CPU cooler test. “The best of the best” or consolidated testing of eight top-class processor coolers

The cooling system is one of the most important parts of every gaming computer. It helps keep the processor temperature low, ensuring stability, reliability, and efficiency. Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked in most builds. Users are deterred by the high cost of the cooler, and they prefer to invest in other parts of the computer system.

This article is intended to help those who want to overclock their processor, create a silent gaming PC, or simply add the finishing touches to their design. Below is an overview of the best CPU cooling systems, among which there is sure to be one that will harmoniously fit into a system unit of any size.

How to choose a CPU cooler?

CPU cooling systems come in a variety of sizes. Some are limited by socket types, while others are limited by available free space. Therefore, before choosing a CPU cooler, you should make sure that you have enough free space. For example, the dual-fan PHANTEKS PH-TC14PE has dimensions of 159 x 140 x 171 mm. These options require caution when making a purchase, as most midi-tower cases don't have room for this. In addition, using two fans may be problematic if the height of the RAM modules exceeds 40 mm.

When choosing a cooler, you must take into account that assembling a gaming PC or mining rig is a complex process that requires additional costs. The problem is that resource-intensive software subjects the chipset to extreme loads, so using standard cooling components is ineffective. The inevitable increase in temperature and volume becomes a serious problem.

Thus, a cooling device that provides efficient cooling and no noise is required. A cooler for AMD or Intel processors should keep them cool even when overclocked.

The manufacturer usually indicates the maximum CPU load in its specification so that the consumer does not overload it. But such restrictions are not always justified - the processor is often capable of performing more than is provided for by safety standards. Operating the CPU in a mode exceeding its nominal parameters is called overclocking. This makes it possible to increase system performance under a feasible load, but at the same time the processor temperature also increases. Higher heat causes the computer to malfunction. To prevent this, a cooling system is used. The cooler dissipates heat and ensures stable operation of the computer.

Air or water cooling?

There are two methods for reducing processor temperature. Traditionally, air cooling is used, which is quite inexpensive. Modern coolers also use water as a cooling agent. In this case they are called liquid. Both methods differ in cooling capacity and components. Below are brief characteristics of each of them.

Air cooling uses air as the heat dissipation medium. This type of system does not have as many components as a liquid system. It consists of a radiator and a fan that moves the air. The entire heat transfer mechanism is controlled by just these two components. Fewer parts means lower cost. This method is considered effective, economical and relatively simple.

On the other hand, to improve the efficiency of coolers for AMD and Intel processors, a liquid cooling system was developed. The fact is that water has a greater heat-absorbing capacity than air, and it works better in a hot environment. This is why it is preferable to air cooling. In addition, it uses more components. The water cooling system includes a radiator, fan, pump, reservoir and, of course, water. All these components make the cooler bulky. In ideal operating condition, water cooling is more efficient than air cooling. But nothing in this world comes for free, and at the moment, higher productivity comes at a higher cost. Liquid systems are significantly more expensive and also have a number of disadvantages - installing a cooler on a processor is difficult, and they are prone to leaks.

Water cooling is only beneficial if:

• uses a mini ATX assembly and doesn't like the look of low-profile air coolers;
• The voltage on the CPU is increased to squeeze maximum performance out of it;
• Additional space is required, which is freed up when installing a more compact system.

Otherwise, you should stick to air coolers, because with moderate overclocking, this alternative provides competitive performance and temperatures.

Selection criteria

If we consider the example of a gaming PC, its main component is the graphics card, which experiences maximum heating. It can generate 2-3 times more heat than a standard processor, which poses a risk to the entire system. In this case, a liquid cooler has an undeniable advantage over air cooling - it has a better performance-to-efficiency ratio, and it lowers temperatures faster.

However, it has a problem - water leakage. Liquid can leak out at any time, causing the computer to malfunction. Although manufacturers of modern cooling systems take this issue very seriously, the risk factor still remains.

Before choosing a CPU cooler, you need to compare the characteristics of the best models, taking into account the following factors:

• air flow;
• cost;
• noise level;
• temperature.

Replacing the cooling system

In general, to replace the air cooler you need to do the following:

1. Identify the socket type and select the cooling system.
2. Before removing the cooler from the processor, you need to prepare the computer - turn off the power and remove the case cover, disconnect all expansion cards and cables from the motherboard.
3. Dismantle the old model. Devices for LGA775 or LGA1366 sockets are mounted on 4 racks with flat heads, which should be rotated counterclockwise and carefully removed. AMD sockets are secured using a lever located on one side of the heatsink, which must be rotated 180°. After this, you need to disconnect the fan cable and remove the cooler.
4. Apply fresh thermal paste, after removing any remnants of the old one.
5. Install a new cooling system according to the instructions for the specific model.
6. Connect the power supply for the processor cooler to the 3- or 4-pin connector on the motherboard.
7. Check operation and monitor temperature conditions using the supplied software or third-party utilities.

Fan selection

Many manufacturers of CPU air cooling systems tend to pay little attention to the fan and do not attach much importance to it. Although most companies produce high-performance coolers that provide good temperature control, this is achieved with the help of very fast spinning and loud fans. RPM does affect air flow, but does not necessarily provide enough pressure. Fast rotation of the blades alone is not enough. A fan is required that is capable of pushing air with greater force. These devices are commonly called SP static pressure coolers and are specifically designed to move air with greater force.

The only downside to the SP fan is that it tends to provide less airflow. Devices of this type can also be very useful for cooling a computer case, inside which a large number of wires or compartments with hard drives prevent heat dissipation. Otherwise, it is better to use regular models.

When planning to replace your old loud, annoying CPU cooler, you should consider replacing the fan as it can save you a lot. Therefore, users recommend checking its characteristics and determining what to replace it with. In addition, many do not even realize that the radiator often allows you to place a second fan. This will make it possible to reduce the speed and, accordingly, the noise level of the cooling system.

Large CPU cooler: how to choose?

In recent years, many large CPU cooling systems have appeared, but only a few of them can be called truly good. And these are, first of all, Noctua NH-D15, Cryorig R1 Ultimate and PHANTEKS PH-TC14PE. They have the best price/performance ratio on the market. In temperature tests, these models are head and shoulders above large all-in-one coolers and small 120mm single-fan cooling systems.

All three devices come with their own PMW-controlled CPU cooler and quiet fans that can generate good overall static pressure. Of these, the noisiest is the Noctua NH-D15, which measures 24.60 dB without an adapter. When installing the latter, this figure drops to 19.20 dB, and the Cryorig becomes the loudest (23 dB at a maximum rotation speed of 1300 rpm). That's not a bad thing, and the excellent performance doesn't require the CPU cooler to rev when browsing or streaming video.

These CPU cooling systems have some differences, but not many. Apart from a slight difference in fan volume, they all operate at temperatures that differ by 1-3 degrees, but this depends on the specific computer configuration. So it all comes down to aesthetics and sizing. Although Noctua is a favorite of many enthusiasts and gamers, this model is not very attractive. The NH-D15 only comes in one color and that color is brown. As for the Cryorig R1 Ultimate cooler, it comes in a stylish black design with black aluminum radiators. Finally, the Phanteks PH-TC14PE comes in white, black, blue and red-white variants, at least offering more variety.

The advantages of these models become obvious, for example, against the backdrop of the Zalman CNPS10X-Performa cooler. Its 120mm fan runs at full speed of 2000rpm. produces noise with a volume of 58.7 dB. PWM control of the processor cooler allows you to reduce the speed to 1350 rpm, but this does not help much. The volume is only reduced to 44.8 dB. Thus, the Zalman CNPS10X-Performa cooler is able to demonstrate excellent performance, but at the cost of too noisy operation of the supplied fan. Replacing the latter can significantly improve the overall performance of the model.

Best mid-size cooler

According to user reviews, some of the most popular cooling systems of this type are Hyper 212 Evo and Cryorig H7. Both coolers are quite small in size. They will easily outperform any standard cooling system that comes with i5 or Ryzen chips, but they do have some differences. First of all, it's appearance and design. On the one hand, there is the stylish Cryorig H7 with its black and white fan and very durable heatsink. But you can also choose a much more sophisticated design with translucent black blades.

In addition to external design, models vary in performance and price. First of all, both coolers for Intel and AMD processors provide the same optimal temperature conditions, but make different noises. The Hyper 212 Evo is an older model and suffers for this. It is focused on high performance, surpassing bundled coolers in this parameter, but lags behind in terms of fan volume with 36 dB versus 25 dB for the H7. It is obvious that this aspect was not given due attention during the design and, judging by many years of production, will not be given in the future. Of course, you can always replace the fan with a much quieter one, but then it would be better to buy an H7.

So why is the Hyper 212 a recommended model when the H7 performs just as well and sounds quieter? Judging by year-over-year price changes, the H7 has never dropped below $30. Unlike Hyper 212, the price of which has repeatedly fallen below this mark and even below $20. So, despite the loud fan, the Hyper 212 deserves to be considered a bargain because it not only gets the job done, but is also the cheapest replacement for a complete cooling system.

The Deepcool Gammaxx 400 processor cooler is a budget option with one radiator tower instead of two in the basic design. It copes well with normal loads, but is not recommended for overclocking, since at fan speeds exceeding 700 rpm, annoying noise becomes audible.

Best Low Profile Models

The last category of efficient air processor cooling systems recommended by users are small coolers. The best of them are Noctua NH-L9i and be quiet! Shadow Rock LP. Both models outperform bundled units while taking up very little space. They can easily fit into any mini-ATX build. The maximum height of the Noctua NH-L9i with a 92mm fan is 37mm. The Shadow Rock LP comes with a 120mm propeller and has a profile thickness of 50mm. Both models offer plenty of RAM clearance and shouldn't break the bank as they're fairly cheap.

Both models do their job of dissipating heat with little noise. The NH-L9i fan volume level does not exceed 23.6 dBA at 2500 rpm. without adapter and 14.8 dB at 1600 rpm. with adapter. Shadow Rock LP accelerates its propeller to a speed of 1600 rpm. The cooler volume level is 20 dBA.

Although the Noctua looks good on paper, the model is inferior to its competitor in terms of noise levels. To catch up with your opponent, the speed of the cooler on the processor should not exceed 1600 rpm. In addition, do not forget about the 92mm fan. The size causes the chipset to run hotter at low speeds, so users are advised to only choose the Noctua NH-L9i if they want a very quiet cooler. For the processor, a more stable cooling system is Shadow Rock LP.

Both devices equally claim to be the best low-profile cooler, but what they have in common is that they are much inferior to liquid models of all-in-one systems.

Water cooling

Currently, the best CPU cooler of this type for all-in-one systems is the Corsair H110i. This model can be equipped with two 140mm fans, and because of this it is superior to many competitors. The cooler is able to maintain a stable temperature even when overclocked to high voltages. Plus, it only costs $120.

Corsair LINK is a program for a processor cooler that allows you to monitor and control its parameters. These include fan and pump speeds, heating temperatures, RGB lighting color, etc. Users recommend leaving the CPU cooler control settings in the default configuration, as it provides the best balance of performance and minimal noise.

The biggest problem with liquid cooling systems for compact computers is their size. Both removing the cooler from the processor and installing it are difficult. Having dual 140mm radiators means it won't fit in every case, especially the Slim, as liquid cooling systems take up a lot of space. Users who need to install a CPU cooler in limited conditions have 2 alternatives that perform equally well but are inferior to the H110i. These are the H100i and H60 models. The first one is a dual 120mm radiator, so it takes up a little less space. The second is the smallest, as it is equipped with only one 120 mm fan. It does a good job of lowering CPU temperatures, takes up little space, and only costs about $60.

Some users are convinced that only all-in-one water cooling systems are economically justified. However, this is not the case as anyone can purchase a used liquid cooler at a low price. Especially if its cost does not exceed $30.

Finally, all compact PC liquid coolers have a common problem, and that is noise. The operating volume level of all 3 Corsair Liquid variants is 35 dB, and this is partially created by the radiator. Thus, while doing an excellent job of maintaining an acceptable processor temperature, the liquid cooling system also contributes to the overall noise from the PC. You can install a good SP fan yourself, reduce the volume and turn the model into the best water cooler.

Fan replacement

For users who want to upgrade a bundled cooler for an Intel or AMD processor, owners recommend considering the Noctua NF-F12 and NF-A14 options.

The first is a 120 mm model that provides an air flow of 92 m 3 / h with a static pressure of 2.61 mm and a low noise level of 23 dB. With the adapter, the speed drops to 73 m 3 /h and the volume is reduced to 18 dB with a static pressure of 1.83 mm. Thus, the model is ideal for replacing the annoyingly loud 120mm fan.

As for the NF-A14, it is the 140mm version, and delivers 143 m3/h with higher, but still low for its performance, noise (24 dB), and static pressure (2.08 mm) without an adapter. Using the latter ensures a drop in speed to 114 m 3 /h, but the volume level decreases to 18.5 dB along with pressure (1.51 mm). Indeed, high static pressure and low noise are good reasons to replace the standard 140mm fan. The Noctua NF may not be the best CPU cooler out there, but it delivers impressive results.

According to reviews from owners, their only complaint about the model is the company’s refusal to use colors other than variations of light brown. More people would buy them if there wasn't such a restriction, since many choose components that match the color of the entire gaming platform. Alternatively, you can buy the industrial version in black with a bit of brown, but the specifications are very different. It runs at 2000 rpm. and with a noise level of 31 dB, which makes it much louder, although the air flow rate increases to 170 m 3 / h, which is really very high.

It is also important to note that all Noctua fans come with a 5-year warranty.

Conclusion

Finding a good CPU cooling system is important because it is truly one of the most important parts of a computer. Once updated, it will work hard and will be one of the few things that doesn't require upgrading for a long time.

Have you ever wondered what the performance and speed of modern processors is? This is actually very important. Every modern processor must be cooled. This need arises due to the fact that it constantly heats up, due to the huge number of information flows that it has to process. Of course, the cooler plays the most important role in the process of cooling the processor. This device constantly supplies cool air to the core of the processor, allowing it to work for many years. However, not every processor cooling system is capable of coping with such a complex task. There are a huge number of models on the computer equipment market in 2018, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s easy to get confused in such diversity. We will talk about how to choose a cooler for AMD and Intel processors in this article.

A socket is a connector on the motherboard into which the central processor is inserted. Sockets have different mounting distances for coolers, so the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a good cooling system is the socket. The design features of modern sockets are such that they differ for each specific processor. The method of mounting the device will be different, and it is necessary to decide on the model in advance before visiting the store. Modern processor manufacturers, AMD and Intel, produce completely different architectures for these sockets, each of which is suitable only for one type of processor. The main thing is to know what kind of hardware your computer has, then everything will fall into place.

CPU Cooler Size

After the socket is determined, you need to choose one of the hundreds of models of cool processor cooling systems that the modern market offers. Cost is not always the most important factor here. The main thing is that the fan fits easily inside the system unit. Some home computers have undergone repeated upgrades over many years of operation, and this leads to the fact that certain problems may arise when installing a cooling system. There may simply not be enough space for the cooler. That is why its geometric parameters must be treated extremely carefully. The size of the fan blades directly determines the amount of air that will be supplied to cool the processor. The stronger this flow, the better for the computer. The best cooler has geometric parameters of 92 by 92 by 25 mm. This standard is primarily used by people in private home settings. For a processor that is not the fastest, this is quite enough. If a person purchases a fan for a computer that he uses for games and complex tasks, then this size may not be enough. Here it is worth paying attention to models with a geometry of 120 by 120 by 25 mm. This is a more powerful device that creates more intense airflow. By the way, it has been noted that larger fans for cooling the processor are less noisy.

Expert video advice on choosing a cooling system for a processor

Cooler rotation speed

A reliable cooler should provide high enough rotation speeds to ensure maximum cooling efficiency. This parameter is measured in revolutions per minute. The most “advanced” models are considered intelligent, that is, they independently change the rotation speed depending on the load on the system. For example, a person just surfs the Internet, while the processor runs on a minimum of resources. In this situation, the rotation speed will be approximately 1100 rpm. If he suddenly decides to play some modern “shooter” game, then the fan begins to navigate according to the state of the processor, that is, it picks up speed, which can rise up to 2000 rpm. For those who have purchased a large fan, there is no need to worry about overheating at all, it will easily maintain the optimal temperature of the processor.

Types of CPU Cooling Systems

There are several types of processor cooling systems.

Box cooling systems

A cooler that comes with a processor in one box for one price is called boxed, from the word BOX (box). They are not the most powerful and are quite noisy. But for a low-power household computer, it is better to buy this system, which is very convenient. It's easier and cheaper than buying these devices separately.

Cooling systems without heat pipes

The simplest and cheapest processor cooling systems consist of a cooler and a radiator, which is a block of copper or aluminum plates - heat reflectors. They are easy to install and easy to use. Such cooling is quite enough for a low-power computer; in addition, this system has a low price. Its significant feature is the fairly high noise from the fan, which increases with increasing load on the computer.

Multi-cooler cooling system

Many processor cooling systems are equipped with two or even three coolers. Of course, the more fans there are, the more powerful the air flow and, accordingly, the stronger the cooling of the processor. But such units are massive and weigh quite a lot. It is clear that it is not advisable to install this expensive type of cooling system in an ordinary low-power computer.

Liquid Cooled Systems

Systems with liquid processor cooling have copper and aluminum heat pipes through which a liquid circulates, intensively removing heat. These systems are extremely efficient and quiet. But the price of such systems is quite high. In addition, they have specific fastenings, which make the coolers difficult to install; The devices are quite bulky and take up a lot of space. And it’s not a fact that a liquid-cooled system will have a high-quality fan.

Radiator designs for processor cooling systems

In order to choose the right cooler for an Intel and AMD processor, it is important to take into account the design of its radiator, which determines the direction of outgoing air flow inside the system unit.

Coolers with tower radiators

Tower cooling systems do an excellent job of cooling the fastest processors. They dissipate heat well, thereby ensuring long-term operation of the computer. The only disadvantage of this type of radiator is the narrow direction of the outgoing air flow, which does not reach other parts of the motherboard. Outgoing air from tower systems flows either upward or to the rear of the system unit.

C-type coolers

C-type cooling systems, with their curved tubes over the processor with a radiator with a cooler attached to them, resemble the letter C. In addition to high-quality cooling of the processor, these systems provide much better airflow to the motherboard.

Combined

Combined processor cooling systems are quite rare. They are equipped with powerful, expensive system units. This aims to combine the two above-mentioned types of cooling. But devices of this type are not much more effective, but they are expensive. And whether they are needed is a personal question for everyone.

Top CPU coolers of 2018

The main characteristics of good coolers were listed above, but in addition to them, you need to pay attention to the specific company that produced this device and released it into the world. The most popular and high-quality products on the computer market in 2018 are considered to be the products of the companies Thermaltake and Cooler Master. It is these two companies that are most widely known today. This does not mean that there are no other manufacturers of similar devices on the market. Of course, they are present, and even produce products that are distinguished by high quality indicators. Only Thermaltake and Cooler Master coat their devices with additional protection that prevents dust from falling out. After all, dust is also destructive for any microprocessor technology. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the products of the companies - DeepCool, Zalman and Thermalright, and in order not to get lost in this huge number of models, we have compiled a rating of the best coolers for all types of processors and sockets, which took the entire Top of the coolest magazines and won the respect of gamers, so here they are.

The best CPU coolers of 2018

This Top includes universal models of processor cooling systems that became sales leaders throughout 2017-2018, that is, they are suitable for both Intel and AMD.

1. ZALMAN CNPS10X PERFORMA
2. DEEPCOOL ASSASSIN II
3. Cooler Master Hyper 412S
4. THERMALRIGHT MACHO REV.A
5. Noctua NH-D15
6. Cryorig H5 Ultimate
7. Arctic Freezer i32

The best coolers for Intel i5, i7 processor

Here we have collected the Top 7 best processor cooling systems from Intel in 2018.

1. Deepcool Lucifer V2
2. Master Hyper 101
3. Cooler Scythe Katana 3
4. Thermalright HR-22
5. Thermaltake Contac 30
6. Cooler Master X6 Elite
7. ZALMAN CNPS10X OPTIMA

Best CPU coolers for AMD

— Almost silent and quite efficient processor cooler with two fans; 2 — Three-fan model with eye-catching design; 3 — Budget model with two fans that provide high-quality cooling of the computer. 1 — Almost silent cooling system; 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 working 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 of the best cooling systems 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 a very popular single fan model. She found it due to its low cost and fairly 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. Please note that processors from Intel and AMD have different connectors for connecting to the motherboard. Moreover, the same company, depending on the model range, will have different sockets. This is a very important point when choosing the right 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 for 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 is 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 from a large number of users indicate 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 CPU coolers with multiple fans Deepcool Maelstrom 240T. This is a very serious water cooling system with an aluminum radiator. This model is compatible with the most powerful new generation processors.

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

Currently, the most effective are tower coolers with copper heat pipes. With proper implementation, three or four heat pipes are sufficient to ensure cooling of any serial processor in the radiator design. Further increasing the number of tubes in radiators does not always lead to a decrease in peak processor temperatures, so there is no point in pursuing this. Radiator plates and heat pipes themselves are usually nickel-plated, which allows them to maintain an almost perfect appearance throughout their entire service life.

When choosing a cooler, you should pay attention to the method of contact of the tubes with the base and fins of the radiator. If soldering is used (its traces are always clearly visible at the joints), you can trust such a device with your processor, but the simple crimping of plates on tubes and the absence of grooves in the base should be treated with skepticism, although soldering is extremely rare in the middle price segment. Coolers with direct contact technology, which have become popular in recent years, are widespread, when the radiator does not have a base, and its role is played by heat pipes processed in the base area to a flat surface. In such models, you need to pay attention to the distance between the tubes at the base - the smaller it is, the more uniform the heat exchange will be, which means the efficiency of the cooler will be higher.

The size of the radiator really matters. The larger the area of ​​the fins and the greater their number, the larger the area of ​​the radiator and the more heat it can dissipate. Do not underestimate the various types of optimization of radiators - the ends of the fins of variable height, tubes arranged in a checkerboard pattern, but the effect from evaporation chambers or radial radiators is most often minimal.

It is also worth mentioning coolers of the so-called “top design”, in which the radiator is located parallel to the motherboard, and the fan forces air flow to its plane. The height of these coolers is small (no more than 150 mm), but due to design limitations their area is relatively small, so their efficiency is usually lower than that of tower coolers. But the air flow of such coolers better cools the elements of the space around the processor and the radiators on the motherboard.

Noise level

While the efficiency of even the simplest air coolers turns out to be quite sufficient for standard processor operating modes, their noise level does not suit everyone. The only source of noise in air coolers is the fan. In general, you can focus on the following figures: for 80 and 92 mm fans, the speed should be no higher than 1500-1700 rpm; for 120 mm fans - no higher than 1200-1300 rpm; for 140 mm fans and more - no higher than 1000-1200 rpm.

Almost all currently produced cooling systems are equipped with fans that support automatic speed control, depending on the load on the processor and/or its temperature. Such fans are practically silent in low processor load mode and at the same time sensitive to any increase in load. The adjustment algorithm is set in the motherboard BIOS, or through software.

An important component of the fan is the type of bearing. The most common and cheapest is the sleeve bearing, the typical service life of which is 30,000 hours or about 3 years of continuous operation. But in practice, such bearings do not last long, and after half their service life they begin to make noise. More durable (and expensive) are ball bearings, which can last more than 100,000 hours, and with high quality manufacturing can maintain low noise levels throughout their entire service life. A compromise option is hydrodynamic bearings (FDB bearing). As a rule, they are twice as durable as plain bearings and have low noise levels.

Every time when choosing a cooler to cool a processor, buyers face certain difficulties. The range of devices is constantly growing, the characteristics are getting better, so stopping at just one is quite difficult. Difficulties in choosing are also explained by the fact that many parameters of the parts are quite specific, and they may be incomprehensible to a person who is not very well versed in technology. To eliminate all the gaps and find the best option, our editors have prepared a rating of the best CPU coolers, the purchase of which will be a real treat for your computer.

The best CPU cooler brands

One of the main dilemmas that a buyer needs to solve is to decide which cooler to choose from, so as not to regret the money spent. There are several manufacturers in the computer parts market that are popular among users. It is their products that you should pay attention to first of all in order to remain satisfied with the performance of the cooling system for many years.

• Cooler Master– the manufacturer from Taiwan has been known in the computer spare parts market for decades, so there is definitely no doubt that it will offer an unreliable cooler for your processor. Compliance with international standards, high performance, reliable assembly and a reasonable price - with such parameters, the company's products cannot but enjoy popularity.
• DeepCool– Deepcool, a company specializing in cooling systems, is famous for its decent selection of good coolers for personal computers. The wide range offers both budget models and premium quality parts, and each of the offered options is characterized by high reliability and excellent performance. You definitely won’t be able to pass by the spare parts offered by the company.
• Corsair– the manufacturer is a real regular in reviews and ratings of the best coolers and power supplies. Almost every part offered is the perfect combination of quiet operation, innovative cooling system and the highest quality. It is no coincidence that many famous gamers choose Corsair as the main supplier of components for their computer.

Deepcool GAMMAXX 400

This popular budget cooler model with one fan has gained fame thanks to its incredibly strong set of characteristics at a price of only 1300-1500 rubles. The maximum power dissipation of the device reaches 125 W, while the structure of the part includes 4 heat pipes and a housing made of aluminum and copper, which allows not only to effectively cool the processor, but also to maintain a decent level of performance for more than one year. At a speed of 900 rpm, the cooler is very quiet (up to 21.4 dB), although when increased to 1500 rpm, the noise level reaches 32 dB.

Advantages:

• work with a wide range of processors (from Intel Sempron to Core i7)
• blue backlight
• reliable hydrodynamic bearing
• support for modern platforms
• great price

Flaws:

• decent dimensions – 136x159x76 mm
• noticeable noise under load

Cooler Master Hyper 212 (RR-CCH-LB22-GP)

Next in the ranking is a good and inexpensive cooler that is not very versatile, but can without a doubt be called one of the best in the budget category. The main feature of the device is its incredibly quiet operation with a noise of 19 dB at a rotation speed of 2000 rpm. This combination is quite rare at a price of 2500-3000 rubles, so the demand for the part is very high. We should also mention the possibility of installing a second 120 mm fan, which allows you to increase the level of cooling without additional problems. Judging by the reviews, this cooler model pleasantly pleases users with its neat and not too bright blue backlight, which does not irritate the eyes, as in some other devices.

Advantages:

• air flow – 69.69 CFM
• successful design of the radiator made of aluminum and copper
• very quiet operation
• excellent efficiency
• convenient fastening

Flaws:

• some LEDs turn off over time
• large dimensions

Thermalright TRUE Spirit 140 Power

The TOP of processor cooling systems continues with one of the best coolers with one fan. Despite the relatively average rotation speed (from 900 to 1300 rpm), the device allows you to increase the air flow up to 73.6 CFM. At the same time, the maximum power dissipation can reach 360 W, largely due to sophisticated heat pipes, the number of which the manufacturer has increased to six. At medium speeds, the model is the quietest cooler offered in the rating, since the noise level can drop to 17 dB. With price tags ranging from 3,300 to 3,600 rubles, such a part is a real tidbit of the cooling system market.

Advantages:

• connector for second fan
• excellent cooling volumes
• excellent work surface made of aluminum and copper
• Well-designed radiator with good heat dissipation

Flaws:

• impressive dimensions
• awkward fastening

Deepcool NEPTWIN V2

A perfectly balanced model with two fans can confidently be called the best budget cooler. Six heat pipes, power dissipation up to 150 W and a speed range from 900 to 1500 rpm - parameters that are sometimes not found in expensive parts. At the same time, the average cost of a spare part does not exceed 2,500 rubles, which fully explains its incredible popularity. The air flow due to the presence of two fans is 139.5 CFM, so the user will hardly be able to feel any serious heating during the entire life of the device. Purchasing a new cooling system without paying attention to the best cooler in terms of price-quality ratio is a big mistake for the buyer.

Advantages:

• low noise level (ranging from 18 to 30 dB)
• additional blue backlight
• work with processors from Sempron to Core i7
• excellent quality of parts and workmanship
• convenient installation

Flaws:

• standard valves - sometimes vibrate at high speeds
• very bright backlight

Cooler Master Hyper 212 LED Turbo

A high-quality cooler with an air cooling method and a price tag of 2300-2600 rubles is an excellent option for both a home and office computer. Its versatility is explained by its wide speed range - from 600 to 1600 rpm. At the same time, at minimum and average performance, the model can operate with a noise level from 9 to 17 dB, so it is simply impossible to hear its operation. Judging by the reviews of the cooler, the device also demonstrates excellent performance at high speeds, although it is impossible to say that any noise appears, since 18-31 dB at 1600 rpm is a very good indicator. A decent set of characteristics and a reasonable price make the model an excellent choice for the buyer.

Advantages:

• robust aluminum housing
• two reliable fans
• nice red backlight
• ease of installation
• excellent anti-vibration protection
• Comes with thermal paste

Flaws:

• insufficient air flow for two fans – 66.3 CFM

Corsair CWCH90

The next model is one of the best water coolers with the highest performance. The unique technology allows the device to effectively thermoregulate the processor using a copper water block, which prevents liquid or vapor from getting on wires and other parts. The noise level is 35 dB, which at 1500 rpm is a very good result. At the same time, the device has only one fan, which allows you to place the cooler even in a small system unit. A significant advantage of the part is the aluminum radiator, which, due to its refractoriness (melting point - from 660 degrees), guarantees the unchanged properties of the mechanism.

Advantages:

• air flow – 94 CFM
• compact dimensions – 140x170x53 mm
• possibility of installing a second fan
• high reliability (5 years warranty)
• It is possible to install an additional fan

Flaws:

• high cost - from 6500 rubles
• high noise when the pump is running

Arctic Cooling Liquid Freezer 120

It would be a crime to complete the cooler rating not to talk about the best processor cooling system available today. Swiss quality, which is perhaps unnecessary to talk about, and perfectly selected parameters make the device inaccessible to competitors. Power dissipation of up to 300 W and the presence of two fans ensure maximum cooling even at a relatively low speed range from 500 to 1350 rpm. At the same time, the presence of a water cooling system with a copper water block, as well as 6 mm heat pipes, allows the quiet and compact cooler to deliver maximum performance without the slightest heating.

Advantages:

• low fan noise
• well-thought-out design
• high performance
• long service life and reliability
• use of modern developments
• combination of price and quality

Flaws:

• no criticisms found

Which CPU cooler is best to buy?

The correct choice of a high-quality cooling system for your PC depends on many factors: processor power, system unit design and, importantly, the budget allocated for the purchase. Among the proposed models you can find options for home and office, for gaming and work computers. The final decision on which cooler is best to buy is made by the user himself, based on his own preferences and the conditions of future operation of the device. At the same time, taking into account the opinions of experts will allow you to avoid unjustified mistakes and the risk of getting a low-quality cooler.