Top 32 Best CPU Coolers in 2021: AIO and Air Coolers
When building gaming PC systems, it’s vital to install the Best CPU Coolers. Especially if your hardware uses high-end Intel or AMD CPUs, an effective cooling method can play an essential role in keeping your computer running well and smoothly.
We ranked and reviewed the top 32 CPU coolers that are highly rated and recommended by gamers. Listed below are popular brands as noctua, nzxt, corsair, ek, deep-cool, be-quiet, cooler-master, id-cooling, asus, aresgame, scythe, evga, jonsbo, arctic, msi, montech.
Buying Guides
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Check for compatibility with the CPUs before purchasing. Not every CPU cooler fits all processors. You need to check the compatibility between them.
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Measure your case’s size before buying. You will not want to let the side panel of your PC open because the CPU cooler is too large. Most air CPU coolers are large and just fit mid-tower or full tower cases. Make sure that you know the size of your case and look for the size of the CPU cooler that you’re going to buy.
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If your budget is available, opt for liquid (AIO) CPU coolers as they have better performance and make less noise. It doesn’t mean that air CPU coolers are not good. They still run fine and have affordable prices.
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More fans create better performance but more noise. If you don’t care much about the noise, you can install additional fans for your CPU cooler. Many quiet triple/dual-fan CPU coolers are available on the market these days.
1. be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU Cooler
Best CPU air cooler
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Specifications
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Type: Air cooling
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Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1150/ 1151/ 1155/ 1156/ 1366/ 2011(-3) square ILM/ 2066. Amd: AM2(+)/ AM3(+)/ AM4/ FM1/ FM2(+)
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Fan speed: Up to 1500 RPM
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Noise volume: 19.20dbA – 24.30dbA
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Weight: 2.91 pounds
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Dimension: 5.3 x 5.7 x 6.4 inches
Reasons to buy
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Two fans: optimize heat dissipation performance
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24.3Db maximum: work quietly
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Simple installation
Reasons to avoid
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May not fit small cases
The Dark Rock Pro 4 CPU cooler contains two silent wings PWM fans featuring advanced fluid-dynamic bearings. The fan blades and six-pole motors keep the fans working smoothly and optimize the airflow.
Even though you’re playing heavy games or dealing with multiple tasks, the maximum noise that the cooler makes is 24.3 Db. Therefore, you can immerse yourself in thrilling battle games without being annoyed by noise from the hardware.
The package comes with a special screwdriver so that you can easily and quickly install the cooler. However, the process may be more difficult if you have a RAM kit with RGB lighting, squeeze in the beyond fan.
Alternate choice:
Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler
2. NZXT Kraken X73 360mm RGB CPU Liquid Cooler
Best CPU liquid cooler
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Specifications
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Type: Liquid cooling
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Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1151/ 1150/ 1155/ 1156/ 1366/ 2011/ 2011-3/ 2066. AMD: AM4/ TR4 (bracket not included)
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Fan speed: Up to 2000 RPM
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Noise volume: 21-36dBA
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Weight: 4.6 pounds
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Dimension: 18.66 x 7.17 x 5.75 inches
Reasons to buy
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Triple fans: better heat dissipation performance
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Liquid cooling
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Fast fan speed
Reasons to avoid
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Pretty heavy
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May not fit small cases
If be quiet! CPU air coolers cannot meet your demands, NZXT Kraken X73 may be the ideal option. The liquid transfers heat better than air. It also has more RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), so the heat dissipation performance will be better. However, the noise it makes will be louder and may annoy you if you are sensitive to sound.
The large infinity mirror ring LED brings a beautiful gaming experience in liquid cooling. The liquid method has better performance in heat dissipation, so NZXT Kraken X73 can keep your CPU work at the highest limitation.
You just should buy this product if you have a middle or full-tower case because it’s massive and heavy. There are also some smaller versions if you are interested in this CPU cooler.
Alternate choice:
ID-COOLING ZOOMFLOW 360X Snow CPU Water Cooler
Corsair iCUE H150i RGB Pro Liquid CPU Cooler
Cooler Master Master CPU Liquid Cooler
Corsair iCUE H150i Liquid CPU Cooler
3. Noctua NH-L9x65 CPU Cooler
Best Low-Profile CPU Cooler
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Specifications
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Type: Air cooling
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Compatibility: Intel: 11900K/ 11700K/ 10900K/ 11600K. AMD: Ryzen 5950X/ 5900X/ 5800X/ 5600X
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Fan speed: Up to 2500 RPM
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Noise volume: 14.8 – 23.6dBA
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Weight: 14.4 ounces
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Dimension: 3.74 x 2 x 3.74 inches
Reasons to buy
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Simple installation
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Good cooling performance
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Low noise volume
Reasons to avoid
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Get hot when the CPU is overloaded
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Just a few color options
If you’re looking for a compact CPU cooler, Noctua NH-L9x65 is for you. The low profile fan is just 65 mm high and has four compact heatsinks. This CPU cooler can fit any small form factor case.
Besides, it is proved to be 100% compatible with PCIe cards on mini-ITX, while some bigger units (120mm or 140mm) can overhang and block the PCIe ports. You will also not have to worry about it squeezing the RAM kit.
The high-end NF-A9x14 premium fan optimizes the speed and can be controlled via PWM. The maximum noise it makes is 23.6 Db, which will not annoy you even in long gaming sessions.
Alternate choice:
Noctua NH-L9i CPU Cooler for Intel LGA115x
Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 CPU Cooler for AMD AM4
Scythe Big Shuriken 3 CPU Air Cooler
ID-COOLING IS-60 Low Profile CPU Cooler
Cooler Master G200P RGB Low-Profile CPU Air Cooler
4. Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Air Cooler
Best budget CPU cooler
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Specifications
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Type: Air cooling
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Compatibility: Intel: LGA2066/ LGA2011 v3/ LGA2011/ LGA1151/ LGA1150/ LGA1156/ LGA1155/ LGA1366. AMD: AM4/ AM3+/ AM3/ AM2+/ AM2/ FM2+/ FM2/ FM1
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Fan speed: Up to 2000 RPM
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Noise volume: 6.5 – 26dBA
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Weight: 2.06 pounds
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Dimension: 4.7 x 3.1 x 6.3 inches
Reasons to buy
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Great cooling performance
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Affordable price
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Smart fan sensor
Reasons to avoid
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Difficult to install
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The noise may be too loud for some people
Cooler Master Hyper is one of the most affordable options when it comes to friendly-budget CPU coolers. Producer increases the surface area of the copper base to transfer more heat. Besides, the four heat sinks and FP120 work every well to improve the heat dissipation performance.
Moreover, you will not have to worry about the cables getting snagged, thanks to the smart fan sensor for jam protection. Cooler Master Hyper has various choices and designs for you to choose from, including the RGB LEDs feature.
The biggest weakness of this product is that it can create loud noise if you’re a person who is sensitive to sound. Therefore, it can affect your gaming experience. It may also get overheat if your computer is overloaded.
Alternate choice:
DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX GT BK, CPU Air Cooler
Corsair A500 Dual Fan CPU Cooler
5. Noctua NH-U12A, Premium CPU Cooler
Best premium CPU air cooler
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Specifications:
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Type: Air cooling
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Compatibility: Intel: LGA1150/ LGA1151/ LGA1155/ LGA1156/ LGA1200/ LGA2011/ LGA2066. AMD: AM4/ AM3(+)/ AM2(+)/ FM2(+)
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Fan speed: Up to 2000 RPM
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Noise volume: 18.8 – 22.6 dBA
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Weight: 3.74 pounds
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Dimension: 4.41 x 4.92 x 6.22 inches
Reasons to buy
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Simple installation
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Low noise volume
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Great heat dissipation performance: 7 heat pipes + 2 fans
Reasons to avoid
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A bit heavy
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Expensive
The latest 5th generation of Noctua’s NH-U12 series, NH-U12A, has a size of 120mm. The asymmetric design helps the CPU cooler not overhang the RAM slots on LGA115x and AM4 motherboards. However, on LGA2066, you will need RAM modules that do not exceed 42mm in height if you want to buy this product.
The big size of the fan can create more potent and more airflow. The maximum noise level that NH-U12A makes is 22.6 Db, an unprecedented level ever.
The fan and fan clips measure 125mm wide. It can fit most standard medium or large cases and ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards. However, the cost is higher than other one-fan CPU coolers. Therefore, if you have plans for other components, you should consider them carefully.
Alternate choice:
Cooler Master MA410M RGB CPU Air Cooler
Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black, 120mm Single-Tower CPU Cooler
Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black, Premium Dual-Tower CPU Cooler with NF-A15 PWM 140mm Fan (Black)
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- BrandNoctua
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- SCORE9.8H Score
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- BrandNoctua
- Prime
NZXT Kraken X53 240mm - RL-KRX53-01 - AIO RGB CPU Liquid Cooler - Rotating Infinity Mirror Design - Improved Pump - Powered By CAM V4 - RGB Connector - Aer P 120mm Radiator Fans (2 Included)
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- BrandNZXT
- Prime
- SCORE9.4H Score
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- BrandCorsair
- Prime
EK 240mm AIO D-RGB All-in-One CPU Liquid Cooler with EK-Vardar High-Performance PMW Fans, Water Cooling Computer Parts, 120mm Fan, Intel 115X/1200/2066, AMD AM4
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- BrandEK
DEEPCOOL Castle 240EX, 240mm Addressable RGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler, Anti-Leak Technology Inside, Cable Controller and 5V ADD RGB 3-Pin Motherboard Control, TR4/AM4 Supported, 3-Year Warranty
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- BrandDEEP COOL
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- SCORE9.6H Score
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- Brandbe quiet!
- Prime
Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition CPU Air Cooler, SF120R RGB Fan, 4 CD 2.0 Heatpipes, Anodized Gun-Metal Black, Brushed Nickel Fins, RGB Lighting for AMD Ryzen/Intel LGA1151
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- BrandCooler Master
- Prime
ID-COOLING SE-234-ARGB CPU Cooler AM4 CPU Cooler 5V Addressable RGB Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler 120mm PWM Fan, Intel/AMD
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- BrandID-COOLING
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ID-COOLING PINKFLOW 240 CPU Water Cooler 5V Addressable RGB AIO Cooler 240mm CPU Liquid Cooler 2X120mm RGB Fan, Intel 115X/1200/2066, AMD AM4 (Remote Control is Included)
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- BrandID-COOLING
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Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2, Close-Loop AIO CPU Liquid Cooler, 240 Radiator, Dual SickleFlow 120mm, RGB Lighting, 3rd Gen Dual Chamber Pump for AMD Ryzen/Intel LGA1151
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- BrandCooler Master
- Prime
ASUS ROG Strix LC 360 RGB All-in-one AIO Liquid CPU Cooler 360mm Radiator, Intel 115x/2066 and AMD AM4/TR4 Support, Triple 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans (Addressable RGB Fans)
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- BrandASUS
- Prime
DEEPCOOL Assassin III Air CPU Cooler, 7 Heatpipes, Dual 140mm Fans, 54mm RAM Clearance, 280W TDP, New Sinter Heatpipe Technology, 5-Year Warranty
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- BrandDEEP COOL
- Prime
DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX GT BK, CPU Air Cooler, SYNC RGB Fan and RGB Black Top Cover, Cable or Motherboard Control Supported, 4 Heatpipes, 120mm RGB Fan, Universal Socket Solution
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- BrandDEEP COOL
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ID-COOLING SE-224-XT Basic CPU Cooler AM4 CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler 120mm PWM Fan Air Cooling for Intel/AMD
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- BrandID-COOLING
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CPU Cooler with 5 Direct Contact Heatpipes, ARESGAME CPU Air Cooler for Intel/AMD with 120mm PWM Fan (Black 5)
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- BrandARESGAME
- Prime
Cooler Master MasterAir MA620M Dual Tower ARGB High Performance CPU Air Cooler, 6 CDC 2.0 Heatpipes, SF120R Fan, Hexagon Strip Addressable RGB Lighting for AMD Ryzen/Intel LGA1151
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- BrandCooler Master
- Prime
ID-COOLING ZOOMFLOW 240X Snow CPU Water Cooler 5V Addressable RGB AIO Cooler 240mm CPU Liquid Cooler 2X120mm RGB Fan, Intel 115X/1200/2066, AMD AM4
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- BrandID-COOLING
- Prime
- SCORE9.6H Score
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- BrandSCYTHE
- Prime
ASUS ROG Strix LC 360 RGB All-in-one AIO Liquid CPU Cooler 360mm Radiator, Intel 115x/2066 and AMD AM4/TR4 Support, Triple 120mm 4-pin PWM Fans (Addressable RGB Fans)
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- BrandASUS
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EVGA CLC 120mm All-In-One CPU Liquid Cooler, 1x 120mm Fan, Intel, 5 YR Warranty, 400-HY-CL11-V1
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- BrandEVGA
- Prime
Jonsbo CR1400 RGB CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat-Pipes, 126mm RGB CPU Fan, Removable 92mm PWM Fans, Fins Bending, 4-pin RGB CPU Cooler, RGB Lighting for AMD Ryzen/Intel LGA1151, Black
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Scythe Big Shuriken 3 CPU Air Cooler, 120mm Low Profile(69mm Tall), Intel LGA1151, AMD AM4/Ryzen
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- BrandSCYTHE
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CPU Cooler with 5 Direct Contact Heatpipes, ARESGAME CPU Air Cooler for Intel/AMD with 120mm PWM Fan (Black 5)
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- BrandARESGAME
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Corsair Hydro Series H60 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler, 120mm Radiator, 120mm SP Series PWM Fan
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- BrandCorsair
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ID-COOLING SE-914-XT ARGB Cooler 131mm Height AM4 CPU Cooler Addressable RGB Light (5V 3-PIN Connector) on Fan and Top-Cover 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler 92mm PWM Fan, Intel/AMD
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- BrandID-COOLING
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ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 - Multi Compatible All-in-One CPU AIO Water Cooler, Compatible with Intel & AMD, Efficient PWM Controlled Pump, Fan Speed: 200-1700 RPM (Controlled via PWM) - Black
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- BrandARCTIC
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be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black, BK007, 150W TDP, CPU Cooler, Elegant Black Surface, HDT Technology
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- Brandbe quiet!
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ID-COOLING SE-914-XT ARGB Cooler 131mm Height AM4 CPU Cooler Addressable RGB Light (5V 3-PIN Connector) on Fan and Top-Cover 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler 92mm PWM Fan, Intel/AMD
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- BrandID-COOLING
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MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID 240R, RGB CPU Liquid Cooler (AIO): Rotatable Blockhead Design, 240mm Radiator, Dual 120mm RGB PWM Fans
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Montech AIR Cooler 210, 210W TDP, ARGB CPU Cooler, Massive Cooling Power, Six Heat Pipes, All Black
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- BrandMontech
- Prime
MSI MAG Series CORELIQUID 240R, RGB CPU Liquid Cooler (AIO): Rotatable Blockhead Design, 240mm Radiator, Dual 120mm RGB PWM Fans
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- BrandMSI
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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Does a CPU cooler make a difference?
Generally speaking, a great CPU cooler will keep your processor running better, especially when your PC does any overclocking or lengthy stress. However, it doesn’t mean that you should choose a large and high-performance CPU cooler.
You had better analyze the size of your case, the generation of your CPU to choose the most suitable CPU cooler. Take a look at the design, size of fans, number of heat pipes, and other specifications.
2. Is liquid CPU cooler better?
The liquid cooling method is known as a better way than air cooling. It tends to work more quietly than the fans on CPU coolers. The reason why liquid cooling is better is that it can efficiently distribute heat over more convection surface area and reduce the fan speed but still keep the high heat dissipation performance.
3. Can I put an additional fan on a CPU cooler?
If you want to improve your CPU cooler’s performance, you can add a fan to it, as long as your case is large enough to cover it. However, more fans mean more noise. Therefore, if you are a person who doesn’t like loud noise when using your computer, you should consider it carefully.
Additionally, you can even change the fan’s position if it tights your RAM. You can move the front fan to the back if there’s space for it. Another way is to choose a smaller fan to replace the front one.