10 best CPU coolers you can buy to avoid thermal problems

10 best CPU coolers you can buy to avoid thermal problems

Desktop computers today generally have powerful multi-core CPUs, and the standard cooler that Intel and AMD provide along with these processors are quite disappointing to say the least. If you are using a high-end Intel Core i5, i7 or AMD Ryzen processor with a stock cooler, you probably would have realized that it is not the only one when it comes to cooling performance. That’s exactly why you need to invest in a good third-party cooler capable of keeping temperatures low and avoiding thermal drowning problems, which arise due to overheating. In addition, users who are eager to overclock their processors can make the most of these coolers to maintain thermals. Well, if you’re already interested in buying a cooler for better thermal performance, here are the 10 best coolers (and air coolers) you can buy:

1. NZXT Kraken X62 All-in-One CPU Cooling System

The Kraken X62 is the new cooler from NZXT and is nothing short of stellar, to say the least. If you want the better cooling performance and space for overclockingin order to emphasize the CPU to the limits, it is certainly worth investing. The Kraken X62 is also one of the most interesting AIO coolers, with a RGB lighting incredible at the bomb. The cooler has a 280 mm radiator which accommodates two 140 mm fans for extreme thermal performance. That said, noise levels are significantly lower when compared to other AIOs, and if you want quieter performance, you can adjust the fans and pump individually, using NZXT CAM software. Finally, the rubber tubing that connects the pump and the radiator was reinforced with nylon sleeves, in a movement to prevent leaks.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 159.99)

2. Noctua NH-D15 high performance air cooler

Not everyone loves complete liquid coolers. If you are one of them, then the Noctua NH-D15 is simply the best air cooler you can buy for your processor. This dual tower cooler is very large, so make sure you have enough space and free space for RAM before you decide to buy one. The Noctua NH-D15 has a 6 heatsink design with two heatpipes with two 140mm NF-A15 PWM for maximum cooling performance during overclocking without making too much noise like an all-in-one liquid cooler.

The cooler takes on an asymmetrical shape, in a movement to provide better compatibility. Finally, the cooler comes with thermal compound high-quality NT-H1 company, so you don’t have to buy an additional one for installation.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 89, 95)

3. Corsair Hydro Series H115i liquid CPU cooler

This is Corsair’s top of the line cooling solution, which hits mainly all overclockers out there . Well, this liquid processor cooler can handle almost anything, even when you try to push the processor to the limits as it is able to keep temperatures under control. The Corsair H115i has a large 280 mm radiator that houses two 140 mm PWM fans, capable of providing high static pressure and customizable speed.

In addition, users will be able to use the Corsair Link software to monitor processor and coolant temperature, adjust fan speed and customize fan speed directly from the desktop. The H115i is considered the main rival of the Kraken X62. Although both offer similar performance levels, noise levels are noticeably lower at the NZXT counterpart.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 139.99)

4. Cryorig R1 Ultimate Dual Tower Air Cooler

Consider this as a rival to the extremely popular Noctua NH-D15. Although the Noctua cooler offers extreme cooling performance, most of us don’t like the color chosen by Noctua for its fans, as they look quite mediocre for any modern PC. Well, if you are one of them, the Cryorig R1 Ultimate is what you should be looking for, as it offers performance similar to air cooler of Noctua . The R1 Ultimate has a heatsink heat of Dual tower CPU with a convex heat pipe alignment system that allows the use of more heatpipes in a given area. It has two PWM fans from high precision and 140mm low noise for maximum airflow, which is suitable for overclocking. Finally, the jet fin acceleration system, tightens the air flow and increases the speed of the exhaust air for extreme thermal performance.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 89)

5. CPU Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo Budget

The Master Hyper cooler is one of the coolers best-selling and economical around, especially because of the kind of performance you can bring to the table. Hyper 212 EVO has been around for many years and has a single heat sink with unique fan design, suitable for mid-tower PCs. This unit’s fan can spin at a maximum speed of 2000 RPM and has a life expectancy of approximately 40,000 hours. The Hyper 212 EVO has 4 direct contact heat tubes for better thermal dissipation compared to the competition.

The PWM fan has a unique waveform design that ensures maximum airflow. That said, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the best processor cooler you can buy, as it offers a mild advantage of overclocking, in case you decide to push your processor.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 29.99)

6. Corsair Hydro Series H80i V2 Performance Liquid Cooler

If your case does not have the space needed to accommodate a large 240 mm radiator or a heat sink with two heat sinks, the Corsair H80i V2 can do the job for you. Although compact in size, this high-end liquid cooler performance provides excellent overclocking performance and keeps temperatures under control, even when you’re overloading your CPU. The H80i V2 has a thick 120mm radiator with a depth of 49mm which provides more surface area for quick cooling. They are provided two 120 mm PWM fans that can be installed in a push-pull configuration, which guarantees high static air pressure.

Using the Corsair Link software, users can monitor the CPU and coolant temperature, adjust the fan speed and even customize the logo lighting without any hassle. For a price of just over $ 90, you just can’t go wrong with this one.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 91.99)

7. arctic liquid freezer 240 cpu extreme cooler

Unlike the other liquid cooling solutions we’ve seen so far, this one comes with four F12 PWM PST fans, which can be organized in a push-pull configuration to maximize air flow and keep temperatures low for extreme overclocking performance . Has a 240mm radiator slightly smaller compared to the Kraken X62 and Corsair H115i, but there is almost no difference in terms of performance that it offers.

A concentric CNC surface treatment ensures a smooth and uniform surface, and the dynamic fluid bearing on the processor cooler comes with an oil cap that prevents lubricant leakage. The noise levels of this cooler are very low, even when the processor is under full load, and for a starting price of less than $ 90, it is significantly cheaper than most competitors and is worth every penny you are paying.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 89.99)

8. Thermaltake WATER 3.0 360 AIO Liquid Cooler

This is the biggest and most expensive processor cooler on this list, and coming from a renowned brand like Thermaltake, you won’t be disappointed. The company’s WATER 3.0 liquid cooler has a huge high efficiency 360mm radiator with three 120mm PWM fans that have RGB lighting for all the eyes you will need for your new PC. Thermaltake provides a smart fan controller along with the cooler for faster access to all controls.

This is suitable for people who have huge PC cases, due to its size. In short, the Thermaltake Water 3.0 cooler can be considered an overclocker’s dream, since extreme thermal performance is guaranteed. If the performance does not meet your expectations, you can install three more fans in a push-pull configuration for better airflow.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 168.99)

9. Noctua NH-U14S Single Tower Air Cooler

Well, we have one more air cooler on the list, and this one is more suitable for medium-sized PCs, where space is limited. Now, this does not mean that the Noctua NH-U14 is losing a good performance. He has a unique heatsink design with one fan 140 mm NF-A15 PWM high quality, with a round structure that conforms to Noctua’s AAO standard. If the single fan does not cut for you in terms of performance, you can purchase an additional fan and install it in the push-pull configuration for much better airflow.

With this cooler, you will have a decent amount of space for overclocking to push your processor, but if you want a cooler with extreme overclocking potential, the larger NH-D15 should be right for you. That said, the NH-U14S is certainly one of the best single tower air coolers on the market in terms of thermal performance and noise levels.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 64.99)

10. CPU cooler for Deepcool Captain 240 AIO coolant

There are no liquid cooling solutions available on the market, but the Deepcool Captain 240 is one of them, it is worth spending your money on, especially because of what it brings to the table. The Captain 240 has a 240 mm radiator that houses two 120 mm PWM fans that guarantee a high volume air flow to the radiator, in order to keep the thermals under control. The company’s patented pump provides respiratory LED light and visual glass tube showing the circulation of the liquid. Durability is also guaranteed, thanks to the use of flexible anti-explosive rubber tubes.

While not as exceptional as many other high-quality liquid coolers on the market in terms of overclocking performance, the price is what makes the Deepcool Captain 240 an obvious choice, if your budget is limited.

Buy from Amazon: ($ 87, 45)

The best CPU coolers you can buy

We are glad that we could list some of the best CPU coolers that are available on the market for each unique price. From cheap air coolers, like the Hyper 212 Evo, to the high-end Kraken X62 cooler, we’ve covered a lot. Now, before going ahead and ordering a processor cooler, it is worth noting that high quality liquid coolers with huge radiators will offer better thermal performance than almost all air coolers out there. However, if the noise level is a major concern for you, the air cooler may be the best option, as it does not have the pump, which is the main component that makes all the noise in an AIO liquid cooler.

Well, now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of both types of coolers for processors, which of these great coolers do you plan to buy and why? Be sure to let us know by taking your valuable opinions in the comments section below.