and color scheme add to its value proposition, and its relatively affordable price point makes it a great option for those on a budget.

How To Buy The Best Budget CPU Cooler

Budget CPU coolers are often the way to go when you want to lower your CPU’s temperatures without completely breaking the bank. In a reasonable budget under $50, you would not be able to find any fancy AiO water coolers like beQuiet! Pure Loop 240mm AiO, but that is fine since plenty of good air coolers can be found in this space. For this reason, you should take a look at some of the factors that you should consider in order to purchase the best budget CPU cooler for your build.

Thermal Performance

The first one is pretty obvious. You have to judge the thermal performance and capability of the cooler in question. This can be done in a couple of ways. Reading professional reviews online is a pretty surefire way to judge the performance of a CPU cooler, and this can give you plenty of benchmark data as well. In addition to this, you can take a look at user reviews for the particular cooler that you’re looking at. Be sure to search for the performance of that cooler with the CPU that you plan to run with it since every CPU puts out different amounts of heat in real life.

Value For Money

Of course, being budget CPU coolers, you have to judge the value proposition as well. Before pulling the trigger on a purchase, be sure to check out other CPU cooler options that cost a bit more or a bit less than the one you picked. It is often the case that a better-performing CPU cooler can be found for not a lot more money, and it would make sense to purchase that cooler to maximize your bang for the buck instead. In this segment, staying away from frills like RGB lighting would be beneficial, since those features often come with a caveat.

And so concludes our guide for the best budget CPU cooler options you should consider. The market for budget CPU coolers has come a long way over the past few years, and you are sure to find a good option for your particular build with a bit of research and value hunting.

The post Best Budget CPU Coolers For Entry-Level Gaming appeared first on Appuals.

A lot of components are crucial in a custom loop. The reservoir, pump, fans, radiator, and tubing all play their respective roles here. However, you can have all the high-end equipment in the world, but if you skimp out on the CPU water block, you’re missing out. If the block can’t properly cool the processor, then what’s the point? This is especially important in the modern era where CPU overclocking is a big deal to enthusiasts who prefer to install complex custom water cooling loops.

Best CPU Water Blocks – Our Picks

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		Corsair Hydro X Series XC7 RGB Water Block	Best Overall CPU Water Block	Check Price
2		Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora Digital RGB Water Block	Best Looking CPU Water Block	Check Price
3		EKWB EK-Velocity CPU Waterblock	Best AMD CPU Water Block	Check Price
4		Thermaltake Pacific DIY RGB CPU Block	Best RGB CPU Water Block	Check Price
5		BQINLENX Professional Water Cooling Block	Best Budget CPU Water Block	Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	Corsair Hydro X Series XC7 RGB Water Block
Award	Best Overall CPU Water Block
Details	Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora Digital RGB Water Block
Award	Best Looking CPU Water Block
Details	Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	EKWB EK-Velocity CPU Waterblock
Award	Best AMD CPU Water Block
Details	Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	Thermaltake Pacific DIY RGB CPU Block
Award	Best RGB CPU Water Block
Details	Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	BQINLENX Professional Water Cooling Block
Award	Best Budget CPU Water Block
Details	Check Price

Last Update on 2024-03-05 at 15:26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re putting a considerable amount of money into a loop, a great CPU block should go with it. With that in mind, picking between the dozens of options is quite difficult. Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you. Custom water cooling is a bit of a chore though, so you must be prepared to give attention to it in the long run. For starters, picking the best case for water cooling can be a good start to this journey. Here are some of the best CPU water block options you should consider.

1. Corsair Hydro X Series XC7 RGB Water Block

Best Overall CPU Water Block

Pros

• 16 Addressable RGB LEDs
• Wide Compatibility
• Excellent Performance
• Neat Design
• Easy Installation

Cons

• RGB Requires Corsair Lighting Controller
• iCUE Software Could Be Better

Base Material: Nickel-plated Copper | Compatibility: Intel LGA 115X, LGA 1200, AMD AM4 | RGB: Yes

Check Price

Whether you’re new to PC gaming, or a long-time veteran, you are likely aware of Corsair’s presence. They make PC components as well as external peripherals for gaming. Their Hydro lineup consists mainly of closed-loop AIOs. However, Corsair is willing to make components for custom loops. Speaking of which, the Hydro CX7 water block looks like a resounding success and might just be the best overall CPU water block on our list.

Related Roundup: The Best Pumps For Water Cooling

This water block uses the usual nickel-plated copper plate. It has more than sixty efficient micro cooling fins. These do a great job of drawing heat away from the CPU. This water block is compatible with both Intel and AMD. It works with the LGA 1151, LGA 1200, and AMD AM4 sockets. The XC9 water block is the same, but that only works with the 2066 and TR4 sockets.

RGB isn’t much of a surprise in a Corsair product, but it’s always nice to see. Many people build custom loops just for aesthetics, so having RGB as an option is helpful. It uses 16 individually addressable LEDs that deliver a 360-degree effect. You’ll have to connect with Corsair’s Lighting Node or Commander Pro RGB controller interface.

Visually speaking, this water block is one of the most impressive ones out there. It has a transparent flow chamber that shows off the coolant. Combine that with some great lighting and your system will look incredible. If you are already in the Corsair ecosystem, you can even use the iCUE software to control it.

Installation is easy, which is always a good thing. They include mounting screws and pre-applied thermal paste. Performance is also excellent, and on-par with the bigger water block makers out there. The only downside is the fact that you might need a Corsair lighting controller to fully take advantage of the RGB.

2. Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora Digital RGB Water Block

Best Looking CPU Water Block

Pros

• Unique And Appealing Design
• Great Performance
• Smooth Clear Finish
• All Accessories Included
• Addressable RGB

Cons

• Slightly Restrictive Flow
• Relatively Expensive

Base Material: Mirror Finish Copper | Compatibility: LGA 115X, AMD AM4 | RGB: Yes

Check Price

AlphaCool has been making products specifically for custom loops for some time now. The Eisblock XPX Aurora Plexi Digital is one of their most successful CPU blocks to date. They recently updated with an RGB version. The result is one of the most aesthetically pleasing CPU water blocks to ever exist and the best looking CPU water block on our list. It also performs like a champ.

More Water Cooling Gear: Best CPU Reservoirs

The updated version of the Eisblock looks much better than the original. The transparent chamber shows off the internals beautifully. It has a smooth clear finish all around, with black accents for some extra flavor. It offers efficient performance thanks to the ramp system design. Quality is also solid all around.

The water presses evenly through the diffuser plate and covers the cooling base evenly. Furthermore, the channels are larger to accommodate the larger CPU Dies. If you have a multi-core processor, this is going to be quite efficient. The cooling plate also has 81 cooling fins which promise maximum heat diffusion. It creates a large surface area, so dissipation works well.

It includes all of the mounting accessories for AMD and Intel sockets. To control the RGB, you’ll need to connect the 5V Digital RGB adapter to the unit. The other end of this cable needs to plug into the 5V 3pin addressable RGB header on your motherboard. If you don’t have space on your motherboard, you can buy an Alphacool Digital RGB controller that is sold separately.

Overall, this is a solid CPU water block that comes from a very respectable brand. The value proposition is not that bad either. The only problem is that liquid flow is a bit restricted. This doesn’t hinder performance, but some people may be bothered by this in the long run. Thermal performance is still excellent.

3. EKWB EK-Velocity CPU Waterblock

Best AMD CPU Water Block

Pros

• Best-In-Class Performance
• Minimal And Sleek Design
• 100% Pure Copper
• Thermal Paste Included

Cons

• Pricy
• No RGB Lighting
• Only AMD Exclusive

Base Material: Copper | Compatibility: AMD AM4 | RGB: No

Check Price

EKWB is considered to be the top enthusiast brand when it comes to water cooling components. They are specifically popular for their CPU and GPU blocks. Their Velocity series has been quite successful for the most part. So, it’s only natural that they start focusing on high-quality CPU blocks for AMD processors.

Related Read: Best RTX 3080 Waterblocks

There are a lot of CPU blocks out there that work with both Intel and AMD. However, there aren’t a whole lot of companies that focus completely on the AMD side. EKWB acknowledges this and addresses it with its EK-Velocity Water Block. It’s a Copper/Plexi block, which is made of high-quality materials. It’s their high-performance flagship product for modern processors.

It still uses the same award-winning water block cooling engine. This has been tweaked for better performance and optimal flow. It doesn’t matter if you have an expensive or cheap pump, this block does a good job of letting the coolant flow easily.  The operation is almost dead silent, yet performance doesn’t take a hit in any way. Pure copper material plays a big role in this.

The polished contact surface makes better contact with the CPU. As for the top surface, it is constructed out of Plexi glass-like material. Installation is easy, and everything necessary is included in the accessories. This includes mounting screws, mounting springs, an AM4 bracket, a rubber backplate gasket, and even a small tube of Hydronaut thermal paste.

Apart from that, this CPU block is quite pleasing to the eye. It doesn’t have any RGB, but the combination of copper and plexiglass looks incredible. Mix that with some white or light-colored coolant, and it’ll look very unique.  It earns a lot of points for that alone. However, since this is a premium EWKB water block, it does cost a pretty penny. It might just be the best AMD CPU water block out there, however.

4. Thermaltake Pacific DIY RGB CPU Block

Best RGB CPU Water Block

Pros

• Attractive Design
• Sturdy Construction
• Water Flows Fluidly
• Wide Compatibility
• Attractive RGB

Cons

• Weak RGB Cables
• Disappointing Software
• Can see LED Hotspots occasionally

Base Material: Nickel-plated copper | Compatibility: AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/A3+, Intel LGA 2011, 115x, 1366 | RGB: Yes

Check Price

You can’t talk about water cooling components without at least mentioning Thermaltake. Since they also make cases, fans, and other components, they are a recognizable brand for the average Joe. However, the Thermaltake Pacific RGB Water Block is anything but average, far from it. It also happens to have great value for money.

Helpful Guide: AiO vs. Custom Loop Water Cooling

Thermaltake could have slapped on their “Ring RGB” moniker on here like they do with several of their RGB products. They clearly have a design theme running through all of their modern products. This water block has a black top plate surrounded by RGB all around. A quick glance and you’ll know what we mean by the Ring RGB effect. It does make this block the best RGB CPU water block on our list.

Of course, the RGB is addressable if you connect it to a header on your motherboard. You could also plug it into an RGB controller, which most people will do. It supports all the modern Intel and AMD sockets, and even some of the older ones. It uses a copper base with a 0.15mm internal fin construction. On top of that, it has anti-corrosive nickel plating and an easy mounting mechanism.

Related Guide: Custom Water Cooling: Soft tubing vs Hard tubing

Thermal performance is great. You could easily overclock even a 3950X with this water block. It is also relatively quiet, which is great if you want to make a silent build. Considering the aesthetics and performance it offers, it’s a great value overall.

Unfortunately, the RGB wires are cheaply made and some people have reported that the LEDs have quality issues. Apart from that, Thermaltake’s software needs a lot of work. This is a bit disappointing if you want to control the RGB.

5. BQINLENX Professional Water Cooling Block

Best Budget CPU Water Block

Pros

• Extremely Affordable
• Decent Performance
• Discrete And Minimal Design

Cons

• Not Recommended For Overclocking
• Unclear Inlet/Outlet Indicators
• No AMD Support
• No RGB Lighting

Base Material: Copper | Compatibility: Intel LGA 115x, LGA 1200 | RGB: None

Check Price

BXQINLENX is a brand must newcomers are usually not familiar with. This is because they are not widely promoted like the other higher-end brands out there. However, don’t let this fool you. This CPU Water Block is an incredible deal. If you are looking to get your foot in the door when it comes to water cooling, this is a great entry-level block.

Helpful Roundup: Best GPU Coolers

This CPU block is designed for Intel CPUs only. It has a high-performance copper base which does a good job of dissipating heat away from the processor. It uses standard G 1/4″ threads, but the fittings are not included. Honestly, that’s acceptable for the low price.

It works easily with most compression fittings, which is great if you want to use it with hard tubing. The best part about this block is how small and discreet it is. It has a matte black design all around, which we are big fans of. Build quality is decent enough, but just remember that it isn’t built like a tank. Still, we’re not worried about it leaking.

Performance is quite decent for such a cheap block. We don’t recommend heavy overclocking with this, especially if you’re thinking of bumping up the voltage. Slight overclocking on low to midrange processors should be fine. It works surprisingly well, especially for the price. Another slight downside is the fact that they are no clear inlet/outlet indicators. Apart from that, this is an excellent block for the money, and it might just be the best budget CPU water block out there.

Custom Water Cooling vs AiO Coolers

Custom water cooling is a bit of a complicated process but it takes the concept of water cooling to the next level. While yes, you can technically be water cooling your CPU if you use an AiO (All-in-one) liquid cooler, the real water cooling experience is somewhat lost with them. It is only when you break your bank for a custom water cooling loop that you achieve the ultimate liquid cooling experience. The biggest plus point of custom liquid cooling is that even the best AiO water coolers can’t reach the performance of the custom loops.

Combined with some good-quality radiators, and some of the best coolants for water cooling, your loop can leave any AiO cooler in the dust in terms of numbers. Custom water cooling does have its caveats though. For one, it is incredibly expensive and can differ wildly in terms of expense depending on the components you use in your loop. Secondly, the custom liquid cooling loops have to be regularly maintained in order to achieve peak performance.

Therefore, it is common for gamers and regular consumers to just get a pre-filled AiO liquid cooler and call it a day. It gets you most of the performance and a lot less hassle, which is the ideal balance for most people. However, for the true enthusiasts out there, custom liquid cooling is still the ultimate cooling experience that you can achieve in PC hardware.

The post Best CPU Waterblocks For PC Water Cooling appeared first on Appuals.

There is a product in this world known as a GPU cooler. These essentially work like CPU coolers in how they cool down hardware to a workable temperature. GPU coolers come in various forms like Air Coolers, All in one (AIO) coolers, or blowers. Air coolers are similar to CPU air coolers in that they have their own heatsinks, pipes, and fans. Blowers act in a way to suck out the hot air and push it out; they are used in very basic situations and will work like the fans already on a GPU. AIO coolers are those which have liquid cooling and a radiator, these are top-of-the-line products to be used carefully and in more extreme cases. 

This is a surprising topic and many of us won’t even need aftermarket GPU coolers. But if your GPU is overheating and you don’t want to spend too much on upgrading to a new GPU. You’re in luck because today we’ll be reviewing some of the best GPU cooler options you can buy right now. 

Best GPU Cooler: Our Recommendations

#	Preview	Product Name	Award	Details
1		ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler	Best Overall GPU Coole	Check Price
2		NZXT Kraken G12	Best AIO Mount for GPU Cooler	Check Price
3		ID-Cooling Frostflow 120 VGA	Best Compact GPU Cooler	Check Price
4		Raijintek Morpheus II VGA Cooler	Best Heavy GPU Cooler	Check Price
5		ARCTIC Accelero Twin Turbo III	Best Budget GPU Cooler	Check Price

#	1
Preview
Product Name	ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler
Award	Best Overall GPU Coole
Details	Check Price

#	2
Preview
Product Name	NZXT Kraken G12
Award	Best AIO Mount for GPU Cooler
Details	Check Price

#	3
Preview
Product Name	ID-Cooling Frostflow 120 VGA
Award	Best Compact GPU Cooler
Details	Check Price

#	4
Preview
Product Name	Raijintek Morpheus II VGA Cooler
Award	Best Heavy GPU Cooler
Details	Check Price

#	5
Preview
Product Name	ARCTIC Accelero Twin Turbo III
Award	Best Budget GPU Cooler
Details	Check Price

Last Update on 2024-03-05 at 11:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Before we being, we’ll like to offer suitable alternatives to replacing your OEM GPU cooler with an aftermarket solution. try changing your thermal paste and see if that helps. Maybe try setting custom fan profiles. If you’re still dissatisfied, you may also want to try water cooling your GPU as some GPUs such as the RTX 3080 are compatible with custom water blocks should you believe it’s insufficient. Even if that’s not enough, then I don’t know what is. Liquid nitrogen? Today, we will make sure to help you get the Graphics Card overheating solution, aka GPU Cooler for you. Let’s begin our roundups, shall we?

1. ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme IV Graphics Card Cooler

Best Overall GPU Cooler

Pros

• Long warranty
• Silent operation
• Affordable price
• Great cooling

Cons

• Substantial size

Dimensions: 288 x 104 x 54 mm | Compatibility: Nvidia GeForce, AMD Radeon | Noise Level: 23.5 – 25 dBA | Fan Size: 3 x 92 mm | Fan Speed: Up to 2000 rpm

Check Price

The first product on our list is another cooling-related product from the Arctic. The company has made some of the most iconic cooling solutions in the PC industry over the past few years. Arctic’s thermal pastes are legendary. Rest is assured there are valid reasons for the Arctic Accelero Xtreme 4 to be on top of the pile of our best GPU Coolers. This is essentially an Air cooler which does wonder and comes in at an affordable price as well.

Helpful Roundup: Best Waterblocks for RTX 3080

The Arctic Accelero IV is one of the highest thermal performing GPU coolers in the marker. With the triple-fan cooling system, the Arctic Accelero IV makes sure your GPU is not over-heating. It keeps the heat level of the GPU in check irrespective of the stress you are putting on it. One of the key features that make this a truly groundbreaking product is its near-silent performance. With tri fan cooling one would think this would be rather noisy with the level of cooling it gives. However, this is one of the most silent coolers of this time.

The six-year warranty is a testament to the sturdiness and long life of the Accelero IV. For a product that is as modestly priced as it is the six-year warranty is also a massive plus. Many low-priced products tend to sacrifice on quality to keep the price low, that is not the case with the Arctic, as the six-year warranty shows.

The Arctic is a very trustworthy name in the cooler market. Their products have always been of the highest order and the Accelero IV is no exception to this. This is a high-performance air cooler that is recognized as one of the best overall GPU cooler options for GPUs of this time with its affordable price giving it the edge over other coolers that can match it in performance.

2. NZXT Kraken G12

Best AIO Mount for GPU Cooler

Pros

• Quite compatible
• High-end cooler when completed
• Mounting kit itself is cheap

Cons

• Requires Kraken X-Series AIO
• Expensive to complete

Dimensions: 201 x 113 x 32 mm | Compatibility: Nvidia GeForce, AMD Radeon | Noise Level: 23.5 – 25 dBA | Fan Size: 1x 92 mm | Fan Speed: Up to 1500 rpm

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NZXT is one of the world’s most renowned PC part makers right now. They make some of the best and most high-end products out there. The PC casings of NZXT are some of the world’s finest and sought-after ones. NZXT has invested its powers towards the issues of cooling as well and they have some great products out there. Their RGB fans are some of the best and now we get their very popular NZXT Kraken G12, this is a liquid cooler with great aesthetics (which is to be expected).

The NZXT Kraken G12 is a mounting kit with a very low price tag. Turning it into an AIO liquid cooler is however expensive. You need to buy a separate AIO cooler from one of the many Kraken X series coolers. About 30 different coolers can be attached with the G12. This gives customers a wide array of options when choosing the AIO cooler you want to attach to your GPU.

NZXT Cases: Best Budget Cases Under $70

The biggest con by far is the high price that you need to complete your AIO GPU cooler when you buy the Kraken G12 mounting kit. As far as performance goes it will not be wrong to say that this is the best thermally performing GPU cooler out there. NZXT has lived up to its reputation and produced another high-level cooler though the premium price may make people hesitant about the product. For the NZXT loyalist, this is the best AIO Mount for GPU Cooler. 

3. ID-Cooling Frostflow 120 VGA

Best Compact GPU Cooler

Pros

• Sleek and simple looking design
• Wide support for CPUs and GPUs
• Reasonable cooling performance

Cons

• Not ideal for overclocking
• Availibility issues

Dimensions: 154×120×27mm | Compatibility: RTX 20 Series, 10 series, AMD 5000 series | Noise Level: 25 dBA | Fan Size: 120mm | Fan Speed: 800-2000RPM

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In the list where big names like NZXT and Arctic are mentioned, ID-Cooling’s name may not hold that much weight. You’re not alone if you think that you haven’t heard their name before. But you surely will remember their name after looking into the ID-Cooling Frostflow 120 VGA cooler for your GPU.

The ID-Cooling Frostflow 120 GPU coolers sport a rather minimalist and conventional look compared to some coolers. You’ll find no RGB flairs and effects here and these coolers come in an all-black color which gives it a very sleek look. Apart from the logo lighting up and red LED fan, there aren’t any other color effects on this cooler. We’ve come to appreciate RGB fans where they get them right but non-RGB have a special place in many people’s hearts. It also has support for just about all the major Intel and AMD chipsets so you’re well secured on that front as well. 

Related Read: Air cooler vs Water Cooler Comparison

The fan is a 120mm one with varying speeds of 800 RPM to 2000 RPM. As for the performance, the ID-Cooling Frostflow 120 managed to perform relatively well and hold its ground. In normal modes of operation, the GPU and CPU temperatures remained at acceptable levels but they did get higher than they should have when overclocked. Increasing the speed of the fans didn’t do much to aid in that department either.

The ID-Cooling Frostflow 120 is the best compact GPU cooler that gives off a refreshing new taste. Even without the RGB, the design does not feel disappointing. It comes with a rather reasonable price so it is affordable as well. The performance and cooling capabilities could have been better but if you’re into overclocking, you shouldn’t be looking at budget GPU coolers anyway. A disadvantage of looking into a cooler by a rather unknown brand is that they tend to have availability issues at times, such is the case for the ID-Cooling Frostflow 120.

4. Raijintek Morpheus II VGA Cooler

Best Heavy GPU Cooler

Pros

• Extremely effective
• Inexpensive price
• Some area for customization

Cons

• Requires pro level understanding
• Very complicated installation

Dimensions: 254 × 98 × 44 mm | Compatibility: Any GPU | Noise Level: None, but needs fans | Fan Size: 2x 120mm | Fan Speed: Dependent on the installed fans

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We never really thought that we would ever see a product like this one or include this on a list. The RaijintekMorpheous II VGA Cooler is one of the weirdest and unique products that we have ever seen for any category of hardware for pc gaming. This is a product that will require comprehensive tampering of your GPU, will probably run into some sort of warranty issues as well. We normally don’t recommend such products but the efficiency and success the product has seen are impressive.

So basically the RaijintekMorpheous II VGA Cooler is not a cooler as per se, this is a heatsink only. This product aims to be added to your GPU manually by altering it. Think of it as your new heatsink to replace the old one of your GPU. The heatsink is incredibly heavy, takes up quite a bit of space; this makes it extremely effective in its cooling. The heatsink is almost soundless as well. One issue that you will run into with this product is its difficulty to set it up. There is some uncertainty about what GPUs this card officially supports but from what we gather, most GPUs can use it.

Related Read: Best Airflow cases for your gaming PC

The RaijintekMorpheous II VGA Cooler is a product that will probably require you to hire outside help from a professional. You should not install this product on your own, even if you have decent knowledge about the workings of your GPU. The process itself is extremely hard to do, installation is quite complicated. The choice of fans to add to the heatsink rests completely with you though, this can be a huge bonus as now you can invest in the top-of-the-line Noctua NF-F12 fans to add. These are probably the best fans for PCs in the world right now. Add 2 of these fans on top of the heatsink to forge the perfect, most incredible GPU air cooler in the world. So, the choice of fans leaves an area for customization, as long as they are 120mm.

Overall, this would be the perfect product for those who like to be in charge of their GPU. People with good knowledge and access to professionals can go for this product. The overall costs won’t be as high and will leave some areas for choice. Therefore, we conclude the RaijintekMorpheous II VGA Cooler as the best heavy GPU cooler for PC gamers.

5. ARCTIC Accelero Twin Turbo III

Best Budget GPU Cooler

Pros

• Great price
• Effective and good cooling
• Relatively quiet

Cons

• Takes up quite a lot of space
• Vague installation instructions

Dimensions: 122 x 218 x 53 mm | Compatibility: Nvidia GeForce, AMD Radeon | Noise Level: 22.5-24.5 max | Fan Size: 2x 92mm | Fan Speed: 900-2000 RPM

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We conclude the list with another product from the vastly accepted Arctic. The company continues to make top standard cooling solutions and at this point, it might even be surprising not seeing a list with more than 1 of their products. This is the perfect budget option; it is more than fairly priced for an Air cooler for GPUs.

Arctic Accelero Twin Turbo III is an air cooling solution for budget-oriented people. The product has its own heatsink, pipes, and fans, so basically has its own setup to work with. There were two fans on this one as compared to the three on the other product. Both the fans are 92 mm and can achieve a max speed of 2000 RPM each. The Twin Turbo III works relatively quietly at only 0.3 stone or a maximum of 24.5 dBA. You can achieve a maximum of 250 watts TDP cooling capacity which is very good considering the price of the product. The installation process is sort of tricky as not enough instructions were given, even on the product’s website, the process has been described very vaguely.

Related Read: Benefits of Underclocking your GPU

The Arctic Accelero Twin Turbo III has proven to be a very useful product and will do you just fine for most GPUs and their heating issues. The effectiveness of the product has taken not just us, but many other users by great surprise. The only real issue with the product is that this is one that takes up a lot of space and weighs a bit on the heavy side. The issues are similar to the ones found in the Accelero Xtreme IV. Since air coolers being bulky cannot be avoided, perhaps you were not looking for additional GPUs as with this the space on your motherboard is going to run out.

All in all, this is the perfect product to end the list with. This is a product for those who need cooling solutions but cannot afford some of the more top-end products. The Arctic Accelero Twin Turbo III is a great product, but for those who will not need the space it takes up. Hence we declare this cooler as the best budget GPU cooler on our roundup.

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