Best CPU Coolers for PC in 2024

Aftermarket CPU coolers are now more of a necessity than a novelty, as AMD’s 7000 series and Intel’s 13th and 14th-generation CPUs continue to push thermal boundaries. This means buyers must be selective when looking for the best hardware to meet the requirements of high-performance modern processors. Fortunately, there is a diverse selection of fans, heatsinks, and AIO liquid coolers that not only perform well but add style to a gaming rig.

Focus On These Factors When Choosing a CPU Cooler:

There are a few factors that buyers should consider when purchasing a CPU cooler. They include:

• Compatibility: Each time a new generation of Intel or AMD processors arrives, it forces CPU coolers to adapt to different mounting components. Ensure that any potential CPU cooler has updated its accessories to handle the shifting dimensions of CPU sockets.
• Cooling Method: The most popular form of CPU cooling is air cooling, which relies on a combination of fans and heat sinks to dissipate heat from processors. Even so, liquid cooling, a quiet and effective way to control overclocked CPU temps, has become more affordable in recent years. Finally, passive air cooling has limitations but ditches all fans and exclusively uses a heatsink, making it ideal for completely silent builds.
• Overclocking: The coolers that ship with many Intel and AMD CPUs are adequate for controlling the temperatures of these processors at stock settings. Once a gamer decides to overclock a CPU, a more powerful cooler is necessary to deal with the added heat generated by a processor. Some coolers enable users to push their CPUs to their breaking point, while others can only handle light to moderate overclocking.
• Noise Level: Manufacturers often rate the noise levels of their coolers in decibels, though exact numbers depend on specific builds and testing environments. Regardless, certain CPU coolers produce more audible noise than others, with cooling performance not always corresponding to noise levels.

The Best CPU Coolers for PC in 2024

The Noctua NH-D15 is a best-in-class contender among CPU air coolers and is the successor to the popular NH-D14. It has huge shoes to fill but meets the challenge with a no-frills approach to thermal performance. Coming in the standard Noctua brown color (it does sell in a different black theme to match the majority of PC cases), the NH-D15 dominates most of the tests one can throw at it. Thanks to its heat-pipe tower structure, the cooler delivers stellar cooling performance with two powerful, silent fans.

The NH-D15 comes with excellent Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste and low-noise adapters. This Noctua cooler also discards any attempts to push RGB or ARGB support, which is quite popular with most people assembling a gaming PC. Note that if a buyer goes for this cooler, check its size specifications. It’s larger than it looks in the pictures, and some mid-tower cases take liberties with the amount of space they offer. Still, provided that it fits in a case, the Noctua NH-D15 quietly outputs a jet stream of air that ranks it as the overall best CPU cooler.

The ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB is an AIO-based CPU cooler that looks, feels, and performs the part of a premium cooling solution. While it abandons the more silent Noctua fans from its last iteration in a bid to offer ARGB ASUS-themed fans this round, the Ryujin II’s ARGB variant doesn’t disappoint with its thermal performance. It’s perfect for buyers who desire to keep the beefiest processors well under their optimal temperature limits.

Running a fully maxed-out 13900K in the 70–80 degrees range is no easy feat, and the Ryujin II does more than deliver on this front with GameRant’s test unit. It was paired, however, with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme and the Thermal Grizzly 12th generation contact frame. The 3.5-inch LCD screen is also impressive and quite customizable using the bundled Armoury Crate software.

All in all, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II 360 ARGB is an imposing but stylish AIO that delivers on the performance end while using top-notch hardware backed by a comprehensive six-year warranty. The price might be an issue for some, but GameRant feels it simultaneously earns its place as the best CPU air cooler and AIO cooler.

If a buyer is dead set against using the sometimes finicky Armoury Crate app, check out Game Rant’s review of the MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 AIO Liquid Cooler. Although MSI’s alternative lacks ARGB effects, its cooling performance is outstanding, and the MSI Center software is easy to use for even novices.

Water cooling systems were once viewed as expensive and complicated contraptions only for the most experienced enthusiasts. AIO liquid coolers have become more affordable and have been downsized to function in the most compact gaming setups. The NZXT Kraken 120 takes this concept to the extreme with a single 120 mm fan and a small circular cooling block.

The Kraken 120 isn’t the only compact liquid cooler on the market, but it has a unique design with a pump located directly on a radiator. This clears even more space around the block and the CPU in cramped configurations and has a minimal impact on fan performance. Making the most out of its one fan, the Kraken’s blower produces enough air to control the temperatures of the latest CPUs, but high overclocks may test its limits. The fan and pump noise stays controlled thanks to ball bearings and high-quality materials used throughout the Kraken 120.

With ARGB effects on its CPU block, there is just enough lighting to make buyers think they are running a higher-end liquid cooler. However, while the NZXT logo is illuminated and surrounded by a light ring, the attached fan stays dark. Buyers with a compatible NZXT motherboard or fan/lighting controller can adjust ARGB settings in the CAM software. NZXT’s app is attractive and simple to navigate, but it is more for monitoring systems since it’s unable to control fan speeds.

The Kraken 120 won’t replace the most powerful 360 mm liquid coolers, but it’s a solution to cool excessively hot CPUs while taking up less space than some bulky air coolers.

When it comes to air cooling solutions, it’s hard to go wrong with a Noctua product, like GameRant’s best overall choice, the NH-D15. But when a gamer is building in a smaller case, the NH-D15 can be a problem. That is where the NH-L9i comes in. This little CPU cooler measures in at an incredibly small 95 mm x 95 mm x 37 mm, making it super easy to fit in any case while still getting excellent cooling performance. If a buyer is not a fan of the ubiquitous brown-on-tan color scheme that Noctua has, this cooler also comes in an all-black variant as well.

Regardless of the build, the NH-L9i should fit in easily with any RAM size or if a GPU is a quad-slot monster. However, if a buyer is working inside a compact PC, chances are that the installer is not using one of these GPUs anyway. Unlike most CPU coolers, Noctua makes installing coolers a simple process. There is no finicky bracket, just four screws which makes it incredibly easy. Just make sure to use a diagonal screw pattern to place even pressure onto the cooler and CPU.

Building a PC can quickly become pricey, and many budget-conscious builders look to save money by using stock Intel and AMD coolers. However, those coolers are often noisier or less effective than the alternatives and can look rather ordinary in a stylish gaming case. Fortunately, the best CPU cooler options include affordable fan and heatsink combos like the ID-Cooling SE-214-XT.

The ID-Cooling SE-214-XT is a compact air CPU cooler utilizing a four-heat-pipe design that maximizes contact between the heatsink and CPU. The heatsink has a micro wave orientation on its aluminum fins, enlarging the heat dissipation area. While the ID-Cooling SE-214-XT isn’t the smallest cooler, it’s compact enough to avoid blocking memory slots on most gaming motherboards.

For the minuscule asking price of the SE-214-XT, a buyer may not expect the air cooler to look like a premium component. Nevertheless, ID-Cooling has included an ARGB fan that gamers can connect to a motherboard’s 5V 3-pin header. The fan is also PWM, meaning that a PC’s BIOS, as well as a variety of other software, can adjust speeds depending on current CPU temps. In addition, the heatsink ships with an all-black cover to make the SE-214-XT’s look fit in cases whether it’s turned on or not.

The instructions that come with the SE-214-XT could use some more detailed explanations. Regardless, this air cooler is compatible with Intel’s latest LGA 1700 chipset, as well as the LGA 1200/115X, and AMD’s latest processors.

As far as its overall performance, the ID-Cooling SE-214-XT can’t quite compete with some of the more expensive coolers. Even so, it outputs a healthy 68.2 CFM airflow but not without reaching noise levels of up to 30.5 dBA. Gamers will want to make sure that their case has sufficient insulation to absorb some of the fan noise, but the value and style that the SE-214-XT brings at its ultra-cheap price point is irrefutable.

For newcomers to PC building, how even a relatively simple air cooler works can cause some confusion. Still, some concepts are just common sense, like the fact that two fans or two cooling towers can provide more effective cooling than just one. A dual-tower, dual-fan air cooler like the Thermaltake Peerless Assassin 120 takes up considerable space on a motherboard but can rival the cooling performance of even some liquid coolers. Even better, the Peerless Assassin 120 is very competitively priced and comes in several colors and ARGB fan variations.

With the Peerless Assassin 120, Thermaltake didn’t just take a conventional single-fan air cooler design and multiply it by a factor of two. The cooler sports six antigravity heat pipes, allowing it to cool CPUs effectively, regardless of their orientation in a PC case. When designing coolers of this size, special attention must be given to the possibility of blocking memory slots and other vital motherboard components. Thermaltake confirms a memory clearance of 46 mm in most standard configurations, enough to accommodate most sticks. However, with two fans, one will likely have to sit directly on top of the memory, though it’s easily removed from the heat sink with some metal clips.

Adding two CPU fans to the mix may seem unappealing for gamers concerned about noise levels. Fortunately, the 1550 RPM TL-C12 fans included with the Peerless Assassin 120 benefit from S-FDB bearings that both reduce vibrations and improve the longevity of the cooling system. Maximum noise levels remain at 25.6 dB, which isn’t groundbreaking but is superior to even some single-fan coolers. The overall cooling performance of the Peerless Assassin 120 is impressive, to say the least, producing enough airflow to keep even the temps of many overclocked CPUs in check.

Despite its affordability, Thermaltake did not skimp on the build quality of the rock-solid Peerless Assassin 120. The cooler also takes advantage of an installation process that makes it simpler to affix the heatsink to motherboards with optimal mounting pressure. For gamers looking for maximum performance without leaping into the world of AIO liquid coolers, the Peerless Assassin 120 is the best CPU air cooler available.

Liquid cooling isn’t the only option when gamers desire a quieter setting to concentrate on performing their best. The dual fan and dual tower be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 defies conventional thinking with a pair of fans that produce less noise than many single-fan air coolers. Typically, dual fan coolers utilize two identical fans, but the Dark Rock Pro 4 relies on a front 120 mm Silent Wings 3 fan, while the fan in between the towers is slightly larger at 135 mm. The more compact front fan allows for additional memory clearance for DDR4/DDR5 sticks and sports a funnel-inspired frame to send as much air through the heatsink as possible.

Performance levels ultimately make or break a CPU cooler, and thankfully, the Dark Rock Pro 4 doesn’t disappoint. Still, buyers can find equally performing alternatives for less money, so the value of this be quiet! is more with its remarkably silent noise levels. With the fans blasting at their maximum levels to cool powerful overclocked CPUs, the Dark Rock Pro 4 destroys most of its competition by producing only modestly higher noise levels than the advertised 24.3Db(a) spec.

Another area where Dark Rock Pro 4 excels is with its rock-solid build quality. The 2.5-pound cooler is quite massive, especially when combined with the high-quality brackets, screws, and bolts that are included in its packaging. Installation can be a bit tricky with an air cooler of this size, but the manufacturer bundles a screwdriver of just the right height to secure the middle fan in between the heatsink. Unfortunately, while be quiet! employs a cutout design to clear most RAM, the cooler’s sheer size will often require removing the front fan and its brackets to access all memory slots.

Be quiet! traditionally opts for an all-black aesthetic instead of RGB lighting, and that’s the case with the Dark Rock Pro 4. The company didn’t cut any corners with the dark theme, with virtually every part of the cooler being a matte black, including the heatsink’s brushed aluminum top cover. Some buyers may prefer some other color options, but the idea of this near-silent air cooler is not to be seen or heard.

As a result of top-notch build quality and impressive cooling performance generating minimal noise, the Dark Rock Pro 4 is one of the best CPU coolers available.

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Few manufacturers directly market CPU coolers to competitive gamers, but the Arctic Freezer 34 Esports Duo aims to enhance the hardware these pros rely on. If buyers are searching for a cooler that can match their favorite esports team’s colors, the Freezer 34 Esports Duo will suit them with various styles. Arctic’s cooler has a dual fan single tower design that produces enough airflow to cool many overclocked CPUs without generating excess noise.

With the Freezer 34 Esports Duo, a pair of BioniX P-fans surround the 54-fin heat sink in a proven push-pull configuration. The front fan forces cool air against the heat sink with tremendous static pressure. Then, the rear fan exhausts heat at a maximum of 2100 RPM. Compared to past Arctic Freezer coolers, the manufacturer’s latest fans are optimized for lower power consumption and minimal vibrations. The result is that even at high loads, the Freezer 34 Esports Duo will rarely exceed the 24.3Db(a) noise threshold.

Another reason why the Freezer 34 Esports Duo performs so well despite its fairly compact heat sink is its direct-touch heat pipes that attach directly to where the most heat accumulates. Previously limited in what processors the cooler was compatible with, the Freezer 34 Esports Duo now ships with hardware supporting virtually every common CPU on the market. However, while installation is usually quick with a few parts to work with, the manufacturer could improve their packaging to protect all the cooler’s components better.

In the end, the Freezer 34 Esports Duo accomplishes its goal of providing enough cooling for esports pros to game at high framerates. Also, it’s one of the most affordable air coolers in this guide, ditching fancy RGB effects for stylish color schemes that look spectacular in any gaming rig.

The ID-Cooling Frostflow X 240 Snow CPU Cooler is an interesting pick on Game Rant’s part, and it was made after much consideration. It offers a slew of features: wide compatibility, a dual fan radiator, LED lighting, and acceptable performance while looking much more premium than the price it currently commands. That being said, it can easily handle most (if not all) of the currently available CPUs. However, it may falter somewhat with Intel’s top-end Core i7/i9 offerings that can push TDPs of 250-300W, requiring better cooling than most processors when overclocked.

Interestingly, the ID-Cooling FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler also supports AMD’s Threadripper platform, and although it’s not among GameRant’s recommended gaming CPUs, it’s a nice option to have. There are some quality control qualms across some platforms, but it doesn’t change the fact that the Frostflow 240 cooler is a capable performer. If a buyer is miffed about the white LEDs being the only option, it’s built to spec, and an installer can pick up any cheap pair of ARGB 120 mm fans to make it look like a more expensive cooler.

With the choices of AIO liquid coolers expanding, the MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360 is a step up from the most budget options. The MAG CoreLiquid E360 employs three ARGB 120 mm fans in its configuration, along with a water block that rotates on a CPU socket. The blockhead has a unique look, with lighting effects that remind gamers of lunar phases. Installers will find an enlarged copper base on one side of the block with microchannels that cool a CPU more efficiently.

What separates higher-end liquid coolers from cheaper models is often the motor inside the water block. Despite its relatively compact size, the three-phase motor used in the MAG CoreLiquid E360 is enough for excellent performance at high CPU loads with minimal vibrations. Evaporation-proof tubing connects the water pump to a 12-pairway radiator, which can operate in several different locations in most mid and full-tower cases. In an efficient liquid cooling technique, the pump will send water heated by a CPU toward the radiator, which will dissipate the heat using the three 120 mm fans. The cooled liquid will then be sent back toward the water pump to reduce CPU temps once again.

Installation of the MAG CoreLiquid E360 is generally smooth, but gamers may have to read a manual from a mobile phone screen since there are no printed instructions. MSI provides the mounting hardware for the most recent Intel and AMD processors, and the small but powerful water block avoids preventing access to critical components.

The performance of the MAG CoreLiquid E360 is excellent and comes close to matching the cooling levels of the most expensive AIO liquid coolers. By the same token, buyers won’t experience a significant jump in temperature reduction compared to some single or dual-fan budget coolers. Still, it’s hard to top the MAG CoreLiquid E360’s ARGB effects, offering a distinctive look with exceedingly bright fans and a water block that stands out in any rig.

Cooler Master is about more than just cooling as it also sells excellent gaming mice and keyboards. However, keeping cases and CPUs running at safe temperatures is still the company’s forte. Also, the manufacturer has fully embraced the RGB era, with air coolers like the MasterAir MA612 Stealth lighting up gaming rigs. This dual fan single tower cooler includes an RGB controller and smashes the performance expectations set by its modest price.

Besides its bright and vivid 120 mm SickleFlow fans, the MasterAir MA612 utilizes a fairly standard configuration with a heatsink surrounded by blowers in a push-pull orientation. Without the fans installed, the heatsink is fairly slim, so in scenarios where one fan is sufficient, it fits in well in a compact build. Ironically, despite its ARGB lighting, the casing and heatsink are all black to remain discreet in cases.

The manual that ships with the MasterAir MA612 is a bit vague on what mounting hardware to use for particular CPUs. Even so, installations are made simpler by plastic clips to secure the two fans to the heatsink instead of the larger metal brackets that are often tedious to attach.

The six pipes on the MA612’s heatsink combine with an enlarged nickel-coated copper plate to effectively dissipate CPU heat. Despite its reasonable asking price, the air cooler impresses both in terms of maximum airflow and quiet operation. If a buyer has enough extra funds to step up from a budget purchase, the CoolerMaster MasterAir M612 is one of the best CPU cooler options for its looks and performance.

With so many black enclosures looking alike, white PC cases have steadily risen in popularity. However, an all-black CPU cooler can instantly ruin the universally white look a system builder is after. The DeepCooler AK620 is faithful to this trendy color scheme and can survive the stress of cooling the most potential processors.

The heat pipes, heatsink, and dual 120 mm fans used in the AK620 are all coated in white. A teal-colored DeepCool logo in the center of the fans and the top of the heat sinks are the only exceptions to its consistent styling. The manufacturer also added some nice finishing touches to the cooler’s build, including cover plates capping its fairly chunky dual tower design.

While the AK620 may stand out most for its looks, it’s no slouch with the generous airflow its fans generate. Matrix fins in the heatsink expertly deal with excessive heat while reducing its footprint on a motherboard. Regardless, there are dual tower/fan air coolers that are slightly more compact, so buyers will want to ensure that their RAM sticks will have proper clearance.

Cooling performance and noise levels are more than acceptable with the AK620, even if it doesn’t dominate the best CPU cooler contenders. The AK620 makes its mark with high-quality materials and styling that make it a highlight of any build.

Admittedly, passive CPU coolers aren’t popular with most gamers or system builders. Unlike active air coolers with fans, the Noctua NH-P1 uses no fans, relying entirely on its extra-large heatsink. The benefits of this approach are obvious: offering silence rather than a potentially disturbing fan that can interrupt games and collect dust. Regardless, passive CPU coolers only make sense in cases that promote ample natural airflow with minimal or no fans. Also, while overclocking a CPU with the Noctua NH-P1 is not wise, the cooler can keep some of the latest CPUs running with stock settings at safe temperatures.

There are some rather large air CPU coolers on the market, but they still can’t match the size of the Noctua NH-P. Obviously, the lack of fans means that the heatsink has to do most of the work to dissipate CPU temperatures. As a result, the heatsink has thick fins on its exterior that are spread out more than normal to exceed the performance of what these components are usually capable of.

Buyers may think that the gigantic Noctua NH-P1 is sure to block memory or PCIe slots on their motherboards, but because of its asymmetrical design, the heatsink’s fins are set toward the top of a board. This layout also minimizes the chances of memory sticks being too tall to nestle underneath the cooler. Even so, potential buyers should check out the motherboard and CPU compatibility lists at Noctua’s website to avoid disappointment.

Fans aren’t completely barred from use with the Noctua NH-P1. The manufacturer suggests that quiet 120 mm fans can be attached to the cooler and then be configured to spin only when CPU temperatures reach near dangerous levels. This approach may ruin the appearance of a completely fan-less build, but it’s a compromise that allows users to stress their CPUs more than what is normally possible with passive cooling.

The silent Noctua NH-P1 is undoubtedly more of a niche cooling solution but can come close to matching the performance of lower-powered air coolers. For any buyer striving for a legitimate stealth build, its considerable expense seems more reasonable, thanks to Noctua’s remarkable build quality and reputation for durability.

How To Pick The Right CPU Cooler?

Unlike some PC components, there is a fairly straightforward process for picking a CPU cooler. Ultimately, it comes down to a handful of considerations.

Compatibility

Thanks to modern engineering, most CPU coolers can adapt to the performance requirements of the latest processors. The Noctua NH-D15 was chosen as GameRant’s best CPU cooler partly because it accommodates nearly every processor on the market. For buyers concerned about a large heatsink blocking their memory slots, the Noctua NH-D15 can still effectively cool CPUs with only one fan.

Cooling Method

CPU coolers employ a variety of methods to control the temperatures of power-hungry processors. Air coolers operate using fans in conjunction with heatsinks to dissipate heat generated around a CPU socket. The most potent air coolers, like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120, utilize a dual fan and dual tower heatsink design to output a tremendous airflow.

AIO liquid coolers such as the ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 take a different approach to limit the amount of heat a CPU generates. A water block positioned on a CPU socket, a water pump, and a radiator continuously move cool liquid over a CPU while sending the heated liquid toward a radiator with fans to dissipate the heat. The ROG Ryujin III 360 also includes a snazzy 3.5-inch LCD screen to monitor temperatures and system information in real time. Budget buyers aren’t shut out from the water cooling world either, with NZXT Kraken 120 offering surprisingly capable performance with just a single fan.

Liquid coolers tend to operate with less noise than air coolers. For those buyers who demand absolute silence in their builds, a passive air cooler like the Noctua NH-P1 may be the answer. The NH-P1 can’t match the performance of many air and liquid coolers, but it is an option for buyers looking to run CPUs at stock settings.

Overclocking

After boosting the clock speeds and voltages of CPUs in a BIOS, a PC may not run properly for long without an adequate CPU cooler. A mid-range liquid cooler like the MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360 is suitable to see just how much a processor can be overclocked. However, even air CPU coolers, including the Cooler Master MasterAir MA612, can allow for at least moderate overclocking, depending on the specific processor and amount of airflow in a case.

Noise Level

Modern CPU coolers can reduce processor temperatures drastically without causing abundant noise or vibrations. While AIO liquid coolers can operate in stealth mode in a case, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is an example of an air cooler that runs just as quietly. The Ninja 5 benefits from a pair of Silent Wings 3 fans that combine to maintain reasonable CPU temperatures without distracting noise.

CPU coolers also differ dramatically in appearance, with some choices matching a black, white, or pink case better than others. All-white enclosures now have a perfect companion in the snow-colored DeepCool AK620, providing exceptionally cool and quiet performance.

Whether a buyer is looking for a cooler that can become a focal point of a rig or cool CPUs without attracting attention, there is an ideal candidate discussed in this guide.

MORE: The Best PSUs For Your Gaming PC

FAQ

Q: Is an air cooled or liquid cooled CPU cooler better?

This is a question that will not have a single answer. AIOs are perceived as generally superior overall but good CPU air coolers can do a similar, if not a better job at times. The real question is whether your case can move the heat being pulled away by the CPU air cooler out. That means that a good CPU air cooler might also need help from the case to keep the ambient temperature inside the case lower to work optimally. AIO coolers do not generally have that restriction since they are mounted at the exhaust or intake points of a casing.

Q: Why do some high-end CPU coolers not have RGB?

Because RGB is purely aesthetic and adding or removing it from a CPU cooler does not benefit or degrade performance one way or another. Performance PC parts by companies such as Noctua and BeQuiet! Focus on maximizing their cooling effectiveness with any aesthetic gains being a secondary factor for their coolers. As a result, the approach they go for when it comes to their coolers is less-is-more, and it does work – Asus’s earlier version of the Ryujin II sported Noctua fans, backed by popular consumer demand.

Q: Why do I need to purchase cooling products if I have a stock CPU cooler?

The stock CPU fans and heatsinks that ship with many Intel and AMD CPUs are fine for many users. However, if you wish to overclock a CPU, the basic stock coolers may not handle the excessive heat that an overworked processor generates.