The cooling system is one of the most important parts of every gaming computer. It helps keep the processor cool for stability, reliability, and efficiency. Unfortunately, in most assemblies, this aspect is often overlooked. Users are stopped by the too high cost of the cooler, and they prefer to invest in other parts of the computer system.
This article is intended to help those looking to overclock their processor, build a silent gaming PC, or just 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 fit harmoniously 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 cooler for a processor, you should make sure there is enough free space. For example, the two-fan PHANTEKS PH-TC14PE measures 159 x 140 x 171 mm. These parameters force you to be careful when making a purchase, as most midi-towers do not have a place for this. In addition, the use of two fans can be problematic when 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 farm is a complex process that requires additional costs. The problem is that resource-intensive software exposes the chipset to extreme loads, so the use of standard components of the cooling system is ineffective. The inevitable rise in temperature and volume is becoming a serious problem.
Thus, a cooling device is required that provides efficient cooling and no noise. A cooler for AMD or Intel processors should keep their temperatures low even when overclocked.
The manufacturer usually specifies 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 doing more than is required by safety standards. The operation of the CPU in a mode exceeding its rated parameters is called overclocking. This makes it possible to increase the system performance under a reasonable load, but at the same time the processor temperature rises. Higher temperatures will cause the computer to malfunction. A cooling system is used to prevent this. The cooler dissipates heat and keeps your computer stable.
Air or water cooling?
There are two methods to reduce the temperature of the processor. Air cooling has traditionally been used and is reasonably 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. There are not as many components in a system of this type as in a liquid system. It consists of a radiator and a fan that drives air. The entire heat transfer mechanism is controlled by only these two components. Fewer parts means less 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 has been developed. The fact is that water has a greater heat-absorbing capacity than air, and it works better in hot environments. That is why it is preferable to air cooling. It also uses more components. The water cooling system includes a radiator, fan, pump, reservoir and of course water. All of these components make the cooler bulky. In ideal working condition, water cooling is more efficient than air cooling. But nothing in this world is for free, and at the moment, higher productivity is costly. Liquid systems are much more expensive, and also have a number of disadvantages - installing the cooler on the processor is difficult and they are prone to leaks.
Water cooling is only beneficial if:
- uses a mini ATX assembly and does not like the look of low-profile air coolers;
- increasing the voltage on the CPU to squeeze out the maximum performance;
- additional space is required, which is freed up when installing a more compact system.
In other cases, you should limit yourself to air coolers, because with moderate overclocking, this alternative provides competitive performance and temperatures.
Criterias of choice
If we consider the example of a gaming PC, then the main component is the graphics card, which is experiencing maximum heating. It can generate 2-3 times more heat than a standard processor, which poses a danger 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, he has a problem - a water leak. Liquid can seep at any time, causing the computer to malfunction. Although manufacturers of modern cooling systems take this issue very seriously, a risk factor still remains.
Before choosing a cooler for a processor, it is necessary to compare the characteristics of the best models, taking into account the following factors:
- air consumption;
- cost;
- noise level;
- temperature.
Replacing the cooling system
In general terms, to replace an air cooler, follow these steps:
- Identify the socket type and select the cooling system.
- 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.
- Dismantle the old model. Devices for LGA775 or LGA1366 sockets are mounted on 4 flat-head posts, which must be turned counterclockwise and carefully removed. AMD sockets are secured using a lever on one side of the heatsink that must be rotated 180 °. After that, you need to disconnect the fan cable and remove the cooler.
- Apply fresh thermal paste, after removing the remnants of the old one.
- Install a new cooling system according to the instructions for a particular model.
- Connect the CPU cooler power to the 3- or 4-pin connector on the motherboard.
- Check the operation and control the temperature regime using the supplied software or third-party utilities.
Fan selection
Many manufacturers of air cooling systems for the central processor, as a rule, pay little attention to the fan and attach little importance to it. Although most companies make high-performance coolers that provide good thermal management, they do this with very fast and loud fans. The number of revolutions does affect the air flow, but does not necessarily provide sufficient pressure. One quick rotation of the blades is not enough. A fan is required that is capable of pushing air with greater force. These devices are commonly referred to as SP static pressure coolers and are specifically designed to move air with greater force.
The only drawback of the SP fan is that it tends to provide less airflow. Devices of this type can also be very useful for cooling the computer case, inside which the heat dissipation is impeded by the large number of wires or bays with hard drives. Otherwise, it is better to use conventional 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 people do not even suspect 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, there have been many oversized CPU coolers, but only a few are really 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 outperform large monoblock coolers and small 120-mm single-fan cooling systems by a head.
All three units come with their own PMW CPU cooler regulation and quiet fans that can generate good overall static pressure. Of these, the most noisy is the Noctua NH-D15, whose volume is 24.60 dB without an adapter. When the latter is installed, this figure drops to 19.20 dB, and Cryorig becomes the loudest (23 dB at a maximum rotation speed of 1300 rpm). It's not a bad thing, and great performance doesn't require the cpu cooler to spin up when browsing the internet or streaming video.
These CPU coolers have some differences, but there are not many of them. In addition to a slight difference in the volume of the fans, they all operate at temperatures varying by 1-3 degrees, but this depends on the specific configuration of the computer. So it all comes down to aesthetics and size. Although the Noctua is a favorite of many enthusiasts and gamers, this model does not look very attractive. NH-D15 is available in only one color and that color is brown. As for the Cryorig R1 Ultimate cooler, it comes in a stylish black finish with black aluminum heatsinks. Finally, the Phanteks PH-TC14PE is available in white, black, blue and red and white, at the very least offering more variety.
The advantages of these models become obvious, for example, against the background of the Zalman CNPS10X-Performa cooler. Its 120mm fan at full speed 2000rpm. produces noise with a loudness of 58.7 dB. PWM control of the processor cooler allows you to reduce the speed to 1350 rpm, but it does not help much. The volume is reduced only 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 bundled fan. Replacing the latter can significantly improve the overall performance of the model.
Best Mid-Range 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 rather small. They will easily outperform any standard cooling system that comes with i5 or Ryzen chips in performance, but they do have some differences. First of all, it is the appearance and design. On the one hand, there is the stylish Cryorig H7 with its black and white fan and a very reliable heatsink. But you can also opt for a much more sophisticated assembly with translucent black blades.
Besides the exterior design, the models vary in performance and price. First of all, both coolers for Intel and AMD processors provide the same optimal temperature regime, but they make different noise. The Hyper 212 Evo is an older model and suffers from this. It is focused on high performance, surpassing bundled coolers in this parameter, but lagging behind in terms of the fan volume level with 36 dB versus 25 dB for the H7. Obviously, during the design process, this aspect was not given due attention and, judging by the long-term production, will not be paid in the future. Of course, you can always replace the fan with a much quieter one, but then it's better to buy an H7.
So why is the Hyper 212 among the recommended models when the H7 performs the same and sounds quieter? Based on annual price changes, the value of the H7 has never dropped below $ 30. Unlike Hyper 212, the price of which has repeatedly dropped below this mark and even below $ 20. So, despite the loud fan, the Hyper 212 qualifies as a bargain, as it not only does its job well, but is also the cheapest replacement for a complete cooling system.
Cooler for the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 processor is a budget option with one radiator tower instead of two in the base design. It copes well with normal loads, but is not recommended for overclocking, as at fan speeds in excess of 700 rpm, annoying noise becomes audible.
Best Low Profile Models
The last category of user-recommended efficient CPU air coolers is small-size coolers. The best of them are Noctua NH-L9i and be quiet! Shadow Rock LP. Both models outperform packaged devices in performance while taking up very little space. They can easily fit into any mini-ATX assembly. The maximum height of the Noctua NH-L9i with a 92mm fan is 37mm. The Shadow Rock LP comes with a 120mm propeller and a 50mm profile. Both models provide sufficient RAM clearance and shouldn't drain the wallet as they are cheap enough.
Both models do their job of dissipating heat with little noise. The volume level of the NH-L9i fan 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 1600 rpm. The cooler volume level is 20 dBA.
While the Noctua looks good on paper, the model is inferior to the competitor in terms of noise levels. To catch up with the competitor, the speed of the cooler on the processor should not exceed 1600 rpm. Also, don't forget the 92mm fan. The size is the reason for the higher chipset temperatures at low rotational speeds, so users only recommend choosing the Noctua NH-L9i if you need a very quiet cooler. For the processor, the more stable cooling system is the Shadow Rock LP.
Both devices equally claim to be the best low-profile cooler, but they have in common that they are much inferior to liquid monoblock models.
Water cooling
Currently, the best cooler for this type of processor for all-in-one systems is the H110i Corsair. This model can be equipped with two 140mm fans, and because of this it outperforms many competitors. The cooler is able to keep the temperature stable even when overclocked to high voltages. Plus, it only costs $ 120.
Corsair LINK is a CPU cooler software that allows you to monitor and control its parameters. These include fan and pump rotational speeds, heating temperatures, RGB 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. It is difficult to remove the cooler from the processor as well as to install it. Having a dual 140mm radiator 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 cooler on a processor in a limited environment have 2 alternatives, whose performance is equally high, but inferior to the H110i. These are the H100i and H60 models. The first is a dual 120mm radiator, so it takes up a little less space. The second is the smallest because it is equipped with only one 120mm fan. It copes well with the task of lowering the processor temperature, takes up little space and costs only about $ 60.
Some users are convinced that only all-in-one water cooling systems are economically viable. However, this is not the case as anyone can get 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 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 keeping the processor at an acceptable temperature, the liquid cooling system also contributes to the overall noise from the PC. You can install a good SP fan yourself, turn down the volume and turn the model into a better water cooler.
Fan replacement
For users looking to upgrade a bundled cooler for an Intel or AMD processor, owners are encouraged to consider the Noctua NF-F12 and NF-A14 options.
The first is a 120mm model that provides 92m3 / h of air flow at 2.61mm static pressure and a low noise level of 23dB. With the adapter, the speed drops to 73 m 3 / h and the volume drops 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 a 140mm version, and provides 143m 3 / h with a higher, but still lower noise for its performance (24dB), and static pressure (2.08mm) without an adapter. The use of the latter provides a drop in speed to 114 m 3 / h, but the volume level decreases to 18.5 dB along with the 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, but it does impressive results.
According to the 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 was no such restriction, as many choose components that match in color to 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 rises to 170 m 3 / h, which is really a lot.
It should also be borne in mind that all Noctua fans have a 5-year warranty.
Conclusion
Finding a good processor cooling system is of great importance because it truly is one of the most important parts of a computer. After the upgrade, it will work hard and for a long time will become one of the few things that do not require upgrades.
On the topic of how to decide on the choice of a cooler for a processor, a bunch of articles have been written, both useful and not so, practical and theoretical. The choice of models in stores is huge, they differ in design, size, cooling efficiency and price. Moreover, thanks to the efforts of marketers, the latter parameters are not always identical.
There are times when a great looking, painted and hyped supercooler performs averagely. There is also the opposite situation, when a medium-sized manufacturer produces a very successful model. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth considering the various elements of the system from all sides, and only after a thorough analysis make a deliberate decision.
The main purpose of the cooler is to cool the processor by removing heat from the processor cover and then dissipating it into the surrounding space. An important point in this case is such an indicator as the thermal conductivity of the radiator material.
Thermal conductivity is the movement of thermal energy in a material from an area with a higher temperature to an area with a lower temperature due to the movement of microparticles, or, one might say, it is simply the ability of an object to transfer heat. The best heat transfer performance for silver, however, it would be interesting to look at those who want to buy a cooling system from such a material.
For the industrial manufacture of radiators, copper and aluminum, slightly inferior in characteristics, are used. In general, an active cooler consists of a metal heatsink attached to the processor cover and a fan. There are also passive models - they are without a fan. The fan increases the heat dissipation rate many times over. Under no circumstances should it be allowed!
Types of coolers for processors
Such devices can be classified rather conditionally, given that until recently some types were not produced at all. Having analyzed a lot of information on the Internet and the range of products offered, two large groups can be distinguished:
- Boxed coolers and coolers without heat pipes are the simplest models, consisting of an aluminum plate with fins, in some cases having a copper base and a fan attached to it. They are often bundled with the processor when sold, they are called "boxed" ones. They have limited cooling capabilities, but are easy to install, cope with their duties at the nominal processor frequencies. The set includes a fan of low quality, which means that with an increase in the rotational speed of the blades, a computer with such a cooler may emit additional noise.
- Heat pipe cooling systems - work by removing heat using a liquid circulating in hollow tubes of aluminum or copper. They have the best efficiency indicators, but are often equipped with non-standard mountings, some are heavy, and are equipped with fans of different quality.
The first cooling option should not be considered in detail. If you plan to work in normal mode, with a processor of average performance, without experimenting with overclocking, and the noise level is not a critical indicator, you can be content with any simple cooler. In principle, the noise level can be reduced with the correct setting of the fan speed using BIOS or.
The second variant of coolers requires more careful attention and has many additional characteristics that ultimately determine the choice of the buyer.
Coolers for a computer on heat pipes
The first idea of using heat pipes to reduce the temperature of refrigerated units was patented by the United States back in 1942. Its essence boiled down to the fact that inside the pipes sealed on both sides there was a liquid substance that evaporated at the place of heating, the vapor moves to the cold zone, where it condenses, giving off thermal energy, again forms a liquid, which returns to the place of heating.
They were used exclusively for industrial purposes, then they did not think about any high-performance computers. The tubes can be without filler inside, then they must be directed upward so that the condensate drains off under the influence of gravity, or with a porous structure, in which case the shape of the tubes does not matter, and the circulation of the liquid occurs due to the pores.
Nowadays, pipe coolers occupy a large part of the market. Their device in general terms can be described as follows: there is a base (bottom) of the cooler, pressed against the processor, pipes are soldered into it, on which aluminum plates are worn to help dissipate heat. Conventionally, similar products can be divided into various subspecies:
- With direct contact, when the tube directly interacts with the processor's heatsink cover;
- Without direct contact, when only the base of the cooler interacts with the processor.
It's hard to say which view is better. The majority of users claim that direct contact is more effective. From practice, we can say that the alternative option does a very good job with its functions. Here, one should take into account the fact that the working fluid begins to evaporate only at a certain temperature, from 25 to 50 degrees. That is, until this moment, heat removal occurs only due to the metal parts of the radiator, and the base serves as the main heat sink.
If you decide to assemble a new computer yourself, then you have to solve a number of problems associated with the selection of components. One such problem is choosing a CPU cooler. In this article, we will look at the main points in this not tricky business.
When building a new PC, it's always tempting to choose the standard cooler that comes with the processor. After all, when using it, you can save a little.
If you are building a computer to work with non-demanding programs, then a standard cooler will be enough. Moreover, if a good air movement is organized in the case, then a standard cooler will cope even with heavy programs and computer games.
The only thing a standard cooler will definitely not work for is overclocking the processor. If you are planning to overclock the processor, then be sure to take a more efficient cooling system.
Also, do not choose a standard cooler (or as it is also called "box cooler") if you want to build a quiet computer. Standard coolers are usually very small in diameter, which makes them noticeably noisy. At the same time, the speed of such a cooler should be high, because the heatsink under them is also small.
CPU cooler socket and dimensions
If you choose a cooler for a processor, then the first thing to consider is the dimensions of the cooler.
If you choose a cooler that supports the socket of your processor, then you simply cannot install it, the cooler will not snap into place. If you make a mistake with the dimensions of the cooler, then you may have problems when closing the case. If the cooler is larger than the space between the processor and the case cover, then you simply won't be able to install the side cover.
In the case of especially large coolers and compact motherboards, situations are possible when the cooler will overlap the slots for RAM or even PCI Express connectors. This should also be considered when choosing a CPU cooler.
Not a standard cooler in a computer case
Therefore, so that you do not have to return the cooler to the store later, it is better to carefully study the characteristics of the cooler and make sure that the list of supported sockets contains your processor socket, and the dimensions of the cooler will not create problems when assembling the system.
Cooler efficiency
When choosing a cooler for a processor, it is very important to correctly assess its efficiency and heat dissipation of the processor. To do this, it is best to focus on the TDP of the processor and cooler. TDP stands for "Thermal design power", which in turn can be translated as "Requirements for the cooling system." TDP is indicated in watts and indicates the amount of heat that must be removed by the processor cooling system. You can read more about this.
If the TDP for which it is designed is indicated in the characteristics of the cooler, then just compare the TDP of the cooler with the TDP of the processor. If the TDP of the cooler is higher, then you can safely buy such a cooler. It can handle cooling your CPU without any problems.
But, in the characteristics of coolers there is not always information about TDP. In this case, when choosing a cooler for a processor, you have to evaluate its efficiency based on indirect factors. These factors are:
- Radiator weight. The heavier the heatsink, the more heat it can take from the processor and dissipate into the surrounding space. Therefore, the greater the weight of the radiator, the more efficient the cooling system.
- Number of heat pipes... Heat pipes transfer heat from the processor to the heatsink fins. Therefore, the more heat pipes and the larger their diameter, the more efficiently the radiator works.
- Number of coolers and their size... The more coolers on the heatsink and the larger the diameter of these coolers, the better the heatsink is blown and the more efficient the cooling system is.
- Heat pipe contact... Heat pipes can be in contact with the processor either directly or through an additional plate. The best option is direct contact. This allows the heatpipes to better transfer heat from the processor to the heatsink fins.
Many people mistakenly believe that this type of technology is intended exclusively for offices. Recently, however, coolers are increasingly being bought for home use. Agree, drinking from the tap is dangerous for your health, and storing settled water in ordinary plastic bottles is not convenient. And the child will not be able to pour water from a heavy container. That is why every housewife, wife and mother is obliged to think about purchasing special equipment.
We bring to your attention 8 criteria to make your choice easier.
1. Choosing a cooler by installation method
There are two types of coolers: table and floor... The former are much smaller and are ideal for small apartments or offices with limited space. They are installed on special stands, countertops or ordinary kitchen tables. If desired, the equipment can be independently moved to a new location.The water temperature in such devices is often controlled by an electronic cooling system. With no noisy parts, the desktop coolers are incredibly quiet. They will not disturb even the sensitive sleep of a baby. It should be noted that this technique is suitable for low consumption, that is, for small families and small groups.
You are worried about the health of your loved ones, try the mineral water "Dear Muscovites". It contains 16 healthy salts and will benefit your family.
If guests are not uncommon for you, and your house looks more like a noisy booth than a quiet haven, then you better pay attention to floor-standing coolers. They take up a little more area and are a compact cabinet. Bulky structures with impartially protruding pipes have sunk into summer. Now all desktop coolers are designed with the assistance of professional industrial designers. You can choose equipment for any interior. Some cooler models are supplemented with a separate shelf for storing dishes.
At high consumption, it is important to stock up on water. So that you do not have any problems with storing bottles, we recommend using a stacker - a stand under the containers.
The third type of equipment is represented by the so-called purifiers. These are devices for those who do not want to mess with containers. Purifiers convert tap water into drinking water. They have a multi-stage filtration system. The advantage is obvious - you do not need to change the containers. Disadvantages - high cost, the need to monitor the filters, the inability to independently assess the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of water.
If you are worried about the aesthetic side of storing bottles, then in addition to a cooler, get one. The convenient fixture will enhance the style of any room.
Some users complain about the lack of microbiological safety of bottled water. However, it all depends on the conscientiousness of the supplier. The composition of good water is close to that of mineral springs. But purifiers filters (especially in the first days of operation) can re-purify water and turn it literally into poison. Therefore, it is better to take finished products in bottles. Artesian water "Aqua Areal" undergoes gentle filtration before packing. When it is crystal clear, only useful components are preserved in it.
The process of carbonating water is close to the industrial one. The cylinder contains high-purity carbon dioxide, which is used to saturate the water. It is completely harmless, safe and approved for use by children from 3 years old.
Teach your child to be kind by drinking Make the World Kinder water.
It is necessary to dwell on ozonation in more detail. Ozone gas naturally occurs after a thunderstorm. It is an extremely strong oxidizing agent. In small quantities, ozone is used for disinfection and deodorization (elimination of unpleasant odors). It destroys harmful organics. Did you feel the freshness of the air after the pouring rain?
A special device is installed in modern coolers - an ozonizer. An electric arc is generated inside the insulated housing. Air passes through the discharge (miniature lightning) and part of the oxygen goes into ozone. The latter is bubbled into the water, cleansing it of pathogenic microflora and impurities.
6. How to choose a reliable cooler
In order to determine the build quality of a cooler, you do not need to have high qualifications in the field of mechanics. It is enough to scrupulously inspect the case from all sides. In a conscientiously made device, there are no cracks, cracks. All parts fit snugly together. The faucets turn smoothly, and the buttons do not sink.Plastic should not have a specific odor. Do not hesitate and be sure to smell the cooler. The wires and tubes of reliable technology do not stick out of the case. When turned on, the device does not make loud noises, maximum - it can hum a little.
7. How to choose an economical cooler
The key indicators of the cooler's efficiency will be: heating power, cooling power, as well as energy efficiency class... On the one hand, the more powerful the equipment, the better and faster it copes with the functions assigned to it. But on the other hand, with the growth of this characteristic, utility costs for light increase in direct proportion.The energy efficiency class depends on the built-in parts and the optimization of the device. Cars of different classes with the same power consume different amounts of energy. However, economical models are more expensive. If the cooler is often used by a large group of people, then it is more rational to purchase a device with high power and high energy efficiency class.
8. How to choose a safe cooler
Since the device operates with a conductive liquid and is powered from the mains, the condition of the insulation should not be neglected. Another important safety criterion is the presence of a safety latch on the hot water tap ("childproof").
Choose your technique wisely and it will serve you for years to come. Do not forget that your health depends on the quality of coolers and the water used in them.
To cool the processor, a cooler is used, which consists of a radiator and a fan.
Different processors provide different mounts for coolers and have different heat 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 simplest cooler with an aluminum radiator and an 80-90 mm fan will suffice. The larger the fan and heatsink, the better the cooling. The lower the fan speed, the less noise. Some of these headers are not suitable for all processors, so check the supported sockets in the description. For example, Deepcool GAMMA ARCHER fits almost all sockets except AM4.
Cooler for processor Deepcool GAMMA ARCHER
Most coolers for more powerful processors are universal and have a set of mounts for all modern processors. The coolers DeepCool and Zalman have an optimal price / quality ratio, and I will recommend them first of all.
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 Tue).
Cooler for Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T processor
Or Deepcool GAMMAXX 300 (for TDP 95W).
Cooler for Deepcool GAMMAXX 300 processor
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 120mm fan. And the minimum option here would be Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 (4 pipes) or slightly better Zalman from the CNPS10X series (4-5 pipes) for more powerful processors.
Cooler for Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 processor
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.
Cooler for Deepcool Lucifer V2 processor
2. Do I need to buy a cooler separately
Most boxed processors that are sold in cardboard packaging and with 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 the cooler is not included in the package.
Some expensive processors, despite the fact that they have the word "BOX" in the marking, are sold without a cooler. But the box is usually smaller in this case, and the description often indicates that the processor does not have a cooler in the kit.
If you buy a processor with a cooler, you don't have to buy a cooler separately. This usually comes out cheaper, and a boxed cooler is quite enough for cooling the processor, since it is just designed for it.
The disadvantages of boxed coolers are the higher noise level and the lack of a heat sink in case of overclocking the processor. Therefore, if you want to have a quieter computer or to overclock the processor, then it is better to purchase a separate processor and separately a quieter and more powerful cooler.
3. Processor parameters for choosing a cooler
In order to choose the right cooler, we need to know the socket (Socket) of the processor and its heat dissipation (TDP).
3.1. Processor 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. Heat dissipation of the processor
With regard to heat dissipation (TDP), this figure is also often indicated on the websites of online stores. If the TDP of a processor is not specified, then it is easy to find it 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 model number.
You can also use the Google or Yandex search engine.
4. The main characteristics of coolers
The main characteristics of the coolers are the supported sockets and the TDP for which the cooler is designed.
Each cooler is designed for certain sockets; it simply won't install on others. Which sockets are supported by this or that cooler 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 comparative 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 choose 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 heatsink and a standard 80 mm fan. The radiator shape can be different. Basically, in coolers for Intel processors, the radiator has a round shape, for AMD processors it is square.
Such coolers are often bundled with low-power boxed processors and usually they are enough for them. Such a cooler can also be purchased separately inexpensively, but their quality is likely to be slightly worse. Well, such a cooler is not well suited for overclocking a processor.
5.2. Cooler with plate heatsink
On sale you can still find coolers with a heatsink made of stacked aluminum or copper plates.
They are better at removing heat from the processor than coolers with a solid aluminum heatsink, but they are already outdated and replaced by more efficient coolers based on heat pipes.
5.3. Horizontal cooler with heat pipes
Heat pipe coolers are the most modern and most efficient.
These coolers are bundled with more powerful processors. They remove heat from the processor much better than cheap coolers with an aluminum heatsink, 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 a tower-type cooler) has a more optimal design.
Warm air from the processor is blown out not towards the motherboard, but towards the rear exhaust fan of the chassis.
Such coolers are the most optimal, they have a very large selection in terms of size, power and price. They are best suited for very powerful processors and overclocking them. Their main drawback is their large dimensions, which is why not every such cooler will fit into a standard case.
The cooler efficiency depends the most 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 can 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 it is easy to calculate from the photo of the cooler base 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 that directly contacts the processor. The efficiency of the cooler also depends on its quality and design.
In coolers with an aluminum heatsink, the heatsink itself acts as a contact area. The base can be solid or continuous.
A solid base is preferred as it increases the contact area between the heatsink and the processor, which has a beneficial effect on cooling. And in the through structure, dust can accumulate in the slots between the heatsink and the fan.
First, it is bad for cooling. Secondly, it is impossible to clean the dust from there without removing the cooler from the processor, while a heatsink with a solid pad can be easily cleaned without dismantling it.
6.2. Radiator with copper insert
The heatsinks of some coolers have a copper insert in the base, which is in contact with the processor.
Heatsinks with a copper insert are slightly more efficient than the all-aluminum options.
Coolers with heat pipes can have a copper base.
This design is quite effective.
6.4. Direct contact
Some manufacturers are actively advocating an almost space technology of direct contact (DirectCU), which consists in saving copper by pressing heat pipes in such a way that they themselves create a contact pad directly in contact with the processor.
In fact, such a 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 strongly depends on the design of the heatsink and the material from which it is made.
The cheapest coolers have a heatsink made entirely of aluminum, since this metal is cheaper than copper. But aluminum has a low heat capacity and uneven heat distribution, which requires a stronger airflow and, accordingly, noisy fans.
7.2. Aluminum with copper
Coolers with aluminum radiators with copper inserts are a little more efficient, but no longer relevant.
7.3. Copper radiator
On sale you can still find coolers with heatsinks made of copper plates.
Copper has a high heat capacity and heat is evenly distributed 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 a large 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. Aluminum plate heatsink
The most efficient coolers today are those with heat pipes and a heatsink made of many thin aluminum fins.
Heat from the processor is instantly dissipated through heat pipes to the fins, on which the fan airflow is also quickly dissipated due to the high dissipation area. This design has a very low heat capacity and thermal inertia, so the cooling efficiency is greatly improved when the fan speed is slightly increased.
7.5. Nickel plated
Good branded coolers can have nickel-plated heat pipes, copper base, 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 dissipation 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 heatsink. But coolers with large heatsinks cannot always fit into a standard computer case. The height of a tower radiator for a standard enclosure should not exceed 160 mm.
The width of the heatsink also matters. A cooler with a large heatsink may not fit due to a nearby power supply. You also need to consider the size and layout of the motherboard. It may so happen that the cooler cannot be installed due to the high protruding heatsinks of the motherboard near the processor, closely spaced high memory modules, etc.
All this must be taken into account in advance and, if in doubt, measure the required distances in your computer. Better to play it safe and take a slightly smaller cooler. If the processor is very hot, and the case is small or the elements sticking out on the motherboard are in the way, then tear them off; a horizontal cooler with heat pipes and specially designed with a sufficient distance from the motherboard will suit you.
7.7. Radiator weight
The larger the heatsink, the heavier it is, and the heavier the heatsink, the larger it is. Well, in essence, the higher the TDP of the processor, the heavier the heatsink should be. For a processor with a TDP of 100-125 W, a radiator weighing 300-400 grams will suffice, for a monster like AMD FX9xxx with a TDP of 200-220 W you need a radiator of at least 1 kg, or even all of 1200-1300 grams. I will not give the weight of the heatsink 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 level of noise it creates.
8.1. Fan size
In general, the larger the fan, the more efficient and quieter it is. The cheapest coolers are equipped with 80 × 80 mm fans. Their advantage is the simplicity and low cost of replacement (which is rare). The disadvantage is the highest noise level.
Better to buy a cooler with a bigger fan - 92 × 92, 120 × 120 mm. These are also standard sizes and are easy to replace in case of need.
For especially powerful and hot processors, such as AMD FX9xxx, it is better to take a cooler with a standard size 140x140 mm fan. Such a fan is more expensive, but the noise will be less.
It is better to limit the choice of coolers with standard sizes of fans, what if you have to replace them sometime? But this does not matter, since among us there are real nuggets of kulibins that will screw any fan on the knee to any radiator
8.2. Fan bearing type
The cheapest fans have Sleeve Bearing. These fans are considered less reliable and less durable.
Ball Bearing fans are considered more reliable. But they make more noise.
Most modern fans are equipped with a 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 140 × 140 mm fans. But keep in mind that the more fans, the higher the noise level. Therefore, it is unnecessary to take a cooler with two fans for a processor with a TDP of up to 180 W. Recommendations on the number and size of fans can be found in the table in the "" section.
8.4. Fan speed
The smaller the heatsink and the size of the fan, the higher the RPM will be. This is necessary to compensate for the low dispersion area and low airflow.
In cheap coolers, the fan speed can vary between 2000-4000 rpm. At a speed of 2000 rpm, the fan noise becomes clearly distinguishable, at a speed of 3000 rpm, the noise becomes annoying, but at 4000 rpm your room will turn into a small take-off area ...
The ideal option is a 120-140 mm fan with a maximum speed of 1300-1500 rpm.
8.5. Automatic speed control
Motherboards are able to regulate the speed of the cooler depending on the temperature of the processor. Regulation 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 (PWM).
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 almost never wake up to hear it.
8.6. Cooler connector
CPU coolers can have a 3-pin or 4-pin connector for connecting to the motherboard. The 3-pins are controlled by changing the voltage of the motherboard (DC), and the 4-pins are controlled by a PWM controller (PWM). The PWM controller can control the fan speed more precisely, 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. By this indicator, you can compare several coolers and, other things being equal, choose the one that makes less noise.
8.8. Air flow
The efficiency of heat removal from the radiator and, accordingly, the efficiency of the entire cooler and the noise level depend on the strength of the air flow. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). By 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. Mounting the cooler
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 with a special frame on the back of the motherboard.
In this case, the motherboard should allow the installation of such a frame and there should be no unsoldered electronic elements at the installation site. There should be a recess in the computer case where the processor is supposed to be located. It's 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 a variety of sockets may include 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 with a transition to another platform (for example, from AMD to Intel). In this case, the cooler does not need to be changed.
10. Backlight
Some coolers have LEDs and glow nicely in the dark. It makes sense to purchase such a cooler if your case has a transparent window through which you enjoy how it works while you are resting.But keep in mind that the backlight can interfere and annoy 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 grease is applied to the processor to improve heat transfer and this is very important. In cheap coolers, thermal paste can already be applied to the contact pad and covered with a plastic cover.
In more expensive models, a small tube of thermal paste is included, which can be enough for 2-3 times. Sometimes there is no thermal paste included. Check the availability of thermal paste on the website of the online store.
If there is no thermal paste in the kit, then it will need to be purchased separately. Heat transfer from the processor to the cooler depends quite strongly on thermal paste. The temperature difference between a processor and a good and bad 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 clear that the packaging is original.
Thermal paste Alsil-3 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 well-deserved popularity among wealthy enthusiasts. Noctua company gives a 72-month warranty on coolers.
The above mentioned brands are successfully mowed by the Taiwanese company Thermalright, which has very similar models in its arsenal for a slightly more reasonable price.
But the most popular in Russian-speaking countries are coolers of 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 is 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.
Do not be afraid to make a mistake, this is just a cooler And let the presence of a guarantee calm your nervous system
13. Warranty
For the cheapest coolers, the warranty is standard 12 months. In principle, all that can come out of standing in the cooler is a fan, and it will not be difficult to replace it.
But if you buy a good cooler with branded fans, it is better to have a 24-36 month warranty, as it can be difficult and expensive to find quality fans with the same characteristics.
Top-end coolers are expensive, but manufacturers give them a warranty of up to 72 months.
I do not recommend purchasing coolers from little-known manufacturers, the lineup of which is represented by only a few models, as there may be problems with warranty service. Remember - the guarantee has not prevented anyone yet
14. Setting up filters in the online store
- Using the table, determine the main parameters of the cooler for your processor.
- Go to the section "Cooling systems" on the seller's website.
- Select the "For Processor" assignment.
- If you want a better cooler, then select only the best manufacturers.
- If you want to save money, then select all popular manufacturers, in the lineup of which there are at least 15-20 models.
- Select your processor socket.
- Note the presence of heat pipes in the filter.
- Size and number of fans (optional).
- The presence of a speed regulator (only if necessary).
- Cooler height (for a standard case up to 160 mm).
- The presence of backlight (will greatly narrow the choice).
- Other parameters important to you.
- Sort the sample by price.
- Look at coolers, starting with the cheaper ones (from the photo you can determine the number of heat pipes and the massiveness of the radiator).
- Choose several suitable models, view their photos from different angles and compare them according to those parameters that were not in the filter.
- Buy the cheapest available model.
Don't overdo it with filters, as you can weed out good models. Choose only the parameters that are most important to you.
Thus, you will get an optimal cooler in terms of 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 heat dissipation of the processor (TDP).
Cooler for Deepcool REDHAT processor
Cooler for processor Zalman CNPS10X Optima
Cooler for Deepcool GAMMAXX S40 processor
