Which cooler is better to choose. Rating of the best cooling systems for the processor

Hi all! Everyone knows that computers are complex system, consisting of components: video card, motherboard, and many other integral parts. How to cool the hottest part of the system - the processor! There is a great invention for this: a cooler! And today I will tell you how to choose a cooler and which manufacturer you should take a closer look at.

How to choose a CPU cooler?

First, let's decide on the goals of how intensively you will use the computer. enjoy office applications, play or will you use it aggressively by overclocking the processor?

• The most common option for desktop computers is a simple cooler without heat pipes, usually their power is enough for cooling, but when running applications such as Microsoft Office, browser or minor games when your computer is running at its minimum capacity.

• Well, what if you are an avid gamer and like to play games like Crysis 3? In this case, the second option is used - cooling coolers with heat pipes or with coolant. This cooler is based on removing heat from the processor using liquid in a tube and converting it into steam, which dissipates. The most important thing is the copper plate, which is in contact with the processor and removes heat.

Results: the first option is suitable for those who do not load the computer and work on it in normal mode, but if the computer was purchased for gaming, then you need either a tower cooler or water cooling.

Weight, dimensions and characteristics.

When choosing a cooler, you need to pay attention to several more important aspects:

• Size and weight, they should not exceed 700-750 grams, because there is a load on it, which can cause its deformation.

• Socket Compatibility. Before buying a cooler, you need to look at what socket your motherboard has, because... Cooler mounts are quite individual. The socket is the platform where the processor is installed, so if you buy a cooler for the wrong purpose, you will not be able to attach it to motherboard.

• Dimensions: width, height. Also a very important factor, because installation may be difficult. And even if the cooler fits into the case, it is not a fact that you will be able to insert RAM.

• Active or passive cooling (preferably active). Of course, there are cool coolers with passive cooling, but all modern motherboards can adjust the speed. Therefore, if you are worried about noise, then even with an active cooler, you may not hear anything.

• Radiator types: tower and standard. Tower coolers dissipate heat well, unlike conventional ones. For this reason, take tower ones whenever possible. But if you have a limited budget and do not actively use a computer, then regular cooler. Tower coolers also differ, but don’t bother, take the type like in the picture below.

• Noise level- of course, the quieter the better and more comfortable. Everything is simple here, you need good manufacturer and that the motherboard has support automatic adjustment cooler speed.
• Material. There are 3 types. These are copper, aluminum and aluminum + copper. It is better to take only copper, it will best dissipate heat.
• Number of coolers. If you are not going to overclock anything, one cooler will be enough for you. Just in case, take one that has the ability to install another one. For example Zalman performance.

The best cooler manufacturers

Here many will probably refute me, but I will speak from my own experience. And my many years of experience say that best manufacturers coolers are Noctua, Zalman and Thermaltake. These are real maniacs in their field, especially Zalman and Noctua...

And to confirm, I will say that they keep the temperature of the 4th generation Intel i7 processor, which I have, at 30°. Well, in games, of course, it gets hot, but! They cope well in games too! At first I thought it wouldn’t cope, I’ll buy it tower cooler one more fan, but no, a tower radiator and one fan are enough!

Well, of course, the case also has a big influence, I also have the Zalman z11 plus, in which the air circulation is also well thought out and hot air does not linger.

So, in my opinion best companies coolers are as follows:

1. Zalman this is the undisputed leader, the rest are just trying to compete and parody. Every company has its ups and downs, but in this area, this firm has more ups than downs.

2. Noctua this company is no worse than Zalman, but their price tags are much higher, and if you don’t overclock anything and don’t have extra money, then this company is not for you.

3. Thermaltake- also cooler maniacs, but in my opinion they are slightly inferior to Zalman, but there are also interesting models. But for example, I only have cooling from Zalman, but from ThermalTake, because... they still make them better.

4. Corsair— I like this company’s RAM more.

5. Cooler Master — they also make good coolers and cases.

6.GlacialTech- good coolers, on intermediate level processors.

7. Arctic Cooling— I saw a couple of good tower coolers.

8. Deepcool- cheap and cheerful. An actively developing company.

9. Intel- what can I say, a company, a company to all companies. Coolers are supplied in a box with processors. The i3 and i5 work well! And of course, you don’t even have to say about the coolers of their servers that their coolers, Dell or HP, do a good job. Their servers cost so much that it’s a sin for them to overheat.

Because of all that has been said, I would advise you to choose Zalman cooling systems for both the processor and all parts of the case!

This is how you can choose the best cooler and prevent your computer from overheating. But when the computer overheats, it starts to slow down!

If you decide to collect new computer yourself, then you have to solve a number of problems related to the selection of components. One of these problems is choosing a CPU cooler. In this article we will look at the main points in this simple matter.

When building a new PC, it's always tempting to choose the standard cooler that comes with the processor. After all, using it you can save a little.

If you are building a computer to run undemanding programs, then a standard cooler will be sufficient. Moreover, if good air movement is organized in the case, then a standard cooler will cope even with heavy programs and computer games.

The only thing a standard cooler is definitely not suitable for is overclocking a processor. If you plan to overclock the processor, then you must definitely choose a more efficient cooling system.

Also, you should not choose a standard cooler (or as it is also called a “Box cooler”) if you want to build quiet computer. Standard coolers are usually very small in diameter and because of this they are noticeably noisy. At the same time, the speed of such a cooler should be high, because the radiator underneath is also small.

CPU cooler socket and dimensions

If you are choosing a cooler for a processor, then the first thing you need to consider is the dimensions of the cooler.

If you choose a cooler that supports your processor socket, then you simply will not be able to install it, the cooler will not fit on right place. If you make a mistake with the dimensions of the cooler, you may have problems closing the case. If the cooler is larger than the space between the processor and the case cover, then you simply will not be able to install the side cover.

In the case of particularly large coolers and compact motherboards, situations are possible when the cooler will overlap the slots for RAM or even PCI Express connectors. This also needs to be taken into account when choosing a CPU cooler.

Not a standard cooler in a computer case

Therefore, in order to avoid having to return the cooler to the store later, it is better to carefully study the characteristics of the cooler and make sure that your processor socket is in the list of supported sockets, and that the dimensions of the cooler will not create problems when assembling the system.

Cooler efficiency

When choosing a CPU cooler, it is very important to correctly evaluate its efficiency and processor heat dissipation. To do this, it is best to focus on the TDP of the processor and cooler. TDP stands for “Thermal design power”, which in turn can be translated as “Cooling system requirements”. TDP is specified in Watts and indicates the amount of heat that the processor cooling system must dissipate. You can read more about this.

If the characteristics of the cooler indicate the TDP for which it is designed, then simply compare the TDP of the cooler with the TDP of the processor. If the TDP of the cooler is higher, then you can safely buy such a cooler. It will cope with cooling your processor without any problems.

But the characteristics of coolers do not always contain information about TDP. In this case, when choosing a cooler for a processor, you have to evaluate its effectiveness based on indirect factors. These factors are:

• Radiator weight. The heavier the heatsink, the more heat it can take away from the processor and dissipate into the space around it. Therefore, the greater the weight of the radiator, the more efficient the cooling system.
• Number of heat pipes. Heat pipes transfer heat from the processor to the heatsink fins. Therefore, the more heat pipes and the larger their diameter, the more efficient the radiator is.
• Number of coolers and their size. The more coolers on the radiator and the larger the diameter of these coolers, the better the radiator is blown and the more efficient the cooling system.
• Heat pipe contact. Heat pipes can contact the processor either directly or through an additional plate. The best option- This is direct contact. This way, the heat pipes will be able to better transfer heat from the processor to the radiator fins.

Choosing a high-performance CPU cooler

Home personal computer is that element consumer electronics, which you always want to improve at least a little. Add RAM, install another one hard drive, upgrade the video card and many other different “improve”, “increase”, “expand”, etc. One of the simplest (at first glance), effective and inexpensive ways to increase computer performance is overclocking central processor. IN computer environment this process is called the beautiful word “overclocking”, since in most cases it consists of increasing the frequency at which the processor operates.

One of the side effects of overclocking is a significant increase in power consumption. electric current and, as a result, an increase in the amount of heat generated by the processor. Those who are a little familiar with the physics of semiconductors are well aware that the performance of any semiconductor element is highly dependent on temperature. The higher it is, the less more stable work There is a microcircuit, and when a critical point is reached, the semiconductor turns into a conductor, energy consumption and release increases abruptly, and the processor burns out or turns off. On the contrary, the lower the temperature of the silicon crystal, the more stable it operates and the higher its performance.

From what has been written it follows that the better the central processor in the system unit of a personal computer is cooled, the higher its performance and the more stable its operation. The more powerful the cooling system, the higher the processor can be overclocked, thereby increasing the overall performance of the PC.

Scythe Rasetsu - small and efficient

To cool the processor while the computer is running, a wide range of different devices are produced, the operation of which is based on different principles. We talked in detail about the physics of heat removal in the article “Theoretical foundations of cooling system unit elements. Processor coolers,” so now we will focus on the practical side of selecting a cooling system whose performance is optimal for your system.

Step one - defining the socket

Central processors of personal computers (like any other components) change quite noticeably with the development of their production technologies. Moreover, these changes concern not only improved characteristics and changes in the internal structure of the crystal, but also purely geometric and electrical parameters of the chip. The dimensions of the case change, the number, height and shape of the legs, the distance between them and the method of fixing the processor to the motherboard change. The entire listed set of parameters together is standardized for each type of processor and is called a processor socket.

Socket FM2 and plastic mounts for cooler

There are quite a few types of sockets (for Intel processors there are more than three dozen of them and almost the same for AMD), and each of them has its own unique mechanical and geometric parameters. Each socket also has its own method of attaching the processor cooler to the motherboard. Therefore, when choosing a cooling system, you should first of all find out the socket of the processor installed in your system and limit your choice to the appropriate type of cooler.

Socket 1150. Mounting holes for attaching the cooler are visible

The choice is made somewhat easier by the fact that in recent years there has been some unification of cooler mounts for various sockets. This is especially noticeable on motherboards under AMD processors. The mounts have not been modified since the release of socket AM2 and on any modern processor with sockets AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2 and FM2+ you can install the same cooler. For Intel processors, two types of mounting are currently available - one for LGA2011 and the other for LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156. Older generations of processors require different mounts.

Information on the compatibility of the processor cooler with various sockets from all manufacturers in mandatory indicate both on the box and on their website. Many coolers come with several types of mounts, which makes them universal in relation to the socket.

Step two - choosing a manufacturer

The total number of companies producing cooling systems for personal computer processors is very large. Fortunately, there is a certain table of ranks that allows you to divide cooler manufacturers according to the quality, reliability and efficiency of their products (note that this rating largely reflects the subjective opinion of the author of the article, but at the same time takes into account the average objective data on the test results of various devices of the brands mentioned below).

Brands of the first magnitude can without hesitation include the Austrian company Noctua, whose coolers are silent with excellent efficiency, the Japanese Skythe, which produces high-performance and original devices, Taiwanese Thermaltake and Cooler Master, as well as South Korean Zalman. Let’s immediately make a reservation that there is a fairly large number of devices from other manufacturers with excellent characteristics, but it is the high-quality products of these companies in a wide range that are available on domestic market, which is why they are preferred.

Step three - determining the required performance

There are several different methods for calculating the required performance of a processor cooler, taking into account the amount of heat generated by the processor, the effective dissipation area of ​​the radiator fins, the amount of air flow created by the cooler fan(s), the material of the cooler base or heat sink, and other parameters. In this article, we will not delve so deeply into the theory and overload the text with formulas. We will select a sufficiently efficient cooler according to the characteristics available in the specifications specified by the manufacturer in several steps.

First of all, determine in which mode your computer will operate. If you are not going to overclock the processor, then the selection process is greatly simplified. It is enough just to find in the cooler specifications that it matches yours or a more powerful processor of the same type, and you can safely install this cooler into the system. To operate in normal modes, most modern classic coolers with direct contact between the radiator and the processor are sufficient. Choice specific model in this case it is necessary to carry out according to other criteria - low level noise, design, air flow direction, etc.

If overclocking the system is not excluded, then the cooling system should be selected more carefully. First, determine how seriously overclocking you are going to subject your system to and what result you want to get in the end. Extreme fans who strive to squeeze everything possible (and impossible) out of the best components available on the market and set another performance record for a personal computer use cooling systems with liquid nitrogen as a refrigerant. There is no point in writing anything in more detail for such enthusiasts in this article, since all of them, as a rule, are very savvy in the technical side of the issue.

Cooling the system with liquid nitrogen

For everyone else, we can recommend a simple algorithm for choosing a cooling system. For those who plan to subject the overclocked processor to heavy loads constantly or most of the time (for example, in demanding game modes), it is worth paying attention to the systems liquid cooling. Now their cost is no longer exorbitant, although it exceeds the price of high-quality air coolers. The performance of various life-support systems varies quite widely, so it is worth first reading the relevant reviews and tests in search of a compromise between efficiency and cost.

The life support system can be so large-sized

Those PC owners who overclock the processor to improve overall system performance and subject it to serious loads only from time to time should be content air systems cooling on heat pipes. Cooler efficiency can be assessed based on visual signs:

• number of heat pipes - the more, the better;
• size and weight of the radiator - large massive radiators with a large number thin plates are more efficient;
• fan size and number - Large diameter fans not only provide more airflow, but are also quieter when cooling an unloaded processor.

Scythe Katana 3 - both the processor cools and the memory cools

From those coolers that you think are suitable for your purposes, you can choose the most suitable one by referring to the test results of various online laboratories. Now there are similar tests for almost any cooling system produced by more or less well-known brands.

Step four - determining the compatibility of the cooler with motherboard and body

Unfortunately, even if the cooler you like has a mount that matches your processor socket, this does not guarantee that it will be compatible with your system. The reason for the incompatibility may be a purely geometric discrepancy between the overall parameters of the cooler and the location of the elements of the motherboard, power supply and case walls.

The easiest way is to check the possibility of installing a cooler in a case based on its vertical dimensions. To do this, you can simply take a regular ruler and measure the distance along the back wall of your case from the left cover to the hole for the connector panel plug. To the obtained result you need to add 37.5 mm (standardized distance to the contact plane of the cooler base) and subtract a couple of millimeters by the thickness of the lid. The result obtained will be the maximum allowable vertical dimension of the processor cooler. Please note that for cooling systems with a top-mounted fan, you need to leave a couple more centimeters between the lid and the end of the cooler, otherwise you will need to cut a ventilation hole in the lid (many cases already have such holes).

Tall radiators often interfere with the cooler

It is more difficult to find out the compatibility of the lower part of the cooler with the elements located around the processor socket on the motherboard. Most often, conflicts arise with radiators for cooling voltage stabilizers and with radiators installed on RAM. If you suspect that such a conflict may arise, then it is best to purchase a cooler after directly checking its geometric compatibility. To do this, you can take your own system unit to the store where you plan to buy the cooling system and perform a trial installation.

Step five - protect your hearing and nerves

Almost anyone CPU cooler during operation, it is a source of quite audible noise, consisting of the hum of fan bearings, air noise in the fan blades and radiator planes, noise of the liquid pump and air in the radiators for the liquid-liquid system. The only absolutely silent option (not counting passive radiators) known to the author is fluid system cooling on liquid metal, in which the coolant is pumped by an electromagnetic pump.

Danamics LM10 - cooler with liquid metal as a coolant

All other coolers during operation produce a noise level in the range from 15 to 45 dB(A) or more. A sound level of up to 35 dB(A) is comfortable for humans, and a level of up to 22 dB(A) can be considered silent.

Information about the “noise” of any cooler is necessarily provided both on its packaging and on the manufacturer’s website, so choosing a quiet device is not a problem.

Resume

The modern market for processor cooling systems is so vast and diverse that it is difficult to give a sufficiently complete description of it in one article. The material, shape and size of radiators, the material of the sole or heat sink, the size and power of fans, the direction of air flow and other parameters differ very significantly in various devices. But it is precisely this diversity that allows us to confidently assert that, with some effort, you can always choose exactly the processor cooler that is optimal for your system in terms of price and efficiency.

Nowadays it is very difficult to imagine life without the use of computers and various gadgets, because with their help almost everything is available to us. For some it is entertainment, for others it is a way of communication, for others it is a place to work and earn good money. If there is demand, it means there is progress; today the average personal computer has the performance that prestigious institutions dreamed of just a few years ago. Yes, we ourselves notice that every year newer and more powerful computers are born.

U high power There is a huge disadvantage - heat generation. If the load on the processor is high enough, it consumes more electricity, and therefore releases a large amount of heat. And heat is a problem, because its excess leads to system malfunctions, and frequent and prolonged overheating of the processor can lead to rapid failure of the latter, since the processor requires constant cooling, especially if you load it heavily or overclock it. That is why the cooler has become almost the most important part of a computer, although not the most expensive.

How to choose a good cooler for a computer based on parameters (4 important points)

Listed above are the most basic aspects, knowledge of which is necessary when purchasing a cooler. We can only advise that when purchasing a cooler, you touch its blades: they should not have any play, and they should also spin easily. We must not forget about the material from which the cooling radiator was made; it is best if it is aluminum.

— Almost silent and quite efficient processor cooler with two fans; 2 — Three-fan model with a distinctive design; 3 — Budget model with two fans providing high-quality cooling of the computer. 1 - Practically silent system cooling; 2 - Simple and stable system; 3 — A model that has no analogues in its price segment in terms of cooling level.

Computer components become hot during operation. The temperature of some parts increases slightly, while others become very hot. Most of all this applies to the video card and processor. And if the first one is initially equipped with a cooling system, then the situation with the CPU is different. A running cooler protects the processor from overheating. Due to the rotation of the fan blades, an air flow is created, and heat can be removed by them. This is how the processor is cooled.

Without a cooler, the temperature on the CPU can reach critical values, so it runs the risk of failure. Liquid can also be used to cool the processor. Water systems are more expensive, but they are also more efficient.

When choosing cooling for your computer, there are many parameters to consider. And not only its effectiveness, but also its compatibility with computer components. These parameters will be discussed in more detail in the list best systems cooling for the processor.

Top CPU coolers with one fan

Score (2018): 4.5

Advantages: Popular cooler from a world famous company

Country of origin: China

In third place in the top coolers is the Zalman CNPS10X Optima. This is very popular model with one fan. She found it due to the low cost and quite high quality. Supports a large number of processors.

Due to the material used, the radiator provides high thermal conductivity. The fan has wide blades and can produce more than 1500 revolutions per minute. The noise level at maximum rotation reaches 28 decibels. The weight of the assembled product is 630 g.

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages: Very reliable model

Country of origin: China

The Noctua NH-U14S cooler takes second place in the rating. According to the creators, the model is capable of working trouble-free for more than one hundred thousand hours. The cooler is compatible with sockets: LGA2011-3, LGA1150, AM2+, FM2+ and many others. Simply put, this model is suitable for cooling processors of the latest and previous generations.

The cooler is equipped with six heat pipes. This increases its effectiveness. The rotation speed can reach 1500 rpm. The noise level produced by the fan does not exceed 25 decibels at peak. The cooler is quite large in size, it weighs 935 g.

Block of useful information

When choosing a quality CPU cooler, you first need to consider several significant characteristics. Not only the efficiency of the cooling system, but also its compatibility, as well as the overall reliability of the computer will depend on them. Thanks to the right choice of cooler, you will be able to fully unleash the potential of the central processor, bringing its performance to the maximum level.

1. Socket. It must be taken into account that processors from Intel companies and AMD have different connectors for connecting to the motherboard. Moreover, from the same company, depending on model range, the sockets will be different. This is very important point with the right choice of cooling system. After all, connectors differ in the structure of the fastenings. And a cooler is already connected to them. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a cooling system compatible with the socket on the motherboard. Otherwise, its installation is significantly complicated or becomes completely impossible. And attempts can lead to damage to the motherboard.
2. Cooler dimensions. When a socket is selected, all that remains is to decide on the cooler model that is compatible with it. There are a huge variety of cooling systems on the market. They can differ in many characteristics, including dimensions. And here it should be taken into account that the dimensions of the product vary depending on the purpose of the system. If you are equipping a gaming computer, then a large cooler is preferable. When the system is intended to office work, then a smaller cooling system is installed.
3. Rotation speed. The quality of the cooler is determined by the final cooling of the processor. And the higher the rotation speed of the blades, the better the heat dissipation. This parameter calculated in the number of blade revolutions per unit of time (usually per minute). IN modern systems The cooler rotation speed is adjusted automatically. It will depend on the computer load. Therefore, the processor temperature will be maintained at the same level.

Score (2018): 4.8

Advantages: Quiet and high-quality computer cooling

Country of origin: China

And the first place in the rating is occupied by the Thermalright Macho Rev.A model. Reviews large quantity users say that this is the best single-fan cooler in its price segment. This is also confirmed by numerous reviews.

The model is suitable for the latest processor lines. It provides excellent cooling even in gaming computers. The rotation speed is adaptively selected by the system from 900 to 1300 rpm. And at peak load the noise produced is below 21 dB. The weight of the model is 870g.

Top CPU coolers with multiple fans

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages: Budget model with two fans

Country of origin: China

Opens the top best coolers for Deepcool Maelstrom 240T multi-fan processor. This is a very serious water cooling system with an aluminum radiator. This model compatible with the most powerful processors new generation.

The cooling system is equipped with two fans, the rotation speed of which can reach 1600 rpm. At peak load the noise level reaches 34 dB, it will be clearly audible. According to a Deepcool company representative, the cooler will be able to operate without failure for 50 thousand hours.

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages: Three-fan model with eye-catching design

Country of origin: China

The cooler received second place due to a special system for changing the rotation speed, depending on the load on the processor. This way it is possible to maintain a constant temperature. This cooler weighs one kilogram.

Score (2018): 4.8

Advantages: Almost silent and quite efficient processor cooler

Country of origin: China