There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a CPU cooler. How big is it? What kind of fan does it have? How easy is it to install? In this blog post, we’ll help you figure out which CPU cooler is right for you.
We’ll talk about the different types of coolers, and we’ll recommend some of our favorites. So, whether you’re looking for a high-end cooler or a budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered!
How to Choose a CPU Cooler – 10 Factors to Consider
Size and Weight: The size and weight of your CPU cooler will be determined by the size of your case and the amount of space you have inside of it. If you have a smaller case, you’ll want to choose a smaller cooler. on the other side, if you have a larger case, you can choose a bigger cooler. The weight of the cooler is also important to consider. Heavier coolers tend to be more stable and less likely to fall over.
Fan Type: The type of fan you choose will be determined by your personal preference. There are three main types of fans: air, water, and liquid. Air coolers are the most common type of cooler. They use a fan to blow air over the heat sink, which helps to dissipate heat. Water coolers use a water-cooled radiator to keep your CPU cool. Liquid coolers use a combination of water and liquid cooling to keep your CPU cool.
Radiator Material: The material of the radiator is important to consider because it will determine how well the cooler can dissipate heat. The most common materials used for radiators are aluminum and copper. Aluminum is lightweight and has good thermal conductivity. Copper is heavier than aluminum, but it has better heat dissipation properties.
Pump Type: The type of pump you choose will be determined by your personal preference and the type of cooling you’re using. There are three main types of pumps: air, water, and liquid. Air pumps are the most common type of pump. They use a fan to blow air over the heat sink, which helps to dissipate heat. Water pumps use a water-cooled radiator to keep your CPU cool. Liquid pumps use a combination of water and liquid cooling to keep your CPU cool.
Cooling Capacity / TDP (Thermal Design Power): The cooling capacity of your CPU cooler is important to consider because it will determine how well the cooler can dissipate heat. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) is a measure of the maximum amount of heat that a cooler can dissipate. If you have a high TDP CPU, you’ll want to choose a cooler with a high cooling capacity.
Socket Support: The socket support of your CPU cooler is important to consider because it will determine which CPUs are compatible with the cooler. Make sure to check the compatibility list before purchasing a cooler.
RGB Lighting: Some CPU coolers come with RGB lighting, which can add some extra style to your build. If you’re not interested in RGB lighting, you can save some money by choosing a cooler without it.
Price: The price of your CPU cooler will be determined by the features and quality you’re looking for. If you need a high-end cooler with all the bells and whistles, you’ll have to pay more. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, there are plenty of good coolers available for less than $100.
Installation: The installation process of your CPU cooler will be determined by the type of cooler you choose. Air coolers are typically the easiest to install, while water and liquid coolers can be more difficult. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully when installing your cooler to avoid any damage to your components.
Warranty: The warranty of your CPU cooler is important to consider because it will protect you in case of any defects or problems with the cooler. Most high-end coolers come with a 3-year or 5-year warranty. Make sure to check the warranty before purchasing a cooler.
Our Recommendations
Now that you know what to look for in a CPU cooler, it’s time to choose the best one for your needs. In this section, we’ll recommend some of the best CPU coolers on the market.
Best Overall CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H100i PRO
The Corsair Hydro Series H100i PRO is our top pick for the best overall CPU cooler. It features a 240mm radiator, two 120mm fans, and a pump speed of 2,400 RPM. The H100i PRO is compatible with Intel LGA 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, and 2066 sockets. It also supports AMD AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, and AM2 sockets. The H100i PRO comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- 240mm radiator for great cooling performance
- Two 120mm fans for good airflow
- Pump speed of 2,400 RPM for quick heat dissipation
- Compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets
- 5-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Pricey
Best RGB CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H115i PRO RGB
The Corsair Hydro Series H115i PRO RGB is our top pick for the best RGB CPU cooler. It features a 280mm radiator, two 140mm fans, and a pump speed of 2,000 RPM. The H115i PRO RGB is compatible with Intel LGA 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, and 2066 sockets. It also supports AMD AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, and AM2 sockets. The H115i PRO RGB comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable
- 280mm radiator for great cooling performance
- Two 140mm fans for good airflow
- Pump speed of 2,000 RPM for quick heat dissipation
Cons
- Tricky installation
- Best Air CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15
Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler
The Noctua NH-D15 is our top pick for the best air CPU cooler. It features a dual-tower heatsink design with two 140mm fans. The NH-D15 is compatible with Intel LGA 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, and 2066 sockets. It also supports AMD AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, and AM2 sockets. The NH-D15 comes with a 6-year warranty.
Pros
- Dual-tower heatsink design for excellent cooling performance
- Two 140mm fans for good airflow
- 6-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Doesn’t include required mounting hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my CPU cooler will fit?
The best way to know if a CPU cooler will fit is to check the compatibility list. Most manufacturers will have a list of compatible CPU sockets. Make sure to check this list before purchasing a cooler.
Can any cooler go with any CPU?
No, coolers are not universal. You will need to make sure that the cooler you choose is compatible with your CPU socket.
Do I need a CPU cooler?
That depends on how you plan to use your computer. If you’re just using it for basic tasks, then a stock cooler should be fine. However, if you’re planning on doing some serious gaming or other resource-intensive tasks, then a CPU cooler can help keep your components cool and prevent any damage.
Do you need a specific CPU cooler?
No, you don’t need a specific CPU cooler. However, it’s important to choose a cooler that’s compatible with your CPU socket.
Is water cooling better than air cooling?
That depends on your needs. Water coolers tend to be more effective at keeping components cool, but they’re also more expensive and require more maintenance. Air coolers are more affordable and easier to maintain, but they’re not as effective at cooling.
Final words
If you are looking for a cpu cooler, hopefully this guide has helped you narrow down your search. We have provided some of the best-selling and most highly rated coolers on the market to help make your decision easier.
Take into account what type of cooler you need and how much money you want to spend, and be sure to check out our reviews of each product before making your purchase. Happy cooling!
