Ranking of the best CPU coolers for 2022

The performance of a computer 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 built into the system unit.

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

General information

A CPU cooler is a device installed on the 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, the 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 the device is missing.

The choice of cooling system is determined by:

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

Main Components

1. Radiator.

Removes the heat generated during operation from the surface of the processor 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 distribution of heat energy;
• heat capacity - determines the amount of energy required to change the temperature by one degree.

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

It consists of many plates connected to heat pipes. The form of release can be varied.

Factors for improving cooling efficiency:

• increase in area;
• increase in the number of plates while reducing the thickness;
• the 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, it is necessary to put the functionality of the unit at the forefront, and not the appearance.

2. Fan.

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

Main elements:

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

Noise suppression and vibration mitigation is carried out by mounting with anti-vibration silicone bolts. An important criterion is the size of the blades, because compact products will not perform as well as larger ones.At the same time, increasing 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 it will add a lot of noise. In addition, an important role is played by bearings, which are of two types - sliding or rolling.

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

Classification

By design

1. With aluminum heatsink.

Cheap models equipped with a conventional fan. The shape depends on the socket and manufacturer. Square ones are usually produced for AMD, round ones for Intel. As a rule, they are 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 stacked plate radiator.

Products are made of typesetting plates. Heat dissipation is much better than conventional. Now they are already considered obsolete, units with heat pipes are replacing them.

3. With tubes in horizontal type.

One 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 onto the motherboard, heating the others. Good for a small body.

4. With vertical tubes (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 dimensions. Great for powerful 8-12 core CPUs.

Efficiency is affected by the diameter and number of tubes that conduct heat to the radiator. For example, for a powerful CPU with a TDP of 190 W, a unit with five or six tubes is required, and for a TDP of 90 W, a cooler with two tubes is enough. Their number can be counted at the outgoing ends, dividing by two. The diameter is estimated visually or in the description of the characteristics on the manufacturer's website.

According to the material of the sole adjacent to the surface of the processor

1. With aluminum heatsink.

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

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

2. With copper insert.

Improved heat distribution increases the efficiency of such models.

3. With copper sole.

The heat pipes are soldered into the copper base, which greatly increases the efficiency of work.

The best manufacturers use direct contact technologies, which consist in pressing pipes to create a contact area. As a result, the efficiency is not inferior to products with a copper sole.

According to the material of the radiator

1. Aluminum.

The popularity of 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.

Standard radiators with copper inserts have slightly higher efficiency. However, at present they are practically not produced.

3. From copper.

The array is based on copper plates with high heat capacity and uniform heat distribution. Thanks to these properties, the CPU temperature stabilizes 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, small dimensions make such coolers suitable for use in compact units.

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

The most efficient radiators, in which heat is immediately removed to the plates 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 allows you to increase efficiency by slightly accelerating the blower.

5. Nickel plated.

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

By dimensions and weight of radiators

Weight and size values ​​directly affect efficiency. You should look at the motherboard where the installation is planned. Sometimes there are difficulties for correct installation due to nearby installed memory modules or other elements. In addition, large radiators 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 prevented 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, at TDP 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.

According to the characteristics of the fan

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 the largest size of 14 centimeters. Such a cooler costs more, but the noise level is low.

2. Bearing type.

The cheap ones are equipped with plain bearings that do not have the highest reliability. The more reliable ones have ball bearings that are not distinguished by quiet operation.

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

3. Quantity.

One fan fits most platforms. However, to overclock the fastest machines running an Intel Core i7 or i9, you need a unit with two 14 cm propellers.

4. Speed.

In the case of small dimensions of the radiator and fan, to compensate for a weak flow and a small area of ​​dispersion, it is necessary to increase the speed. The speed of rotation in inexpensive coolers is usually two to four thousand revolutions per minute. At the same time, if at a speed of two thousand 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 adjustment.

Modern platforms are released with the function of adjusting the speed depending on the temperature of the CPU.This is due to voltage changes. More expensive popular models are equipped with built-in PWM controllers. Therefore, when installing a 12 cm propeller at speeds up to 1300 rpm, it is almost inaudible.

6. Connectors.

To connect to the motherboard, the fans are equipped with three- or four-pin connectors. Control through three pins is carried out by adjusting the voltage, and four-pin - by PWM controllers, which are less noisy due to the accuracy of adjustment and the speed of changing modes.

7. Noise.

The value measured in decibels is affected by the speed of rotation and the configuration of the blades. They are considered quiet at values ​​up to 25 dB.

8. Air flow.

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

By mount

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

With LED backlight

Many coolers are equipped with LED-backlight, which glows beautifully. However, the meaning of such illumination is only in the presence of a transparent side window. It is possible that such a spectacle after some time will already be annoying. You should think about the need for such decoration.

How to use thermal paste

It is usually used to improve thermal conductivity and high-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 difference in temperature when using good or bad paste reaches ten degrees.

Order and selection criteria

1. The cooling method is determined - passive, active or liquid.
2. Specifies the type of CPU for cooling - Intel or AMD.
3. The mounting standard is taken into account, compatibility with the socket is checked.
4. The dimensions and type of construction are calculated to fit in the system unit.
5. Possible obstacles for the installation of the cooler, which must be eliminated or avoided, are clarified.
6. The thermal power of the processor should be half the TDP of the cooler.
7. Compare size 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 ground.
11. The decorative casing and LED lighting play only a decorative role, without affecting the functionality.

Where could I buy

Coolers should be purchased in specialized stores that sell computer components. In addition, selected novelties can be ordered online in the online store, as well as with Ali Express.

The pages of Yandex-Market and E-catalog aggregators 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.

The 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 regarding specific products. The list includes models of a horizontal type, a tower type of the middle class at a price of up to five thousand rubles, as well as a tower type for gaming systems and overclocking.

TOP 3 best horizontal type coolers

Cooler Master GeminII M5 LED

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

A low device made in Taiwan for cooling the processor. Wave-shaped blades, and a radiator with 48 aluminum fins strung on five copper tubes. For improved heat dissipation, direct contact technology through thermal paste is used. The rotation speed is regulated through a 4-pin connector within 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 in both vertical and horizontal positions.

• small 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 some of the RAM slots, and is also close to the power capacitors;
• the complexity of installation with the removal of the motherboard;
• noise at high speeds;
• the extreme edge, when pressed, moves along the tubes.

Video review:

Noctua NH-L9i

Brand - Noctua (Austria).
The country of origin is Austria.

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

The low profile fan is one of the quietest in its segment.

• high work efficiency;
• quiet operation at maximum speed;
• a large supply of cooling power;
• quality assembly;
• fast installation;
• small sizes.

• not suitable for processors capable of overclocking;
• high price.

Video review of the cooler:

Deepcool CK-AM209

Brand - Deepcool (China).
The country of origin is China.

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
Dissipated power (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	No	No
Airflow, CFM	50.43	33.84	35
Bearing	rocking	hydrodynamic	hydrodynamic
Work to 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).
The country of origin is the Republic of Korea.

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

• compactness;
• good performance;
• high build quality;
• quiet operation in normal mode;
• installation of the 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 guide.

Video review-comparison of brand coolers:

Enermax ETS-T50 AX Silent Edition

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

An impressive black model with a stylish design of the fan frame and mounting panels. It has good CPU cooling capabilities and low noise level. The standard mount ensures the use with almost all AMD and Intel platforms. The radiator array includes 54 half-millimeter-thick aluminum plates with a total dissipation area of ​​up to 9.5 thousand sq. cm. Heat pipes with a pronounced asymmetrical layout to reduce the likelihood of interference with memory slots.

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

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

Video review of the cooler:

PCcooler GI-X5R

Brand - PCCooler (China).
The country of origin is China.

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

• stylish design;
• good performance;
• high power dissipation 160 W;
• high turnover;
• quiet work;
• great functionality.

• difficulties during installation;
• 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
Dissipated power (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	No	No	red
Airflow, CFM	27.61	29,78-94,21	65
Bearing	hydrodynamic	with magnetic centering	hydrodynamic
Time to failure, 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 the dimensions, it can be easily placed on any motherboards without overlapping the upper slots due to the asymmetric shape. The composition includes a radiator with seven nickel-plated tubes, on which 35 aluminum plates are strung with a total dissipation area of ​​almost 12,000 sq.cm.

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

• big sizes;
• it is impossible to mount a second blower;
• The kit does not include a 4-pin Molex adapter.

Noctua NH-D15

Brand - Noctua (Austria).
The country of origin is Austria.

Well thought out Austrian model with two fans included for powerful cooling. The aluminum heatsink prevents rapid overheating, and the copper sole is guaranteed to protect against damage. The product is equipped with six heat pipes in two sections of heat dissipating plates with an increased area, which allows you to cool components near the processor.

• high work efficiency;
• excellent build quality;
• the quietest, but very productive fans;
• compatibility with any platform;
• rich delivery package;
• good packing;
• six years warranty.

• high price;
• large dimensions.

Video review:

be quiet! DARKROCK PRO4

Brand - be quiet! (Germany).
The country of origin is Germany.

Powerful unit made with traditional German quality. Equipped with two almost silent propellers without parasitic overtones of the PWM controller. The front propeller has a funnel-shaped air intake to increase air pressure. The platter outline design is optimized for better airflow and has cutouts for RAM compatibility. High performance for its intended purpose is enough to cool any overclocked processors.

• low noise level;
• excellent build quality;
• high performance;
• compatible with most popular sockets;
• the presence of two fans (120 and 135 mm) in the kit;
• adjustment of the speed of rotation of the blades;
• the presence of fasteners for an additional fan;
• simple installation;
• stylish design;
• adequate dimensions.

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

Video instruction for mounting the cooler:

comparison table

	Thermalright Le GRAND MACHO RT	Noctua NH-D15	be quiet! DARKROCK PRO 4
Dissipated power (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	No	No	No
Airflow, CFM	16,9-73,6	82.52	67,8-113,8
Bearing	hydrodynamic	with magnetic centering	hydrodynamic
Time to failure, 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 that are popular among wealthy fans. However, high prices do not allow these brands to be widely used in the Russian market. Moreover, winning a few degrees for our users means almost nothing. Therefore, products from China of the Cooler Master or DeepCool brands with an excellent price-quality ratio are popular in our country. 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 stay healthy!