Rating of the best CPU coolers for 2024

The computer's performance largely depends on the stability of the processor, supported by a special cooling device - a cooler. To choose, you need to know the size, design, how much money you can spend, and whether the desired result will be achieved. Often, inexperienced users pay attention to attractiveness without thinking about the functionality of a model that has nothing more than a futuristic design. As a result, the costs do not justify themselves, and there is no one to admire the product mounted in the system unit.

Therefore, the selection of a cooling unit should be approached comprehensively, specifying the characteristics, description, design features. The review presents the disclosure of questions about what kind of coolers are, what to look for and avoid mistakes when choosing, and which one is better to buy.

General information

A processor cooler is a device installed on a CPU in a computer to remove the generated heat energy.

As a rule, it is included in the package of most processors, then the name contains the BOX marking. In the absence of a cooling unit, OEM is indicated in the name.

However, sometimes some powerful PC BOX systems are shipped without a cooling unit. The box is then small, and the description says that there is no device.

The choice of the cooling system is determined by:

• socket - a connector on the motherboard where the CPU is installed, with various mounts:
  • with a lever for two hooks for AM4 or other AMD;
  • through holes for Intel 1156;
  • with screws for Intel 2011;
• Heat Dissipation (TDP) is the average heat dissipation during operation under load, which is indicated in the description.

Main components

1. Radiator.

Removes heat generated during operation from the processor surface and dissipates it into the surrounding space of the computer.

Properties:

• thermal conductivity - the ability to conduct heat in its volume, and also determines the rate of propagation of heat energy;
• heat capacity - determines the amount of energy required to change the temperature by one degree.

The most effective cooling is achieved by using radiators with increased heat capacity and high thermal conductivity.

Consists of multiple plates connected to heat pipes. The release form can be varied.

Cooling efficiency improvement factors:

• increase in area;
• increasing the number of plates while reducing the thickness;
• use of materials with high thermal conductivity (copper, gold).

To attract the attention of buyers, individual manufacturers produce different types of radiators in a peculiar design.

When choosing, the focus should be on the functionality of the unit, and not on the appearance.

2. Fan.

It is used for cooling by expelling hot air from inside the computer.

Main elements:

• electric motor - ensuring work;
• plastic or rubber frame - body formation;
• impeller, blades - a rotating part for air acceleration.

Noise suppression and vibration mitigation is carried out by fastening with anti-vibration silicone bolts. The size of the blades is an important criterion because compact products will not do as well as large ones. At the same time, an increase in the rotation speed will not greatly affect the increase in efficiency due to the fact that the rapid air flow will not be able to quickly cool the surface, and will add a lot of noise. In addition, bearings play an important role, which are of two types - plain or rolling.

When self-installing, the direction of the air flow for installation is specified with the calculation of complete blowing of the necessary parts.

Classification

By design

1.With aluminum heat sink.

Cheap models equipped with a conventional fan. The shape depends on the socket and manufacturer. Square is usually available for AMD, round for Intel. Typically equipped with low power boxed CPUs. In addition, they are sold in any store, but at a similar cost they are inferior to boxed ones in quality. You don't have to think about overclocking.

2. With a type-setting plate radiator.

Products are made of type-setting plates. The heat dissipation is much better than conventional ones. Now they are considered obsolete, units with heat pipes are replacing them.

3. With horizontal tubes.

Some of the most effective products. Usually come bundled with the most powerful processors. The heat sink properties are several times higher than those of simple models. However, warm air is blown out onto the motherboard, heating others. Well suited for small enclosures.

4. With tubes in vertical type (tower).

According to many experts, the most successful design is where the heated air flow is directed towards the motherboard. Many manufacturers have a wide range of coolers that differ in price, power, and size. Perfect for powerful 8-12 core CPUs.

The efficiency is influenced by the diameter and the number of tubes that carry heat to the radiator. For example, a powerful CPU with a TDP 190 W requires a unit with five to six pipes, while a TDP 90 W requires a cooler with two pipes. Their number can be counted along the outgoing ends, dividing by two. The diameter is assessed visually or in the description of the characteristics on the manufacturer's website.

By the material of the sole adjacent to the processor surface

1.With aluminum heat sink.

In this case, it itself becomes a platform in contact with the surface. Soles are:

• through - reduced contact area with clogging of dust in the gap, which is very difficult to remove;
• solid - increased contact area with easy cleaning without dismantling the radiator.

2. With copper insert.

The improved heat distribution increases the efficiency of these models.

3.With copper sole.

The heatpipes are soldered into the copper sole, which greatly improves work efficiency.

The best manufacturers use direct contact technology, which consists in pressing pipes to create a contact area of ​​contact. As a result, the efficiency is on par with products with a copper sole.

By radiator material

1. Made of aluminum.

The popularity of the models is due to the low cost of aluminum.However, a material with a low heat capacity and heat distribution is uneven. As a result, more intensive airflow is required, and the noise level also increases.

2. With copper inserts.

The efficiency of standard radiators with copper inserts is slightly higher. However, at present they are practically not produced.

3. Made of copper.

The core of the array is made up of copper plates with high heat capacity and uniform heat distribution. Thanks to these properties, the CPU temperature is stabilized at the same level, and high-speed fans with increased noise are not required. However, due to inertia and long heat dissipation, efficiency is limited.

At the same time, the small size makes such coolers suitable for use in compact units.

4. With a set of aluminum plates on the heat pipes.

The most efficient radiators, in which heat is immediately transferred to the fins and blown away by the air flow due to the large dissipation area. Along with a low heat capacity, this design has a small thermal inertia, which makes it possible to increase efficiency by slightly accelerating the blower.

5. Nickel plated.

An innovative coating applied to heatpipes, soles or plates protects the surface from oxidation. As a result, the models become not only shiny, but do not lose their characteristics over time.

By dimensions and weight of radiators

Weight and dimensions directly affect efficiency. You should look at the motherboard where the installation is planned. Sometimes it is difficult to install correctly due to a number of installed memory modules or other elements. In addition, large heatsinks may not fit into a regular case of a system unit.

The height of the "tower" should not be more than 15 centimeters. Too wide can be hampered by a nearby power supply, although in modern cases it is usually located at the bottom.

There is a direct relationship between weight and size. The higher the TDP, the more mass should be. For example, with a TDP of up to 120 W, 400 grams is enough, and for powerful TDP systems up to 190 W, a massive unit weighing almost a kilogram is required.

By fan characteristics

1. Dimensions.

Standard inexpensive coolers are equipped with 8 cm fans. The main advantage is low cost. Disadvantages: high noise and short service life.

It is better to buy devices with large fans - 9.2 or 12 centimeters.

For the most powerful 12-core CPUs, you can choose with the largest size of 14 centimeters. Such a cooler costs more for the price, but the noise is low.

2. Bearing type.

The cheap ones are fitted with plain bearings, which are not very reliable. The more reliable ones are ball bearings, which do not differ in quiet operation.

Modern instruments are equipped with reliable low-noise hydrodynamic bearings.

3. Quantity.

One fan is suitable for most platforms. However, to overclock the fastest Intel Core i7 or i9 machines, a unit with two 14cm propellers is needed.

4. Speed.

In the case of small dimensions of the radiator and fan, to compensate for the low flow and small dissipation area, it is necessary to increase the speed. The rotation speed in inexpensive coolers is usually two to four thousand revolutions per minute. Moreover, if at a speed of two thousand the noises are clearly distinguishable, at three thousand they begin to strain, at four thousand they become unbearable. Therefore, it is better to choose a size of 12 or 14 centimeters, with a maximum speed of no more than 1500 rpm.

5. Automatic speed control.

Modern platforms come with a speed control function based on CPU heating. This is due to changes in voltage. More expensive popular models have built-in PWM controllers. Therefore, when installing a 12 cm propeller at speeds up to 1300 rpm, it is almost inaudible.

6. Connectors.

For connection to the motherboard, the fans are equipped with three- or four-pin connectors.Three-pin control is carried out by voltage regulation, and four-pin - by PWM controllers, which are less noisy due to the accuracy of the regulation and the speed of changing modes.

7. Noisiness.

The value measured in decibels is influenced by the rotational speed and the configuration of the blades. They are considered quiet up to 25 dB.

8. Air flow.

Warm air removal rate is influenced by the air flow force (CFM), which determines the efficiency of the cooling system. It is better to choose a product with a higher parameter value.

By fastening

As a rule, small or medium-sized devices have a simple mount. However, the situation looks different for heavy products. Often a special reinforcement is required with a frame on the back of the motherboard, which must be adapted for this. Therefore, a recess or hole is provided at the site of the planned placement of the processor.

By the presence of LED backlight

Many coolers are equipped with LED backlighting that glows beautifully. However, such illumination makes sense only if there is a transparent side window. It is possible that such a spectacle will be annoying after some time. Consideration should be given to the need for such decoration.

On the use of thermal paste

Usually used to improve thermal conductivity and quality cooling. In standard models, it is pre-applied to the radiator. Modern kits include a tube of thermal paste for a thin, even coat. The temperature difference when using a good or bad paste reaches ten degrees.

Selection procedure and criteria

1. The cooling method is determined - passive, active or liquid.
2. The type of CPU for cooling is specified - Intel or AMD.
3. The fixing standard is taken into account, the compatibility with the socket is checked.
4. Dimensions and type of construction are calculated to fit in the system unit.
5. Possible hindrances to the cooler installation are determined, which must be eliminated or avoided.
6. The thermal power of the processor should be half the TDP of the cooler.
7. Compare dimensions and noise.
8. Pay attention to the type of bearing.
9. Products for powerful CPUs are equipped with at least five heat pipes. At the same time, they are made in two sections or with several fans.
10. The sole of the contact surface must be sanded.
11. The decorative casing and LED lighting only play a decorative role without affecting functionality.

Where can I buy

Coolers should be purchased in specialized stores where computer components are sold. In addition, selected new items can be ordered online in the online store, as well as with Ali Express.

The pages of aggregators Yandex-Market and E-catalog provide the best information about devices, how to choose, how much it costs, which company is better, where to buy at a low price. It is easy to compare characteristics, study the description, and also get direct links to the site to order the desired model.

Best CPU coolers

The rating of quality coolers is based on the popularity of purchases, taking into account the reaction of buyers who left their reviews for specific products. The list includes models of the horizontal type, the tower type of the middle class at a price of up to five thousand rubles, as well as the tower type for gaming systems and overclocking.

TOP 3 best horizontal coolers

Cooler Master GeminII M5 LED

Brand - Cooler Master (Taiwan).
Country of origin - Taiwan.

Low-rise device made in Taiwan for CPU cooling. The blades are wave-shaped, and the radiator with 48 aluminum fins strung on five copper pipes. For improved heat dissipation, direct contact technology through thermal grease is used. The rotation speed is regulated through a 4-pin connector in the range of 500-1600 rpm.

For installation, you must completely remove the motherboard from the system unit in order to mount an additional plate on the back for tight fixation both in a vertical and horizontal position.

• low average price;
• low profile;
• high power dissipation;
• quiet work;
• five heat pipes;
• compactness;
• stylish design;
• convenient installation;
• reliable fastening;
• backlit for decoration.

• on some motherboards, during installation, it closes part of the RAM slots, and is also close to the power capacitors;
• the complexity of installation with the removal of the motherboard;
• makes noise at high speeds;
• the extreme edge, when pressed, moves through the tubes.

Video review:

Noctua NH-L9i

Brand - Noctua (Austria).
Country of origin - Austria.

The most compact model from the brand manufacturer, compatible with Intel-based platforms. It has acceptable temperature values, and also demonstrates decent results in many parameters. Quick and easy installation, the fasteners are already pre-installed at the factory - you only need to tighten the four screws on the back of the motherboard.

The low-profile fan is among the quietest in its segment in terms of performance.

• high work efficiency;
• quiet operation at maximum speed;
• large reserve of cooling power;
• high-quality assembly;
• quick installation;
• small size.

• not suitable for overclocking processors;
• high price.

Cooler video review:

Deepcool CK-AM209

Brand - Deepcool (China).
Country of origin - China.

A compact model made in China, compatible with the most common AMD sockets. Well suited to cold CPUs with power dissipation up to 65W. The noise level is 28 dB at a maximum rotation speed of 2.5 thousand revolutions per minute.

• low price;
• large flat base;
• easy installation on AM sockets;
• does not get very hot;
• good performance;
• very light;
• long service life.

• works only at maximum speed due to the 3-pin connector;
• there is an unpleasant buzzing or crackling sound.

comparison table

	Cooler Master GeminII M5 LED	Noctua NH-L9i	Deepcool CK-AM209
Power dissipation (TDP), W	130	95	65
Number of heat pipes	5	1	0
Fan, mm	120	90	80
Speed, rpm	500-1600	300-2500	2800
Radiator	aluminum + copper	aluminum + copper	aluminum
Connector, pin	4 PWM	4 PWM	3
Noise level, dB	31	23.6	28
Backlight color	red	not	not
Airflow CFM	50.43	33.84	35
Bearing	rocking	hydrodynamic	hydrodynamic
Work on failure, h	40000	150000	50000
Dimensions (WxHxD), mm	132x62x123	95x37x95	103x60x80
Weight, g	496	420	224
Guarantee period	12 months	72 months	10 months
price, rub.	2355	2832-4670	195-790

TOP-3 best mid-range tower coolers

Zalman CNPS10X Optima

Brand - Zalman (Republic of Korea).
Country of origin - Republic of Korea.

Low-noise apparatus of South Korean production with effective cooling due to the use of blades in the form of shark fins. Supports automatic performance adjustment. Stable performance is achieved by the combination of an aluminum heat sink and copper heatpipes. In the case of overclocking, an additional propeller can be mounted to increase the heat dissipation efficiency.

• compactness;
• good performance;
• high build quality;
• quiet work in normal mode;
• installation of a second blower is possible.

• not suitable for some cases and motherboards;
• increased noise in turbo mode;
• the need for regular cleaning from dust;
• little informative instruction.

Video review-comparison of brand coolers:

Enermax ETS-T50 AX Silent Edition

Brand - Enermax (Taiwan).
Country of origin - Taiwan.

Impressive model in black with stylish fan frame and mounting plates. Has good CPU cooling capabilities and low noise. The standard mount allows use with almost all AMD and Intel platforms. The radiator array includes 54 aluminum plates half a millimeter thick with a total dissipation area of ​​up to 9.5 thousand sq. Cm. Heatpipes with a pronounced asymmetric arrangement to reduce the likelihood of interfering with memory slots.

The fan is equipped with an additional grille and plastic guides to direct the outgoing flow in the desired direction.

• stylish design;
• easy installation with plastic clips;
• high build quality;
• good compatibility with other elements of the motherboard;
• excellent performance;
• ease of maintenance;
• rotating fan grill.

• shallow screwdriver thread;
• high price level in its segment.

Cooler video review:

PCcooler GI-X5R

Brand - PCСooler (China).
Country of origin - China.

One of the best Chinese-made mid-range tower-type models. The development is based on ready-made solutions for assembling an inexpensive system. The design provides excellent heat dissipation. Solid and high-quality assembly. Suitable for a computer that supports game mode.

• stylish design;
• good performance;
• high power dissipation 160 W;
• high revs;
• quiet work;
• excellent functionality.

• installation difficulties;
• imperfect sole;
• increased maximum noise level of 26.5 dB.

Video review of the device:

comparison table

	Zalman CNPS10X Optima	Enermax ETS-T50 AX Silent Edition	PCcooler GI-X5R
Power dissipation (TDP), W	130	230	160
Number of heat pipes	4	5	5
Fan, mm	120	140	120
Speed, rpm	1000-1700	500-1000	1000-1800
Radiator	aluminum + copper	aluminum	aluminum
Connector, pin	4 PWM	4 PWM	4 PWM
Noise level, dB	17-28	13-22	18-26,5
Backlight color	not	not	red
Airflow CFM	27.61	29,78-94,21	65
Bearing	hydrodynamic	magnetically centered	hydrodynamic
MTBF, h	50000	160000	30000
Dimensions (WxHxD), mm	132x152x85	145x163x110	126x148x85
Weight, g	630	864	600
Guarantee period	6 months	12 months	12 months
Price, rub	1480-2430	3092-3820	1420-1995

TOP 3 best tower coolers for gaming systems and overclocking

Thermalright Le GRAND MACHO RT

Brand - Thermalright (Taiwan).
Country of origin - Taiwan.

A versatile tower-type product capable of operating in passive mode. Despite its dimensions, it can be easily placed on any motherboards without overlapping the upper slots due to its asymmetric shape. The structure includes a radiator with seven nickel-plated tubes, on which 35 aluminum plates are strung with a total dissipation area of ​​almost 12 thousand sq. Cm.

• almost complete silence during operation with a maximum noise level of no more than 20 dB;
• high airflow value;
• large indicator of dissipated power;
• high-quality assembly;
• thoughtful design;
• excellent compatibility;
• easy installation;
• ability to work in passive mode.

• big sizes;
• it is impossible to install a second blower;
• no adapter for 4-pin Molex included.

Noctua NH-D15

Brand - Noctua (Austria).
Country of origin - Austria.

Thoughtful Austrian-made model with two fans included for powerful cooling. The aluminum heatsink prevents rapid overheating, and the copper base is guaranteed to protect against damage. The product is equipped with six heatpipes in two sections of heat dissipation plates with an increased area, which allows you to cool components near the processor.

• high work efficiency;
• excellent build quality;
• the quietest, but very efficient fans;
• compatibility with any platforms;
• rich set of delivery;
• good packing;
• six years warranty.

• high price;
• large dimensions.

Video review:

be quiet! DARK ROCK PRO4

Brand - be quiet! (Germany).
Country of origin - Germany.

Powerful unit manufactured in traditional German quality. Equipped with two virtually silent propellers without PWM controller noise. The front propeller has a funnel-shaped air intake to increase the air pressure. The design of the plate contour is optimized for better airflow, with cutouts for compatibility with RAM. The high performance is sufficient for cooling any overclocked processors.

• low noise level;
• excellent build quality;
• high performance;
• compatibility with most popular sockets;
• the presence of two fans (120 and 135 mm) included;
• blade rotation speed adjustment;
• availability of fasteners for an additional fan;
• easy installation;
• stylish design;
• adequate dimensions.

• high price;
• difficult to dismantle;
• may partially overlap RAM modules.

Video instructions for installing the cooler:

comparison table

	Thermalright Le GRAND MACHO RT	Noctua NH-D15	be quiet! DARK ROCK PRO 4
Power dissipation (TDP), W	280	220	250
Number of heat pipes	8	6	7
Fan, mm	140	2x140	2x120
Speed, rpm	300-1300	300-1500	1200-1500
Radiator	aluminum	aluminum + copper	aluminum
Connector, pin	4 PWM	4 PWM	4 PWM
Noise level, dB	14-20	19,2-24,6	12,8-24,3
Backlight color	not	not	not
Airflow CFM	16,9-73,6	82.52	67,8-113,8
Bearing	hydrodynamic	magnetically centered	hydrodynamic
MTBF, h	50000	150000	300000
Dimensions (WxHxD), mm	152x60x150	150x165x161	136x163x146
Weight, g	1060	1320	1130
Guarantee period	24 months	72 months	36 months
price, rub.	5040-5980	6673-9420	6084-8700

Conclusion

According to experts, the best manufacturers of processor cooling systems are the Japanese company Scythe and the Austrian Noctua, which produce high-quality branded coolers popular among wealthy fans. However, high prices prevent these brands from gaining wide distribution in the Russian market. Moreover, winning a few degrees for our users means practically nothing. Therefore, in our country, products from China of the Cooler Master or DeepCool brands with an excellent price-quality ratio are popular. In any case, before buying the right model, it is better to consult with experts, listen to the advice and recommendations of professionals.

Happy shopping and good luck!