Best CPU Cooler for Your PC [Tested & Reviewed in 2024]

Excessive heat is the unsung enemy of computer components such as CPU and motherboard, resulting in slowdown of the computer.

Using a CPU cooler, you can disperse the heat from the CPU to the outside of the case to increase the overall system performance. If you are looking for a cooler for your new build or upgrading an existing system, I’ve got your back.

In this article, you will find the 9 best cooler depending on the cooling performance, cooling technology, budget, and noise level.

So, let’s get started!

9 Best CPU Coolers You Can Buy Right Now

Without increasing the CPU size, manufacturers are creating more powerful CPUs than even. Powerful CPUs in a compact size can produce a ton of heat, causing performance issues.

However, CPU cooler manufacturers are also improving the cooling technology to cope with the ultra power CPUs. As a result, nowadays, we can see several companies producing numerous coolers with different technology and price range.

This makes the procedure harder to choose the right cooler for your CPU. We have selected some of the greatest CPU cooler available right now that can cool down the most recent and powerful CPUs without difficulty.

Consider the following discussion to pick the best cooler for your next build or upgrading your existing system.

Here are the top 9 CPU coolers:

1. Best Overall CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15

Specifications

Dimensions: 165x150x161 mm (with fan) | Weight: 1320 g (with fan) | Noise level: 19.2 dB | Material: Copper & Aluminum | Fan compatibility: 140x150x25 mm | Socket compatibility:  Intel LGA1700 (included since Q4 2021, older coolers require NM-i17xx-MP83), LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA2066, LGA2011-0, LGA2011-3 (Square ILM) & AMD AM4, AM5

Why We Picked It

Noctua NH-D15 is the upgraded version of its previous successor, Noctua’s NH-D14. The new model has an expanded layout and dual NF-A15 fans, making it more powerful and preferable.

NH-D15’s fine-tuned six heatpipe dual tower design covers more surface area and can efficiently distribute the heat. Moreover, it offers high memory compatibility in single-fan mode, and the SecuFirm2™ mounting system provides a hassle-free installation.

When we tested it on our Ryzen CPU, we were amused by its superior performance and cooling capability. The pro-grade NT-H1 thermal compound ensures minimum thermal resistance and outstanding reliability in every situation.

Who It’s For

This awesome double-tower CPU cooler is suitable for most CPUs available in the market right now. If you are looking for a cooler that doesn’t produce much noise, even under heavy workloads, you can pick the Noctua NH-D15 right away.

What We Liked Most

This cooler from Noctua is something special that keeps your CPU chill in all circumstances. From numerous exclusive features, we liked the shallow noise level, high compatibility, premium black finish, and top-notch performance.

What We Didn’t Like

The NH-D15 is an almost perfect CPU cooler with no downside. However, it is comparatively little pricier than similar models.

Verdict

Noctua NH-D15 has a 19.2 dB noise level, which is very low and below the hearable sound spectrum. If you are ready to spend a few extra bucks for a cooler that produces less noise but still performs well, the best pick is the NH-D15 CPU cooler… Read in-depth review

2. Best AIO Liquid CPU Cooler: Corsair iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT

Specifications

Radiator Size: 360 mm |  Weight: 1102 g | Noise level: 10 dB to 36.5 dB | Material: Aluminum | Fan compatibility: 120x120x25 mm | Socket compatibility: LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, 2011, 2011-v3, 2066, AM4, AM5, sTRX4

Why We Picked It

All-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers don’t work like traditional coolers. Instead, they blow the air out of the PC case, ensuring cooler components and less noise.

iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT is an excellent cooler with the best-performing AF RGB ELITE fans, extreme performance XTM70 thermal paste, and superior lighting effects with 33 ultra-bright CAPELLIX LEDs.

While looking for the best liquid cooler, we were surprised by the specifications and extreme performance of the H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT, and none of us hesitated to award it as the best AIO liquid cooler.

Who It’s For

This great cooler can efficiently handle overheating caused by extreme workloads or intense gaming. If you are a guy who loves to extract every single drop of juice from your CPU without overheating issues, you can go for the iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT without a second thought.

What We Liked Most

The first thing we noticed was the easy installation of this great CPU cooler. Despite being so large, we faced no issues during the installation. Its ultra-bright LEDs and AF RGB ELITE fans are highly customizable, and we loved how they synchronized with other Corsair products.

What We Didn’t Like

During the test, we noticed this cooler made some buzzing noise while operating at 100% RPM, which can distract you from your work or game. Besides, H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT has a huge size that may not fit on small cases.

Verdict

If you are fond of RGB lighting and have no issue with oversized PC components, you can choose the iCUE H150i Elite CAPELLIX XT for your system. Once you install it on your CPU, you will never ever face overheating or bottleneck issues, even during heavy workloads.

3. Best Budget Air CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Specifications

Dimensions: 125x110x155 mm | Weight: 850 g | Noise level: 25.6 dB | Material: Aluminum & Silicone, nickel plated copper heatpipes | Socket compatibility: LGA 115x/1200/1700, AM4/AM5

Why We Picked It

While looking for the best budget air cooler, you won’t find many options that can provide enough cooling performance during multitasking or huge workloads. However, after seeing the price and performance ratio, we were amused.

With six heatpipes and dual 120 mm TL-C12C fans, it can efficiently handle overheating produced by overclocking or intensive gaming.

Its heatsink fins stacks are designed in an asymmetric structure that allows more airflow through fins. Besides, it allows two-way installation for better motherboard or graphics card heatsink compatibility.

Who It’s For

This superb cooler is suitable for those who want a reasonably priced, well-performing air cooler.

What We Liked Most

First things first, the installation process is straightforward, and anyone can install it just by following the instructions. The included thermal compound is enough for most CPUs.

After installing it on our Ryzen 3800X CPU, we’ve noticed it can handle most workloads without running at maximum RPM. It also managed to cool down the CPU during the overclocking. Moreover, it has high RAM clearance even after having a dual-tower design.

What We Didn’t Like

If you like PC components with RGB lighting, this model will disappoint you, as it has no RGB.

Verdict

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU cooler offers an unbelievable price/performance ratio. The cooling performance of this cooler is above and beyond other tower coolers at double the price.

If you have a limited budget for CPU coolers but still want splendid performance, you should pick the Peerless Assassin 120 SE without any hesitation… Read in-depth review.

4. Best Budget AIO Liquid CPU Cooler: DeepCool LS520

Specifications

Dimensions: 282×120×27 mm | Weight: 1305 g | Noise level: 19 dB (pump) & ≤32.9 dB (fan) | Material: Aluminum & Copper | Fan compatibility: 120×120×25 mm | Socket compatibility: Intel LGA 2066, 2011-v3, 2011, 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, sTRX4, sTR4, AM5, AM4

Why We Picked It

We’ve reviewed several different price ranges of models while looking for the best budget liquid cooler. But we needed to ensure the cooler could distribute the heat properly, regardless of price.

DeepCool LS520 cooler is the best budget AIO cooler capable of cooling high-performance CPUs without any overheating issues.

It has a unique look with ARGB lighting and a customizable pump face to represent your personality and preferences.

The low-noise efficiency with a 240 mm radiator, top-notch cooling performance, two FC120 A-RGB PWM fans, and affordable price influenced us to pick this great cooler as the best budget AIO liquid cooler.

Who It’s For

This excellent AIO cooler is designed for those who want a great cooling performance, RGB lighting effect, and low noise level without spending much.

What We Liked Most

Regardless of its affordable price, DeepCool LS520 can efficiently handle most workloads and overclock. During the test on our AMD Ryzen 5 7600 CPU, we were amused by the industry-standard performance and tranquilizing lighting effects of LS520.

Furthermore, this cooler offers excellent customization for the pump face. It allows the installation of the pump face in any orientation with a rotatable logo plate and comes with an additional blank plate for further customization.

What We Didn’t Like

To control the ARGB and the fan speed of the LS520 model, DeepCool doesn’t offer any default application, resulting in using third-party applications. Besides, the default Auto-RGB rainbow effect is not something everyone loves.

Verdict

The 4th generation dual-chamber pump design ensures optimal airflow, and the three-phase brushless motor and the thick pure copper plate increase overall cooling efficiency.

If you are looking for an AIO cooler with marvelous performance and stunning lighting effects, regardless of its low price, the LS520 is the best pick for your rig.

5. Best Compact Liquid CPU Cooler: CoolerMaster MasterLiquid ML120L RGB V2

Specifications

Dimensions: 157 x 119.6 x 27.2 mm | Weight: 648.64 g | Noise level: <10 dB (pump) & 27 dB (fan) | Material: Aluminum & Copper | Fan compatibility: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Socket compatibility: LGA1700*/1200/1151/1150/1155/1156/1366/2066/2011-v3/2011, Ryzen AM5/AM4, AMD AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/FM2+/FM2/FM1

Why We Picked It

CoolerMaster is the most uttered name in the CPU cooler industry. They have a great variety of coolers for different purposes and price ranges. MasterLiquid ML120L RGB V2 is the best compact liquid cooler with just a 120 mm fan size.

Several factors influenced us to select the ML120L RGB V2 as the best compact liquid cooler, such as its dual chamber pump, large radiator surface area, SickleFlow 120 RGB, and reinforced seal for leak prevention.

This superb cooler can efficiently handle most heavy workloads and high-resolution gaming regardless of compact size.

Its 25% large surface area offers better heat dissipation than its previous successors. Considering all the great features, price, and compact size, we’ve awarded it the best compact liquid cooler.

Who It’s For

This unique compact liquid cooler is for those who have a compact motherboard like ATX (ASUS Z170-A, MSI A88X-G41 PC Mate, Gigabyte GA-H110-D3A) or Micro ATX (ASUS PRIME B250M-K, MSI H310M PRO-VDH PLUS, GigabyteGA-B250M-DS3H).

What We Liked Most

We tested the cooler on our ASRock H110M-DGS (Micro ATX) board and Intel H110 chipset. During the test, we didn’t face any clearance or compatibility issues.

Moreover, the MasterLiquid ML120L RGB V2 efficiently cooled the CPU even during heavy workloads and intense gaming scenarios. Besides, its dynamic RGB lighting effects were soothing and eye-catching.

What We Didn’t Like

MasterLiquid ML120L has only one fan with 650-1800 RPM. Though this cooler can fluently run at lower RPM, it sometimes struggles when running at maximum RPM.

Verdict

Because of the 120 mm radiator size and compact design, this great cooler is compatible with most ATX and Micro ATX boards.

CoolerMaster didn’t compromise the cooling performance to make it compact. Instead, this cooler is well capable of cooling regardless of other compact coolers like Corsair Hydro H45 120 mm AIO, Thermaltake TH120 ARGB, and Corsair H60x RGB Elite.

6. Best Compact Air CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i

Specifications

Dimensions: 23x95x95 mm (without fan) & 37x95x95 mm (with fan) | Weight: 320 g (without fan) & 380 g (with fan) | Noise level: 23.6 dB | Material: Copper & Aluminum | Fan compatibility: 92x92x14 mm, 92x92x25 mm | Socket compatibility: Intel LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200, AMD AM4 with NM-AM4-L9aL9i

Why We Picked It

Noctua has been producing some great CPU coolers and fans since 2005 aimed at the enthusiast market. While searching for the best CPU air cooler, we’ve considered several models from different reputed brands.

However, we’ve selected the NH-L9i model as the best compact cooler because of its slim 23 mm heatsink and the NF-A9x14 low-profile fan.

The NH-L9i stands a plain 37 mm tall, which is very compact and suitable for most HTPCs or small form factor cases.

Along with the compact design, this great cooler offers excellent cooling performance without producing any hearable sound.

Who It’s For

If you have an HTPC or small form factor case such as Thermaltake Core G3 ATX Slim, SilverStone SST-GD09B, or In-Win CE685 Micro-ATX Chassis, this cooler is the best pick for your PC.

What We Liked Most

We tested the Noctua NH-L9i on an Intel Core i9-12900K processor and MSI MEG Z690 Unify Motherboard. We compared it with its rival Noctua NH-U9S, NH-U12A, and other 240 mm coolers to see the performance difference.

During the test, we found this model capable of providing astonishing performance regardless of its ultra-thin size.

From head to toe, the chromax.black design brings an aesthetic vibe and is suitable for an all-black PC build. NT-H1 thermal compound, SecuFirm2™ mounting kit, and optimized NF-A9x14 premium fan make it more desirable.

Even after being a single-fan cooler, this cooler can provide almost the same performance as other double-fan coolers, which really amused us.

What We Didn’t Like

Though this great cooler offers fully automatic speed control, when we overclock the CPU, NH-L9i has struggled to dissipate the heat efficiently, resulting in frame drops and other performance issues.

Verdict

At the end of the test of NH-L9i chromax.black, we realized this cooler is not made for extreme CPU loads or high TDP workloads. Instead, this cooler is more suitable for smaller ITX configurations and light usage.

The NH-L9i has 100 percent PCIe and RAM clearance, which is handy in tiny installations. Even after having a fin density and minimal design, this cooler performance is comparable with larger air coolers.

If you want a stealthy appearance and smaller installations, this one is the best pick for your ultimate build.

7. Best Low-Profile Cooler: Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition

Specifications

Dimensions: 66x128x150 mm | Weight: 410 g (without fan) & 500 g (with fan) | Noise level: 17.6 dB | Material: Copper & Aluminum | Fan compatibility:  92x92x25 mm | Socket compatibility:  Intel LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3 (Square ILM), LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 & AMD AM4, AM5

Why We Picked It

Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition is a premium low-profile cooler with a quiet 92 mm PWM fan. This model is the updated version of its previous successor, NH-L12, with NT-H2 thermal compound and the latest SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system.

This low-profile cooler is mainly suitable for small form-factor cases and HTPC environments like Lian Li Q58, Hyte Revolt 3, Phanteks Evolv Shift 2, Thermaltake Core G3 ATX Slim, etc.

Regardless of its compact size and smaller 92 mm PWM fan, this cooler has excellent cooling performance and can even handle overheating of overclocked CPUs.

Who It’s For

This cooler is mainly built for those who have an HTPC, ATX, or Micro ATX on their preferred list or system. This cooler will ensure a compact size, high cooling performance, and high RAM clearance.

What We Liked Most

As a low-profile cooler, Noctua NH-L12 offers great RAM clearance even on Mini-ITX. During the test on our Meshlicious case, we didn’t face any clearance issues.

We used Ryzen 5 3600, Corsair LPX RAM, and MSI 3060 TI components to check the capabilities of this cooler. Surprisingly, it handled more workloads without producing a lot of heat.

More importantly, the installation process was easy-to-follow, meaning anyone could install the cooler without the help of professionals.

We’ve noticed a 10-degree temperature drop from the cooler, which never exceeds 70 degrees Celsius. And the cooler operates in dead silence, ensuring no hearable sound is produced even in high workloads.

What We Didn’t Like

The downside of this exclusive CPU cooler is the luxury price compared to other low-profile coolers. You will get other low-profile coolers cheaper than Noctua NH-L12. However, you won’t get top-notch cooling performance and super silent operation from other rivals.

Verdict

NH-L12 has superior build quality and top-level performance, comparable with Noctua’s award winner NH-D15 model.

Its straight and solid fins, uniform surface & smooth edges, NT-H2 next-gen thermal compound, and 48 mm RAM clearance make it the best low-profile cooler for your Mini ITX/Mini-DTX PC cases.

8. Best Passive CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-P1

Specifications

Dimensions: 158 x 154 x 152 mm | TDP: 95 W | Weight: 1180 g | Noise level: 12.1 dB | Material: Copper and Aluminum  | Fan compatibility: 120x120x25 | Socket compatibility: LGA2066, LGA2011-0 & LGA2011-3, LGA1200, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1151, LGA1150 & AMD AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM4

Why We Picked It

The Noctua NH-P1 is a passive CPU cooler, meaning it has no fans or other means for moving hot air away from the heat sink. Instead, they use a different technology to keep the CPU cool.

We were amused by its ability to operate in super silent mode. The bladeless design of the NH-P1 is the reason behind such noise-free operation. Additionally, it was built without any moving parts inside, assuring less chance of failure.

With an asymmetric design, this passive cooler is compatible with most RAM modules without any clearance issues.

Because of Noctua NH-P1’s unique fanless design and different working processes, we’ve selected it as the best passive CPU cooler.

Who It’s For

If you are looking for a cooler made of the latest technology, has noise-free operations, has less chance of failure, and attracts less dust, the ultimate pick for you is the Noctua NH-P1.

What We Liked Most

Noctua claimed the NH-P1 can run 100% silently because of its fanless heatsink. In our testing on Ryzen 5, we got no audible noise, even in extreme workloads.

This cooler can efficiently cool down the mid-range and some high-end CPUs. For high-end CPUs, it has the option to add an extra 120 mm near inaudible NF-A12x25 LS-PWM fan, which can increase the dissipation capacity significantly.

What We Didn’t Like

Because of its different structure and design, you need some serious planning and expertise to install the cooler on your rig. Regardless of its latest technology and unique looks, this cooler is unsuitable for overclocked or high-end CPUs.

Verdict

The NH-P1 only produces 12.1 dB of sound, which is not audible, making it more desirable to silent PC lovers. The failure-proof and unique design makes it more reliable than other coolers.

Moreover, the support of additional fans makes it suitable for high-end and overclocked CPUs.

9. Best Silent CPU Cooler: be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4

Specifications

Dimensions: 146x136x163 mm | TDP: 250 W | Noise Level: ‎24.3 dB | Heatpipe number: 7 | Material: Copper and Aluminum | Fan compatibility: 135x135x22, 120x120x25 | Socket compatibility: 1700 / 1200 / 2066 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 2011(-3) Square ILM, AM5 / AM4

Why We Picked It

Dark Rock Pro 4 is a powerful CPU cooler from be quiet! This cooler is well-known for its quality and accuracy. It is capable of producing enough power to cool down most CPUs and comparable with AIO 240 mm liquid coolers.

With its seven high-performance copper heat pipes, this cooler can reliably cool down powerful CPUs during heavy workloads and overclocking.

Dark Rock Pro 4 can run at a dead silent configuration which makes it the quietest CPU cooler. Even at 100% loads, it only produces near 24.3 dB of noise. Compared to big AIO coolers, Dark Rock Pro 4 can handle extreme workloads and intense gaming without overheating issues.

Who It’s For

This excellent cooler is for those who want aesthetics and a high-performing tower cooler concurrently to cool down their high-end CPUs.

What We Liked Most

From a ton of exclusive features of this great cooler, we were amused by its performance-to-noise ratio score.

With the help of 2 Silent Wings PWM fans, it offers almost inaudible operations. The optimized airflow, advanced core design, wave-contoured cooling fins, and heat conductance is capable of cooling any CPUs instantly.

The double tower layout and the two aluminum heat sinks offers the cooling capabilities like 240 mm coolers.

Additionally, the perfect black design from top to bottom can blend with any PC cases without sacrificing overall looks of the system.

What We Didn’t Like

This great cooler is not for AMD Threadripper series owners. Besides, because of the larger rectangular surface area of the LGA 1700 sockets, Dark Rock Pro 4 is not highly compatible with CPUs like i9-12900K.

Verdict

Dark Rock Pro 4 offers extreme cooling power without sacrificing in silence and performance for overclocked CPUs and demanding graphics applications. During our test, we didn’t face any thermal throttling regardless of high turbo clock speeds and overclocking.

How We Chose The Greatest CPU Cooler

From thousands of different CPU coolers from different manufacturers, choosing the best ones was arduous. However, we’ve managed to craft a list of best nine coolers that offer the best cooling performance, compact size, low noise level, and socket compatibility.

Consider the following discussions to learn more about the choosing procedures of the best CPU coolers.

Here are the factors we’ve focused while choosing the best cooler:

Cooling Performance: To determine whether a cooler is good or bad, we’ve considered the cooling performance at first. We’ve only added the coolers with a great cooling performance.

Socket Compatibility: Because of different socket types, not all cooler is compatible with all sockets. Hence, we’ve only added the coolers with huge socket compatibilities.

Price: We have found coolers of different price ranges. During the making of the list, we’ve only chosen the best coolers depending on the performance and price ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are CPU air coolers worth it?

CPU air coolers can relocate the heat away from the CPU. However, the heat then dispersed into the case, which raise the overall system temperature.

Which cooling technology is best for CPU cooling?

Air cooler is capable of cooling CPUs very faster and efficiently. However, it can just relocate the heat away from the CPU and then dispersed into the case. Contrarily, the liquid cooler can directly send the heat outside the case, meaning more efficient cooling.

Is a stock CPU cooler enough?

A stock CPU cooler can handle most of the day-to-day workloads and simple multitasking without significant performance drop. However, most demanding applications and intense gaming requires more powerful coolers for better heat distributions.