Types of CPU coolers. Comparative testing of various processor cooler models

To cool the processor, a cooler is used, which consists of a radiator and a fan.

Different processors have different mounts for coolers and have different thermal dissipation (TDP). As for heat dissipation, the more powerful the processor, the larger the cooler should be.

For the cheapest 2-core processors (Celeron, A4, A6), any simple cooler with an aluminum radiator and an 80-90 mm fan will be enough. The larger the fan and radiator size, the better the cooling. The lower the fan speed, the less noise. Some of these couriers are not suitable for all processors, so check the supported sockets in the description. For example, Deepcool GAMMA ARCHER is suitable for almost all sockets except AM4.
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMA ARCHER

Most coolers for more powerful processors are universal and have a set of mounts for all modern processors. DeepCool and Zalman coolers have an optimal price/quality ratio, and I will recommend them first.

Please note that not all coolers can be equipped with a mount for the AM4 socket, and sometimes it can be purchased separately; check this point with the seller.

For 2-core Intel processors (Pentium, Core-i3) and 4-core AMD (A8, A10, Ryzen 3) a small cooler with 2-3 heat pipes and a 90-120 mm fan, such as Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T (for TDP 65) is enough W).
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T

Or Deepcool GAMMAXX 300 (for TDP 95 W).
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMAXX 300

For more powerful 4-core Intel (Core i3,i5) and AMD (FX-4,6,8, Ryzen 5) you need a cooler with 4-5 heat pipes and a 120 mm fan. And the minimum option here would be Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 (4 handsets) or slightly better Zalman from the CNPS10X series (4-5 handsets) for more powerful processors.
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMAXX 400

For even hotter 6-core Intel (Core i5,i7) and AMD (Ryzen 7), as well as for overclocking, it is advisable to purchase a large, powerful cooler with 6 heat pipes and a 120-140 mm fan. Some of the best in terms of price/power ratio are Deepcool Lucifer V2 and Deepcool REDHAT.
CPU cooler Deepcool Lucifer V2

2. Do I need to buy a cooler separately?

Most boxed processors, which are sold in cardboard packaging and have the word “BOX” at the end of the label, have a cooler included.

If “Tray” or “OEM” is written at the end of the marking, then there is no cooler included.

Some expensive processors, despite being labeled with the word “BOX,” are sold without a cooler. But the box is usually smaller in this case, and the description often states that the processor does not include a cooler.

If you purchase a processor with a cooler, then you do not have to buy the cooler separately. This usually works out cheaper, and a boxed cooler is quite enough to cool the processor, since it is designed for it.

The disadvantages of boxed coolers are a higher noise level and the lack of a heat sink reserve in case of overclocking the processor. Therefore, if you want to have a quieter computer or overclock the processor, it is better to purchase a separate processor and a separate quiet and more powerful cooler.

3. Processor parameters for choosing a cooler

In order to choose the right cooler, we need to know the socket of the processor and its heat dissipation (TDP).

3.1. CPU socket

Socket is a motherboard connector for installing a processor, which also has a mount for a cooler. Different sockets have different types of cooler mounts.

3.2. CPU heat dissipation

As for heat dissipation (TDP), this indicator is also often indicated on online shopping sites. If the TDP of the processor is not indicated, then it can be easily found on the website of another online store or the official websites of processor manufacturers.

There are many more sites where you can find out the characteristics of the processor by the model number.

You can also use the Google or Yandex search engine.

4. Main characteristics of coolers

The main characteristics of coolers are the supported sockets and the TDP for which the cooler is designed.

Each cooler is designed for certain sockets; it simply will not install on others. Which sockets a particular cooler supports is indicated on the websites of manufacturers and online stores.

4.2. Cooler TDP

Despite the fact that the TDP of the processor for which the cooler is designed is the main parameter, its value is not indicated on the websites of online stores and most manufacturers. However, this data can sometimes be found. For example, on the website of one of the leaders in the production of coolers, the Austrian company Noctua, there is a comparison table of TDP coolers.

The TDP value of some popular cooler models, determined approximately based on test results, can be found on the Internet. Based on this information and personal experience, I have compiled a table with which you can easily select the optimal cooler depending on the TDP of the processor. You can download this table at the end of the article in the “” section.

5. Cooler design

CPU coolers come in many different designs.

5.1. Cooler with aluminum radiator

The simplest and cheapest are coolers with an aluminum radiator and a standard 80 mm fan. The shape of the radiator may vary. Basically, coolers for Intel processors have a round heatsink, while for AMD processors it is square.

Such coolers are often included with low-power boxed processors and are usually sufficient for them. Such a cooler can also be purchased separately inexpensively, but their quality will most likely be slightly worse. Well, such a cooler is not suitable for overclocking a processor.

5.2. Cooler with fin radiator

On sale you can still find coolers with radiators made of stacked aluminum or copper plates.

They remove heat from the processor better than coolers with a solid aluminum radiator, but are already outdated and have been replaced by more efficient coolers based on heat pipes.

5.3. Horizontal cooler with heat pipes

Coolers with heat pipes are the most modern and most efficient.

Such coolers are available with more powerful processors. They remove heat from the processor much better than cheap coolers with an aluminum radiator, but they blow warm air in a less efficient direction - towards the motherboard.

This solution is more suitable for compact cases, since in other cases it is better to purchase a more modern vertical cooler.

5.4. Vertical cooler with heat pipes

A vertical cooler (or tower cooler) has a more optimal design.

Warm air from the processor is not blown towards the motherboard, but towards the rear exhaust fan of the case.

Such coolers are the most optimal; they have a very large selection in size, power and price. They are best suited for very powerful processors and overclocking them. Their main disadvantage is their large dimensions, which is why not every such cooler will fit into a standard case.

The efficiency of the cooler most depends on the number of heat pipes. For a processor with a TDP of 80-100 W, a cooler with 3 heat pipes is enough; for a processor with a TDP of 150-180 W, a cooler with 6 heat pipes is needed. You will find out how many heat pipes a particular processor needs from the table, which can be downloaded in the “” section.

In the characteristics of a cooler, they usually do not focus on how many heat pipes it has. But this can be easily calculated from a photo of the base of the cooler or by counting the number of outgoing ends of the tubes and dividing them by 2.

6. Base design

The base of the cooler is the contact pad, which is in direct contact with the processor. The efficiency of the cooler also depends on its quality and design.

In coolers with an aluminum radiator, the radiator itself acts as the contact pad. The base can be solid or through.

A solid base is more preferable, as it increases the contact area between the radiator and the processor, which has a beneficial effect on cooling. And in a through design, dust can accumulate in the gap between the radiator and the fan.

Firstly, it has a bad effect on cooling. Secondly, it is impossible to clean the dust from there without removing the cooler from the processor, while a radiator with a solid pad can be easily cleaned without removing it.

6.2. Radiator with copper insert

The radiators of some coolers have a copper insert at the base, which is in contact with the processor.

Radiators with a copper insert are slightly more efficient than all-aluminum options.

Coolers with heat pipes may have a copper base.

This design is quite effective.

6.4. Direct contact

Some manufacturers actively preach the almost cosmic technology of direct contact (DirectCU), which consists of saving copper by pressing heat pipes in such a way that they themselves create a contact pad in direct contact with the processor.

In fact, this design is close in efficiency to a radiator with a copper base.

7. Design and material of the radiator

The efficiency of the cooler also greatly depends on the design of the radiator and the material from which it is made.

The cheapest coolers have a radiator made entirely of aluminum, since this metal is cheaper than copper. But aluminum has low heat capacity and uneven heat distribution, which requires stronger airflow and therefore noisier fans.

7.2. Aluminum with copper

Coolers with aluminum radiators with copper inserts are a little more efficient, but are no longer relevant.

7.3. Copper radiator

You can still find coolers with radiators made of copper plates on sale.

Copper has a high heat capacity and heat is distributed evenly in it. This makes it possible to stabilize the processor temperature at a certain level and does not require fast, noisy fans. But the effectiveness of such a system is limited due to the fact that a copper radiator has high thermal inertia and it is difficult to quickly remove heat from it. But such a cooler can be indispensable in compact cases for media centers, since it is quite low.

7.4. Radiator made of aluminum plates

The most effective today are coolers with heat pipes and a radiator made of many thin aluminum plates.

Heat from the processor is instantly dissipated through heat pipes to the plates, on which the fan air flow is also quickly removed due to the high dissipation area. This design has very low heat capacity and thermal inertia, so cooling efficiency increases significantly with small increases in fan speed.

7.5. Nickel plating

Good branded coolers may have nickel plating on heat pipes, copper bases, and even aluminum heatsink fins.

Nickel plating prevents surface oxidation. It always remains beautiful and shiny. But the most important thing is that the oxide does not interfere with heat removal and the cooler does not lose its properties. Although, by and large, the difference will not be significant.

7.6. Radiator size

The efficiency of the cooler always depends on the size of the radiator. But coolers with large radiators cannot always fit into a standard computer case. The height of a tower radiator for a standard case should not exceed 160 mm.

The width of the radiator also matters. A cooler with a large radiator may not fit due to the close location of the power supply. You also need to consider the size and layout of the motherboard. It may happen that the cooler cannot be installed due to high protruding radiators of the motherboard near the processor, closely spaced tall memory modules, etc.

All this must be taken into account in advance and, if in doubt, measure the required distances in your computer. It's better to play it safe and take a slightly smaller cooler. If the processor is very hot, and the case is small or elements protruding on the motherboard are in the way, then tear them off; a horizontal cooler with heat pipes and specially designed with sufficient distance from the motherboard will suit you.

7.7. Radiator weight

The larger the radiator, the heavier it is, and the heavier the radiator, the larger it is. But essentially, the higher the TDP of the processor, the heavier the radiator should be. For a processor with a TDP of 100-125 W, a radiator weighing 300-400 grams is enough; for a monster like AMD FX9xxx with a TDP of 200-220 W, you need a radiator of at least 1 kg, or even 1200-1300 grams. I will not give the weight of the radiator for each processor, since you will see all this in the table, which can be downloaded in the “” section.

8. Fans

The size, speed and other parameters of the fan determine the efficiency of the cooler and the noise level it creates.

8.1. Fan size

In general, the larger the fan, the more efficient and quieter it is. The cheapest coolers have fans measuring 80x80 mm. Their advantage is simplicity and low cost of replacement (which is rare). The disadvantage is the highest noise level.

It is better to buy a cooler with a larger fan - 92x92, 120x120 mm. These are also standard sizes and are easy to replace if necessary.

For particularly powerful and hot processors, such as AMD FX9xxx, it is better to take a cooler with a fan of a standard size of 140x140 mm. This fan is more expensive, but there will be less noise.

It’s better to limit the choice to coolers with standard fan sizes, what if you still have to replace it someday? But this is not important, since among us there are real nuggets of Kulibins who will screw any fan to any radiator on their knees

8.2. Fan bearing type

The cheapest fans have a Sleeve Bearing. Such fans are considered less reliable and less durable.

Fans with ball bearings are considered more reliable. But they make more noise.

Most modern fans have hydrodynamic bearings (Hydro Bearing), which combines reliability with low noise levels.

8.3. Number of fans

To overclock such monsters as AMD FX9xxx with a TDP of 200-220 W, it is better to take a cooler with two 140x140 mm fans. But keep in mind that the more fans, the higher the noise level. Therefore, there is no need to buy a cooler with two fans for a processor with a TDP of up to 180 W. Recommendations for the number and size of fans are in the table from the “” section.

8.4. Fan speed

The smaller the radiator and fan size, the higher its speed will be. This is necessary to compensate for the low dispersion area and low air flow.

In cheap coolers, fan speed can vary between 2000-4000 rpm. At a speed of 2000 rpm the fan noise becomes clearly audible, at a speed of 3000 rpm the noise becomes annoying, and at 4000 rpm your room will turn into a small landing pad...

The ideal option is a fan measuring 120-140 mm with a maximum speed of 1300-1500 rpm.

8.5. Automatic speed control

Motherboards are able to regulate cooler speed depending on the processor temperature. Adjustment can be done by changing the supply voltage (DC), which is supported by all motherboards.

More expensive coolers can be equipped with fans with a built-in speed controller (PWM). In this case, the motherboard must also support speed control via a PWM controller.

It’s good if the cooler has a 120-140 mm fan with a speed in the range of 800-1300 rpm. In this case, you will almost never hear it.

8.6. Cooler connector

Processor coolers can have a 3-pin or 4-pin connector for connecting to the motherboard. 3-pin ones are controlled by changing the voltage by the motherboard (DC), and 4-pin ones using a PWM controller (PWM). A PWM controller can more accurately control the cooler speed, so it is better to purchase a cooler with a 4-pin connector.

8.7. Noise level

The noise level depends on the rotation speed of the fan, the configuration of its blades, and is measured in decibels (dB). Fans with a noise level of up to 25 dB are considered quiet. Based on this indicator, you can compare several coolers and, other things being equal, choose the one that makes less noise.

8.8. Airflow

The strength of the air flow determines the efficiency of heat removal from the radiator and, accordingly, the efficiency of the entire cooler and the noise level. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Based on this indicator, you can compare several coolers and, other things being equal, choose the one that has a higher CFM. But do not forget to pay attention to the noise level.

9. Cooler mount

There are no pitfalls in mounting a small or medium-sized cooler. But with big models there are surprises...

Carefully read the cooler mounting diagram before purchasing it. Some heavy coolers require reinforced mounting using a special frame on the back of the motherboard.

In this case, the motherboard must allow the installation of such a frame and there should be no soldered electronic elements at the installation site. There should be a recess in the computer case where the processor is supposed to be located. Even better if there is a window that allows you to install and remove such a cooler without removing the motherboard.

A set of universal coolers that fit many sockets may contain many different mounts.

If the cooler is of sufficient quality and expensive, then they will not be superfluous if you suddenly want (or have to) change the motherboard and processor to another platform (for example, from AMD to Intel). In this case, there is no need to change the cooler.

10. Backlight

Some coolers have LEDs and glow beautifully in the dark. It makes sense to purchase such a cooler if your case has a transparent window through which you can enjoy how it works while you relax. But keep in mind that the backlight can interfere and irritate not only you, but also your family members. Therefore, think in advance where the body will stand and where the light will go.

11. Thermal paste

Thermal paste is applied to the processor to improve heat transfer and this is very important. In cheap coolers, thermal paste may already be applied to the contact pad and covered with a plastic cover.

More expensive models come with a small tube of thermal paste, which can be enough for 2-3 times. Sometimes thermal paste is not included. Check the availability of thermal paste on the online store website.

If thermal paste is not included, you will need to purchase it separately. Thermal paste greatly influences the transfer of heat from the processor to the cooler. The temperature difference between a processor with bad and good thermal paste reaches up to 10 degrees!

As a budget option, you can take KPT-8 in a white aluminum tube. Its thermal conductivity is not so high, but if the processor is not very hot (TDP up to 100 W) and you do not plan to overclock it, then this will be enough. The main thing is that it is original! It is not advisable to purchase it in syringes, jars, plastic tubes with handmade stickers, since there are a lot of fakes in such packaging.

It should be absolutely obvious that the packaging is factory made.

Alsil-3 thermal paste is similar in quality and price, but even in the original it is sold in syringes that are difficult to distinguish from a fake.

12. Cooler manufacturers

The best cooler manufacturers are the Austrian company Noctua and the Japanese company Scythe. They produce high-quality coolers and are deservedly popular among wealthy enthusiasts. Noctua provides a 72-month warranty on coolers.

The Taiwanese company Thermalright successfully markets the above-mentioned brands, which has very similar models at a slightly more reasonable price.

But the most popular in Russian-speaking countries are coolers from such familiar brands as Cooler Master, Thermaltake, Zalman. Coolers from these manufacturers have the best price/quality ratio.

But by and large, the manufacturer of the cooler is not so important, since there is nothing special to break apart from the fan. Therefore, it’s not a sin to save money and take something cheaper. A fairly large assortment and low prices are offered to us by DeepCool, GlacialTech, Ice Hammer and TITAN.

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, it’s just a cooler. And let the presence of a guarantee calm your nervous system

13. Warranty

The cheapest coolers have a standard 12 month warranty. Basically, all that can come out of the cooler is the fan, and replacing it will not be difficult.

But if you are purchasing a good cooler with branded fans, then it is better that the warranty is 24-36 months, since finding high-quality fans with the same characteristics can be difficult and expensive.

Top coolers are expensive, but manufacturers give them a warranty of up to 72 months.

I do not recommend purchasing coolers from little-known manufacturers whose lineup is represented by only a few models, as there may be problems with warranty service. Remember - a guarantee never hurt anyone

14. Setting up filters in the online store

1. Using the table, determine the main parameters of the cooler for your processor.
2. Go to the “Cooling Systems” section on the seller’s website.
3. Select the "Processor" destination.
4. If you want a better cooler, then choose only the best manufacturers.
5. If you want to save money, then choose all popular manufacturers whose lineup includes at least 15-20 models.
6. Select your processor socket.
7. Note the presence of heat pipes in the filter.
8. Size and number of fans (optional).
9. Availability of speed controller (only if necessary).
10. Cooler height (for a standard case up to 160 mm).
11. The presence of backlighting (will greatly narrow the choice).
12. Other parameters that are important to you.
13. Sort the selection by price.
14. Look through coolers, starting with the cheaper ones (from the photo you can determine the number of heat pipes and the massiveness of the radiator).
15. Select several suitable models, view their photos from different angles and compare them based on parameters that were not included in the filter.
16. Buy the cheapest suitable model.

Do not overdo it with filters, as you can weed out successful models. Select only the parameters that are most important to you.

Thus, you will receive a cooler with the best price/quality/efficiency ratio that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

15. Links

Below you can download a table that allows you to easily determine the main parameters of the cooler, depending on the processor heat dissipation (TDP).

CPU cooler Deepcool REDHAT
CPU cooler Zalman CNPS10X Optima
CPU cooler Deepcool GAMMAXX S40

To cool the processor, a cooler is required, the parameters of which determine how high quality it will be and whether the CPU will overheat. To make the right choice, you need to know the dimensions and characteristics of the socket, processor and motherboard. Otherwise, the cooling system may not install properly and/or damage the motherboard.

If you are building a computer from scratch, then you should think about what is better - buy a separate cooler or a boxed processor, i.e. processor with integrated cooling system. Buying a processor with a built-in cooler is more profitable because... The cooling system is already fully compatible with this model and this package costs less than buying a CPU and radiator separately.

But at the same time, this design produces too much noise, and when overclocking the processor, the system may not be able to cope with the load. Replacing a boxed cooler with a separate one will either be impossible, or you will have to take the computer to a special service center, because... Changing at home is not recommended in this case. Therefore, if you are building a gaming computer and/or plan to overclock the processor, then buy the processor and cooling system separately.

When choosing a cooler, you need to pay attention to two parameters of the processor and motherboard - socket and heat dissipation (TDP). A socket is a special connector on the motherboard where the CPU and cooler are mounted. When choosing a cooling system, you will have to look at which socket it fits best (usually manufacturers write the recommended sockets themselves). Processor TDP is a measure of the heat generated by the CPU cores, measured in Watts. This indicator is usually indicated by the CPU manufacturer, and cooler manufacturers write what load a particular model is designed for.

Main Features

First of all, pay attention to the list of sockets with which this model is compatible. Manufacturers always indicate a list of suitable sockets, because... This is the most important point when choosing a cooling system. If you try to install a heatsink on a socket that is not specified by the manufacturer in the specifications, you may break the cooler itself and/or the socket.

Maximum operating heat dissipation is one of the main parameters when choosing a cooler for an already purchased processor. True, TDP is not always indicated in the cooler's specifications. Minor differences between the operating TDP of the cooling system and the CPU are acceptable (for example, the CPU TDP is 88W, and the heatsink is 85W). But with large differences, the processor will noticeably overheat and may become unusable. However, if the TDP of the radiator is much higher than the TDP of the processor, then this is even good, because The cooler will have more than enough power to do its job.

If the manufacturer has not indicated the TDP of the cooler, then you can find out by Googling the request on the Internet, but this rule applies only to popular models.

Design Features

The design of coolers varies greatly depending on the type of radiator and the presence/absence of special heat pipes. There are also differences in the material from which the fan blades and the radiator itself are made. Basically, the main material is plastic, but there are also models with aluminum and metal blades.

The most budget option is a cooling system with an aluminum radiator, without copper heat-conducting tubes. Such models are small in size and low in price, but are poorly suited for more or less powerful processors or for processors that are planned to be overclocked in the future. Often comes bundled with a CPU. The difference in the shapes of the radiators is noteworthy - for AMD CPUs the radiators are square, and for Intel they are round.

Coolers with prefabricated radiators are almost obsolete, but are still sold. Their design is a radiator with a combination of aluminum and copper plates. They are much cheaper than their counterparts with heat pipes, but the cooling quality is not much lower. But due to the fact that these models are outdated, it is very difficult to choose a socket suitable for them. In general, these radiators no longer have significant differences from their all-aluminum counterparts.

A horizontal metal radiator with copper tubes for heat removal is one type of inexpensive, but modern and efficient cooling system. The main disadvantage of designs that use copper tubes is their large dimensions, which do not allow installing such a design in a small system unit and/or on a cheap motherboard, because it may break under its weight. Also, all the heat is dissipated through the tubes towards the mother card, which, if the system unit has poor ventilation, reduces the effectiveness of the tubes to nothing.

There are more expensive types of radiators with copper tubes that are installed in a vertical position rather than horizontal, which allows them to be mounted in a small system unit. Plus, the heat from the tubes goes up, and not towards the motherboard. Coolers with copper heatpipes are great for powerful and expensive processors, but they also have higher socket requirements due to their size.

The efficiency of coolers with copper tubes depends on the quantity of the latter. For processors from the middle segment, whose TDP is 80-100 W, models with 3-4 copper tubes are ideal. For more powerful processors of 110-180 W, models with 6 tubes are already needed. The number of tubes is rarely written in the specifications for a radiator, but they can easily be determined from a photo.

It is important to pay attention to the base of the cooler. Models with a through base are the cheapest, but the radiator connectors get clogged with dust very quickly and are difficult to clean. There are also cheap models with a solid base, which are more preferable, although they cost a little more. It’s even better to choose a cooler that, in addition to a solid base, has a special copper insert, because it greatly increases the efficiency of inexpensive radiators.

In the expensive segment, radiators with a copper base or direct contact with the surface of the processor are already used. The effectiveness of both is completely identical, but the second option is smaller and more expensive.
Also, when choosing a radiator, always pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the structure. For example, a tower cooler, with copper tubes that extend upward, has a height of 160 mm, which makes placing it in a small system unit and/or on a small motherboard problematic. Normal cooler weight should be about 400-500 g for average performance computers and 500-1000 g for gaming and professional machines.

Fan Features

First of all, you should pay attention to the size of the fan, because... the noise level, ease of replacement and quality of work depend on them. There are three standard size categories:

• 80x80 mm. These models are very cheap and easy to replace. They can be installed even in small cases without any problems. They usually come with the cheapest coolers. They produce a lot of noise and are not able to cope with cooling powerful processors;
• 92x92 mm is already a standard fan size for an average cooler. They are also easy to install, produce less noise and are able to cope with cooling mid-price processors, but are more expensive;
• 120x120 mm – fans of this size can be found in professional or gaming machines. They provide high-quality cooling, do not produce too much noise, and are easy to find a replacement in case of breakdown. But at the same time, the price of a cooler equipped with such a fan is much higher. If a fan of this size is purchased separately, there may be some difficulties in installing it on the radiator.

There may also be fans of 140x140 mm and larger sizes, but this is for TOP gaming machines, whose processor is subject to a very high load. Such fans are difficult to find on the market, and their price will not be affordable.

Pay special attention to the types of bearings, because... The noise level depends on them. There are three in total:

• Sleeve Bearing is the cheapest and most unreliable example. A cooler that has such a bearing in its design also produces too much noise;
• Ball Bearing - a more reliable ball bearing, it costs more, but also does not have a low noise level;
• Hydro Bearing is a combination of reliability and quality. It has a hydrodynamic design, produces virtually no noise, but is expensive.

If you do not need a noisy cooler, then additionally pay attention to the number of revolutions per minute. 2000-4000 rpm make the noise of the cooling system clearly audible. In order not to hear the computer operating, it is recommended to pay attention to models with a speed of about 800-1500 per minute. But keep in mind that if the fan is small, the speed must vary between 3000-4000 per minute for the cooler to cope with its task. The larger the fan, the lower it must make revolutions per minute to properly cool the processor.

It is also worth paying attention to the number of fans in the design. Budget options use only one fan, while more expensive ones may have two or even three. In this case, the rotation speed and noise production can be very low, but there will be no problems in the quality of processor cooling.

Some coolers can adjust fan speed automatically based on the current load on the CPU cores. If you choose such a cooling system, then find out whether your motherboard supports speed control through a special controller. Pay attention to the presence of DC and PWM connectors on the motherboard. The required connector depends on the type of connection - 3-pin or 4-pin. Cooler manufacturers indicate in the specifications the connector through which the connection to the motherboard will occur.

In the specifications for coolers, the item “Air flow” is also written, which is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The higher this indicator, the more efficiently the cooler copes with its task, but the higher the level of noise produced. In fact, this indicator is almost similar to the number of revolutions.

Attaching to mother card

Small or medium-sized coolers are generally secured using special latches or small screws, which avoids a number of problems. In addition, detailed instructions are included, which tell you how to fasten and what screws to use for this.

Things will be more complicated with models that require reinforced fastening, because... in this case, the motherboard and computer case must have the necessary dimensions to install a special pedestal or frame on the back of the motherboard. In the latter case, the computer case should not only have enough free space, but also a special recess or window that allows you to install a large cooler without any problems.

In the case of a large cooling system, what and how you install it depends on the socket. In most cases these will be special bolts.

Before installing the cooler, the processor will need to be lubricated with thermal paste. If there is already a layer of paste on it, then remove it with a cotton swab or disk soaked in alcohol and apply a new layer of thermal paste. Some cooler manufacturers include thermal paste with the cooler. If there is such a paste, then apply it; if not, then buy it yourself. There is no need to skimp on this point; it is better to buy a tube of high-quality thermal paste, which will also have a special brush for application. Expensive thermal paste lasts longer and provides better CPU cooling.

List of popular manufacturers

The following companies are the most popular in the Russian and international markets:

Also, when purchasing a cooler, do not forget to check whether there is a warranty. The minimum warranty period must be at least 12 months from the date of purchase. Knowing all the features of the characteristics of computer coolers, it will not be difficult for you to make the right choice.

Hi all! Everyone knows that computers are a complex system consisting of components: a video card, a 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. Will you use office applications, play games, 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 to cool, but when running applications such as Microsoft Office, a browser or minor games, when your computer is running at its minimum capabilities.

• 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 the 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 regulate 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 your computer, then a regular cooler will do. 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 a good manufacturer and the motherboard supports automatic cooler speed control.
• 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 the best cooler manufacturers 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’d buy another fan for the tower cooler, 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, the best cooler companies are the following:

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 for mid-range 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, like those in 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!

The “heart of the system,” as the central processor is often called, needs cooling. The fact is that it consists of a huge number of transistors, each of which needs power. Energy, as we know, does not disappear anywhere, but passes from electrical to thermal. Of course, this energy must be removed from the processor. In stores you can find cooling devices of various types, sizes and shapes. Today's article will help you choose a CPU cooler.

The word “Cooler” comes from the English cooler - cooler. Applicable to computer equipment, we mean an air cooling system, which most often consists of a radiator and a fan, and is used to cool computer components whose heat output is greater than 5W.
Initially, processors made do with their own surface to dissipate the required amount of heat, then simple aluminum radiators were attached to them. With the increase in power, and therefore heat dissipation, this became not enough. Fans began to be installed on radiators. Naturally, manufacturers sought to improve design and materials, which ultimately led to a variety of cooling system options.

Types of processor cooling systems based on heat removal method.

2) Liquid cooling systems .
Heat is removed using liquid. There is a water block on the processor that removes heat. The pump, which is included in the circuit, pumps this liquid through tubes to a remote radiator. There the heat is removed and the liquid returns to the water block. This cycle is continuous. There are unattended systems and serviced ones. In the first case, the liquid is collected and filled at the factory. The latter are purchased as a set and assembled for a specific system.

Advantages compared to most air systems:

Less noise
+Higher efficiency
+ Installation flexibility
+Interesting appearance.

Cons:

Higher price
-Risk of leaks
-Difficulty of installation
-Blowing around the socket space is required.

3) Extreme cooling systems.
These are systems based on the principle of phase change, open evaporation systems, as well as so-called “chillers”. This kind of system is used only by enthusiasts to achieve results in overclocking computer components.

Is it always necessary to select a cooler? BOX and OEM processors.

It makes sense that OEM processors require a cooler. However, it is often purchased for the BOX version. The supplied cooler will naturally cope with cooling, but only under ideal conditions. If the case is poorly ventilated, in the event of heat, or overclocking the processor, at best the fan will make a lot of noise, and the temperatures will be extreme. At worst, the processor will overheat and slow down, skipping cycles. In the case of an office system unit, you can use a complete, boxed cooler, but a combination of an OEM version and a cooler from a third-party manufacturer will cost less.

Selection of a cooler depending on the socket.

Once the processor is selected, you need to look at which socket it is intended for. This is the first point in choosing a cooler. A socket is a slot on the motherboard into which the processor is installed. Processor manufacturers change sockets quite often. Replacement of standards for fastening processor cooling systems occurs less frequently.
Typically, simple coolers with low cost are suitable for only one processor socket. Manufacturers make powerful cooling systems universal, this allows their products to be used for various platforms, even those that are no longer in production.
To choose the cooler that suits us, we simply select the socket we need in the configurator, for example, AM3+, and so on.

Selection of cooler depending on power dissipation.

Conventionally, we can distinguish several groups of processor coolers depending on power dissipation:

Up to 45W – for office PCs
45-65W – for multimedia PCs
65-80W – for mid-range gaming PCs
80-120W – for high-end gaming PCs
More than 120W – powerful gaming or professional PCs, also overclocked processors.

Selection of a cooler depending on the design.

The height should be taken into account in coolers of any design - it should be less than what is indicated in the parameters of the computer case. Otherwise, the wall will not be able to close.

Heat pipes, due to the liquid boiling in them, transfer heat from one place to another almost instantly. In the case of computer coolers - from the base of the cooler to the radiator. The more tubes, the more efficient the cooling device will be. Also, the diameter of the heat pipes also affects the performance of the cooler - the thicker they are, the faster the pipes can remove heat.

Choice of materials for the radiator and cooler base.

Parameters of complete fans.

At the moment, all modern system units must be equipped with good cooling systems. And the cooler plays a huge role in the process of cooling the processor on a PC. Thanks to such devices, the computer is able to truly achieve enormous amplitude in overclocking without overheating, thereby removing heat from the point of contact on the motherboard. Please note that the effect of such systems directly depends on the cooler installed in the system. What they are and how effective they are is up to you to decide. This topic will be just a small review of good CPU coolers.

Best CPU Cooler Premium

Noctua NH-D15 – this cooler is most likely an improved development from its brother - the NH-D14 model, which for many years has taken a market leader position in the overclocker category, the only difference is that its dimensions are taller and slightly larger. Its radiator is made in the form of two towers and six nickel-plated heat removal tubes, each of which has a diameter of 6 mm. The distance between the cooler radiator plates is 2 mm; with such gaps, its airflow is very effective even at low-frequency speeds.

· Universal fastening;

· Equipped with fans with long operating hours;

· Huge potential for adjusting rotation speed.

On the downside:

· After installing such a cooler, the external fan is able to cover the memory slots;

Cooler for small gaming platforms with slight overclocking

Deepcool Lucifer V2 – It is one of the best coolers, with a low price policy, this model is designed for very advanced gaming systems and which have been subject to moderate overclocking of the processor. Its design is similar to a single-section structure in the form of a turret; the radiator of such a cooler can be shaped like the open wings of a butterfly. The gap between the fins of the plates reaches 2.7 mm, thanks to which this cooler can fit into cases with little ventilation. Blowing is carried out by a 140 mm fan, which is based on a hydrodynamic bearing with an anti-vibration coating.

· This installation is able to fit any of the modern platforms, with the exception of the oldest ones;

· It is possible to install an additional fan;

· Not very high price.

On the downside:

· The cooling plates are not soldered to the heat pipes;

· A fan of this design protrudes very far above the memory slots, thereby limiting the installation of tall memory modules;

The best budget cooler with low cost

Deepcool GAMMAXX 300 – This cooler perfectly combines relatively inexpensive cost and excellent functionality. This model is perfect for processors whose heat dissipation cooling reaches 130 W. This monster is made in a classic single-tower design with three heat pipes and a universal mount to the motherboard. The structure of the plates of this radiator has a distance between them of up to 2.5 mm, thanks to which good fan airflow is guaranteed in any operating mode. The direct contact of the processor with the base, into which three copper tubes are pressed, guarantees excellent cooling, which is characteristic of this technology.

· Small size, after installation the fan does not cover the memory connectors;

· Convenient latches that secure it to a standard seat;

· The fan has a hydrodynamic bearing rather than a bushing.

On the downside:

· No screw fastening mechanism to the backplate

· The LGA 2011 socket can be supported only optionally and in some cases it will be necessary to purchase additional components;

Good passive PC cooling system

Zalman FX100 – This model is capable of not only providing absolute silence when operating in normal mode, but also fairly good cooling of a processor operating with a maximum heat output of up to 95 W with slight overclocking. In the original, this design has four outer and two inner sections, which are connected to each other by ten copper tubes. Thanks to the distance of 4 mm between the plates, natural blowing and convection of air flows occurs.

The advantages include:

· The mount is suitable for all known platforms;

· It is possible to install a 92 mm fan between sections;

· Does not interfere with the placement of any memory sticks of any size after installation;

· The plastic cover can be removed very easily.

On the downside:

· If you are going to install it on a LGA 1366 and LGA 2011 platform, then in this case the manufacturer advises installing a fan;

· All qualities of such a cooler directly depend on the ventilation itself directly in the case.

This concludes our short review of coolers. And if you still don’t know what system you need, I advise you to read the previously written topic “”.