When the processor of your desktop PC just can’t take it anymore and causes the lovely “Blue Screen of Death” of Windows while you’re playing or working, then maybe it’s time to change the fan.
Like any hardware component, CPU fans are produced by many companies, so it is rather challenging to find your way on the market. But don’t worry! Here we are who come to help your weak CPU with the guide and the ranking of the best-selling and most appreciated products.
By consulting it, you can compare prices and choose the right model for your PC, saving and making a good investment. Later you will find the review of the CPU fans most appreciated by users. Here we will be listing the top 14 best cpu coolers.
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE ARGB; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger
- 【2 PWM Fans】Model:TL-C12C-S; Colorful and gorgeous ARGB light effects; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); Product weight:0.97kg(2.1lb); fan speed (RPM):1500rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), leave room for memory-chip(RAM), so that installation of ice cooler cpu is unrestricted
- Modular, tool-free mounting bracket for quick and simple installation on the latest Intel and AMD motherboard sockets including LGA 1700, 1200, 115X, 2066, 2011-3 and 2011 plus AMD Socket AM5, AM4.
- Easy operation thanks to 5V ARGB motherboard lighting control, or connect to an RGB lighting controller for lighting compatibility with nearly any build configuration.
- Enable advanced control with CORSAIR iCUE software for system monitoring and synchronized lighting with your iCUE ecosystem (requires a CORSAIR iCUE lighting controller, sold separately).
- PERSONALIZATION THAT POPS: Display a favorite animated GIF or static image, monitor real-time PC performance metrics, see music that's currently playing, integrate web content and more with NZXT CAM software.
- LCD DISPLAY: 1.54"" square LCD display with 240x240 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate, and bright 300 cd/m² backlight brings on-screen content to life.
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE PUMP: The powerful Asetek pump operates at up to 2,800 RPM to ensure efficient and quiet coolant circulation.
- POWERFUL COOLING: Offers a robust 150W TDP cooling efficiency facilitated by 4 high-performance 6mm heat pipes with HDT technology.
- SILENT OPERATION: Equipped with a Pure Wings 2 120mm PWM fan, ensuring a quiet performance with a maximum noise level of just 26.8 dB(A).
- EASY INSTALLATION: Comes with a user-friendly installation kit that allows mounting directly from the top of the mainboard.
- Proven premium heatsink (more than 300 awards and recommendations from international hardware websites), now available in an all-black design that goes great with many colour schemes and RGB LEDs
- Extra-wide 140mm dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes and dual fans provides maximum quiet cooling efficiency on a par with many all-in-one watercoolers, ideal for overclockers and silent-enthusiasts!
- Dual-fan design with renowned, award-winning NF-A15 140mm fans with Low-Noise Adaptors and PWM for automatic speed control: Full cooling performance under load, whisper quiet at idle!
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification]AX120R SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x71(W)x148(H)mm (4.92x2.8x 5.83 inch); Product weight:0.645kg(1.42lb); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation
- 【PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), the fan pairs efficient cool with low-noise-level, providing you an environment with both efficient cool and true quietness
- ARGB Auto Detection: Our intuitive LED detection automatically provides default ARGB spectrum lighting or full ARGB customization via a 3-pin header connection.
- Optimized Fan Blades: Our optimized PWM curve blade design improves airflow and air pressure, while the enhanced frame reduces turbulent flow for a quieter and more efficient cooling performance.
- Nickel Plated Heat Pipes: Enjoy exceptional cooling performance and aesthetics with our 4 heat pipes featuring a silver nickel-plated finish for a stylish look.
- Dark Rock Pro 5 features 7 high-performance copper heat pipes and a special black coating with ceramic particles. This high-end CPU cooler achieves low temperatures even during periods of peak CPU performance in heavily overclocked systems.
- The 2 Silent Wings PWM fans feature advanced fluid-dynamic bearings, smooth 6-pole motors and airflow-optimized fan blades. The front fan provides extremely high air pressure, thanks to a funnel-shaped air inlet in the frame. The decoupled fan mounting with vibration-isolating elements on the heat sink reduces noise-generating turbulence.
- A Speed Switch allows you to choose between Quiet and Performance Modes, which control the maximum fan speed. Quiet Mode provides a maximum fan speed of up to 1500r/min and is perfect for normal applications. Performance Mode allows the Silent Wings fans to spin at up to 2000r/min and lets Dark Rock Pro 5 unfold his full power potential.
- Industrial Grade Seal: Superior Industrial Grade EPDM material for improved seal strength, longevity, and anti-leaking prevention
- New Blade Design: New optimized PWM curve blade design for improve airflow and air pressure; Enhanced frame structure, reducing turbulent flow and noise
- Expanded surface area on radiator
- Dual-Fan edition of DeepCool AK400 ZERO DARK, advanced dual-fan “push pull combo” cooling solution with stronger airflow to achieve better heat dissipation performance than single-fan AK400 Series products.
- AK400 ZERO DARK PLUS features two 120mm PWM FK120 fans with 1650RPM offers 59.46CFM each to build an efficient airflow tunnel in gaming case, noise damping pads in fans corners avoid vibration and keep noise level under 28 dB(A) in full load
- Features four pieces 6mm nickel plated copper heat pipes and direct-contact copper bottom, DeepCool AK400 ZERO DARK PLUS CPU air cooler offer maximum 220w TDP cooling capacity
- 【Better Heat Dissipation】The AIO CPU water cooler equipped with a 240mm radiator and two 120mm PWM fans to make sure excellent heat transfer from CPU.
- 【White LED Lighting】Classic white LED lighting on the pump to match your PC build.
- 【PWM Fans】The 120mm PWM fan delivers improved airflow for extreme CPU cooling performance.
- Cool the latest CPUs from Intel or AMD, complete with a 360mm radiator, 3x 120mm fans, copper cold plate, and an efficient pump head lined with stunning CAPELLIX LEDs.
- CORSAIR AF120 RGB ELITE PWM fans deliver massive low-noise airflow with AirGuide technology for extreme CPU cooling performance.
- Dictate your exact fan speeds up to 2,100 RPM with PWM control as quietly as 34.1 dBa, plus support for 0 RPM PWM signals that allow fans to stop entirely at low temperatures, eliminating fan noise completely.
- 【Better Heat Dissipation】The CPU cooler comes with 4 heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan to make sure excellent heat transfer from the CPU.
- 【RGB Lighting】RGB lighting is adjustable to match your PC build.
- 【Sync with MB】The RGB lighting can sync with the motherboard via a 5V 3PIN connector.
- 【Better cooling】 With Full electroplating reflow welding process, the main body of the twin towers is sprayed with black paint at the nanoscale, the effective heat dissipation area is 9600cm. The offset asymmetric layout is allowed to installation on first graphics card slot, so that the cooler can achieve excellent heat dissipation performance during work.
- 【Product specification】Thermalright PA120 Black; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x157(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.18 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger.
- 【2 PWM Fans】Model:TL-C12B; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); Product weight: 1.02kg(2.25lb); fan speed (RPM): 1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), The combination of dual fans makes the CPU cool better.
Things to Consider Before Buying Best Cpu Coolers
1Read our guide in which we make a brief overview of these devices and take a look at the review of the models in the ranking below. These are the most popular CPU coolers this year: compare prices and discover the best offers on the market for everyone.
When to Really Buy a New Heatsink?
Become insufficient for the required performance and this is especially true for cheap PCs where the fans are not of very high quality.
There is no shortage of free downloadable programs from the network to monitor CPU temperature, which should never exceed 75 ° C.
Occasionally, this temperature can be surpassed. The PC can safely support it but not if it becomes the norm.
The excessive noise of the internal fan that runs continuously at maximum speed is the signal that there is something wrong.
But before buying a new CPU cooler, it is better to take a look inside taking the case apart. Often it is dust and dirt that prevent the fan from working correctly: a nice clean, perhaps with a jet of compressed air, can avoid the investment of a few dozen or even hundreds of euros.
It is also good to take a look at the software side to understand if there are applications that regularly weigh down the PC but are not necessary. In this case, its uninstallation can be evaluated.
Before and after this operation, it is advisable to use software that can measure the CPU temperature to check whether or not there have been any benefits. If this is not enough, then it is better to immediately run for cover with more drastic measures.
Type and Functioning
The purchase of a CPU cooler is essential because it can significantly prolong the life of the computer since it protects the very delicate internal parts such as the processor and cards that would risk burning.
The price to pay, which differs according to the models, therefore proves to be a wise long-term investment.
The first thing to do is to make sure that the heatsink is compatible with your CPU, Intel or AMD, but today most models are universal, and there should be no problems. Better still check.
How to Use CPU Cooler?
The most commonly used heatsinks are of two types: air and liquid. The former are the cheapest and consist of one or more fans – models with at least two fans are preferred for greater efficiency – which must be applied to the CPU socket. The fans, by turning, manage to direct fresh air on the processor.
The latter has a radiator that cools the internal liquid which, in contact with the CPU, cools it much more effectively than just the fan air.
How to Mount It?
Even the best brand heatsinks can present assembly problems, especially for those who are not experts. You need to open the case, glue the heatsink with the included thermal paste – sometimes already installed – and connect a few cables.
It is actually not a complex operation and should take around 15 minutes. On YouTube, there is no shortage of explanatory videos that give a big hand even to the less experienced. Among many, you can try viewing this.
What to Look Before Buying a Best Cpu Coolers?
Compatibility
The compatibility doubt is the most common one when buying hardware components for your PC, and the fans are not excluded. Before embarking on the purchase immediately, dazzled perhaps by the power of the model or by the affordable price, it is always good to see which processors are compatible.
Usually, almost all fans are excellent with both AMD and Intel. Still, there may be substantial differences concerning processor types, so watch out, or you’ll risk throwing money away.
The same thing applies to the motherboard, if you have a case a little tight it is better to opt for a small fan, or you will risk taking up all the space of the slot used for RAM or perhaps for the PCI that is used for mounting the card video and other peripherals.
Mounting
When you decide to assemble your PC, and you are a beginner, you cannot always be calm and do everything calmly. After all, the hardware is still very delicate, and you risk ruining it even if you handle it absently. For this reason, those who are not really experts could opt for fans with the easy assembly that save a lot of headaches.
These should have a fixing system with pins that allows you to insert them correctly into the motherboard without damaging the soul. As for fans for liquid-cooled systems, these are a bit more complicated to assemble and often require more than one person to be installed correctly.
Overclocking or Not?
And come on, tell the truth, are you looking for a new fan to push the PC to the maximum for real gaming? If so, you have to evaluate very well which model to buy, because not all of them are good for overclocking the processor.
Usually, fans for PCs with a slim case are not the most suitable because they have a little less power than their larger counterparts.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to evaluate which processor you have and how many gigahertz you want to overclock without blowing up.
The real gaming freaks who want to build a PC with the best liquid cooling system will be able to opt for a fan that supports this new configuration, to aim for the maximum while keeping a low temperature.
Those who do not want to risk, however, can opt for a CPU fan of the best brand such as Cooler Master or the Arctic without spending a fortune, just take a look at the suggested models.
