8 best rated cpu coolers

Rated CPU coolers are a crucial component in computer systems, responsible for dissipating heat generated by the central processing unit (CPU). This cooling process ensures that the CPU operates at an optimal temperature to prevent overheating, which can lead to performance issues or even hardware damage.

Here are some key points about rated CPU coolers:

Types of CPU Coolers:
- There are two primary types of CPU coolers: air coolers and liquid coolers. Air coolers use fans and heat sinks to dissipate heat, while liquid coolers use a closed-loop system with a radiator and a pump to transfer heat away from the CPU.
Performance Ratings:
- CPU coolers are often rated based on their cooling performance, typically measured in degrees Celsius per watt (°C/W). Lower values indicate better cooling efficiency, as the cooler can dissipate heat more effectively.
Heat Pipes:
- Many high-performance air coolers use heat pipes, which are copper or aluminum tubes filled with a heat-conductive liquid. Heat pipes help transport heat from the CPU to the finned heatsink more efficiently.
Fan Size and Speed:
- CPU coolers come with fans that vary in size and speed.Larger fans can move more air at lower RPMs, which can reduce noise. Adjustable fan speeds allow users to balance cooling performance and noise levels.
Compatibility:
- When choosing a CPU cooler, it's essential to ensure compatibility with your CPU socket type and computer case. Some coolers may be too large to fit inside smaller cases or interfere with other components.
Overclocking:
- Enthusiasts who overclock their CPUs to achieve higher performance levels often require more powerful CPU coolers. Overclocking generates additional heat, which requires better cooling solutions to maintain stable operation.
Brand and Model:
- Several reputable brands manufacture CPU coolers, such as Noctua, be quiet!, Cooler Master, Corsair, and NZXT. Different models within these brands offer varying levels of cooling performance and features.
Noise Levels:
- Noise is an important consideration when choosing a CPU cooler. Many coolers come with noise ratings in decibels (dB). Quieter coolers often come at a premium but can be worth it for users who prioritize a silent PC.
Aesthetics:
- Some CPU coolers are designed with aesthetics in mind, featuring RGB lighting or sleek designs. These coolers can add a visually appealing touch to your PC build.
Maintenance:
- Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning of dust from heatsinks and fans, is essential to ensure the cooler's long-term effectiveness.

In summary, rated CPU coolers play a vital role in maintaining the temperature of your CPU within safe limits. When choosing a cooler, consider factors like compatibility, performance ratings, noise levels, and your specific cooling needs to make an informed decision for your computer build.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best rated cpu coolers on the market

PC Cooler C81H Slim CPU Cooler Turbo Blower Cooling Fan for 1U Server/HTPC Intel CPU Socket LGA1156 / LGA1155 by Tekit,4Pin PWM Turbo Fan Utral-Thin 29mm

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Product description

PC Cooler C81H is a Slim CPU Cooler that desinge for 1U Server / HTPC.

Only 29mm height let you easy to repalce your cooler.

Features:

- 10mm, 50000Hours The slim long life ball bearing fan. 10mm slim design, ball bearing, longer life.

- 410cm² Cold Forging technology, efficient heat dissipation. Cold forging is a cold working process by which the original metal material is forging shaped by forging machine at normal temperature. Cold forging technology radiator, with the characteristics of large cooling area, high density and purity, etc.,the effect of heat disppation is better.

Specification:

Product Dimensions: 90.5(L)x90.5(W)x29(H)mm

Weight: 213g

Rated Voltage: 12V DC

Rated Current: (0.2 to 0.36) ±0.02Amp

Air Flow: 18 to 27 CFM

Fan Size: 7cm

Noise Level: (28 to 50) dBA±10%

Fan Speed: (3000 to 5000)RPM±10%

Bearing Type: Two Ball

Power Connector: 4-pin

Support Intel Sockets: LGA1155/1156: Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Celeron, Pentium

Package and Contents:

1 x CPU Cooler.

Item in retail packaging.

Ship in well protected packing.

The slim long life ball bearing fan. 10mm slim design, ball bearing, longer life(5000 hours).
Cold Forging technology, efficient heat dissipation. Cold forging is a cold working process by which the original metal material is forging shaped by forging machine at normal temperature. Cold forging technology radiator, with the characteristics of large cooling area, high density and purity, etc.,the effect of heat disppation is better.
Product Dimensions: 90.5(L)x90.5(W)x29(H)mm Weight: 213g Rated Voltage: 12V DC Rated Current: (0.2 to 0.36) ±0.02Amp
Air Flow: 18 to 27 CFM Fan Size: 7cm Noise Level: (28 to 50) dBA±10% Fan Speed: (3000 to 5000)RPM±10% Bearing Type: Two Ball Power Connector: 4-pin
Support Intel Sockets: LGA1155/1156: Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Celeron, Pentium

Lian Li Galahad AIO360 RGB Black-Triple 120mm Addressable RGB Fans AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - GA360B

Lian Li

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

RADIATOR MATERIAL: Aluminum and plastic RADIATOR DIMENSIONS: (L) 282 X (W) 123.5 X (H) 27 mm FAN DIMENSIONS: (L) 120 X (W) 120 X (H) 26 mm FAN SPEED: 800 -1900 RPM FAN AIRFLOW: 72 CFM FAN AIR PRESSURE: 2.79 mmH2O FAN MTTF: 40,000 Hours FAN POWER CONNECTOR: 4-PIN FAN RATED VOLTAGE: 12V DC PUMP DIMENSIONS: (L) 87.1 X (W) 74 X (H) 62 PUMP MTTF: 70,000 Hours PUMP NOISE LEVEL: < 20 dBA FAN POWER CONNECTOR: 2510-3-PIN PUMP RATED VOLTAGE: 12V DC

High Static Pressure fan (800-1900 PWM) Air flow max 72 CFM / Air Pressure Max 2.79 mmH2O
Machine detailed Aluminum Housing
Easy to sync with motherboard
Triple Chamber Design Water Pump to increase heat exchange efficiency and reduce dead zone
High end braided Tubing

CORSAIR H100i RGB PLATINUM SE AIO Liquid CPU Cooler,240mm,Dual LL120 RGB PWM Fans, Intel 115x/2066,AMD AM4/TR4

Corsair

Based on 111 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Corsair Hydro Series H100i RGB Platinum SE is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler built for extreme cooling with a 240mm radiator and vivid RGB lighting from 48 LEDs, encased in brilliant white housing. Two Corsair LL120 RGB PWM fans run up to 2, 200 RPM, alongside an optimized cold plate and pump design that delivers high-performance Hydro Series cooling. Take control with Corsair CUE software to customize lighting effects and enable zero RPM mode at low temperatures. Easy to install and compatible with most major CPU sockets, The H100i RGB Platinum SE pairs Killer looks with chiller performance.

Two 120mm LL Series RGB PWM fans deliver vivid RGB lighting and high-performance Hydro Series cooling
48 Individually controlled RGB LEDs light up the pump head and fans to produce stunning, customizable lighting effects to match your build
CORSAIR iCUE software allows you to control your cooler’s RGB lighting, monitor CPU and coolant temperatures, and adjust fan and pump speeds, all from a single intuitive interface
Thermally optimized cold plate and low-noise pump design for high performance, quiet cooling
Compatible Sockets: Intel LGA 115x, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 and AMD FM1, FM2, AM2, AM3, AM4, TR4

User questions & answers

Question:	Isnt there a recall on these
Answer:	Yes the cooler area closes. It’s not going to keep things cold for a long time unless you have ice or something else to keep it cold. It’s nice
Question:	Release date
Answer:	Like 1 foot and a half wide and 1 foot high
Question:	When will it release
Answer:	My sons drink out of it. If you don’t want to drink out of the container I would suggest pour into a cup. Just carry a durable one that doesn’t crush when you press on it. I hope that helps.
Question:	Why is the order time so long
Answer:	The bottle is made of Tritan, a durable, light-weight, and BPA-free material. This makes the water safe to drink and has no plastic taste.

Product features

Dual RGB Lighting Loop

Complete your CORSAIR LL RGB-cooled system with an additional fan, featuring 16 individually addressable RGB LEDs split between two separate light loops.

Clean, White Styling

A brilliant white fan housing, pump cap, and radiator accent your system’s style and reflect RGB lighting.

Extreme CPU Cooling

Experience incredible cooling performance, with each fan running from 360 to 2,200 RPM while in operation. Combined with a thermally optimized cold plate and low-noise pump design, the H100i RGB PLATINUM SE delivers high performance, quiet cooling.

240MM Dual Radiator

Expanded radiator core improves cooling surface area and performance.

LIAN LI Galahad AIO240 RGB Black-Dual 120mm Addressable RGB Fans AIO CPU Liquid Cooler

Lian Li

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specifications Mfr Part Number: GA240B Bulletpoints: High Static Pressure fan (800-1900 PWM) Air flow max 72 CFM / Air Pressure Max 2.79 mmH2O Machine detailed Aluminum Housing Easy to sync with motherboard Triple Chamber Design Water Pump to increase heat exchange efficiency and reduce dead zone High end braided Tubing 400mm long tubing for flexibility Removable Aluminum cap on block to present two different look Multiple Lighting ARGB LEDs mode on Water-block and fan Radiator Material: Aluminum and plastic Radiator Dimensions: (L) 282 X (W) 123.5 X (H) 27 mm Fan Dimensions: (L) 120 X (W) 120 X (H) 26 mm Fan Speed: 800 -1900 RPM Fan Airflow: 72 CFM Fan Air Pressure: 2.79 mmH2O Fan MTTF: 40,000 Hours Fan Power Connector: 4-PIN Fan Rated Voltage: 12V DC PUMP Dimensions: (L) 87.1 X (W) 74 X (H) 62 PUMP MTTF: 70,000 Hours PUMP Noise Level: < 20 dBA Fan Power Connector: 2510-3-PIN PUMP Rated Voltage: 12V DC"

Fan Size: 2 Fan Slots (120mm)
Fan Dim: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
Fan RPM: 800 +/- 200(30%DUTY) - 1900 RPM +/- 10%
Color: Black
Weight: 6 lbs

Lian Li Galahad AIO240 RGB Black Dual 120mm Addressable RGB Fans AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - GA240B

Lian Li

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

High Static Pressure fan (800-1900 PWM) Air flow max 72 CFM / Air Pressure Max 2.79 mmH2O
Machine detailed Aluminum Housing
Easy to sync with motherboard
Triple Chamber Design Water Pump to increase heat exchange efficiency and reduce dead zone
High end braided Tubing

FZVAN 2Packs LED RGB Phanteks Rainbow 120mm 5inch Fan for CPU Coolers Gaming Case Cooling

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Product description

Model : FD1225S2L

Size : 4.72”*4.72”*0.98”/120mmx120mmx25mm

Name : 2 x LED RGB Cooling Fan

Frame Material:Thermoplastic PBT to ensure the blades could not easily deform and perform better.

Bearing Type : Hydraulic Sleeve Bearing

Rated Voltage : DC 12V

Lead Wire Length : 23.62”/600mm

Connector : 2 Terminal Connector with 2pin-ph2.5

Rated Speed : 1200 RPM±10%

Life Expectance : 30,000 hours at normal degree

Unit Weight : Approx. 115g

Warning : Do not touch the fan blades when running to avoid injury.

Package Content : 2 x LED Cooling Fan with 8 screws

Package weight : Approx. 270g

Package Content : 2 x LED Cooling Fan
Bearing Type: Hydraulic Sleeve Bearing have a lifespan of 30,000 hours.
Speed:1200 RPM
Connector: 2 Terminal Connector with 2pin
Rated Voltage : DC 12V

tekit Deepcool Theta 31 PC CPU Cooler Fan Heatsink Radiator CPU Copper Base Cooler 100mm for Intel i3 i5 CPU LGA 1150/1155/1156,Heatsink,10cm Fans Cooling

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Deepcool THETA 31 PWM Heat Sink and Fan General Features: Copper base Radial aluminum heat sink 3.93-inch (100 x 100 x 25 mm) Hydro Bearing fan ,Screw and back plate installation Specifications: Fan Speed: 900 150 ~ 2400 10% RPM Maximum Air Flow: 42.76 CFM Rated Voltage: 12 VDC Started Voltage: 7 VDC Operating Voltage: 10.8 ~ 13.2 VDC This Deepcool THETA 31 heat sink and fan is a must have accessory when building or upgrading a computer system! The IC231PWM features a radial aluminum heat sink with a copper base and a large 3.93-inch (100 mm) Hydro Bearing fan to ensure a quiet operation. With a 4-pin power connector, the IC231PWM provides a convenient connection to your motherboard's fan power connector! This Deepcool THETA 31 heat sink and fan supports Intel Core i7, i5, i3 and Pentium G6950 Socket 1155/1156 CPUs with up to 95-watts! Simply remove the old heat sink, place the IC231PWM on top of the CPU and lock it in place!

Deepcool THETA 31 Socket 1155/1156 Copper Base/Aluminum Heat Sink & 3.93" Fan w/4-Pin Connector for Intel up to 95W
Copper base Radial aluminum heat sink
3.93-inch (100 x 100 x 25 mm) Hydro Bearing fan
Fan Speed: 900 150 ~ 2400 10% RPM Maximum Air Flow: 42.76 CFM Rated Voltage: 12 VDC Started Voltage: 7 VDC Operating Voltage: 10.8 ~ 13.2 VDC

SilverStone Technology SST-AR11 SFF 95 Watt Intel 115X CPU Cooler with 4 heat pipe design at only 47mm tall AR11

SilverStone Technology

Based on 227 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Argon series coolers are designed to provide great cooling performance for CPUs. The Argon AR11, at 47mm high including fan, features four 6mm thick copper heat pipes connected to the base using heat-pipe direct contact (HDC) technology. By utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, the heat pipes have unusually tight bends so they do not protrude to take up valuable spaces around CPU and reduce component interference when installed. A highly efficient and compact 92mm PWM fan tuned for optimal balance of airflow and noise is included to provide up to 95W of cooling power (or more in chassis with efficient airflow). For users requiring enhanced performance in space constrained applications, the high quality and affordable AR11 is one of the best choices on the market.

Designed for low profile system at 47mm tall. Air flow - 55.76 CFM. Noise level - 44.5 decibels
Four 6mm heat-pipes and aluminum fins for excellent heat conducting efficiency. Tightly bended heat pipes reduce installation interference
Heat-pipe direct contact (HDC) technology
Includes compact 92mm PWM fan for excellent cooling and low noise. For use with CPUs up to 95W or more. To use on CPUs with TDP greater than 95W, a case with efficient airflow is required
Intel Socket LGA1150/1151/1155/1156 compatible

User questions & answers

Question:	will this work with socket
Answer:	the inside is a fine texture. smooth but not like glass.
Question:	This Fan Include Thermal paste
Answer:	Yes
Question:	Does the fan on the AR06 pull air away from the heatsink or push air toward it
Answer:	What do you mean replacing? To a new one? You cannot replace to the new inner grill plates.
Question:	How tall
Answer:	It is for indoor use!

Product features

The SilverStone AR11 Low-Profile CPU Cooler

The Argon AR11, at 47mm high including fan, is designed to offer excellent performance while fitting within Intel's reference form factor. It features four 6mm thick copper heat pipes connected to the base using heat-pipe direct contact (HDC) technology, and weighs 290 grams. For users requiring enhanced performance in space constrained applications, the AR11 offers both high quality construction and an affordable price.